Tensing During Contact in a Fight

A subscriber to Martial Arts Mastery wrote after reading my article where I say that tensed muscles are easy to go around in a fight. Here’s what Dennis wrote:

I was wondering about the tension; it is indeed something I do when my arms “clash” with an opponent
during free-practicing (during JKD and karate classes).

I have no idea how to begin eliminating that tension during the clash…. Is it “just” creating that clashing situation over-and-over again until it “numbs” the brain a bit, so I won’t tense?

Besides that, I have no idea what responses I could use; I am sure it depends on the situation.

— Dennis

You want to go against each other slowly, but fast enough to create the kind of clash that you are describing.

Now, here’s where it gets tricky:

You both need to agree to freeze, instantly, right when that clash happens. I mean both of you stop movement, maybe by calling out “FREEZE!” and try to hold that position where force met force.

Now what?

Now, you figure out a way, if you are the designated “good guy,” to release the pressure. Think about:

• Letting the other force pass by you. How could you shift your body minimally, to pass the energy?
• Going around the “solid column” of arm or leg. Make sure you progress forward, because if you retract at this point, you’ll probably get hit.
• Starting to move your opponent’s limb in one direction, so he or she resists and pushes back. It’s this resistance that will create the opening.

Once the two of you find a “best answer” to that sticking spot, practice it over and over. Figure out a drill where someone attacks, and you both get to that stuck position. Then take turns going around the “traffic jam” or arms, legs, and/or bodies.

I hope this helps you make plans on how to solve tensing during contact in a fight.

Keith