KOKYU BREATHING
From our first breath to our last, breathing is essential to the continuation of life. Yet in most people, it is not optimized, and therefore the power that can be accessed through correct breathing technique is not exploited. When proper breathing is utilized, it can positively impact virtually every part of your life in a profound way.
Deep, abdominal breathing has many physical health benefits. By maximizing oxygenation of the blood, strength is increased and muscle efficiency, including the heart muscle, is improved. The higher oxygen levels also help the brain, so that thinking is clearer and the ability to focus and concentrate is improved. The movement of the diaphragm distending and contracting completely stimulates the organs for smooth and effective functioning. As the entire organism starts to function more optimally, the immune system is stimulated. By concentrating on just breathing, even for short periods, and gaining control over this crucial physiological action, we are able to exert greater and greater control over our other physical states, as well as mental and emotional states. In the same way as the bit in a horse's mouth, or the keel of a ship, although it is very small in itself, can control a much larger entity, by learning to control our breathing we can have greater control over our whole selves.
In martial arts applications, the kokyu (literally, "animating breath") breathing technique is applied whenever extra power is required. Kokyu can be defined as a "gathering of energy". It is a physiological response; there is nothing metaphysical about it. It is the same energy used in the familiar stories of a grandmother able to lift a car to save the little boy. By the regular practice and application of kokyu breathing, a student learns to access and utilize that inner power when necessary. The shout in a kiai technique is only the auditory portion of the technique, and not the most important, although it is probably the best known. It is the power behind the shout that counts.
To correctly learn and practice the simplest form of kokyu breathing takes only a few minutes at a time throughout your day. You can do it anywhere, and apply its principles any time that it is needed. If you need to concentrate for a test, if you need to calm your nerves for an important meeting, if some jerk just cut you off in traffic and you need to diffuse your anger, if you are feeling sad for no reason (oh that PMS!), if you need to keep your head in an emergency, all these and more are circumstances where you can apply kokyu breathing.
To practice (for the beginner), sit comfortably, preferably in seiza position. Relax as much as possible, paying special attention to your shoulders, face and hara (abdomen). Close your eyes if you want to. Now with your next inhale, allow your hara to distend slowly while you breathe in through your nose. Fully inflate your lungs, and allow your stomach to expand completely. Hold it for a moment. Now slowly push the air out again through your mouth, not just by relaxing the hara, as if simply letting go of the neck of a balloon, but by tightening the hara as much as possible, increasing the tension and pulling in the abdomen until your lungs are completely empty. Then repeat the process. The hand movements can help to focus the movements. Be careful not to get dizzy.
As greater proficiency is gained, adding speed and focus increases the practicality of the technique, and as the student learns to add internal energy (ki) to the exhale, it becomes a very effective tool for self-defense. As we say, "Life is a dojo", and this technique, learned in the context of self-defense, will help you in any area of your life that needs it.
Kokyu breathing must be practiced regularly to be most useful!
c Donna Murphy 2006. All rights reserved. No part of this web page or site may be reproduced without written permission from the author. For information, see the "Find Us' page.