In today’s lesson, Sensei Jimmy explains one of the hardest skills for karate students to master — learning how to relax in your techniques while maintaining proper kime (focus and power).
If you’re training toward your brown belt or higher, you’ve probably heard your instructor say something like, “Your technique looks good, but you need to relax more.” It’s a common challenge — one that almost every martial artist struggles with at some point.
Why Relaxation Matters in Karate
When you first start learning karate, it’s normal to feel tense when performing punches, kicks, or blocks. At lower ranks, your body hasn’t yet learned how to coordinate breathing, posture, and power efficiently. But as you progress, true mastery comes from knowing when to tense and when to relax.
Relaxation allows your movements to flow smoothly, helps prevent fatigue, and actually makes your techniques faster and stronger. Too much tension slows you down and limits your range of motion.
The Kime Relaxation Drill
Sensei Jimmy recommends a simple but powerful Shotokan drill to help build this skill. It can be practiced during kihon (basics), kata, or even kumite (sparring).
Here’s how it works:
- Start with a single technique — for example, step forward and punch (oi-zuki).
- Breathe in before executing your technique.
- As you strike or block, breathe out and apply momentary tension — that’s your kime.
- Immediately relax after completing the move.
- Repeat the process: relax… relax… tense… then relax again.
“Stay relaxed, relaxed, relaxed… tense right there — and then relax again.”
Over time, this rhythm of tension and relaxation will become second nature.
Applying the Drill to Kata
You can also apply this concept to your kata. Sensei Jimmy suggests using Tekki Shodan (or any kata you’re comfortable with).
Focus on:
- Tense — release the tension — punch.
- Release the tension — block.
- Release the tension — punch again.
Repeat these motions until your body learns to move fluidly without unnecessary strain.
Warm-Ups and Breathing Tips
Before practicing this drill, do a light warm-up or some bag work to help loosen up your body. This helps release stored tension and prepares your muscles to move freely.
Always breathe deeply — inhale before each movement and exhale as you perform the technique. Proper breathing is the key to controlling both power and relaxation.
Keep Practicing
Like anything in karate, it takes repetition and consistency. The more you practice relaxing during your techniques, the more natural it will become.
As Sensei Jimmy says:
“It’s gonna take some repetitions and some work — but you’ll get there.”