Many forms of breathing and
meditation are used in martial arts to enhance physical performance, focus the
mind, increase concentration and improve health. In Hapkido, one of the primary
objectives of meditation and controlled breathing is not only to focus the mind,
but also to channel and control the circulation of Ki energy thoughout the body.
The Tanjon
Tanjun is Korean term for an
Asian concept that refers to three regions of the body:
- lower-tanjon - located about 2 inches below the navel and 2 inches below
skin, it's center of all vital energy and the foundation of all human power ,
it's center of balance and and the source of mental and physical power. When
executing a power technique, such as breaking board, the martial artist draws
power from this regions.
- middle-tanjon - is located at the solar plexus
- upper-tanjon - is located at the forehead. When it is properly balanced
with Ki, the mind is alert and energized.
The proper balance of Ki between the three tanjon regions enhances Ki-flow
throughout the body, leading to a clear mind, elevated physical performances,
and overal health.
Ki Development
The proces of learning to
control one's Ki (internal energy) is usually organized into 3 stages. The first
stage envolves learning to accumulate Ki in specific areas of the body,
typically the lower-tanjon. the second stage involves learning to distribute Ki
fromthe lower-tanjon, to other areas of the body. The third stage involves
learning to use Ki in specific martial arts techniques. For example, Ki can be
used to make the body heavy or light, harden specific parts of body, making it
resistant to damage, numb specific parts of the body so that pain cannot be
felt, or increse physical speed and power beyond normal limits. At highly
advanced levels, Ki can be projected out into another person for destructive
purposes or drained from them to weaken them. These same abilities can also be
used to heal.
Mediation
There are many forms of
meditation, used for a wide variety of purpose. Mediation can lead a person to
greater emotional stability and inner peace, and greatly increases one's ability
to focus the mind. Virtually all forms of meditation first begin with a
conscious awareness of breath. It is this regulation of the mind and the breath
that provides the foundation for further Ki development and training.
Typical
Breathing Meditation
Clear your mind of emotional
disturbances and try to become aware of your breath and the muscles which
control it. Breathe slowly and deeply down into the abdomen. Focus on being
calm, continuous, and uniform, with an equal inhalation-exhalation cycle. The
chest should remain mostly stationary. Inhale and exhale through your nose.
There are various methods of timing the inhalation and exhalation cycle. In the
beginning, just try to breathe in a natural rhythm. Gradually try to extend the
length of your breathing cycle. For example: inhale for 8 seconds, exhale for 8
second. You can also add resting periods between each breath: inhale for 8, hold
for 4, exhale for 8, rest for 4, repeat the cycle.
Notes:
HAPKIDO: tradition, philosophy,technique
by Marc Tedeschi (2000)
