How I Teach Golf (Inspired by Kelvin Miyahira) is a 12-part series on MyJLStory.com. Each post shares one of my personal takeaways from studying Kelvin’s biomechanical framework and refining it through years of teaching. These are not a direct representation of Kelvin’s teaching — they are my interpretations, shaped by my own experience and mistakes. Start here, then follow the series for a full picture.
After learning how the spine engine creates power from rotation, lateral bend, and extension, the next step is learning how to store and release that energy.
Most golfers try to swing harder, but power doesn’t come from effort. It comes from sequence — from how and when the body unwinds.
How Energy Flows Through the Body
Kelvin described a clear kinematic chain:
Hips → Torso → Arms → Club
When that sequence happens in order, energy moves through the body like a wave.
The spine engine powers it, and timing lets it flow.
The best swings don’t look violent. They look smooth because energy transfers cleanly.
What I Now Look For
1. Start from the center, not the hands.
At the start of the downswing, I usually see a micro-move in the pelvis before anything else — before the feet shift or the hands drop.
That subtle rotation sets the sequence in motion.
The lead leg then posts and extends, sending the chain upward without forcing it.
2. Let the torso unwind the arms.
The chest and ribcage should begin rotating open before the arms release.
That small delay keeps the system loaded and turns effort into whip.
3. Tempo is the glue.
Every powerful swing has rhythm.
Too quick, and the sequence breaks; too slow, and energy leaks away.
Speed comes from coordination, not tension.
Story From My Teaching
Xander, one of the juniors I coach, used to swing like he was trying to hit home runs — fast arms, tight grip, and no sequence.
We worked on two things.
First, starting from the center — feeling the pelvis move before the arms.
Second, squaring the clubface early.
I showed him that in the downswing, by P6 — when the shaft is parallel to the ground — the clubface should already be slightly closed, with the clubhead trailing just behind the hands.
Once he learned that, he didn’t have to fight the club at impact anymore.
He wasn’t forcing it with his hands or his body.
The ball flight straightened immediately, and his swing looked easier.
He said, “That felt slower, but it went faster.”
That’s the difference between muscle power and stored energy released on time.
[Photo Placeholders]
Coiled top position — storing energy
Transition — micro pelvic move before foot action
P6 position — clubface slightly closed, clubhead trailing hands
Impact — sequence unwinding through rotation
Closing Theme
Power isn’t about swinging harder.
It’s about creating sequence, storing energy, and letting it release without resistance.
Start from the center, stay in rhythm, and let the club chase your rotation.
Call to Action
This is part of my How I Teach Golf (Inspired by Kelvin Miyahira) series.
Have you ever felt more power by doing less?
Share your story in the comments — I’d love to hear it.
Editor’s Note
We’re still gathering the right swing photos and visuals for this series. Placeholders mark where they’ll go — thanks for your patience as we complete this resource.