Soft power

[SPJ]

This is the least understood power or Jing.

There is a discussion on how to let the student to relax or soften in the other forum.

Some mentioned focusing and relaxing the mind first and not tensing up the muscles.

It was a Tai Chi related discussion. However, all styles have soft powers big or small.

One main thing that was not discussed is the yielding aspect of being soft.

One poster mentioned that Tai Chi is actually a steel rod inside and covered with cotton on the outside.

I could not agree more.

How do you yield to be soft?

1. rotation of the waist.

2. shifting the weight between the knees.

3. switching with the steps.

The main thing is to follow the opponent's Jing.

If only focus on relaxing the muscles to be soft and forget about posture and steps. This is like missing the big picture big time.

Anyway:

What is your idea about being soft?

What is the soft power in your style?

Comments?

[SPJ]

There are drills to soften the body.

There are Qi Gong and stretching exercise to soften all the joints and tendons/ligaments. or Ruo Gong or Fo Gong.

The theory is that if you are loosened in your joints and tendons/ligaments, you actually have more power.

such as more loose finger joints, you have more grabbing power.

more tendon "relaxation", you have more rotational power around your wrist, elbow, shoulder, hip or waist etc etc.

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[mr.rant]

i hope this doesnt turn in to a megathread cuz im already tired of this ****

[Peter H.]

At two posts, not counting trollshido, you have no right to be tired of crap on this board. STFU.

[Peter H.]

SPJ, are you asking a question or what? If you are looking for comments or tips on developing soft power, try the techniques forum.

[Mr. Mantis]

Is this a Yin strike vs. a Yang strike discussion?

[SPJ]

Sorry guys.

My Chinese software keeps "crashing" my keyboard. I had trouble to type in English mode. Now that is managed.

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This is more like a comment thread.

It is a concept of yielding. Which is a very difficult subject to appreciate.

Just like to know what everyone else think.

[liokault]

i hope this doesnt turn in to a megathread cuz im already tired of this ****

Noob, maybe.......but he has a point.

[Peter H.]

It is a concept of yielding. Which is a very difficult subject to appreciate.

Just like to know what everyone else think.

Probably needs to be moved the the techniques area.

In yeilding, are you talking about moving with an attacker, rolling with a punch, blending, that kind of yielding?

[SPJ]

Yes.

Most people only focus on the arm movement. From contacting and sticking.

They forgot about the waist movements and steps.

In Tai Chi push hands, the waist and the steps are the keys.

Or use the “body“ to move the arms.

etc etc,