If you are an average human being, you may be alive but you are not breathing. . . correctly, that is. Americans take breathing for granted, but did you know it’s actually an important exercise? Proper breathing techniques stimulate the action of the heart, increase circulation, drain carbon dioxide from the blood, and make muscle coordination better and more active. But unfortunately, many of us indulge in shallow breathing, mouth breathing, and some of us, in a moment of intense concentration, even forget to breathe!
In Karate you need maximum physical and psychological strength at a critical moment. You are often surprised by an opponent; he has you at a slight disadvantage. You get excited, you blush; you miss a heartbeat; deep breathing! That’s when your Karate breathing exercises will come to your rescue. These exercises, when performed correctly, will train your body to operate at maximum efficiency even in a time of extreme danger! Even if you are caught off guard or short of breath, you will be able to successfully defend yourself.
proper posture
The most important prerequisite for proper breathing has nothing to do with the respiratory system. It’s the correct posture! If your shoulders slump forward. . . your neck falls off. . . your stomach bulges… if your spine curves when you walk and your back resembles the letter “S”, then brother, ATTENTION! You can learn all the techniques and principles of Karate, but without proper posture you will never be able to perform correct breathing exercises. Resolve now to stand tall, with your back straight, head up, and shoulders back. Now we will describe the most popular breathing positions.
standing positions
The first of the breathing techniques is easy to perform. Stand up straight, arms at your sides, abdomen relaxed, head up. Exhale completely. So wait a second. Now inhale. Hold your breath for a second and then exhale. This is the basic breathing exercise. It teaches you the control of the respiratory muscles and the correct filling of your lungs.
Another exercise in the standing position is performed as follows: clasp your hands behind your neck. As you exhale, lift your hands up your back as far as they will go and reach down, straightening your arms as you inhale. Do this several times.
There is still a third exercise that is performed as follows: first, raise your arms above your head. Lean forward and touch your toes as you exhale. Return to the original position as you inhale. This breathing exercise really empties the lungs of impurities.
A fourth method of breathing exercise while standing is this: stand tall. Place your arms straight in front of you and at shoulder level. As you inhale bring your hands back to your shoulders. Bend your elbows but make sure they are level with your shoulders. Force your elbows back well. This method helps expand the upper frontal chest.
A fifth method is jokingly called the “rock the boat” exercise. After exhaling, bend your body to the right side and raise your left arm up as you inhale; then lower your arm and return to the original stiff position as you exhale. Then bend your body to the left, raise your right arm as you inhale, and return to the original upright position as you exhale. This method helps elevate the lower ribs.
Learn the correct breathing techniques and your karate will improve.