The Seven Principles of Systema Breathing

THE SEVEN PRINCIPLES OF SYSTEMA BREATHING

by Emmanuel Manolakakis 1. Pathway: Inhale through nose; exhale through mouth. 2. Leading: Let breath slightly lead physical action in time. 3. Sufficiency: Take as much breath as you need at the moment, for the action, not more not less. 4. Continuity: Keep breathing, without interruption or holding, no matter what you are doing unless doing a special breath-hold training) 5. Pendulum: Let every breath cycle complete itself and reverse naturally, as a pendulum swings and reverses naturally without interference. Allow, and experience, the reversal pause at the end of each cycle. 6. Independence:

No specific type of action is invariantly tied to any particular phase of breath cycle (i.e. you should be able to punch or roll as well on inhale as exhale). 7. No tension: Keep your muscles and your body overall relaxed. DID YOU KNOW... The muscles that move your eyeball are connected to those at the back of your neck. Bow your head down and then look up so that you are seeing what is in front of you. Feel that stretch? That is the feeling that comes when you strain the muscles connecting your eyes to your neck. Strange feeling, huh? Each piece of your body is intricately connected to other pieces in subtle, often unexpected ways. In order to be an effective martial artist, one capable of easily manipulating the bodies of others, it is necessary to understand those internal connections. In order to do this you must first understand such connections in your own body. What muscles are activated when you do a simple squat? What wider effect does this tension have on your body? On your mind? Ask yourself question like these when you train. Then, if you're up to it, ask yourself about the tension that result from getting up from your desk or out of your vehicle. What muscles are you using regularly? Do you need all of them? How can you find relaxation in daily life?