Why do we sometimes fumble our form or drop our longstaff? When we are nervous we often hold our breath and tighten up. This can protect us when someone is hurting us, but it often gets in the way when we need to perform. You may have heard your instructor tell you to “just breathe” when doing something. The more we hold our breath, the more likely we are to make a mistake. We shout when we punch or kick to scare our opponent, to brace ourselves and give us more power. Practice these techniques when performing in EMA.
EXHALE ON EVERY FORCEFUL TECHNIQUE
YOU DO:
1. Punches
2. Kicks
3. Squats
4. Push-ups
5. Shoulder rolls
6. Striking with a weapon
PRACTICE
Do a basic technique like double punch front kick 5 times, in silence. Now perform the same technique with a loud shout, and with the loud shout is an exhale. What do you notice? Which one felt more powerful? Which one would scare an opponent or bad guy more?
– Written by Kumar Bandyo