The breath

[SteveO]

I have been studying the energy aspects of the martial arts for about 2 years now and have found that it does not matter what style you train in if you are breathing right then you gain fluid movement like what you see from top aikido guys etc everything starts with the breath if you are breathing right then you move , react , and think even before your attacker has moved . if you are in control of your breath you are in control of yourself ..

[sirdarksol]

Very interesting theory. I believe in the power of breath and internal energy, though I don't know that I would grant it such power as to be able to defeat an attacker who is more skilled than I.
I believe that everything, Mind, Body, Spirit (skill/talent, strength/speed, energy/spirit) comes together in an attack or defense, and the more seamlessly merged they are, the more powerful the maneuver.

[disgruntled]

interesting. i think that too often breathing is overlooked. in hapkido we would cool down and catch our breathe by jumping on the spot and i found that very helpful because i can now catch my breath well still moving about which is very benefical. i have not really thought of how i breathe when throwing someone or striking. i should pay more attention to that.

SteveO, do you have any suggestions for how to better control your breathing and become more aware of it?

[SteveO]

Sirdarksol : it will always be down to what you know and how you apply it under pressure but what im trying to say is if your breathing is right then you will not panic your body will not tense you will think without feeling like you have to rush and you will react while in complete control of yourself and whoever you have control of at that time.. lol..

Disgruntled : afew things i have been studying are 1 when you are training make your breath audible in through the nose out through the mouth and remember movement follows breath 2 this may sound strange but try when you are relaxed to hold your breath for as long as you can and when you want to breath go that little bit longer because what your doing is getting your body used to being without oxygen and highly stressed and tense and your body and brain will begin to panic and will fight you every step of the way but in the long run you are increasing your bodys reaction to stress which could be work or combat related 3 and the last for good sensitivity is if you lie down get comfy and listen to your breath then slowy try to feel your pulse and you can start from your neck your temples , wrist , back of knees , inside top of thigh ( under groin) well you get the gist anyway this will increase your sensitivity to your own body and by knowing yourself and feeling yourself inside then you will feel injurys blockages and be in total control so you will feel any changes and adjust as needed.

[tntma12]

I agree breathing is a very important aspect of training that is widely overlooked. Steve, very intersting excersises. In Aikido we use many techniques as well, one of the biggest being to breath from your center point, about an inch or two below your navel, also keeping your attention on this point helps to keep you centered and your breathing more controled. Just my 2 cents

[disgruntled]

Originally Posted by tntma12

I agree breathing is a very important aspect of training that is widely overlooked. Steve, very intersting excersises. In Aikido we use many techniques as well, one of the biggest being to breath from your center point, about an inch or two below your navel, also keeping your attention on this point helps to keep you centered and your breathing more controled. Just my 2 cents

LOL, i guess no surprise (given they have the same origins), but we do that in Hapkido too.

[SteveO]

you would be surprised but alot of martial arts breath from the centre and thats where you gather chi / ki so when you are skilled enough or when you have the right instructor to teach you , you will be able to apply this energy to your movements / techniques im sure they teach you this from the start in aikido ( tntma12 ) im sure should know more..