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I’ve experienced this ‘out of breath’ on the Aikido mat and realised that I have a sense of being “near death” because I struggle to breathe after pushing my body to its limits. I am learning patterns of self talk to relax and let my body feel its way into a new way of being during physical exertion. Progress is slow but is progress nonetheless. This is a great article that addresses an important component of the martial element of martial arts. Thanks.

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Glad you enjoyed it, Paul. 😊 Indeed, progress is progress, no matter how small it might seem at the moment.

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Aug 17Liked by Martial X

Great article. Every point is solid. I know exactly what you are talking about.

On that voice from ego that keeps you going— that ‘I’d rather something break than tap to him’—that’s your enemy too. I have arthritis in both my shoulders! Happy days. Thanks ego.

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Glad you liked it, Adam! 🙏😊

Indeed, that voice is also our inner enemy, just at the opposite extreme.

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Aug 15Liked by Martial X

Wooord! 🔥

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😊

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Actively practicing holding your breath and intentionally breathing slowly during aerobic activities is a game changer, there's some good outlines of some of these ideas in the book, "Breath."

All the powerful internal arts masters I've practiced with or under have mastered non-intuitive breath techniques, to the point where you can't often tell whether they're breathing in or out.

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