Kokyuho- The Importance of Breath

What are the necessities of life? Food.? You could live for ten days or more without food. Water, maybe? At least three days before death comes. Air, then? Most people would not list air among the essentials of life because we take our breathing for granted. Yet we can see how this easily overlooked nutrient, air, is the most essential element of life. Just try going without it for more than a minute or two and see how you feel. Dizziness and weakness will quickly set in.

Our breath, therefore gives us strength. When we perform ukemi or kata without proper breathing our technique is weak and our flow of energy(Ki) is blocked. If we hold our breath during Randori or Kumite we quickly become tired and lack the energy to continue. If poor breathing habits are used during Shiai or real fighting we lose the power to pace our fight and are quickly defeated despite excellent conditioning.

Proper Breathing or Kokyuho allows our energy to flow freely and adds power to our technique. Our movements are smooth and relaxed, yet crisp and precise. We have reserves of energy to call upon as the pace of the battle increases. With proper breathing, we harmonize with our environment and the rhythms of the Universe - the breath rises and falls like the tide, allowing the Ki of Creation to flow through us. We feel better and perform better.

Have you forgotten how to breathe properly? Do your chest and shoulders rise and fall with your inhalation and exhalation? Or do you breathe naturally from your diaphragm as a baby does? Try this test. Lie on your back in a comfortable spot and place a book on your stomach. The book should go up on your inhale and down on your exhale. If not then you are breathing incorrectly. This type of breathing is counter to our cultural training, that says “Stand up straight! Shoulders back! Chest Out! Stomach in!” While it looks great in Military Uniforms it inhibits our movements and bodily functions.

In the Dojo we practice several forms of Kokyuho for developing proper breathing. These exercises should be performed with Zanshin(attention) and done frequently. When these forms are done correctly the Ki will flow through you and you will feel a tremendous heat build up within you. Your mind will clear and you are ready to focus on your training.

One should also correctly practice the usage of Kiai. When all of these elements are incorporated into your training, great progress will be made.