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Breathing is too frequently an often overlooked and/or ignored element of proper form execution. Accompany that with the fact that Short Form Three is a relatively short form, and one is left with a fundamental component of the form being easily neglected. Also, because the form is reasonably short, the overall effects of improper breath control will probably not be as prominent as in longer forms. Because of this, greater care and emphasis of correct breathing technique is not only needed, but vital to the proper physical implementation of the form.

 

While performing the form, one's breath should be maintained at a fairly smooth and regular tempo throughout the entire duration. The most effective way to achieve this goal is to maintain a relaxed physical state with concentration or alteration of one's breath only being made at points of emphasis and other purposeful points; such as when kiaiing or at focal points of physical movement.

 

In principle and in practice, one's breath should be just as managed as any other physical maneuver of the form. Breathing effects the muscular system by employing and loosening specific muscles within the body - relaxing muscles during inhale, tightening muscles during exhale. This process can be used to enhance or degrade implementation in direct relation to how well it is harmonized with the other physical motions being accomplished in the same maneuver(s). In other words, proper breathing reinforces and enhances proper execution, improper breathing results in inferior or inadequate implementation.

 

It is obvious that the pace of one's breath will tend to increase throughout the performance of the form, because of physical exertion. Holding of the breath and/or not controlling the breath properly will only amplify the speed at which breathing requirements escalate as the form progresses. And, as the execution of the form progresses, this effect will become more and more noticeable to both the practitioner and the observer(s).

 

The effect of significant increased breathing requirements can sometimes be used as a mask for dramatically increased emphasis and physical intensity by the performer. But, the informed and experienced observer will immediately recognize this as a deficiency. The logical result will be a negative sentiment, not a positive one. This is because a veteran observer will interpret the exasperated breathing as either inexperience, poor control, and/or insufficient physical stamina from the practitioner; with each of these options demonstrating a lack of discipline, regardless of rank.