Take a deep breath

Qi Gung: The cultivation and expression of life force (qi) through stillness and movement. Combined with proper breathing, it enhances the practitioner both internally and externally. Often times qi gung exercises are built upon a foundation of specific breathing patterns.

Tai Chi: Using the diaphragm to pull the air into the abdomen, the breathing level drops. Concurrently, so does the center of gravity of the player, creating a more rooted connection to the ground and an all around increase of balance. The controlled breathing lowers the pulse, increases the amount of oxygen in the blood, benefiting the muscles and brain, as well as surges qi throughout the body so that the player can perform Tai Chi with complete control of body and mind.

Choy Li Fut: Specific call outs are used in correlation with certain strikes. During revolutionary times in China, it was a way to know who was a brother on the battlefield, as most revolutionaries practiced martial arts in secret. Call outs force air out of the body by contracting the diaphragm. This contraction unifies the core to the legs and arms, connecting the body for the most powerful strike. Call outs also force the student to breathe while performing physical movements, supplying more oxygen to the muscles increasing speed and recovery time. Controlled breathing keeps the fighter strong and increases stamina.

What it all boils down to is proper breathing and breath control, without it, our arts are incomplete. There is an old saying that "A man that can control his breath will have the strength and courage of ten tigers."

Practice breathing, with the diaphragm, pulling the air deep into the dan tien. Breathe in through the nose, and out through the mouth.  The beauty is, you can practice this anywhere, from a mountain top to a dentist chair.