Vol 6, Issue 4/2001

Strength from Relaxation
Experiences with compression in Taijiquan. By Epi van de Pol

In his many years of training Taijiquan, mainly in the Yang Style tradition, Epi van de Pol has intensively explored the question of how to generate strength from a relaxed body position. Over time it became apparent to him that compression, from a relaxed sinking within a permeable and good body position, is essential. While muscle strength reduces freedom of movement, during compression the body remains open and relaxed and can release a wave-like, well rounded strength, which is hard to follow for an opponent.


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