Contracting vs Expanding

[Alan Armstrong]

Contracting vs expanding in combat has its benefits.

Personally I like contracting to give the impression that I'm defending, my real intent is to secretly load up a technique then releasing it with power unexpectedly (fa-jin)

There are many ways to use this idea of contracting and expanding, what or how do you use this to your advantage?

[bushido_man96]

What do you mean by "contracting" in defending? Are you saying you bring everything tight into you and kind of ball up, like tucking your chin and shrugging your shoulders?

[Alan Armstrong]

What do you mean by "contracting" in defending? Are you saying you bring everything tight into you and kind of ball up, like tucking your chin and shrugging your shoulders?

Twisting contracting loading exploding.

What looks like covering up, could actually be loading up, can be done in many ways.

Duckin and weavin could look like defending but is really camouflaging, loading up a strike, with fists, elbows, knees and feet; against any open target against the opponent.

This can be done in close, mid or long range situations; a surprise tactic that is difficult to read and or stop.

It is like pretending to block, parry or cover up, or even moving out of the way backwards such as snakes, that do this before striking with their fangs.

[Alan Armstrong]

Here are some simple karate examples and explanations on contraction and expansion in Shotokan.

[Bulltahr]

Preparing for a counter attack, in a nutshell?

I do it all the time, a wise man once told me, "you have to take a few to get set up for the big one". For better or worse it has been true for me!!!

[Alan Armstrong]

Contracting and expanding is something we do without thinking; breathing for instance.

Telegraphing techniques to the opponent makes them easy to defend against; hiding intent in natural movements is an advantage; not only in sparring but also in self defense situations.

[sensei8]

Would I be amiss if I didn't add this gem of a quote...

"A good martial artist does not become tense but ready. Not thinking yet not dreaming, ready for whatever may come. A martial artist has to take responsibility for himself and face the consequences of his own doing. To have no technique, there is no opponent, because the word 'I' does not exist. When the opponent expands I contract and when he contracts, I expand. And when there is an opportunity, 'I' do not hit, 'It' hits all by itself." — Bruce Lee

I think its deeper than just moving with your opponent. Whenever your opponent is charging hard, alter your tactics to better counter your opponent. For example, if he wants to charge you, take him down, and work the ground game. If he's pensive, and wants to stay up and move around, then use your kicks to give you the extra reach to attack him. To me, this is one of the important reasons behind cross training, to be able to flow with aggression, or passivity of your opponent with the proper countermoves.

It's the Yin and the Yang!!