Читать книгу Empty Hand. The Essence of Budo Karate онлайн

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If one gets nervous in a situation of violence one will lose. Such nervousness comes from disturbances of pulse and blood pressure, which again are caused by breathing disturbances. For this reason some people get also nervous in front of a crowd. When things go wrong somehow and life is full of trouble one often feels depressed. Unconsciously breathing becomes short, flat and throat-centered. In the worst case, one breathes only with the tip of the nose, so to speak. If someone gets used to such kind of breathing he cannot expect to be blessed with a long life.

In order to harmonize the soul one must harmonize breathing. Breathing deeply into the abdomen arranges the energies in the lower abdomen. If in this area everything is “well settled”, one has good reason to hope for a long life. The effects of correct breathing will be greater the better the breathing rules are understood and followed consciously. I studied several breathing techniques like those of yoga or qigong. According to them, holding the breath (taisoku) is harmful. But in karate it is regarded to be very reasonable. It strengthens the heart and improves the flexibility of breathing. I am now more than 80 years of age but I do not have any problems climbing a staircase and never grasp for air.