If your mental state becomes too active before combat, or if you have difficulty returning from your psyched-up state of mind after combat, relaxation techniques can be helpful. Like psyching-up, relaxation has to be practiced and can be induced through cues.
A simple way to learn relaxation is through progressive muscle relaxation. Begin by tensing a muscle group and then relaxing it. Work through all of the major muscle groups in each session. Eventually progress to relaxing the muscles without prior tension. Increase the number of muscle groups you are consciously
able to relax at once.
The next step is to transfer your relaxation skills to your practice sessions. Concentrate on relaxing your muscles in the pre-movement stage. Initiate every movement from a relaxed state to increase speed and power. When you can initiate from a relaxed posture, focus on maintaining that relaxation in all of your nontarget muscles (those not directly used in creating the movement). Finally, try to relax your target muscles until just before the point of impact. This will create maximum speed and improve your endurance by conserving energy.
Practicing relaxation in the comforts of your home or training area will not necessarily help you relax under stress. To enhance your ability to relax under stress, create unfavorable conditions under which to practice your relaxation techniques. Try to manage your anxiety through relaxation techniques when you feel most stressed, whether in training or in other areas of your life. Consistent practice will lead you to success.
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