卸力 (xiè lì) is a core concept in Chinese martial arts, referring to the skillful technique of deflecting, redirecting, or neutralizing an opponent’s incoming force—rather than meeting it head-on with equal resistance. The character 卸 means 'to unload' or 'to remove', while 力 means 'force' or 'power'; together, they literally suggest 'unloading force'. This principle emphasizes softness overcoming hardness, using minimal effort to dissipate energy—much like water yielding to pressure yet remaining unstoppable.

It appears frequently in taijiquan, baguazhang, and other internal styles, where practitioners train sensitivity (ting jin), timing, and body alignment to absorb and redirect force seamlessly. Outside martial contexts, 卸力 may appear metaphorically in sports science, physical therapy, or even engineering discussions about stress distribution—but its primary domain remains traditional Chinese combat theory and practice.