Originally Posted by
JamesC
Would just like to add something to this.
This is the reason that you see people grunt when lifting heavy weight. Doing this temporarily increases(spikes) intraabdominal pressure(basically the same thing a correctly designed weightlifting belt is made for), allowing for more power generation.
However, only if done correctly. A quick grunt is more effective. A long, drawn-out scream will have the opposite affect since it will be an exhalation.
Thus, the Kiai. It's amazing how in-tune with their bodies people were before modern science.
Also, the fact that most people can lift something they consider to be heavy and almost ALWAYS inadvertently grunt is pretty neat. The body knows.
Quite correct, and to develop on what you said, notice how easily the body "switches" to reverse breathing to exert force, without having to "train" to do it?
Psalms 144:1
Praise be my Lord my Rock,
He trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle !