hib's zen • breathing

	Everything about being a successful fighter requires a certain amount of equilibrium.  In order to be extreme and hardcore in combat, you need to have the ability to calm your emotions and really relax when you need rest.    This type of duality creates a real balance. Control over both worlds makes for a better whole. As a fighter, it is important to lower your uncontrolled tension level before you begin to psyche yourself up. Nervous tension is very draining and disconcerting. Concentrating on clearing your mind to deal with the task at hand is your control mechanism and release valve for the pressure you are put under when you are waiting to fight.
Breathing is the tool that will put you in control of your emotional content. It will give you room to gather up the necessary energy to focus your emotions positively and put forth a maximum effort. Breath control is a quick and easy way to bring about a state of relaxation and calm. To control your breath you must concentrate on deep diaphragmatic breaths. Breathe deeply in through your nose, fill your lungs and push your belly out. Imagine the air is energy that has come to empower you. Then let the air complete the circle down your throat into your belly and flow back up your throat and out through your mouth. This type of breathing creates a cycle of energy flow. With practice this will have a very calming effect. At this point you will be able to feel when it is time to focus your thoughts and emotions.
Breath Control   Right before you are to fight is the time to focus your thoughts to a single purpose of committed effort towards your game plan. Shorter pumping breaths will help prepare you to deal with the dump of adrenaline that precedes the action. Then when the time comes to be explosive and physical, like flipping on a light switch, you will be able to turn on the juice and rock!