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Breathing We breathe to live. Our bodies need
oxygen to survive and operate. We expel the waste products such as carbon
dioxide. Our bodies utilise the oxygen to operate our bodily functions. If our
breathing cannot cope with fuelling our bodies with the correct amount of oxygen
we will not operate correctly. In martial arts terms, we will lose. The study of
breathing is an integral part of our training – whether we realise it or not.
The correct use of this study is vital to our success. Therefore, we may breathe
to live, but as fighters we must also breathe to win. The fitter we get the more efficient our
bodies become, and the slower the rate breathing is necessary for the same task.
If we increase our capacity as a fighter we must get fitter and improve our
internal systems. To train our bodies to operate at lower rates of breathing we
must train harder, so the body learns to adapt. If we work hard at training
pushing our lungs to the limit for several weeks our bodies become used to the
capacity, and will become more efficient. The
result is that as fighters we can work harder, faster and for longer periods. Controlling your breathing is of prime
importance. At the start of every competition, or round of club sparring, we
must strive for the lowest possible breath rate. This will ensure that our
breathing operates at the optimum level for the round. If you have just fought
for a round, it is necessary to slow your breathing as quickly as possible. One
note many people forget is that our bodies breathe hard for a reason. The body
is crying out for oxygen and by attempting to control that breathing we starve
our bodies. As stated elsewhere – if you want to puff, then puff! The fastest
way to lower your heart and breathing rate between rounds is to let your body do
the work how it sees fit. Your body knows itself better than you do. See how control of breathing works for
yourself. In one training session try to control your breathing, concentrating
on breathing in through your mouth, and out through your nose. Try and hold your
breath for a period between breaths, and see how quickly you slow your
breathing. Also note how you perform during training whilst trying this out. The next time you train in a similar
session, let your body breath how it wants to, and don’t try and control it. I
believe that many of you will find your breathing slows a lot quicker, and you
will then have more fitness and stamina. When you execute a technique you breath
out. This means you breath in first. As stated elsewhere, learn this basic
trigger and watch for when the opponent attacks. Be aware that he will also be
able to study your breathing, so don’t make your own too obvious. Remember you
can hear breathing, feel breathing, and see breathing. If unlucky you can smell
breathing! Make sure your use your senses to the full, or you’ll make life
harder for yourself. When you strike and breathe out you
tense your stomach. This assists you in protecting your lungs and breathing
during the attack. Be aware that as you breathe out the air has to go somewhere!
If you breathe out through your mouth, then your jaw opens. This leaves you more
open to being knocked out through a slack jaw. Instead, snort out through your
nose – it’s a lot safer! Although rare during full contact fighting, no text on breathing can leave out the classic ki-ai or battle cry! This is common to many traditional martial arts, and is sometimes used during point’s kickboxing. First it scares the opponent as you throw a strike. This can make them freeze making it easier to strike them effectively. The process tightens your stomach and helps focus your whole mind and body behind the strike. Remember if you are struck with a slack jaw it is easier to be knocked out though, so watch you don’t get hit during ki-ai! |
