Breathing Techniques in Martial Arts

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2008 !!!

As a karate student you will be taught to exhale strongly whilst punching, but in a Shaolin kung-fu class you will not be told to do so...If you breath loudly, your opponent will know that you are about to attack!". Which of those methods is right or wrong, I honestly do not know. More investigation is needed to be done.

In any of the above mentioned techniques, inhalation should take place through the nose and exhalation through the mouth. For instance, breathing (during kata training) should be natural, exhaling with a sharp hiss when striking. While in Kumite (or in combat), the breathing should be undetectable.

The use of abdominal breathing can reinforce the body's resolve and the ability to strike. the karate master Matsumura, who once defeated an enemy using only his kiai which is meant to express a harmony between the body and the mind, is of a great importance and to be admired...

Rank and Promotion in Martial Arts

Traditionally, each person has a teacher (Sensei in Japanese) who is responsible for transmitting knowledge and character toward a student, and some say when he stops teaching, The martial Art die.
Since the Sensei is the one who is responsible for giving a student his ranks. Definitively its him, who decides when one gets a promotion, leaving no space for an enthusiastic student to develope skills other than those taught by the Sensei himself and by doing so, it sends a wrong message telling others that you can not study by yourself and the knowledge and skills obtained from other sources do not count !!! as if Knowledge is only to be found in a Do-Jo. So be careful in developing a spirit of a real warrior.
Some would ask is he or she will not be learning from their own investigations !!! although our own masters received their rank in different ways. it is the skill and knowledge that gains the rank, not vice versa.
Fortunately some real Martial Art Masters do appreciate all the effort and the spirit that a student puts on to progress in the world of the martial arts.
Many mistakenly believe that the actual belt ranking system is an ancient aspect of traditional martial arts. It is not.

SAMURAI - 侍

A samurai is a man who studies combat techniques, well trained in martial skills, a man of culture who also studies calligraphy and most relevant is a man of honor. The samurai´s values, among others, were loyalty managed to its extreme and was very respectful from all classes of society.

There are eight virtues, which a Samurai must try to possess:

· A sense of justice and honesty

· Courage

· Self Control

· Sympathy towards all people

· Politeness and respect for etiquette

· Sincerity and respect for one´s word of honour

· Absolute loyalty to one´s superior

· A duty to defend the honour of one´s name and guild.

Campamento de Karate Shito Ryu en Margarita, Venezuela

EL dia Jueves 06 de Julio de 2007 se dio inicio al XXVI Campamento Nacional de Karate Shito Ryu en la hermosa Isla de Margarita, Venezuela.

Este evento sera dirigido por Master Kyoshi Shoko Sato, octavo Dan , director tecnico panamericano de la Federacion Mundial de Karate shito Ryu, y por el Sensei Eduardo Riveros.

Ademas de la presencia de Kenji Sato, director tecnico Shito Ryu USA, el Campeon Mundial de Kata Sensei Antonio Diaz y en Kumite Jean Carlos Pena, Cesar Herrera, Nguyen Rodriguez. Se estima la participacion de quinientos karatecas a este importante evento ...

Aqui se puede apreciar algunas imagenes de este excelente evento...

"Keiko", "Kumite" or "Sparring"

When "Kendokas" practice with an opponent they call it "keiko", That is a free-fight exercise. Karate practitioner "Karate-ka", when performing exercising with a partner they call it "Kumite" or sparring although very physically demanding, they all require "sanchin" - self-control and good spirit.

We all have to keep in mind that these exercises allow us to develop so many elements such as: breathing, control, distance, reflexes, speed, coordination and timing.

A good Sensei must understand each one of his students and teach him on one to one basis in order to develop a proper attitude to engage in a kumite with respect rather than brutalizing his/her opponent.

In other words, the sensei must structure the lessons around the Natural Learning Styles of his students to motivate them and let them improve.

The Code of Bushido – The Seven Virtues of the Samurai

Martial Arts – no matter which one we practice - is really a way through which one can develop virtues of respect, compassion, love and qualities that help build honorable character in people to reach a better world.

The code of bushido always remindes us to build our character around these virtues:
- Justice (GI) throughout our dealings with all people
- Bravery (YU) must show courage
- Benevolence (Jin) must be compassionate
- Politeness (Rei) no need to prove strength
- Veracity (Makoto) have complete sincerity
- Honor (Meiyo) You cannot hide from yourself.
- Loyalty (Chuugi) intensely loyal to those who in his care

Pressure points - fighting

Are the methods of attacking vulnerable locations on the human weakest points of the body (neck, arm, back, chest, leg, etc.). If these vital points – like some times are called - are attacked, they can cause dramatic effects. By the way, here we are not going to present facts on where and how to hit in order to save your life.

In Japanese the use of vital points is generally referred to “Kyusho Jitsu” and in china ther term “Dimmak” – death touch is practiced. Both are concerned in striking a specific point in the human body to cause a destructive effect to gain a competitive edge or to apply pressure on these vital points as part of a healing process.

Activating any one of the pressure points in fighting can cause injury to the mind and body. So be aware of them and take your time in researching, understanding them as a system and proper application can be very dangerous because they can cause great harm.

If you are a Martial Art practitioner, you are encouraged to discover the hidden pressure points or vital points information within your style and expand your knowledge and effectiveness of your fighting art.

For example:

Muscle pressure points are used a lot in Tai Chi and are very effective.

In general, the knowledge of applying these techniques are hidden principles in the hand of few people that can cause a person to feel an unlock or relax the muscle you are attacking.