Hey Sharla, good to see you back!
As for the Shoulders. Its a defensive movement that I was taught quite some time ago but had completely neglected in recent years.
I think if the force is in the fist you shouldn't feel it in the shoulder


Your point about not asking why is exactly the problem. Too many (including myself) blindly follow trainers instructions. We trust the trainer and almost assume he's the best in the world.

I was told I rely too much on my heart in fights. Pushing through fatigue pain and stamina barriers I can believe that. Having been shown some new things and asked to rely on those techniques makes my life a little easier.

Trainers have a poor understanding of the body.
They pass on what they learned themselves, never pausing to think that they could alter it a little for the better. Thats the problem