Kokyu Ho

Kokyu Ho is a term used in the Japanese Martial Arts for breathing exercises. Kokyu Ho are used to increase internal strength by developing Ki. This helps focus and to aid relaxation and meditation. There are a number of Kokyu Ho but the one most practiced is the one described below.

This breathing exercise can be performed either sitting or standing but is generally performed in Japanese martial arts while in the Seiza or Zazen positions. Breath is slowly drawn in through the nose expanding first the abdomen (Hara) then the chest cavity, the breath is then held for a count of 10 seconds before being exhaled through the mouth. A further count of 5 seconds should then commence before repeating the inhaling procedure. The entire process should be repeated several times.