Table of Contents
Do you feel fatigued for no reason? In a fight, do you find that you need to take breaks to catch your breath? Or do you hunker down until the bell sounds, stressed out behind your shield, and take whatever punishment you can take?
Life’s most fundamental process is breathing. This is done before any more complex combat maneuvers are attempted. For some who were never taught, remembering how to breathe is as difficult as learning it for the first time. You forgot to breathe when you went into the ring and were so preoccupied with the fight at hand.
Breathing Techniques for Physical Activities
All actions are fueled by the air we breathe in. The necessity for correspondingly deliberate, deep breathing comes with deliberate, deep motion. Short, sharp breaths are necessary for such rapid activity. Your breath should alter in character as you do. Learning to breathe well during combat entails practicing many breathing techniques.
It seems unnatural to breathe slowly when running or to breathe swiftly while walking. Experiment with throwing punches while you’re still exhaling deeply.
Do you feel like your oxygen supply is being sucked out of you every time you throw a punch? That’s because your heart and breathing rates coordinate well on their own.
MMA Breathing Technique for Quick Movements
Fast breathing is ideal for quick, explosive motions such as hitting, defending, sliding, and fast footwork. Fast breathing provides your body with the shock of energy it needs to send forth unexpected bursts of energy. Whether done excessively or wrongly (VERY COMMON), fast breathing makes you exhausted and out of breath.
How to Breathe Quickly during a Fight
- Inhale gently through the nose (BEST), swiftly through the nose (OK), or via the mouth (LEAST PREFERABLE)
- Exhale swiftly and briefly bursts via the lips (one burst for each fast movement—punch, slide, run, etc.)
Inhaling slowly is better for collecting more air and being comfortable, but there will be moments when you need to inhale quickly via your lips (such as during exchanges).
Breath without opening your lips (danger of breaking your jaw if hit) and inhale deeper into your stomach rather than your chest (too shallow and not much oxygen absorption). Exhaling from the stomach produces greater strength than exhaling from the chest.
Types of MMA Breathing Techniques
There are a few different MMA breathing techniques that fighters can use in order to improve their performance.
- One of the most popular techniques is called the “breath of fire.” This technique involves exhaling quickly and forcefully through the nose. This helps to clear the mind and increase focus.
- Another popular technique is called the “boxer’s breath.” This technique involves taking a deep breath in and then exhaling slowly. This helps to relax the body and improve concentration.
The most basic and important technique is to breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth.
The most basic and important technique is to breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth.
This will help you stay calm and focused in the ring. You can also use breathing techniques to increase your power and stamina. When you’re getting tired, take a deep breath in and hold it for a few seconds. Then let it out slowly and take another breath. This will help you recover quickly and get back in the fight.
We hope this article has helped you learn in detail about different MMA breathing techniques. If you have anything to add to this article, let us know in the comments below.
