If you are an average human being, you may be alive but not breathing. . . correctly, that is. Americans take breathing for granted, but did you know that it is really 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 allow ourselves to breathe shallowly, breathe through our mouths, 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; has you at a slight disadvantage. You get excited, you blush; you miss a heart beat; deep breathing! That is when your karate breathing exercises will come to your rescue. These exercises, when done correctly, will train your body to function at peak efficiency even in a time of extreme danger. Even if you don’t realize it, you are out of breath, you will be able to defend yourself successfully.
Proper posture
The most important prerequisite for proper breathing has nothing to do with the respiratory system. It is the correct posture! If your shoulders drop forward. . . your neck falls off. . . your stomach swells … if your spine curves while you walk and your back looks like 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 the correct breathing exercises. Decide now to stand tall, with your back straight, your head upright, and your shoulders back. Now we will describe the most popular breathing positions.
Standing positions
The first of the breathing techniques is easy to do. Stand straight, arms at your sides, abdomen relaxed, and head upright. Exhale completely. Then wait a second. Now inhale. Hold your breath for a second, then exhale. This is the basic breathing exercise. It teaches you to control your respiratory muscles and to properly fill your lungs.
Another exercise in the standing position is performed as follows: clasp your hands behind your neck. As you exhale, raise your hands behind your back as high as possible and reach downward, stretching your arms as you inhale. Do this several times.
Still, a third exercise 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 while inhaling. This breathing exercise actually flushes 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 to your shoulders. Bend your elbows, but make sure they are at shoulder level. Force your elbows back well. This method helps expand the upper chest.
A fifth method is jokingly called the “rocking the boat” exercise. After exhaling, bend your body to the right side and lift your left arm upward as you inhale; then lower your arm and return to the original rigid 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 lift the lower ribs.
Learn the correct breathing techniques and your karate will improve.
