Lynn, great article. resonate very well with me. I am still wrap my hands and pound the bag; I pound with my head too just to make sure the idea getting through. I am still fighting hard to relax. one of this day I'd even lose.
years ago my wing chun sifu shown me a relax punch which he called soft fist punch. it was one of the most powerful punch I had received. The fist and every thing on his body were completely relax, even on impact. Of course, I was young and stupid, I ignored it and spent time on pounding things hard. Aikido principles are working through my thick skull and giving me a better understanding of the soft fist punch. I would say that aikido principles completed my other trainings.