Should you relax your opponent? by Vladimir Vasiliev

Should you relax your opponent?

For a professional, if an attacker in front of him is tense, in most cases there is no need to relax him. Tension makes the aggressor more visible, more predictable and less mobile. Thus, it is easier for a professional to control him. 

If the tense person is your training partner or a friend, it is a different story. 

You want to help them relax. Note that very often you cannot just tell a person to relax and expect them to do that. They may not even realize that they are tense. 

Habitual tension has no "weight". What you can tell your friend is this:

1. Tense up as you inhale
2. Pause briefly, hold your breath and tense up even more
3. Hold your breath and tension for a brief moment
4. Exhale and relax fully

Your friend will then feel the difference and appreciate the relaxation.
Try it out and let us know how it works!