Conclusion

Bruce understood that the bigger the abs the more powerful the punch

Bruce Lee always worked on the muscles in his torso (abdominals, obliques, pectorals major, and latismus dorsi) because he believed that they were the most important muscles in the body. Not only do they collectively protect your most vital organs, but they work, along with your thigh muscles, to control your hips and shoulders, and these, he recognised, are your major source of power.

Many karate teachers continue to hone the key abdominal muscles by using sit-ups and crunches to target these crucial sources of power.

There can be no doubt that using the hips greatly improves the power, and speed of your techniques, and helps you to initiate fast, smooth stepping. By developing your torso and thigh muscles, you can improve your hip action, but you will need to think carefully about the way that you incorporate your hips into every movement.

Your question should always be, “How can I use my hips to add power, speed or control to this action?”