Relaxation
Definition:
A Taijiquan term that refers to either:
- A state in which muscles not actively engaged in maintaining posture or executing movement remain at a minimal level of tension.
- A process of gradually reducing unnecessary muscular tension to approach that optimal state.
Usage:
- As a state: “Maintaining a state of Relaxation in the shoulders is often challenging.”
- As a process: “One must Relax the shoulders throughout the movement.”
Additional Notes:
Because muscles are never completely tension-free, Relaxation is a relative state of tension—continuously shaped and guided by Yi. It is neither passive letting go nor active, alert readiness, but rather a calm, poised, and responsive condition that allows Jin to grow through Form-Practice and manifest spontaneously in physical exchange.
Taijiquan Framework 