Chi and the art of breathing in martial arts

In Taoism, the universe is a play of shade and light or "Yin" and "Yang" whose strands are connected and maintained in harmony by the gentle but powerful force of "Chi".

According to Chinese belief, Chi is present within the body and also within all existence throughout the universe and is the substance of all material things. Chi flows through the body along the "Meridians" - which are channels of energy. The centre of all Chi within the body is found at the "Tan Tien" which is located in the lower abdomen area about 2 inches below the navel.

Some aspects of soft martial art practice are concerned with harmonizing the chi in this area of the tan tien where it can be stored and later moved around the body to clear energy blockages. These blockages can cause illness and sickness of various kinds that stop us being in harmony with our surroundings. Indeed, according to this philosophy, most ailments are due to the incorrect or non-movement of energy within our system.

Internal martial arts have as one of their foundational principles the idea of preventing these blockages and this can be achieved through the deep breathing exercises and contained deliberate movements practised within the form. If you watch an exhibition or practitioner performing Tai-chi you can witness these breath cycles and movements in action. Moving the chi around the body replenishes and revitalizes the major and minor biological functions restoring them to balance.

Deep breathing and its perfection is a core discipline of the soft martial arts. Attaining complete relaxation and naturalness, without undue forcing, and letting the breath rise from the base of the stomach should be the goal. It becomes a form of simple but profound meditation as the art of maintaining the correct stance, staying relaxed and breathing from your tan tien is an exercise in concentration.

Breathing should be practiced whilst standing and relaxed, with the mouth closed and the as we breathe in the air should move down to our diaphragm pushing our belly out. Placing your hands upon your belly can help you focus you mind upon the task and allow you to feel the in and out movements of the breath. It is very similar to many Indian yoga practices which only serves to emphasize the truth and universality of such methods.

Breathing high into the chest is not the aim and is incorrect and as westerners we are very used to this way of incorrect breathing and it may take some time to change our habits.