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While the reaction force can be used positively, it can also have detrimental effects. When hitting a target, a reaction force results, which may lessen the force of your blow. This is why a strong stance is needed and explains the advantage of using follow through motions rather than stopping on impact, because the reaction force is completely nullified by the continuing momentum of the technique.

The law of reaction is applied in many different ways, as, for example in the use of antagonistic muscles. It is well known that the contraction of the biceps will produce an extension of the triceps (these muscles are called antagonistic muscles). This property can be turned to account in karatedo. Before kicking, the heel is raised backward, almost to the buttock, extending the fore-muscles of the thigh. When the heel is thrown forward, not only are these muscles strongly contracted, but the foot describes a longer trajectory and in doing so, gathers more momentum.

The reaction principle is also utilized in push-pull types of motion. If you are punching with your right fist, pull your left fist back to the side of your left hip. When kicking, pull your hands back to your waist or downward on each side of your body. In fact, a technique is not completed until after the blow has been pulled back. The punch or the kick has to be executed and retracted at the same speed and in a single continuous motion to take full advantage of the action reaction principle.