Then what would you say about gymnastic rings and bar moves? As you described the movements of the kipping pull up (which isn't quite fully correct, such as at the top of the movement you do not just simply fall. You begin the decent be pushing your body away from the bar while arcing the body in a C shape. The whole process creates momentum in the horizontal plane that is transferred to momentum in the vertical plane. This allows for a more fluid movement and not a sudden jarring stop on the joints as you would have it sound. In fact, the downward progress can be correlated to the pull under during a snatch.) and your reasoning for it being bad or harmful the same could be said for a lot of the bar and rings moves in gymnastics. However, gymnasts are not widely disputed in their training are they?
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You make a good point. Although I do not agree with likening it to the snatch catch. The orientation and motion of the load are very different and therefore, forces involved can not truly be comparable even if the small segment of movement appears similar. While I do understand now that there is a portion of smooth transition do you feel as if the muscle tension is maintained through the eccentric phase even with the transfer of momentum in the planes? Inevitably while some momentum will be initially transferred horizontally gravity will none the less take its course.
What would you say is the percentage of practicing individuals, on a whole, that are able to do this precisely as to ensure proper mechanics and provide the effect that you describe? In addition, are you able to maintain the mechanics and ensure the physics you describe over the time period often employed in the crossfit gyms?
If even the slightest deviation occurs then the safety, as you described, breaks down at the degree of the deviation. When it is done repeatedly with speed, often with little regard for anything else as in most facilities I've seen, the deviations become less clear and harder to correct and the ensuing results are grim. Now this could be proven true in any sport, movement, etc. but really where the problem, for me, lies is in the way these issues are approached and exacerbated at least by cross fit individuals and instructors in my area.
As for my opinions on gymnastics rings and uneven bars, very few individuals continue to compete at a high level into their later ages. Also, the movements are not done as repetitively. The shoulder complex is well designed for its purposes and will maintain structural integrity rather well under various conditions. Over time I believe the kipping will prove to be much more of a detriment than a benefit.