陰陽 (Inyo) is a relational concept that developed Taoism
in China around 4th—3rd Centuries BC. To
be concise for this short article, “…Inyo is that everything is governed by duality:
two opposing yet relative principles/forces”—yes, Yin and Yang.
I am not touching on this topic to go down the track of Eastern
religions nor philosophies but, instead want to completely focus on this concept
for improved technical efficacy.
To maximize impact power the two most important powers are:
(1) to optimally use one’s mass; and (2) to move as fast as possible.
Let’s me talk about this in regards to Inyo…
POWER/FORCE: Let’s use OI-ZUKI (JUN-ZUKI) and MAE-GERI KEAGE
as examples… The sasae-ashi (support leg) in these waza use a heavy, strong
and muscular/forced action—drive; whereas, the striking limb is relaxed. Accordingly,
the support leg (in both oizuki and maegeri) aggressively propel the hips forward
from the drive of the legs. Furthermore, the relaxation of the attacking limbs,
as stated before, are relaxed; thereby, allowing the muscles to work
harmoniously with the respective movements. Let me expand on this very basic point.
SOFTNESS/RELAXATION: Again, in the most simple terms… When
the muscles are relaxed the extension of the arms are naturally driven by the triceps and
likewise, this naturally results in biceps being relaxed. This optimizes speed
as there is no ‘self-resistance’. When one consciously tenses, both biceps and
triceps tense; thus, dramatically reducing technical velocity . A good memoir is
this: “double the speed, quadruple the power” (Asai Tetsuhiko Sensei).
Mae geri is of course the same… As you extend the leg you
want the hamstrings to be completely relaxed and just allow the quads to do
their work (and vice-versa in the chambering and hiki-ashi aspects of the
kick).
Returning to the POWER/FORCE points made above, it reminds me
of Tanaka Masahiko Sensei. He recommended to me, “Don’t kick through the
target, drive your hips through the target”. This statement really elucidates Asai Sensei's focus on joint action as opposed to muscle action. If we focus on the bones and joints, the muscles work optimally via natural action. What's more, without muscular tension the mind is also more free and receptive to stimuli, but I suppose that is worthy of another article.
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| Tanaka Sensei's kick was always devastating. A true Master. |
Needless to say, 陰陽 (Inyo) is technically imperative in
Budo Karate.
© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2020).
