Mujitsu and Tairaku's Shakuhachi BBQ

Galactic Dog wrote:

I'm a bit confused on how to properly blow tones with the diaphragm.  When I blow a tone only using my diaphragm the tones seem soft but when I use my mouth and diaphragm to blow a tone they seem louder.  When people speak of blowing a tone diaphragmaticly are they referring to a tone sole made from the diaphragm or is it a combination of a little mouth and mostly diaphragm.  Thanks

Google this: breathing from the diaphragm

and read the first several links (or even further; much of interest there). Should help you understand what diaphragmatic breathing is, as opposed to costal breathing (breathing with the chest).

Google is our friend...mostly.

Excellent description.

yes description is very nice and accurate of how it feels. Not to make things more complex, but to stay within the balloon analogy, the right feeling also occurs like if you're inflating a balloon. That takes more pressure and -with me- that activates the right breathing.

Galactic Dog wrote:

I'm a bit confused on how to properly blow tones with the diaphragm.  When I blow a tone only using my diaphragm the tones seem soft but when I use my mouth and diaphragm to blow a tone they seem louder.  When people speak of blowing a tone diaphragmaticly are they referring to a tone sole made from the diaphragm or is it a combination of a little mouth and mostly diaphragm.  Thanks

Maybe this will help (the link to the book in the post at the top of the page): http://www.shakuhachiforum.com/viewtopi … 82&p=2



Part of the problem is that when players talk about diaphragmatic breathing is that what they are really saying is that they've been taught to engage, contract, and expand different muscles than they would have if they were left up to their own devices. Many teachers call it "breathing from the diaphragm" which is a misnomer because outside of medical support systems the diaphragm is used in any breathing, even weak, unsupported, incorrect shakuhachi blowing or flute playing. Many flute teachers learn the physiology involved and explain exactly what muscles to use in detail, like in the above link, but that's often a problem because it's difficult to explain how to work internal muscles. So a lot of teachers see that they get better results from explaining what it should feel like. Then it doesn't really matter what you call it, and "diaphragmatic breathing" makes sense because that's kind of what it feels like if you imagine your diaphragm moving along with what you're actually doing with the various abdominal muscles that are supporting the movement. 

Teachers are really important for sorting out breathing techniques, and then expect some frustration even with a good teacher. Experiment with the imagery earlier described in the thread, keep in mind that the breathing process for both normal function and shakuhachi should be relaxed without any heaving chest-movement, and at least think about a teacher (especially if you've got an unused free one that came with a Yuu purchase).

Riley Lee's "Breathe!" DVD is also very good with exercises that should get the breathing at least close to correct with just practicing them.

Last edited by radi0gnome (2010-08-05 12:07:13)

Galactic Dog wrote:

When I am "deflating the ballon" I keep my abdomen out yes?

In keeping with the balloon analogy, the air is pushed out of the balloon from a force exerted by the tension of the balloon wall inward.  As such, when all of the air is out of the balloon, the belly is not kept out.  It should deflate.

Galactic Dog wrote:

If I understand you correctly, the back pressure from blowing out and the pressure inside my belly will create the tone.  If I want to increase the volume of my tone do I increase the pressure in my belly, thus pushing the tone out from my lower abdomen?  Thanks

Although you can practice this exercise while attempting to play the shakuhachi, I think it's good to practice it without a shakuhachi at your mouth for a short while.  At first, this type of breathing requires concentration.  Be patient and get used to it.  When you become comfortable with it, then apply it to playing.  As I said previously, there are many other things that contribute to tone that require attention.  There's no sense in confusing things.
Increasing the pressure in the belly will speed up the air flow which will increase the volume of the sound produced when several other aspects are in line.
Start with small steps and experience what happens to your body.  You are creating a foundation for future gratification.

Thank you all for your input, it is very helpful.  I've been practicing blowing long tones for the last two days and something is starting to click.  Thanks again.

This region of the lower belly is refered to as the 'Hara'.
There was an excellent workshop at the 2008 Festival after which I practiced it and it did not take long to notice an increased strength to my blow, not just power but sustain.

Only problem I have is convincing my wife I am not putting on weight !


Stan Richardson demonstrated doing this while lying on your back, blowing shakuhachi and abdominal breathing.

K.

Last edited by Karmajampa (2010-08-06 03:11:23)