An idiom referring to any move that is hindered by tension of the muscles at inappropriate times.

Inflected Form(s):

Constipating (verb), Constipated (adjective), Constipation (noun)

Comments:

Essentially, constipation describes the inappropriate use of muscle tension, which causes a lessening of speed, and therefore potential effectiveness of motion.

Constipation hinders motion, and as such, should be eliminated as much as possible.

Constipation is one of the most common forms of inefficiency in motion.

Constipation prevents, hinders, or negatively effects:

a.Body Mechanics (Body Harmony, Body Momentum)

b.Breathing

c.Chi (Ki)

d.Economy of Motion

e.Explosive Action

f.Fluid Movement (Normal Flow)

g.Focus

h.Harmonious Movement (Complete Harmony, Physical Harmony, Total Harmony, Total Physical Harmony)

i.Power (Harmonized Power)

j.Physical Speed

k.Rhythm

l.Timing (In-Sync)

m.Endurance and Stamina

Constipation increases or enhances:

Disharmony (Disharmony of Force, Disharmony of Travel)

Constipation can be created by momentary inappropriate muscle tensing, muscle tensing throughout an entire move, or continuous muscle tension throughout numerous moves.

Constipation can be caused by:

a.inexperience

b.general overall physical tension

c.emotional stress, excitement, or duress

d.muscle fatigue

e.purposeful muscle tensing

f.lack of breathing during the execution of a move(s)

Constipation is a common problem with beginners and can take a long time to eliminate.

Methods for curing constipation are:

a.Exhausting the muscles before practicing. Muscle exhaustion will cause the muscles to remain relaxed, due to the inability of the muscles to stay in a tightened state. From this state, the practitioner can begin to become more aware of muscle tension, and begin to understand the importance of relaxing.

b.Having a training partner to work with the practitioner to make them aware of which specific muscles are tensing during the execution of their moves. Thus allowing the practitioner to get an observer's point of view of which specific muscles need to be relaxed.

c.Spending time self-analyzing muscle tension while executing any maneuvers, such as forms, self-defense techniques, or freestyle. This will allow the practitioner to become more aware of which muscles they leave tense over a large variety of maneuvers.

d.Meditating on muscle relaxation, before training.

See relax for more discussion on the benefits of eliminating constipation.

Some styles rely heavily upon muscle tension to anticipate offensive maneuvers and prevent injury. This form of muscle tension should not be confused with constipation.

Any individual who regularly executes constipated movements is often referred to as constipated or tight.

Derivation:

Constipate is a direct variation from the laymen definition of constipate - meaning to make immobile, inactive, or dull.

Synonym(s):

Tight

Opposite(s):

Relax

Related Definition(s):

Breathe, Chi, Disharmony, Execute, Focus, Harmony, Ki, Kinetics, Maneuver, Motion, Move, Mumble, Muscle, Power, Rhythm, Timing

Related Term(s):

Body Harmony, Body Mechanics, Body Momentum, Complete Harmony, Complete Physical Harmony, Disharmony of Travel, Economy of Motion, Electronic Detonator, Explosive Action, Fluid Movement, Harmonious Movement, Harmonized Power, In-Sync, Muscular System, Normal Flow, Physical Harmony, Physical Speed, Tea Kettle, Total Harmony, Total Physical Harmony