| Do you ever think about your breathing? Most | | | | back to something more positive in a few |
| people don't give it a second thought and why | | | | minutes. |
| should they? We are not meant to give it a | | | | What mental state we are in when we take |
| second thought. It is one of those automatic | | | | action or engage in martial arts combat can help |
| processes that our unconscious mind knows we | | | | or hinder us during that experience. As martial |
| would be too useless to take of ourselves if we | | | | artists it is vitally important that we set aside |
| were left with the responsibility. So it does it for | | | | time in our training in order to practise this aspect |
| us and very well at that. | | | | of our development as it can deepen our insight |
| Breathing however is incredibly important and I | | | | and mastery of our particular style. |
| am not talking about just keeping us alive here. I | | | | Breath control goes hand in hand with other |
| am talking about the effect it can have on our | | | | elements of training such as focus and |
| state of mind, our sense of equilibrium and our | | | | concentration. The so-called internal martial arts, a |
| effectiveness in our martial arts practice. | | | | good example being Tai-chi, have traditionally |
| The way we breathe can directly influence how | | | | placed great emphasis on breathing correctly |
| we perceive the world around us and can also | | | | during the precise movements and forms of |
| help us to control our bodily states and runaway | | | | practise. |
| feelings which might consume us if we let them. | | | | Modern martial arts classes tend to place less |
| For instance, when very angry or agitated, | | | | emphasis on breathing exercises instead going for |
| practising calm, controlled breathing can takes us | | | | all out physical training. This is a shame though |
| out of that angry state and into a quieter more | | | | because gaining mastery over our internal states |
| resourceful one. If we are nervous or feeling | | | | and emotions can bring all kinds of benefits, not |
| anxiety, say before a competition or sparring | | | | just to our martial arts but to our lives. Greater |
| session, simple breathing from the abdomen can | | | | tolerance of distractions, discipline and stronger will |
| reduce that anxiety and let a greater sense of | | | | power are all eventual side effects of regular |
| poise take its place. I know that before ever | | | | practise. The ultimate goal is self-control in its |
| learning the art of breath control I could | | | | highest sense. As the great Lao-Tzu is often |
| sometimes spend hours consumed with an | | | | quoted as saying "He who controls others may be |
| unhealthy state of mind before gradually coming | | | | powerful...but he who masters himself is mightier |
| out of it. With proper breathing, I can now get | | | | still. |
| myself out of an unhelpful frame of mind and | | | | |