During Gyaku-zuki (reverse punch), what is the role of the non-striking hand in maintaining balance and maximizing kinetic energy transfer?

During Gyaku-zuki (reverse punch), a punching technique typically executed from a stance where one hand is forward and the other is drawn back, the non-striking hand plays a crucial role in both maintaining balance and maximizing kinetic energy transfer. Firstly, it acts as a counterbalance to the punching arm, preventing the body from over-rotating or losing stability during the punch. By retracting the non-striking hand (hikite) simultaneously with the punch, it creates a counter-rotation that stabilizes the core and prevents excessive forward momentum, allowing for a more controlled and powerful delivery. Secondly, the hikite action contributes significantly to the kinetic energy transfer. As the non-striking hand is pulled back, it generates a rotational force in the opposite direction of the punch. This rotational force is then transferred through the core and into the punching arm, adding to the overall power of the strike. This principle is rooted in Newton's Third Law of Motion (for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction). The faster and more efficiently the non-striking hand is retracted, the greater the force generated and transferred to the punch. Therefore, the non-striking hand is not merely passive; it is an active component in generating power and maintaining stability during Gyaku-zuki.