Kokyū-ho

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Kokyū-Hō ( Japanese 呼吸 法 ) are exercises in Japanese martial arts , which are supposed to promote breathing power ( Kokyū ).

In the training of Aikidō , corresponding exercises are often carried out, as they specifically strengthen the Ki . The aim of the exercises is to bring the partner off balance without using physical force. In doing so, the practitioner learns to feel the partner's center of gravity exactly without his own muscular tension and to bring it out of balance by shifting it from its center of gravity.

Exercise positions for this are:

  • while standing, both partners face each other and both wrists of the practitioner are gripped in parallel - Morote-Dori (諸 手 取 り), also Ryote-Dori (両 手 取 り), Kokyū-Hō Tachi-waza
  • while kneeling, both wrists of the practitioner are also grasped - Morote-Dori (諸 手 取 り), also Ryote-Dori (両 手 取 り), Kokyū-Hō Suwari-waza

Origin of the name

Kokyū-Hō consists of two syllables: Kokyū denotes the development of energy through the force of breath; Hō means exercise, task. More precisely, Kokyū is the breath, Kokyū dōsa (呼吸 動作) means breathing force movement from the Seiza, and Kokyū-Hō is an exercise for developing breathing force. Kokyū-Hō therefore means an exercise to develop the optimal application of force by means of breathing power.

Principle of the action of force

Aikidō assumes that Kokyū (呼吸), the breathing power, is superior to the muscular strength of the physically stronger. Breathing power does not mean lung performance, but body tension ( tone ), which can be regulated directly with the help of breathing power. A medium tension ratio (eutonus) between high tone (hardness), which is required to control the movement of the partner, and low tone (softness), which is used to perceive the attack dynamics and for strategic yielding, is desirable.

The central element of the technical applications in Aikido is a shift in the attacker's balance (Japanese in Aikido: Uke ). This should be done in such a way that he does not perceive the influence, otherwise he would take countermeasures (low tone, softness), or if he notices the measures he cannot do anything about it (high tone, hardness). For an ideal implementation, excellent tactile perception is of decisive importance on the part of Aikidōka . Uke's perception of his influence occurs on a very subtle level: even slight pressure from the aikidōka on the part of Uke is reflexively answered with counter pressure. When there is pressure, especially when projecting in the direction of the face (perception as a potential threat), the counter-reaction occurs with counter pressure. This counter pressure can be used very expediently in the application of aikido techniques to guide the movements of uke.

Course of the exercise

Kokyū-Hō begins with the execution in a sitting position, with both partners sitting on their heels (Seiza). Uke in the role of the attacker takes hold of both wrists of his opponent. The Aikidōka or defending partner (Japanese Tori or Nage) then develops pressure with the direction of projection against the shoulders of the Uke. This pressure should be built up in a relaxed position from the abdominal area. This is done optimally by leaning your own weight relaxed against your partner. The relaxed leaning ensures that the muscles involved are stretched. This relaxed posture is maintained in the exercise, since the application of muscular force through contraction would lead to undesirable body tension, which made perception and optimal implementation impossible.

By grasping both wrists, pressure is exerted from the center of gravity towards the uke's shoulders. The symmetrical application of force with projection to the shoulders provokes Uke to the desired counter-pressure, but without significant muscle strength. The symmetrical counter-pressure of Uke can be manipulated by Tori (Nage) by slightly reducing the pressure on any side, but not converting it into a tensile force, as this reflexively led to counter-pull in Uke; the pressure should be maintained. The aim of this power control is to unbalance Uke's center of gravity. Due to the slight reduction in pressure, Uke does not perceive any change. He maintains the pressure on both sides. In reality, however, the shift in force has already set in, which causes Uke to tip over sideways.

In the course of the following movement, both now turn to the side in the direction of fall from Uke. Uke lies on his back after tipping over to one side. Tori rotates synchronously and maintains the gentle pressure in the sequence, which Uke also tempts to maintain his counter pressure, even in a lying position.

This exercise is repeated fluently. In the movement to sit on the Uke, the pressure is built up again and can be used for repeated balance manipulation while the Uke is sitting up.

Meaning of Kokyū-Hō in the technical concept of Aikidō

Kokyū-Hō is given a high priority in the training of Aikidō. In order to develop breathing power in technical application, it is essential to develop tactile perception and the almost imperceptible manipulation of balance for Uke.
The optimal execution of techniques in Aikidō requires a harmonization with the attack movement, a correct chronological sequence, a stable and centered posture and especially a balanced body tension (tone). With the practice of Kokyū-Hō, exactly these elements are trained separately. For example, if the exercising of force predominates, then the body tone is not right and the exercise fails. If the time sequence is missed during the initial movement, the posture is incorrect and the exercise also fails. The most central element here, however, is breathing: Exhaling should be continuously relaxed from the beginning of the exercise and contact with the exercise partner. With correct exhalation, the body automatically gets into optimal tension and the exercise succeeds.
Kokyū-Hō is usually practiced at the end of an Aikido lesson. The reason is that during the lesson, for didactic reasons, often only the above-mentioned sub-elements - harmonization, temporal sequence, body posture and tone - are practiced in a focused manner, during which Kokyū-Hō concludes the entire lesson in summary.

See also

References and receipts