Scientific Karate Do. Masayuki Kukan Hisataka

can mobilize its resources to react in a split second.

      In order to achieve these goals, respiration must become a conscious function which can be utilized at will. Breathing exercises should be practiced, inhaling deeply from the nose and lifting the diaphragm. The breath is then held in the tanden, the region around the navel, and a slightly downward centripetal pressure must be exerted by the abdominal muscles. It is at this time that the body can develop its maximum physical strength. The breath should not be held for too long, otherwise the blood becomes saturated with carbon dioxide and the muscles are slowed down. Expiration is done through the mouth. The rhythm of breathing must vary according to the circumstances of the fight. Your rhythm should always be concealed from your opponent who could otherwise attack when you are out of breath or inhaling. Inhalation should take place before the execution of any technique or move and the breath will usually be held until it is completed. In combination techniques, the breath may sometimes be held for more than one technique.

      Kiai

      Kiai is the materialization of the ki, the inner power resulting from the concentration of the mind and body by proper breathing. It is the expression of this power liberated all at once in a fraction of a second. In karatedo, techniques must always be executed with kiai. That is to say, they must literally explode from the body under the utmost internal pressure.

      Kiai is often confused with the shrill sound caused by the rapid expulsion of a small amount of air which sometimes accompanies the execution of a technique. It is also some times thought that an ordinary scream which supposedly surprises the opponent and breaks his concentration, is kiai. But kiai is, rather, an unconscious expression of the ki and, as such, any attempt to consciously imitate it would only result in a waste of kiai.

      Self-control

      In karatedo the mind and body must be able to act at once and with determination. This requires a complete control over emotional disturbances which could affect the functioning of the mind. The mind should be clear, like water, to reflect the opponent's attitude. If the surface of the water is troubled, then the opponent's image will be distorted and his attack may surprise or confuse you.

      The mind should exercise full control over the body. It is well known that all of our actions are commanded and controlled from the brain. Thus, if the mind is clear, then the body will execute whatever is required without the slightest hesitation. Likewise, a perfectly controlled body will execute a technique exactly as required.

      Thus, self-control starts with the control of the mind and achieves the control of the body and of the techniques. How can control of the mind be realized ？ By mastering the techniques. When one has mastered the techniques, he is in full possession of his body, and his mind is liberated from emotional disturbances.

      At peace with oneself, one will always win and ultimately fulfill oneself.

      2. Conditioning of the Body and Mind

      a. Junbi Undo: Preparatory Exercises

      Preparatory exercises are necessary before practicing any sport. In karatedo, where the mind and body must respond at once with great speed and power, they are indispensable.

      These exercises have a twofold objective:

       Physical preparation. Every part of the body has to be prepared in order to eliminate the risk of injury resulting from harsh training. Preparatory exercises increase the intake of oxygen and stimulate the blood circulation. The muscular tissues are better irrigated and the combustion of glucose is more complete. This results in better elimination of the lactic acid resulting from the combustion of glucose and other carbon hydrates by oxygen. The muscles including the heart gain more strength and do not tire as easily. As the temperature of the body is increased, the muscles slip more easily into one another. This results in a gain of speed. The motor nerves of the body are also stimulated by better irrigation and chronaxy time is reduced, making reflexes more rapid.

      As the joints are flexed, more oil is produced, reducing the risk of sprains. Every part of the body becomes better irrigated, stimulated, and more fit for training.

       Mental preparation. The preparatory exercises relieve the tension preceding an effort and help the mind concentrate progressively on the training.

      Preparatory exercises consist of general warming-up and loosening-up exercises as well as exercises more specific to karatedo. They may be performed either alone or with a partner. They should be neither too strenuous, to avoid any useless fatigue, nor too lax, in which case they are worthless. They should range from 5 to 10 minutes for an hour of karatedo practice and from 10 to 15 minutes for a two-hour practice.

      All the preparatory exercises fall into one of the following categories: jumping, stretching, bending, twisting, and circling. They should be performed in a sequence starting with the extremities of the body and proceeding gradually towards the heart. Thus one should start with exercises for the legs (toes, ankles, and knees), then hips, trunk, shoulders, arms (elbows, wrists, and fingers), and finally the neck.

      b. Seiri Undo: Supplementary Exercises