Breathing takes many forms in Martial Arts. Whether you are a traditionalist performing a "ki-hap" when doing a technique, a boxer breathing out with a strike, or a wrestler grunting when doing a suplex, each martial art has some form of breathing.
What is the most effective way to breathe?
Studies show that breathing more has a powerful impact on the mind. In fact, it calms down tension, allows more oxygen to the brain allowing a faster thinking process, and helps your immune system. This is why meditation and martial arts have been linked for a very long time. But one may ask the question, do meditative principles manifest themselves in mixed martial arts and combat sports?
It may not be so obvious, but I believe that the effects of meditative breathing are more prominent in the styles that are incorporated in mixed martial arts. Why? Because of the stress and constant pressure to be calm under not so normal circumstances. What traditional martial arts lack, is the feeling of a threat, such as almost getting choked out and remaining calm and breathing, as well as defending yourself against an attack. Now, there are some martial art schools that do spar and do benefit from this, but then again alot of time is spent on kata rather than pure application. Arts like brazilian jiu jitsu constantly put the person in a state of what seems panic, yet, they remain calm.
Next time you are sparring with somebody, breathe in with your nose. Breathing with your nose allows yourself to get a greater amount of oxygen due to the receptors in the nose. Breathing with your mouth is okay, but you might gas out a little faster. Plus, if you are a boxer, keeping your jaw in tact will greatly reduce the chance of a knockdown/knockout.
Have a great day,
Martial Arts Tutor
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