What focus actually is

Focus is the act of directing attention and intent toward a target. It tells the body where the technique is going before the body decides how to move.

In system terms:

This applies everywhere — patterns, basics, sparring, and self-defense.

The ITF rule (plain language)

The ITF Encyclopedia consistently requires that:

• The eyes look in the direction of the target
• Focus is established before or at the moment of technique completion
• The head turns naturally as part of body alignment

The Encyclopedia does not describe a separate “head snap” technique. It describes decisive focus.

Eyes lead, head aligns

A reliable way to understand focus timing:

The head does not perform an independent action. It turns only as much as required to support vision and alignment.

If the head moves faster or farther than the torso, posture and balance are already compromised.

What focus is not

• Not a snapping or whipping neck motion
• Not a visual trick for judges
• Not a way to add power to a technique
• Not something that happens after the technique

Any head movement that exists purely to be seen is outside the system.

Why exaggerated head snap causes problems

Treating head movement as a technique creates predictable failures:

• Loss of posture (head moves off the spine)
• Neck and shoulder tension
• Delayed or unclear focus timing
• Extra motion during transitions

These failures show up most clearly in:

• Turning patterns
• Frequent direction changes
• Later sparring, where vision lag matters

Focus as a primitive

Like stance or timing, focus is applied every time. It does not change based on rank or pattern.

Every movement loop includes focus:

• Move: eyes select direction
• Align: head and torso organize to that line
• Deliver: technique arrives where focus is set
• Finish: focus remains stable and clear

Common mistakes

Head moves after the technique

This usually means focus was late. The body moved before intent was established.

Exaggerated head snap

Often compensates for unclear alignment or weak transitions.

Eyes lag behind turns

Indicates hesitation or poor direction commitment.

Simple training checks

Freeze focus check

After a technique, freeze. Ask: are your eyes already on the target? If not, focus arrived late.

Slow-turn drill

Turn slowly and deliberately. Let the eyes arrive first, then allow the body to follow.

Quiet head test

Perform a pattern at half speed. If the head movement is noisy or dramatic, it’s probably unnecessary.

How this shows up in patterns

Patterns do not test choreography. They test whether focus is clear during direction change and transition.

When focus is correct:

• Turns feel calm
• Alignment lands cleanly
• Techniques feel intentional

When focus is wrong, everything downstream compensates.

Key idea

Next

Focus works together with:

• Transitions & Resets
• Timing
• Power Generation