Relaxation of the body (ITF forms related)

Hi again, I've heard lots of comments on my techniques while performing forms and I really have no idea how to train myself. I'm asking you, for maybe some of you may have experienced the same problem.
Ok, here's the main problem: When performing tuls (or 'loose' techniques) I get comments on my 'tensed' look. I get this comment from almost every master I meet haha.
Master P.Hargess (8th dan, from Scotland) said I looked angry while performing the Do-San tul (although I am not).
I try to relax my body inbetween the movements (before impact), but somehow people read I'm tensed from my body language.
I got hints like: perform a tul in front of a mirror;
excecute the techniques in slow motion (or without impact);
use a squashball (or any ball that dents when squeezing it) while punching or blocking, try not to dent it 'til impact.
I've tried these things, but they've had little succes.
Do you guys know another way, also for me to notice I'm tensed? Because I just don't notice myself... Thanks in advance...

Maybe I should get some relaxation pills or marihuana... just kiddin'

yES. I would advise you to forget about patterns. If you have been following the other advice given & still can not solve your problem, you have to step back.
Forget about patterns!
For the time being, concentrate on fundamental movements. The key will be to perform them in isolation, one technique at a time. It is imperative you do them using targets. Have someone hold them (targets) then perform your strike or block. You must try to execute each technique with maximum power. Afterwards, immediately relax. Go soft, loosen up. If you can do this & see/feef/realize the difference, then pick up the pace.
Relax, speed, max power, completely relax & repeat. If you are using the focus pads/targets correctly & then go limp, you will see what they are correctly asking you to do.

I've sometimes have that same problem. I'm also a trumpet player, and that makes breathing sort of my thing. I would suggest just trying to put all of your movements to counts, and try to breathe to the counts that you establish. Also, if you start to feel tense, just stop. Stop, breath, do whatever it takes to relax, but I'd stay away from the mary jane.

Funny, I have been contemplating starting a thread on just this. I am currently struggling with getting a few students to relax. Since it's teaching a feeling it's a hard concept to pass on – at least I am struggling with it.

Can I ask how long have you been training?
Not that it matters really; some people don’t ever seem to “get it” I’m just curious.

For me, it was breaking that flipped the switch. The worst part for me is it was learned through my own experimentation, it was not something I learned in class via verbal instruction so I have no idea how to pass it along to others.

One suggestion I would make is slow down to the point of no power at all. Be completely relaxed as you slowly make your move, slowly exhaling as you go. The slow motion should permit you the ability to maintain full control over your muscles keeping them relaxed. As you reach the end of your technique tighten every muscle violently and at the same time exhale the remaining breath. The second you tighten relax and inhale. Then repeat.

I may not be explaining this very well but in my mind it’s similar to what ITFUnity is talking about but with out targets. The only reason I’m suggest leaving out the targets is so you can focus only on your movements. Once you get the muscle memory down have some one watch your forms and see if they note any improvements. Honestly though, once you start to figure it out you wont need any outside input, the difference should sufficient that you would recognize it yourself – possibly even before anyone else.

One other thing that seemed to help me out a bit, get some small candles and try to put them out with a punch. If done correctly it works well, but if there is any tension at all you wont even make it flicker. You would need to extrapolate from there how to apply it to other techniques but that shouldn’t be too hard.

One thing that I had to tell my students was this. You are trying to radically modify the way you move your body. You will experience power increases and power losses – some can be very dramatic. This is to be expected - when you are experiencing the power gains try to figure out what you did, and repeat. But don’t get discouraged during the power losses, there always seems to be a better technique at the end of those spells.

Hope that helps
-JBC-

Quote:

---

I may not be explaining this very well but in my mind it’s similar to what ITFUnity is talking about but with out targets. The only reason I’m suggest leaving out the targets is so you can focus only on your movements.
JBC-

---

This is a good point. Thanks - I am sorry I didn't include it. Yes, break it all down to the very simple. Lets us know how it works out.
What does your instructor say?