Managing Force, Not Absorbing It
We often hear phrases like “absorb the force” when landing from a jump, taking a strike, or even during Tai Chi push hands. But here’s the truth: you don’t actually absorb force, you manage it.
If force isn’t managed properly, your tissues break down. That’s where injuries happen.
Newton’s 3rd Law reminds us: for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. When your foot hits the ground, the ground pushes back with equal force. This is called ground reaction force—and it’s something we must learn to control.
In Kung Fu, especially when we practice jumps, our ability to manage these forces makes all the difference. Here’s what the body deals with every time we move:
- Walking: 1–1.5 × your bodyweight
- Running: 2–2.9 × your bodyweight
- Jumping: up to 7 × your bodyweight
Think about that. A 150-pound person landing from a jump could be managing over 1,000 pounds of force!
In Tai Chi, we practice the same principle in a softer way through push hands. Instead of letting force overwhelm us, we redirect, root, and return it. The skill is not in stopping force, but in managing where it goes.
Whether you’re landing from a Kung Fu jump or feeling pressure in Tai Chi push hands, the lesson is the same: force must be managed.
Strong stances, mindful practice, and controlled movements keep our bodies safe and our training sustainable.
This week in class, pay attention to how you land, how you root, and how you redirect energy.
That’s where control and resilience are developed
See you in training,
Sifu Oscar
P.S. Whenever you’re ready, here are ways we can help you get started.
1. Schedule a time to observe a class.
Interested in Kung Fu or Tai Chi? First step is to watch a class and see if we would be a good fit! Email: kungfu@wahlum.com for an appointment.
2. Become part of my exclusive Coaching Group with CYH Remote Coaching. Get personalized coaching delivered right to your phone and catered to your specific goals.
Email: kungfu@wahlum.com for info.