How to Balance Yin & Yang in Fighting

Yin and yang are are the two energies that together form the whole of any thing or event. The goal when fighting with yin and yang in mind is to relax when your opponent uses force and to move your body to the areas where your opponent offers no obstruction. Counterattacking from these unobstructed areas requires less effort than charging into a fight, and moving from yang to yin to yang is a more balanced way of fighting. Balancing yin and yang is as simple as remaining calm and reacting to your opponent.

Instructions

    • 1

      Assume that your opponent is stronger. React to an opponent's force (yang) with relaxation and analysis (yin). Shift into the opponent's unguarded areas (yin) to counterattack (yang). Move from yang to yin and yin to yang to create balance.

    • 2

      Position your body so that you can deflect your opponent's strikes. Create yin-yang balance by joining your opponent's movement as you deflect the strike. React only after completing your opponent's movement. Complete the balance of yin and yang by striking your opponent perpendicularly, in contrast to the deflected force of your opponent's strike.

    • 3

      Encourage a long strike by the arm or leg of your opponent. Accept the limb (yin) and use it as leverage to strike back at your opponent (yang).

    • 4

      Move in toward your opponent when reacting to circular strikes such as hooks and round kicks. The angle of the attack (yang) creates a unoccupied space in front of your opponent (yin). Create yin-yang balance by counterattacking from that unobstructed position.

    • 5

      Calm yourself and don't panic. Focus on the mental effort of fighting using the balance of yin and yang as a guide. Take advantage of the yin of your opponent's yang by noticing and exploiting your opponent's lack of balance after attacking.