Relax, adjust and move naturally. It only takes 30 years to get there.
My Sensei has often told me that it takes 30 years of training before you actually begin learning your Martial Art. This 30 years is comprised of 10 years each of learning to relax, learning to adjust and learning to move naturally. Below is my interpretation of what my Sensei, Sensei Cieplik, has shared with me and is subject to change as I learn more about this over the coming years: Relax During the first decade, we must learn to relax. Instead of punching and kicking with tense neck muscles and teeth gritted, we need to learn how to strike or block with loose muscles. Tightening at the last moment, at the moment of impact is the key to speed, power and good technique. An overactive mind and tight body is not something that will give you the results you are after. For example, if you drove through heavy traffic …