Martin - thank you for this article and naming this issue of force achieved through muscular tension - yes I too continue to study how to gain efficiencies by transferring work to stabilizer muscles and minimizing use of mover muscles. I also find that my Tai Chi practice is the primary place I can work on this efficiency performance, as well as maximizing the use of connective tissues to support uprightness and ease of movement. In aikido, I often pose myself the question - can I do it again with 25% less force? This is one way to keep my quest for efficiency in movement. I tend to think about reducing the use of force to open up increasing power through efficiency and the absence of tension. But still on a learning path for this.
Thank you for your comment Cheryl! I like your question: "Can I do it again with 25% less force?" I play with this a lot nowadays, but the question makes it even more particular and visible. I'll try in my keiko.
I also study posture mostly in my individual practice, which consists mostly of Tai Chi exercises.
Martin, thank you for this topic. How to be relaxed and firm at the same time is my topic since I started Aikido.
With pleasure!
Yeah, I guess the posture and balance between unity and mobility is a lifetime quest of all of us :)
Shizentai
Martin - thank you for this article and naming this issue of force achieved through muscular tension - yes I too continue to study how to gain efficiencies by transferring work to stabilizer muscles and minimizing use of mover muscles. I also find that my Tai Chi practice is the primary place I can work on this efficiency performance, as well as maximizing the use of connective tissues to support uprightness and ease of movement. In aikido, I often pose myself the question - can I do it again with 25% less force? This is one way to keep my quest for efficiency in movement. I tend to think about reducing the use of force to open up increasing power through efficiency and the absence of tension. But still on a learning path for this.
Thank you for your comment Cheryl! I like your question: "Can I do it again with 25% less force?" I play with this a lot nowadays, but the question makes it even more particular and visible. I'll try in my keiko.
I also study posture mostly in my individual practice, which consists mostly of Tai Chi exercises.