Question 039: Hip snap

My question is in regard to “snap.” My instructor explains that hip snap is very important, but I find this hard to achieve especially when executing any kind of a block in a front stance (I do somewhat better in a back stance.) I also have fairly poor snap on my punches and probably on my kicks. I almost never hear my uniform snap. My instructor thinks my main problem is that my upper body musculature is tense/tight and that I cannot rotate freely or quickly because of this. I keep trying to loosen up in the upper body, but apparently have not been very successful. I have also concentrated on my reaction force, but this is still not bringing out the "snap." Any tips would be appreciated.