Ki Breathing in Martial Arts

Compiled by Tammy Parlour
6 August 2004

The average person uses a small fraction of his muscles potential. Through Hapkido training though, students learn to develop and train their concentration, using their mind to lead ki (inner power) to the muscles effectively. Through this process the students’ muscles are able to perform at a higher level and fighting effectiveness can be increased.

As martial artists though, if we solely focus on the physical side of training we may develop some significant problems. Firstly it is unlikely we will be able to continue to train into old age. Secondly, everything within our lives slowly because oriented towards this more physical perspective; we become naturally out of balance. (This might be manifested in attracting more fights and/or engaging in negative situations)

With this in mind, a thorough understanding of mind and body principles and how we can cultivate, protect and nourish ki in daily life is essential. So what is it exactly?

Ki is the Korean term for the life force, vitality or the energy that exists in this universe. Gedo Chang (Hapkido Master) says that, “Ki has no beginning and has no end. It is always “being”, it is the origin of all creation.” Put simply, ki is that which gives life - - in terms of the human body it is that which differentiates a corpse from a living human being.

Since ki is the source of life, if you understand how ki functions and know how to regulate it correctly you should be able to live a long and healthy life with full energy.

In ki society, the physical body is often likened to a country. Ki is represented by the people, the mind is the king. In a country, the king leads the people. If he is good and wise, life will be good. If, however, he is ruled by passions and desires, life is less than good.

For the martial artist then, the strength and quality of his/her ki energy is dependant on their state of mind. Extremes of emotion influence the movement of ki within the body. If these emotions are positive and constructive, the energy flows freely through the body. If these emotions are negative and unhealthy, the efficiency of this ki flow will be affected. In this case, the energy becomes negative, contaminated with the essence of negative thoughts. Blockage and obstructions like this in ki flow are said to bring about disease and will cause our sense of well being to deteriorate.

Positive energy is generated from positive thoughts and emotions. Unfortunately people believe they have no control over what emotions they have or don’t have; what they think, or don’t think. These people, unfortunately, have no control over their mind, or at least have given up trying to control thoughts.

The emotional mind varies from person to person, place to place, time to time, etc. which makes establishing universal set rules to control the mind quite impossible. So, we must first learn to calm down our mind and then try to comprehend it ourselves. The best way to accomplish this is through regulating our breathing.

Proper breathing can add so much to your health and sense of well-being; and, when your emotional mind is in check you will have abundant quantity of Ki and high quality ki manifestation.

Basic meditation or ki breathing is simple to describe, however it takes years of practice to truly refine.

Preparation for ki breathing.
Put aside 10mins to perform some slow deep breathing. Think of it as sacred time. Don’t let yourself do anything else.
Try to relax your body. Either sit or stand, but keep good posture, concentrate on sinking your weight downward to your abdomen and fix your line of vision.
Inhalation
Slowly, softly, gently breathe in – as if through the tip of your nose. Fill your lungs with oxygen. Imagine ki entering your body – if it’s helpful, give it a color!
As you inhale gently count. One. Two. Three etc…

Holding the Breathe
After inhalation, hold your breath for a short period. As you hold your breath, drop your weight. As you drop your weight, slightly contract the anus and concentrate your energy (body & mind) in your lower abdomen. Make sure the rest of your body, particularly your chest is fully relaxed. Gently count. One. Two. Three etc…

Exhalation
Slowly, softly, gently exhale through the nostrils. Count the exhalation as before. Allow your whole body to relax.

Repeat the process.
As well as some physiological aspects – such as using the nose and using the diaphragm, healthy breathing is in big part about mental focus. As you repeat the breathing engage your mind with the process more and more.
If you experience any dizziness or discomfort stop immediately and breathe naturally once again.

Gedo Chang would say that, “the tree with heavy roots will remain calm and still, as we will be if we develop strong roots through ki meditation by emptying our minds.” Regular Ki breathing should enable you to relax your physical body and help you to discover your inner self. Ki breathing has given many people improved physical condition, enhanced concentration, and freedom from anxiety and stress – the building blocks of the expert martial artist.

Tammy Parlour has studied under Grandmaster Gedo Chang for almost twenty five years. She is head instructor at Chang’s Hapkido Academy in London and teaches Ki & Hapkido classes throughout the week. Visit the CHA website for more details ~ www.ChangsHapkidoAcademy.co.uk or call her direct on 07951 535876.

www.ChangsHapkidoAcademy.co.uk © 2005