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Deep Breathing – How It Can Simultaneously Improve Health And Bring You Closer To Your Goals
Author: Tim Webb

I hope by reading this article you will see the value of being aware of your breath and also how it can have the potential to not only improve your internal health but also give you an instantly accessible tool to help you focus on those goals and ambitions you have been putting off. Be sure to try the simple exercise below also to get you started on developing your awareness of how (and where) you breathe.

Not so long ago (well, about six or seven years actually!) I did not give the way I breathed a second thought. In fact, everything I based my physical training upon was external in nature. I lifted weights and focused on bigger muscles, the latest shakes to add a few calories, and in all honesty was quite a shallow person. I lived day to day with no clear vision of where I was headed. I knew I enjoyed competing in martial arts and was interested in fitness but that was about it.

To cut a long story a little shorter I started feeling ill. Tiredness pervaded my body, I had glandular fever and was diagnosed with a liver disorder that slowed down the way in which my liver processed that which I ingested. I could not train for a number of months and felt very dejected. It was then I began looking for more internal methods to train while I recovered. While researching breathing methods it was as if a light clicked on in my mind. I began thinking of working from the inside out.

You may be wondering what sort of exercises I started using so below is one of the first I learnt, and applied, for you to try and benefit from. Perform it ten times with focus and feel it’s beneficial effects on your mind and body.

1. Stand (preferably in fresh air) with feet shoulder width apart.

2.Inhale deeply. Do not rush the inhale. You should feel your stomach expand. You should not be just breathing into your chest! Breathe in until you cannot breathe in any more. You should be ‘full’.

3.While performing the inhalation use your focused mind to direct the energy, your breath, into your belly, and then down into your legs all the way into your toes. You have filled your entire body with energy!

4.Exhale smoothly and naturally. For this exercise, nothing is forced.

5.Repeat up to ten times.

Try it, right now! Make sure you will not be disturbed. All you need is five minutes (if that), throw open a window, and experience what it feels like to direct your breath and energy through your whole body!

As I delved deeper into deep breathing exercises I created small routines that helped me stay active and a profound change in how I trained and thought materialised. By training from the inside out I felt healthier and learnt how to amalgamate my deep focused breathing with my goals. What I found was the exercises created a sense of awareness mentally and I began thinking about goals I wanted to achieve while doing them!

As I did this each day I felt strongly compelled to take action towards them. By breathing life into mental images I found I was improving internal health and generating positive momentum towards objectives!

So, the next time you are stressed out or trying to focus, give the above exercise a go to help in relieving stress, increasing energy levels, and adding a little much needed focus towards goal!

About the Author

Tim Webb is a fitness instructor, Ju Jutsu instructor and competitor. He specialises in easily accessible deep breathing exercises that combine breath and mind together. His site http://www.breathforsuccess.com
offers a product that provides deep breathing exercises for invigorating yourself, relaxing, and highlights how your breath can be tied in with your goals to move you towards them in record time!

...

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Hardcore JKD Mook Jong Dummy w/ Traditional Freestand - $ 1165.99

Official Hardcore JKD Mook Jong Traditional Freestand Dummy by Sifu Lamar Davis!

ABOUT THE STAND

Some assembly is required, but it does not require mounting.
Mounting to the floor is optional.
Stand comes with mounting brackets which are adjustable in height from 5'5" to 6' 5". Just mount your brackets where you need them. For multiple users who require two different height adjustements, you will need to order a second set of brackets.
Stand is 70" tall x 68" wide x 50" deep
Finished in Golden Pecan
Weighs 65 lbs.

ABOUT THE DUMMY

Please see our FAQs for delivery time frames and other common questions.
Standard dummy body is 61"
Dummy body is 9" in diameter
100% Ash arms measure 12.5" long and are level
Arm pegs are 1.5" x 2" (much stronger than the standard 1.5" x 1.5")
Metal 2" leg
Dummy body is finished in Golden Pecan with Sedona Red arms
Includes Hardcore JKD symbol in black and red
Body is interchangeable with any of our stands (sold separately)
The body is constructed with a 14" deep 4" x 4" hole in the bottom to allow it to be used with any of our stands or to be set onto a post in the ground for outdoor training.
Weighs approx. 80 lbs.

JKD Traditional Freestand Dummy - $ 1089.99

Designed for the JKD/Mixed Martial Arts practitioner

ABOUT THE STAND

Traditional free standing dummy stand
Some assembly is required, but it does not require mounting.
Mounting to the floor is optional.
Stand includes brackets for adjustable height from 5'5" to 6'5". Just mount your brackets where you need them. For multiple users who require two height adjustements, you will need to order second set of brackets.
Stand is 70" tall x 68" wide x 50" deep
Weighs 65 lbs.

ABOUT THE DUMMY

Please see our FAQs for delivery time frames and other common questions.
The dummy body can also be used with any of our other stands
The spacing between the arms and leg is the same as the traditional dummy
Standard dummy body is 61" tall and 9" in diameter
There is 8.5" from mid arm to upper arm and from mid arm to leg
100% Ash arms measure 12.5" long and are off set (level arms available)
Arm pegs are 1.5" x 2"(much stronger than the standard 1.5" x 1.5")
Our striking head pad works perfectly with the JKD neck
3" solid Ash or 2" metal* leg available. Our new Ash legs are rounded rather than square.
Dummy body weighs 85 lbs.

DUMMY PADS ARE A MUST!

Once you get your dummy, you'll want to get training right away! So, to prevent injury and enable you to go "all out" on your dummy, we suggest purchasing head and body striking pads.

*The metal and ash legs require different sized peg holes, they are not interchangeable (i.e. If you purchase an ash leg and decide later you want metal instead, it will not fit the dummy.)

JKD Recoil Reaction Dummy - $ 1058.00

BETTER PUT YOUR HANDS UP! THIS DUMMY HITS YOU BACK!

ABOUT THE STAND

The Recoil Reaction Dummy Stand is one of our newest and most exciting training tools weve ever had to offer!
This patent pending design takes your Wooden Dummy training to the next level by applying tension and recoil to your dummy.
This stand fits all of our dummies and has the ability to retro-fit any wooden dummy. See dummy stand for instructions.
There is a height adjustment of 3 to accommodate multiple users or an optional tall stand is available for those over 5 11".
Little assembly is required and easily mounts to any solid wall or wooden post.
This is also a great space saving stand. Out of all of our dummies, this one takes up the least amount of room.
The two main principles this stand offers you is recoil and reaction. Recoil, in that it will always recoil back to the center position after released. This means the deflection of the arms when blocked provide energy back toward you as in defending an actual strike. Reaction, in that you develop faster reflexes due to the fact that the dummy will "hit you back".
This is an excellent tool for the serious practitioner who is looking to take their skills to the next level!
Two tension bands mount to the lower sides of dummy, cross over in the back and mount to the opposite side of the stand. This creates the tension needed to keep the dummy facing forward.
The dummy sits on a swivel base and can pivot 90 degrees to the right and left, always under tension.
When released, or you change position, the dummy will recoil back to the center position. It will always want to return to the center.
The base can be locked with two metal pins if you choose to do traditional forms. When youre ready to freestyle, just pull the pins and watch your dummy come alive!
As with all our stands, you have a height adjustment of 3" to accommodate multiple users.
Stand color: Black
Stand is 70" tall and 8" wide

ABOUT THE DUMMY

Please see our FAQs for delivery time frames and other common questions.
This Jeet Kune Do dummy is designed for the JKD/Mixed Martial Arts practitioner
Dummy body can be used with any of our stands
The spacing between the arms and leg is the same as the traditional dummy.
Standard dummy body is 60" tall and 9" in diameter.
There is 8.5" from mid arm to upper arm and from mid arm to leg
100% Ash arms measure 12.5" long and are off set (level arms available)
Arm pegs are 1.5" x 2" (much stronger than the standard 1.5" x 1.5")
Our striking head pad works perfectly with the JKD neck
3" solid Ash or 2" metal* leg available. Our new Ash legs are rounded rather than square.
Weighs 85 lbs.

*The metal and ash legs require different sized peg holes, they are not interchangeable (i.e. If you purchase an ash leg and decide later you want metal instead, it will not fit the dummy.)

Traditional Freestand Dummy - $ 1047.99

ABOUT THE STAND

Some assembly is required, but it does not require mounting. Mounting to the floor is optional.
Stand comes with mounting brackets which are adjustable in height. Just mount your brackets where you need them. For multiple users who require two different height adjustements, you will need to order a second set of brackets.
Stand is 70" tall x 68" wide x 50" deep
Weighs 65 lbs.

ABOUT THE DUMMY

Please see our FAQs for delivery time frames and other common questions.
Dummy body is 60" tall and is 9" in diameter
100% Ash arms measure 12.5" long and are off set (level arms available)
Arm pegs are 1.5" x 2", much stronger than the standard 1.5" x 1.5"
Leg options: 3" x 3" solid Ash or 2" metal*. Our new Ash leg is more rounded than square.
Body is interchangeable with any of our stands
The body is constructed with a 14" deep 4" x 4" hole in the bottom to allow it to be used with any of our stands or to be set onto a post in the ground for outdoor training.
Weighs approx. 80 lbs.
Ships via Fed Ex to the US & Canada only. Canadian customers, please call for quote.

DUMMY PADS ARE A MUST!

Once you get your dummy, you'll want to get training right away! So, to prevent injury and enable you to go "all out" on your dummy, we suggest purchasing head and body striking pads.

*The metal and ash legs require different sized peg holes, they are not interchangeable (i.e. If you purchase an ash leg and decide later you want metal instead, it will not fit the dummy.)

JKD Modern Freestand Dummy - $ 994.99

THIS JKD DUMMY BRINGS WITH IT A FEW MODERN IMPROVEMENTS!

ABOUT THE STAND

No mounting or large frame required which is ideal when space is limited!
Rear platform weight tray can be loaded with a plastic tote filled with 200 lbs. of sand bags, cinder blocks or metal weights or can be mounted directly to the floor.
Standard stand includes four 3/4" plates allowing height adjustment from 58" to 511". Optional tall stand is available for those over 511" for only $30.
Front of base width is 11". Back width is 36". Front to back of base is 35.5".

ABOUT THE DUMMY

Please see our FAQs for delivery time frames and other common questions.
Dummy body can also be used with any of our other stands
The spacing between the arms and leg is the same as the traditional dummy
Standard dummy body is 61" tall and 9" in diameter
There is 8.5" from mid arm to upper arm and from mid arm to leg
100% Ash arms measure 12.5" long and are off set (level arms available)
Our striking head pad works perfectly with the JKD neck
Arm pegs are 1.5" x 2", much stronger than the standard 1.5" x 1.5"
3" solid Ash or 2" metal* leg available. Our new Ash legs are rounded rather than square.
Weighs 85 lbs.

DUMMY PADS ARE A MUST!

Once you get your dummy, you'll want to get training right away! So, to prevent injury and enable you to go "all out" on your dummy, we suggest purchasing head and body striking pads.

*The metal and ash legs require different sized peg holes, they are not interchangeable (i.e. If you purchase an ash leg and decide later you want metal instead, it will not fit the dummy.)

Traditional Modern Freestand Dummy - $ 942.99

TRADITIONAL WING CHUN STYLE DUMMY W/ MODERN IMPROVEMENTS!

ABOUT THE STAND

Rear platform weight tray can be loaded with a plastic tote filled with 200 lbs. of sand bags, cinder blocks or metal weights or can be mounted directly to the floor.
No mounting or large frame required.
Standard stand includes four 3/4" plates allowing height adjustment from 58" to 511" or purchase our optional tall stand for those over 511".
Front of base width is 11". Back width is 36". Front to back of base is 35 1/2".
All of our dummies are interchangeable with any of our stands.

ABOUT THE DUMMY

Please see our FAQs for delivery time frames and other common questions.
Dummy body is 60" tall and is 9" in diameter
100% Ash arms measure 12.5" long and are off set (level arms available).
Arm pegs are 1.5" x 2", much stronger than the standard 1.5" x 1.5"
Leg options: 3" solid Ash or 2" metal. Our new Ash leg is more rounded than square.
The body is constructed with a 14" deep 4" x 4" hole in bottom to allow it to be used with any of our wallmount stands or it can be set onto a post in the ground for outdoor training.
Weighs approximately 120 lbs. with stand

DUMMY PADS ARE A MUST!

Once you get your dummy, you'll want to get training right away! So, to prevent injury and enable you to go "all out" on your dummy, we suggest purchasing head and body striking pads.

Traditional Wallmount Dummy - $ 942.99

OUR MOST REQUESTED STAND & OUR BEST SELLER

This design makes your dummy come alive!

ABOUT THE STAND

It has a flex to it and gives your dummy great action when training.
Includes four adjustable brackets to allow for a custom height adjustment from 55" - 65". For multiple users, you will need to purchase a second set of brackets.
Requires no assembly and easily mounts to your wall with six 3" screws.
Stand is 70" tall x 11" wide. The width of the mounted stand can be set from 36" wide to 68" wide to suit your training needs.
The farther apart you set the stand towers, the more action you get!

ABOUT THE DUMMY

Dummy body is 60" tall and is 9" in diameter
100% Ash arms measure 12.5" long and are off set (level arms available)
Arm pegs are 1.5" x 2", much stronger than the standard 1.5" x 1.5"
Leg options: 3" x 3" solid Ash or 2" metal
Body is interchangeable with any of our stands.
The body is constructed with a 14" deep 4" x 4" hole in the bottom to allow it to be used with any of our stands or to be set onto a post in the ground for outdoor training.
Weighs approx. 80 lbs.
Ships via Fed Ex to the US & Canada only. Canadian customers, please call for quote.

JKD Dummy Body Only - $ 743.99

Designed for the JKD/Mixed Martial Arts Practitioner!

Please see our FAQs for delivery time frames and other common questions.
This dummy body does not include a stand
Stands sold separately or available as a set
The spacing between the arms and leg is the same as the traditional dummy.
Standard dummy body is 61" tall and 9" in diameter.
There is 8.5" from mid arm to upper arm and from mid arm to leg
100% Ash arms measure 12.5" long and are off set (level arms available)
Arm pegs are 1.5" x 2" (much stronger than the standard 1.5" x 1.5")
Our striking head pad works perfectly with the JKD neck
3" solid Ash or 2" metal* leg available. Our new Ash legs are rounded on the edges rather than square.
Weighs 85 lbs.

Dummy Pads Are A Must!

Once you get your dummy, you'll want to get training right away! So, to prevent injury and enable you to go "all out" on your dummy, we suggest purchasing head and body striking pads.

*The metal and ash legs require different sized peg holes, they are not interchangeable (i.e. If you purchase an ash leg and decide later you want metal instead, it will not fit the dummy.)

Recoil Reaction Dummy Stand - $ 313.95

BETTER PUT YOUR HANDS UP! THIS DUMMY HITS YOU BACK!

This stand only fits our dummies.
Please see our FAQs for delivery time frames and other common questions.
The Recoil Reaction Dummy Stand is one of our newest and most exciting training tools weve ever had to offer!
This patent pending design takes your Wooden Dummy training to the next level by applying tension and recoil to dummy.
See it pictured here with our Traditional Mook Jong Dummy.
Little assembly is required and easily mounts to any solid wall or wooden post.
This is also a great space saving stand. Out of all of our dummies, this one takes up the least amount of room.
The two main principles this stand offers you is recoil and reaction. Recoil, in that it will always recoil back to the center position after released. This means the deflection of the arms when blocked provide energy back toward you as in defending an actual strike. Reaction, in that you develop faster reflexes due to the fact that the dummy will "hit you back".
This is an excellent tool for the serious practitioner who is looking to take their skills to the next level!
Two tension bands mount to the lower sides of dummy, cross over in the back and mount to the opposite side of the stand. This creates the tension needed to keep the dummy facing forward.
The dummy (sold separately) sits on a swivel base and can pivot 90 degrees to the right and left, always under tension.
When released, or you change position, the dummy will recoil back to the center position. It will always want to return to the center.
The base can be locked with two metal pins if you choose to do traditional forms. When youre ready to freestyle, just pull the pins and watch your dummy come alive!
Height adjustment of 3 to accommodate multiple users.
Taller stand available for those over 511" for only $30.
Stand color: Now in black only
Stand is 70" tall and 8" wide

Dummy Replacement Leg, Finished - $ 114.95

Please note: Leg fits our dummy body peg hole only!

Making a dummy?

Made from Ash.
Ash is as hard as red oak and used in baseball bats and axe handles.
Available in one of our signature finish colors.
Unfinished legs available also.
Leg pegs measure 2" by 2" (stronger than the standard 1.5" square peg).
Backed by our 3 year limited warranty*
No returns on dummy legs.
Manufacturing time for legs is generally 2 weeks.

* Replacement of leg is available within 3 years of purchase should a breakage occur with normal indoor use only. Leg must be returned and customer is responsible for return shipping. New leg will be shipped at no charge. Minor cracks are not covered.

Dummy Replacement Leg, Unfinished - $ 103.95

Please note: Leg fits our dummy body peg hole only!

Making a dummy?

Made from Ash.
Ash is as hard as red oak and used in baseball bats and axe handles.
Finished legs available also.
Leg pegs measure 2" by 2" (stronger than the standard 1.5" square peg).
Backed by our 3 year limited warranty*
No returns on dummy legs.
Manufacturing time for legs is generally 2 weeks.

Poly Partner Battling Ropes (16.5 ft. ea.) - $ 102.00

Be sure to check out John Brookfield's
brand new Pole Training Manual!

This non-abrasive rope is the best choice for partner training in cases where you may lose your grip and the rope is pulled out of your hands by your partner.

By adding a partner to your rope training, you double the difficulty and result due to the added partner resistance. Partner training will also increase your balance and your base while helping you and your partner to develop the ability to change your movement and direction of your arms dynamically. This training will increase your hand speed, coordination, grip strength, timing, and muscular & cardiovascular endurance.

You'll receive two (2) ropes both measuring 16.5 ft. in length and available in either 1.5" or 2" sizes. Exchanges only - no refunds.

Wooden Dummy Pads - $ 52.95

This is a must for intense and full contact training drills!

If you're like us you'll really want to punch your dummy, so we highly recommend striking pads.
If you have a JKD dummy, we suggest and recommend using the head pad especially when performing fist or elbow striking techniques to the neck. They will give you the added protection you need during training and the pads work great with the JKD neck.
For a JKD dummy the pads are reversed (i.e. head pad for the body & body pad for the head).
Pads are made from Vinyl and are available for the head or body
Features hook & loop closures for full contact strikes to your wooden dummy
Head pad is split to allow it to be removed without removing the dummy from the wallmount stand
Fits any 9" diameter wooden dummy
Available in black only.

Dummy Arms, Finished - $ 41.95

Please note: Arms fit our dummy body peg holes only!

Making a dummy?

Finished arms come standard in Ash hard wood.
Ash is as hard as red oak and is used in the manufacturing of baseball bats and axe handles. All arms are available in any of our signature finish colors.
Arm pegs measure 1.5" by 2" (stronger than the standard 1.5" square peg).
The length of the square portion of the arm that fits into the dummy body is 12.
Unfinished arms available also available.
Sold individually or as a set of three.
Backed with our 3 year limited warranty.*
No returns on dummy arms.
Manufacturing time for arms is generally 2 weeks.

* Replacement of arm is available within 3 years of purchase should a breakage occur with normal indoor use only. Arm must be returned and customer is responsible for return shipping. New arm will be shipped at no charge. Minor cracks are not covered.

116 Wing Tsun Dummy Techniques - $ 12.99

If you have a wooden dummy or you're interested in getting started in Wing Tsun, this is a great book for you!

Written by Master Yip Chun, this is the only book that teaches you the complete set of the real Wing Tsun wooden dummy techniques and their applications. You also get a free pull out poster included in the book! What you'll learn:

Chapter 1 - A Description of the Origin & Development of the Wing Tsun Dummy
Chapter 2 - Illustrations of the Wooden Dummy Techniques
Chapter 3 - Applications & Explanations of the Wing Tsun Dummy Techniques
Chapter 4 - Story of My Father - Yip Man The Great Grandmaster of the Wing Tsun Style Terminology

Wing Chun Kung Fu, Vol. 3 DVD - $ 34.99

Grandmaster William Cheung, the longtime friend and training partner of Bruce Lees in the art of Wing Chun, has finally revealed the intricate aspects of the traditional Wing Chun system. This DVD covers use of the wooden dummy, wooden-dummy application and advanced Chi Sao.

Looking for other martial arts training dummies?

Purchase the Wooden dummy, Versaflex, B.O.B. training partner and boxing bags.

Deep Breathing – How It Can Simultaneously Improve Health And Bring You Closer To Your Goals News

Deep Breathing – How It Can Simultaneously Improve Health And Bring You Closer To Your Goals News Article

About the Author

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Martialarm Testimonials

Looking for other martial arts training dummies?

Purchase the Wooden dummy, Versaflex, B.O.B. training partner and boxing bags.

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