陰陽 (Inyo)

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.

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).