Natural Martial Arts (Phase One) Meditation

Natural Martial Arts is a hybrid branch of martial arts where the essence of the form is to incorporate the most natural human movements and tendencies.

The aim is to achieve a better level of fitness, possible for anyone with the desire.

There are different Phases to the Art and at the most basic level, one must begin with fitness and mind/body conditioning exercises. 
A practice session can be altered and modified to meet the time or physical requirements of the participant. 

One must always begin with relaxation and stretching exercises. It is imperative that every session begin with relaxation and meditation to improve focus and clear one’s mind.

Step 1

Find a suitable spot around 6 feet in length and 3 feet wide of level ground. This will be your ‘space’. It is within this space that all practice sessions can be undertaken. Within this space, place yourself in the center.

This will be the ‘position’ that we shall use through the course of the instruction.

Step 2

Sit on the floor with your legs crossed. Look straight ahead. Place your hands on your knees with the palms facing upwards. Relax your palms.

Now place your left hand in your lap with the palm still facing upwards and your thumb pointing towards the sky. Place your right hand on top of your left, so that only the right palm is cradled in the left. The right palm should also point upwards with the thumb skywards. Lightly touch the tips of your thumbs. Sit straight, keep your lower back straight and do not slouch.
Now slowly close your eyes. Breathe in through your nose and breathe out through the mouth. Take deep breaths, and keep a count.

Points of focus: It is very important here that you merely touch the tips of your thumbs so that the contact is minimal but existent. A part of your focus must be here while the other thing you must focus upon is the posture (no slouching) and the count on the breathing.

Step 3

 Continue this for 100 breaths. You will develop a feeling of calm alertness.

 Do not think about anything else; concentrate on the 3 points of focus.  

Step 4

As you come to the end of the meditation session, increase the speed of your breathing marginally. Keep your eyes closed but look down towards the ground. Very slowly open your eyes, first seeing only your lap, then the ground ahead of you and finally look up straight ahead again. 

Gradual opening of the eyes allows the eyes to adjust naturally to the lighting and preserves the calmness of the exercise.

Advantages of Meditation

Allows for a refreshing break

Can be used to effectively relieve stress

Gathers the mind and body to alertness