The power of intimidation

[Belasko]

The loud kihap I have found doesn't usually intimidate but may startle someone into dropping their guard briefly. However I also find it rarely works w/ those that have a fair amount of experience. Size definately can be intimidating, especially when a person is just starting in MA or does not know the opponent. Probably the most intimidating thing to me though is the very calm, collected person that is relaxed and still in a stance ready to explode at the right time.

[bushido_man96]

The kihap thing does not bother me too much. When we yell, it is to emphasize a technique as it lands, more than anything. Some people will stomp the ground hard; if they do it consistently, I go for their head as they stomp the next time.

Two things that I think can legitimately intimidate are speed and power.

[Moe]

Tonight while waiting at the train station, I saw some guy on my far right yelling and he seemed drunk or something I also saw him do a sort of stance or something after yelling at one person apparantley. I knew if he came near me he would be trouble, but I didn't decide to walk away as I felt kind of wussing out so I decided to stay.

He came closer kicked the nearby trash can and started yelling, he was speaing German and I heard him say something with black, I am black. This got my attention and I turned to him and just started looking him dead in the eye, initially I got intimidated a bit but once I looked him in the eye I just wouldn't let go and I was controlling myself not to jump at him, all that was through my mind was keep staring and attack as soon as he makes a move, I didn't want to be the one to start a fight (I don't think i have much martial arts experience since I do Wushu). He walked past me also looking back and was yelling something like 'What the hell you looking at', I just kept looking and looking until it became painful to keep cranking my neck and he became out of view.

[shotochem]

I think the most intimidating fellow I have ever seen was also the calmest fighter I have ever seen. He would hardly make any noise, and he played really defensive, pulling away any time his opponent tried to close the gap and do a combo. Then, the moment there was a hole, he would explode with speed and fury like I have never seen before, usually wasting whoever he was sparring with. It was awesome, because, once everybody had seen him do a match or two, anybody that stepped into the ring with him was totally intimidated, even though he was as quiet and defensive as could be. He also whupped on (with the same system as above) a couple of dudes that did the whole lots of noise and distraction thing, which was even more funny.

David

My kind of fighter.

We have one just like him in our dojo. You really have to work to get inside his guard to land a good one its not easy and

when I do get a good one in he always returns the favor.

[LiTtLeDrAgOn]

Haha....Nah, yelling and doing Kahaps doesnt effect me at all. I dont even really pay attention to it when I spar. I mean, when I watch others spar I can hear it but, when Im fighting it different. The only thing that would even intimadate me is a fighter that doesnt show off and is calm. Someone who shows off and prances around and talks alot is the kinda person everyone wants to beat up.

[Tef]

I have been told I can be intimidating in person though I am only 6 feet and just under 200 lbs. I do carry a serious demeanor that is no nonsense and quiet, though I'm really just a sweetheart outside of class.

And I don't get intimidated easily either. I find it humorous when the other person postures and hisses and kiais loud enough to shake my tooth fillings. I just get very calm and let my actions speak for themselves. It's quite gratifying.

Respectfully,

Sohan

Heh, reminds me of an almost fight I had. I made the mistake of wearing a tourney T-shirt out on the town with my (then) girlfriend.

Some drunk wanted to take issue with it, and did the whole drop into a MA stance (Not bad, actually), and give with a loud bruce lee type "KIIAAAIOOOHWEAAAWWOOOOOWA!"

I stood there smiling at him with my arms crossed, and when he finished his posturing, I just said "Anytime you're ready, let me know". Somehow he got the message and just walked away. Well, reeled away, anyway.

In sparring I generally don't even hear my opponent's kiaps, I'm too focused on his movement.

Aodhan

I had a similar experience. Sadly the drunk guy was a master of drunken boxing.

JK

A tactic i find useful is look very calm and stoic to your opponent, like there is no fight, then strike hard and fast. A guy looking really intense and hyphy is sorta predictable.

I once sparred with this one guy at my school who insisted on using Muay Thai on me. Fortunately, He kept Kiai-ing really loud and wore himself out after about twenty strikes. I had to excuse myself b/c every kiai sounded like a donkey's bray. "Eeeyoiiiaaahh!!"

[Igetaround]

At times intimidation can help, but you have to look intimidating. I see a lot of people trying to be intimidating, but they're not.

[little kicker]

yeah i get told i look quite intimidating for a girl.maybe its my style (leather,biker boots,chains etc.)

[MizuRyu]

I think the most powerful intimidation is full frontal eye contact and calmness. Nothing cuts into someone quite like being diffused by one's eyes, especially if the expression is soft. Maybe not as much intimidation, but more of a diffuser. Of course, this will make them less likely to attack at full force in my opinion, as it does betray some sort of knowledge (thus planting a sort of seed of doubt).

I'm typically not too frightened of guys who puff up and yell, but for some reason the calm quiet ones really get under my skin.

[Shotokan-kez]

yeah i get told i look quite intimidating for a girl.maybe its my style (leather,biker boots,chains etc.)

I'm sure your a pussycat really. I have a friend who's a leather biker chick and she's lovely...don't tell her i told you

I don't particulary find kiai's intimidating but i'm the kind of person who does get intimidated easily. Think thats a lot to do with my confidence when pairing up to someone a higher grade or bigger than me. I do try to look confident who-ever when i'm sparring but i think it works, i have to much of a cute, young face