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Post by supergroup7 on May 3, 2007 3:46:38 GMT 8
As I become more experienced in Martial arts, I'm finding that my body is becoming more relaxed in between attacks. My fists actually relax visually although they don't open up. Well.. to be honest, sometimes when I'm blocking my fists will not open up completely, but there will be a noticeable small hollowness in the fist in between blocks and then they will tighten up and solidify on contact.
Is this not what I want to happen? to go from the relaxed state to a solid focused state quickly, and then return to the relaxed state again so that I can conserve energy?
Yet, I find that many times I'm being reminded to tighten my fists. When I focus on tightening my fists I find that my forearms tighten also, and then I'm told to relax.
It seems to be a contradiction, and a confusion to me.
Is there a secret to being both relaxed, and tight at the same time?
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Post by Colin Wee on May 7, 2007 20:11:13 GMT 8
As I become more experienced in Martial arts, I'm finding that my body is becoming more relaxed in between attacks. My fists actually relax visually although they don't open up. Well.. to be honest, sometimes when I'm blocking my fists will not open up completely, but there will be a noticeable small hollowness in the fist in between blocks and then they will tighten up and solidify on contact. Is this not what I want to happen? to go from the relaxed state to a solid focused state quickly, and then return to the relaxed state again so that I can conserve energy? Yet, I find that many times I'm being reminded to tighten my fists. When I focus on tightening my fists I find that my forearms tighten also, and then I'm told to relax. It seems to be a contradiction, and a confusion to me. Is there a secret to being both relaxed, and tight at the same time? Shu-ha-ri is a Japanese concept describing progression for the martial artist which guides us to first 'become' the form, then next to explore beyond the form, and then lastly to depart from the form. In all manner of activities there will come a time when you start to 'ripen' or 'age', to accumulate a patina of understanding, the veneer of wisdom, or the grace of maturity. What is a hard style martial art -- Is it measured by three hours of continuous training without a water break? :-) Or is it the ability to generate a huge amount of force along a linear path? The answer is not so straightforward as to be one or the other. Is there a secret to be relaxed and tight at the same time? The only way I know is to become mentally relaxed. That's a metaphorical answer. But this is not your question, so I will answer it thusly - NO. There is no way you can be relaxed and tight at the same time. But such ambiguity exists in the martial arts because of many many opposing philosophical and strategic ideals. Maybe this is something that you need to resolve as part of your continuing black belt education? Colin
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Post by Will Senn on May 7, 2007 21:12:43 GMT 8
I so agree with Colin on this. However, let it be said from one who's rarely been accused of being too tense There is a difference between a tightness of fist (think coiled spring) and a tightness of arm, shoulder, etc (think two by four.) Relaxation during sparring/self defense/karate/life/etc is essential to progress. Your mind must be relaxed and your body must be at rest - but ready in order to properly respond to circumstance. I hate to go all zen on you, but you gotta set aside worry and striving and be what you intend. Oh and tight fist? Well, maybe, sometimes, or perhaps more often than not, but still - it needs to be intention and the result of intention more than simply an end. It IS easier to keep the fist tight while the arm is relaxed and thereby minimize risk to the extremity than it is to consider whether you want/need/desire it to be so and then to make it so...
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Post by Colin Wee on May 8, 2007 13:35:46 GMT 8
I so agree with Colin on this. However, let it be said from one who's rarely been accused of being too tense There is a difference between a tightness of fist (think coiled spring) and a tightness of arm, shoulder, etc (think two by four.) Relaxation during sparring/self defense/karate/life/etc is essential to progress. Will is perhaps one of the most relaxed persons I've fought against. He is ready to move and counter easily, doesn't tire easily (that was 15 years ago), and just wears you out. It's a bit frustrating actually. But let me tell you, he can hit hard when needed. In fact, the relaxedness helps make him a much better fighter! The goju version is a little different - there are instances of extreme tension, then others of relaxation and circularity. But this is modulated in order to counter the opponent and what you need to do with him. Check out a post from the blog on a related subject. Don't forget to look at the last link on 'Intention v intensity': traditionaltaekwondo.blogspot.com/2007/04/chon-ji-acid-test.htmlColin
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Post by supergroup7 on May 14, 2007 12:00:35 GMT 8
Ah Colin.. I'm starting to learn how to break my own path then instead of following the dressed trail? I hope that I don't get lost among the brambles, and rock slides.
What I want from my body, Will, is to be relaxed, and ready at the same time... but not tense. I've watched my pet cat getting ready to pounce on her prey.. there is a total intenseness to her, and yet at the same time she looks so relaxed that she is appears ready to fall asleep. That's where I want to be.. relaxed, and not burning energy until I WANT to do something.. and then totally focused on achieving the goal that I'm after. I think that confidence, and experience will help me to succeed in this regard. When I was a new student, I was very tight, and upset at every little bump, and occasion, but as I gained in experience I was able to react to things with less tension. Perhaps time, and more training will create in me the kind of martial artist that can be both relaxed, and ready at the same time.
Yes Colin, I read that article. It filled my mind with the reality of sparring.. a different way of viewing it. Thank you.
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Post by Colin Wee on May 14, 2007 14:35:14 GMT 8
Ah Colin.. I'm starting to learn how to break my own path then instead of following the dressed trail? I hope that I don't get lost among the brambles, and rock slides.<cut> We don't want to lead you astray too. I doubt your instructors would encourage too much of this type of discussion. Thanks. Colin
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Post by Will Senn on May 14, 2007 20:29:48 GMT 8
I've watched my pet cat getting ready to pounce on her prey.. there is a total intenseness to her, and yet at the same time she looks so relaxed that she is appears ready to fall asleep. The cat is a great example, one to be emulated for sure! Thanks.
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Post by supergroup7 on May 16, 2007 1:46:55 GMT 8
Yes Will.. and my Shotokan style has a Tiger as it's symbol... Fits nice.. no?
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