I have this tendency to tighten my shoulder high when doing the hook and intercept. This tendency, I realize, is coming from an innate awareness that this is a martial art–I'm defending, and getting ready to strike. Ironically, this tendency weakens my defense and strike because it only engages the muscles of the upper arm. Relax says Sifu. Lower the shoulder, stay loose, then strike! Engage the core muscles and legs too; that's where the power of the strike comes from.
Relax. This lesson goes well beyond martial arts. It applies to everything in my life: I tighten up when I need to defend or strike. The twig breaks when the boulder rolls over it, but the blade of grass bends, and springs back to its original form.
Exam day/night: relax and engage!
Disagree over something with somebody: relax and engage!
Hook, grapple, pluck: relax and engage!
Intercept and strike: relax and engage!
Even writing now, I feel residual tension in my shoulders. Sit up straight, keep good posture, breathe deeply; the shoulders lower automatically and so too do I release that tension.
Be mindful of your body. Be mindful of your mind. Be mindful of your spirit. Big things comprise small things. Small things comprise small things.
This photo reminds me to be mindful of both big and small things; it hangs above our entryway and my training space.
52° Sunny
Boulder, Colorado, United States
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