Often in martial arts training the term “relaxed” can cause confusion, because its martial definition is not identical to the more familiar and common use of the word. In everyday speaking, relaxed means being free of all tension in the body, a state of being floppy and limp, much as you might be after a good massage or when you are reclining on the couch.

In martial terms, relaxed means being “natural” and holding an even and uniform tension that allows for ease of movement and transfer of power without restriction or slowing. It lies between being very tense, tight, stiff, and rigid at one extreme, and being floppy and limp at the other. This could also be described as “just enough tension” to do the job, and not one bit more.

Holding the right amount of tension throughout the body allows you to generate the maximum tension where it is wanted: the striking surface. In addition, it allows for the greatest speed and fluidity of movement, as you are not fighting against the resistance of your own body’s tightness. This reduces exertion and effectively improves your endurance.

Proper relaxation develops over time through training and further develops through testing of movements.

Strive to “look soft, be hard” – the body may look soft, but internally it is uniformly connected and strong.

 

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(Adapted from Young Forest, Traditional Skill: Northern Shaolin, Volume 1 by Sifu Wing Lam and Oliver Bollmann.  Purchase a copy here.)