You may already know that Yin and Yang are two opposite but complementary forces in Chinese philosophy. They are often represented by the symbol of a circle divided into two halves, one black and one white, with a dot of the opposite color in each half.

Tension and relaxation are also two opposite but complementary forces in physical performance. Tension is strength and power, while relaxation is speed, endurance, and flexibility.

Kung Fu and Tai Chi demand both tension and relaxation. For example, when punching, you need to tense your body at the moment of impact to deliver maximum power. But you also need to relax quickly afterward so that you can recover and throw the next punch.

Elite athletes know the importance of practicing both tension and relaxation. They need to be able to tense their muscles to generate power, but they also need to be able to relax quickly to maintain speed and endurance.

Soviet Professor Leonid Matveyev observed that elite athletes are able to relax their muscles much faster than novice athletes—up to an 800% difference! This is because they have trained their bodies to switch between tension and relaxation quickly and efficiently.

Here is a simple example of an exercise that you can do to practice tension and relaxation:

1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your arms at your sides.
2. Tense all of the muscles in your body as tightly as you can.
3. Hold the tension for a few seconds.
4. Relax all of your muscles as quickly as possible.
5. Repeat steps 2-4 several times.

As you get better at this exercise, you will be able to tense and relax your muscles more quickly and efficiently. This will directly improve your performance in Kung Fu, Tai Chi, and strength training.

See you in training,

Sifu Oscar

 

P.S. Whenever you’re ready, here are ways we can help you get started:

1. Request a time to observe a class

Interested in Kung Fu or Tai Chi? The first step is to watch a class and see if we would be a good fit! Email kungfu@wahlum.com for an appointment.

2. Join our 30-Day Mindful Eating Challenge ($19)

Mastering physical control starts with simple, daily habits—both on the mat and in the kitchen. Join our 30-day guided challenge inside my coaching app to build real consistency before the holiday season hits. Email kungfu@wahlum.com with the subject line “CHALLENGE” to claim your spot.