AN EXPLORATION OF TSD´s

An Exploration of Tang Soo Do's Eight Key Concepts: Shin Chook

SBN Mary Cayte Reiland

Tang soo readers, happy August! This month, we continue with the discussion of the seventh of the Tang Soo Do Eight Key Concepts. Up next is Shin Chook, also known as tension and relaxation. According to the dictionary, tension is defined as “the state of being stretched tight”, and relaxation is defined as “the state of being free from tension and anxiety.” Well that’s conflicted to say the least. How could one person be both tense and relaxed?

Let’s discuss the topic of relaxed tension, in the physical aspect. I’ve known martial artists in my time that were really into tension. They muscled through every technique. Their power was great, but there are big disadvantages to practicing this way. For example, in a real fight, if someone was muscling all the moves, they would be much slower, and they would also tire very quickly. If any of you are Mortal Kombat fans, this would be the case in the character Jax when he got those extra metal muscles on his arms (cybernetic strength enhancers). They make him insanely slow, but when he does land a punch, it’s brutal. Let’s now consider martial artists who are too loose. They can move really fast, but landing a technique does almost nothing. Their techniques are like trying to snap a loose rubber band.

The best way to be in a real fight, is to be loose, but when the time comes to strike, you need to tense at the exact point of impact, like a stretched rubber band. Think of Indiana Jones. His weapon of choice is a whip. Your technique needs to be that way in order to achieve maximum efficiency in training.

Now let’s talk about tension & relaxation in a mental sense. Ever been intimidated? How does your body react when you’re intimidated? There was this martial artist I used to train with. Everyone was afraid of him because he was a brutal fighter, even to the point where he would purposefully hurt people to maintain that fear. Having to spar with him caused everyone a great deal of stress mentally, so what do you think that did to our bodies? It made us more tense. We all just discussed what tension in your body does to your technique. Eventually he met his match, on a few different occasions, but those are stories for another day.

The issue now becomes, how do you handle yourself when you’re in a situation like that? Depending on how much time you have to cope mentally, you should consider taking a short meditation break. Bring your heart rate down any way you can. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. When I’m stressed or nervous, that’s exactly what I do. Before I begin a test, do a demo, or compete. Just remember, when you get to that ready stance, you should be ready, mentally and physically. Ready to give it your all, and to not let your negative thoughts hold you back.

Everyone take care and as always, Tang Soo!

SBN Mary Cayte Reiland, USA