Breathing in kata

Introduction

Breathing is a technical part of kata. It affects balance, body tension, timing, kime, concentration and endurance.

In Oyama's description of formal exercises, inhalation and exhalation are among the main elements of kata. Breathing should therefore not be added afterwards; it should be trained as part of the technique.

Basic principle

Breathing should support movement. It should not disturb technique or create unnecessary tension.

Correct breathing helps the practitioner to:

• gather the body
• generate power
• release unnecessary tension
• stabilize the trunk
• finish the technique
• remain calm between movements

Ibuki

Ibuki is powerful, controlled breathing with clear body tension. In Kyokushin, ibuki is especially associated with Sanchin and Tenshō.

Ibuki should not be merely sound. It should come from the body's centre and be supported by posture, abdominal tension and concentration.

Technically, ibuki involves:

• deep breathing
• strong trunk activation
• controlled exhalation
• physical and mental concentration
• a clear connection between breathing and movement

Nogare

Nogare is softer breathing. It is used where movement requires more relaxation, transition or natural flow.

Nogare should not be limp or passive. It should be calm and controlled.

Short and long breathing

Breathing in kata can alternate between longer and shorter forms. Some movements require a slow exhalation, others a short and explosive exhalation. Several kata combine these forms.

The important point is that breathing follows technique, not the other way around.

Breathing and kime

Kime requires the support of breathing. At the finish, breathing should help the body gather power without creating stiffness after the technique.

A common error is for the student to hold the breath before the technique or tense the body too early. This makes movement slow and heavy.

Sanchin and Tenshō

Sanchin and Tenshō are central to understanding breathing in kata.

• Sanchin trains body tension, posture, ibuki and centre.
• Tenshō trains circular hand movement, control, receptiveness, breathing and defensive strength.

These kata should therefore not be treated as ordinary sequence kata. They are specific training forms for breathing, body control and technical concentration.

Common errors

• Breathing is held back.
• The student breathes loudly but without body support.
• Ibuki becomes theatrical sound.
• The body tenses before movement begins.
• Breathing breaks the rhythm.
• The student uses the same breathing in every kata.
• Breathing and technique do not finish together.

Comment

Breathing is one of the clearest differences between knowing a kata and understanding a kata. Without breathing, kata becomes external movement. With correct breathing, the form gains centre, power and life.