A tensioner that includes a blade shoe (106), at least one blade spring (112), a ramp 122), and a brake (132). The blade shoe has a curved chain sliding face, an underside, opposite the chain sliding face, a proximal end pivotally attached to ground and a distal end. The ramp is fixed to ground and has a ramp surface (122a) for contacting the chain sliding face or the underside of the blade shoe. The brake is self-energizing, pivotally fixed to ground and has a friction contact surface (132a) for contacting the distal end portion (106c) of the chain sliding face, the blade spring, or the underside of the blade shoe for restricting movement of the distal end of the blade shoe in one direction and allowing movement in the opposite direction.