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Correct breathing (kokyu in Japanese) is very important in Aikido. Incorrect breathing will make you perform your moves less relaxed and concentrated, and you will get tired sooner. Here are some simple breathing-exercises that can help you to breathe more aware and relaxed.
Exercise 1.
Lie down on a flat and comfortable surface, hands at your side and palms turned upwards, legs slightly spread apart (about 12 inches). Close your eyes. Relax and slowly breathe in through your nose and breathe out through your mouth. Feel how the air moves through your body when you breathe in and out. Breathe in a hundred times and breathe out a hundred times.
Exercise 2.
Sit down in a quite room where you will not be disturbed. Sit down in legs crossed (meditation-pose) (sit down on a little pillow if you find this more comfortable). keep your back straight en make sure your head is aligned with your spine. Close your eyes. Lay your hands in your lap with the palms upward. Relax and slowly breathe in through your nose and breathe out through your mouth. Move your hands slowly upwards to your chest when you breathe in. Slowly move your hands (with the palms facing down) down to your lap when you breathe out. Feel how the air moves through your body when you breathe in and out. Breathe in a hundred times and breathe out a hundred times.
You will notice that when you perform these exercises regularly your breathing becomes more relaxed and natural.
