respiratory function

[jthomas1600]

It seems to me that probably the best way to develop your cardio is just to work hard at what ever activity it is you need to improve your cardio in. But I took a few months of karate about 20 years ago and the instructor was really big into breathing exercises. One of the things he really pushed was to exhale completely and then squeeze a little more out, and then a little more. Kind of amazing when you think you've completely exhaled how much more you can force out. Then he would have you do the same thing on your inhale.

Anybody have any luck with this type of thing? You find much value in it? If so, what are some of the breathing exercises you have used?

 

[Bill Mattocks]

We practice various breathing exercises, not necessarily designed to increase lung function. One of them is 'tanden breathing'. We also practice exhaling as we strike. Sanchin breathing is an exercise unto itself. All good.

 

[clfsean]

Like my taiji teacher said.. "Yes, breathing is good. Please continue."

 

[Supra Vijai]

Not sure of the name of it but we did a breathing exercise a while back where you focus your breath as you inhale so you fill up different parts of your lungs and diapghram and then breathe out in reverse order. No idea if this is right but the term "compression breathing" springs to mind. It was particularly useful for ground work and bear hug type things where bits of your lungs are restricted and breathing becomes a chore