It is an especially beautiful day in paradise. I was greeted this morning with the blooming of these two gorgeous flowers.

Breathe …

I am often asked, what is the first thing to learn, or teach in martial arts? My answer usually shocks them, because it’s a concept most teachers forget as the foundation of all of life and to produce quality movement of the physical body…breathing. We have taken breathing for granted, like most other habitually repetitious things we learn.

One of the first things, after existing the womb, is to get the new born baby to breathe. In the old days the doctor or nurse would grab the infant by the ankles, turn it upside down and slap it on the butt to activate breathing.

I have found breathing is naturally connected to all physical movement. Breathing is vital in the performance of quality martial arts.

There is a natural rhythm and timing as it relates to your movements in martial arts. All movements when accompanied with correct breathing rhythm and timing will enhance the quality of the technique. Knowing how and when to breathe in harmony with what you are doing is paramount.

To start all physical activities with a breathing technique for that particular movement. The questions is, how do you know if you are breathing “correctly”? You can tell by the direction of the movements. If you are extending, pushing or moving out, away from your body, its best to exhale. If you are drawing inward to the body, it would be best to inhale.

Do not inhale a full breathe then hold and tense your body. Tensing your body only restricts, inhibits, it tightens and limits your body from  releasing the energy and power needed to perform the movement focused intent.

When inhaling relax and keep your shoulders down, Don’t lift your shoulders up around your neck when inhaling. The law of Isolate and Control must also be practiced during all breathing exercises and movements. Isolate and control is your ability to increase your range of motion while isolating one of the seven power points of the body, the neck, wrists, elbows, arms, hips, knees, and ankles.

When isolating these power points, make the widest range of motion, don’t move, and isolate that body part from the rest of the body’s movement. This will allow the isolated part to get the maximum rotation and benefit. This will require you to focus, concentrate and exercise discipline.

Remember that all training and practice always include the three aspects of your humanity, your connection to your spiritual creation, your mental intent, development and power to focus and concentrate, and the health and maintenance of your body.

Easily said, but a major challenge for everyone to incorporate all three aspect into your martial arts training.

This is the origin, genesis, start, the beginning, this is your greatest challenge. This program is for everyone, but not everyone will be able to achieve any personal satisfaction or level of proficiency and effectiveness.

Everyone may be able to improve to some degree by NOT using this method of training, BUT if you desire to be your BEST, you will need a particular mindset to accomplish this. To create this particular mindset will take correct breathing, being able to isolate and control your mind and body through your ability to focus and concentrate in each moment of being your best.

You are as powerful as you need to be to accomplish anything in life you desire.

Love and Light

Happy New Year.