Breathing (呼吸)

Breathing or kokyu (呼吸) is a key component of Gojuryu karate and is emphasized heavily in training. It has even been said by some teachers that breathing is everything.  Breathing is especially emphasized and practiced in the fundamental kata Sanchin and Tensho.

The illustrations above indicate how the breath is perceived or "imagined" to enter and exit the body, beginning and ending in the tanden and abdominal area, where the muscles are tensed to control the breath.  Thoracic breathing, using the the intercostal muscles in the chest, should be avoided.  

Initially, breathing is done very consciously, inhaling through the nose and exhaling through the mouth, making a harsh, rasping noise in the process.  The throat and nasal passages are constricted to slow and control the breath.  Inhalations and exhalations can be short or long, or any combination thereof.   For  Sanchin the breathing is strong and loud, for Tensho the breathing is calmer and quieter, the ying to Sanchin's yang.

For all other kata, however, breathing should become silent and natural, adapting to the flow of techniques.