BUT WHEN DO I BREATHE?

 By Phillip Starr

I've had many students ask what would seem to be a nonsensical question. In doing a reverse punch or better yet, a lunging punch, they ask, “Just when do I breathe?” Of course, what they mean is “exhale.” Inhalation is done prior to the execution of any technique and with nothing more than a sniff. Exhalation, however, is a different matter.

We all know that force equals mass multiplied by acceleration (F=MA). The air we inhale and exhale isn't going to affect our mass at all BUT it can increase the acceleration of our movement...so we're talking about exhalation. So, students sometimes wonder if it should be done at the beginning or the end of a technique. I often use the analogy of a car race...

When the cars are at the starting line they rev their engines and when the flag drops, the drivers stomp the accelerator to the floor. Anyone who starts off nice and easy...having the idea of flooring the accelerator at the very end of the race isn't going to fare well. They need the sudden burst of acceleration at the very beginning of the race!

So, there's the answer to their question. Exhalation should be very powerful and performed at the beginning of the technique. THAT is where they need the most acceleration. Sometimes I notice a student not exhaling at all (this often occurs when they perform a form). Holding the breath is every bit as bad as inhaling in so far as vulnerability is concerned. It also restricts acceleration.

Just remember – exhale just as you begin your technique and exhale 2/3 of your breath as quickly as possible. The longer it takes you to exhale, the more of a “pushing” (rather than “striking”) effect you'll get. It'll make a bit of noise (which becomes less noticeable in time), which can actually be of some help...listen to the sound you make; if it's a bit long or drawn-out, it's taking you too long to exhale and you're getting too much “push!” The sound should be no longer than a gunshot – open your big mouth and get the air out as quickly as possible! Don't purse your lips and blow – the opening through which you're exhaling is then too small and it takes too long to get the air out – open your mouth and get the air out quickly!

What about combinations? Do you exhale separately for each technique? NO! A given combination should be done in ONE exhalation, which is done as quickly as possible. A two-technique combination isn't too difficult to do this way; a three technique combo will require considerable practice and a four technique combo is nearly impossible! You certainly don't want an inhalation to occur in the middle of your combination; it will slow you down and leave you highly vulnerable to attack! So, leave no open windows of opportunity for your opponent to exploit. Everything happens in a single breath.

And don't lengthen your exhalation to accommodate your techniques. Instead, your techniques must fit into the space of a single, powerful, quick exhalation. It'll require considerable practice, believe me. But it'll make all the difference in the world...