| Training in martial arts, in this case karate, | | | | - Stand up straight with the feet shoulder width |
| disciplines the body and mind to react differently | | | | apart, and the arms hanging relaxed at the sides. |
| than nature intended. During a self-defense | | | | - Take a deep breath in through the nose, raise |
| encounter, the body's natural tendency is the | | | | the arms up and across the chest to shoulder |
| fight-or-flight syndrome. An adrenaline rush causes | | | | level, keeping the hands open. |
| the body to increase breathing to supply the | | | | - Cross the arms, clench the fists, and tighten the |
| muscles with additional oxygen for flight. The | | | | entire body. Set the breath in the lower abdomen |
| upside of additional oxygen in the blood is | | | | for a moment. Tense the abdominal muscles. |
| increased strength and speed for a short period | | | | - Form the hands into fists and slowly bring the |
| of time to escape. | | | | arms down to the sides. |
| The downside of increased oxygen levels is seen | | | | - Repeat the exercise two more times. |
| if a fight ensues. Too much oxygen in the blood | | | | Ibuki breathing stresses exhaling through the |
| can make one light-headed or possibly faint. | | | | mouth, not the nose, with force while creating |
| Learning and maintaining control of breathing | | | | tension in the abdominal muscles. When it seems |
| enhances all martial arts skill levels. Training in deep | | | | as though all the air is out of the lungs, tighten the |
| breathing techniques creates the ability to control | | | | abdominal muscles even more and force more air |
| inhalation and exhalation, making it easier to | | | | out. Ibuki breathing is used to restore breathing |
| maintain proper breathing during a self-defense | | | | after strenuous exercise. It is also used to |
| situation. Proper breathing exercises teach control | | | | restore breathing after receiving a strike to the |
| of the abdominal area, and strengthen the | | | | abdomen or diaphragm. As always, consult a |
| diaphragm. | | | | physician before beginning any physical |
| Ibuki Breathing | | | | conditioning, martial art, or self-defense training. |