Breathe Through Your Heels

August 6, 2013

Chuang Tzu (c.370-286 BC) said, “The breathing of the superior man comes from his heels, while men generally breathe only from their throats…”

When performing these types of exercises it is important to realize that breathing is not simply a mechanical process where we see our lungs operating as a kind of bellows, drawing in and pushing out the air. Rather, we should understand that breathing is a complete physiological process of cellular respiration – our entire body breathes!

Mental imagery or visualization can aid in increasing the effectiveness of the above exercises. When inhaling, imagine the body filling up with calm, relaxing energy; feel it permeate the entire body, pouring through every cell. When exhaling, visualize all the metabolic waste products, stress, and unnecessary tensions being exhaled from the entire body. It’s a very simple add-on, but it works wonderfully. Give it a try!

From my book, Warrior Fitness: Conditioning for Martial Arts

Want to be a truly Superior Man? Learn how to Evolve Your Breathing!

Jon

Jon Haas, "The Warrior Coach" has been training in Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu for more than 25 years and is currently ranked as a Kudan (9th degree black belt) under Jack Hoban Shihan. He has also trained in Okinawan Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Russian Systema, BJJ, Krav Maga, as well as Internal Martial Arts of Yiquan and Aiki.He is a certified Underground Strength Coach-Level 2, a certified Personal Trainer as well as founder of Warrior Fitness Training Systems. In 2008, Jon wrote the book, Warrior Fitness: Conditioning for Martial Arts, and since then has created numerous other online training and coaching programs helping people around the world become the strongest, most capable versions of themselves!