Too much yelling...

[cathal]

I think it happens way too much in tournament sparring. But honestly I think that it is misplaced kime. Instead of displaying their spirit/power in their physical techniques they try to display it incorrectly in their yelling.

[patusai]

Kiai should be used sparingly. One feature I was taught about it was that it was to surprise and startle momentarily. Too much use reduces the possbility of doing that. When I first started a lot of younger students used it alot because in their minds they thought that it was the essense of karate or something like that.

I totally agree with Shui Tora who said use it when appropriate.

[P.A.L]

I am done with kiai , all matter is the correct way of breathing and not to forget breathing which i see a lot.

[bushido_man96]

I am done with kiai , all matter is the correct way of breathing and not to forget breathing which i see a lot.

This is a real problem, the breathing. Improper breathing kills you in a form.

[armanox]

I am done with kiai , all matter is the correct way of breathing and not to forget breathing which i see a lot.

I would point out that when you watch me do a kata you will not notice my breathing, yet I still am breathing.

[Killer Miller]

Misusing the "Yell" as you put it, is not necessary. However, the "yell" (as it is stated) can also be:

1. Showing strong sprit - a good thing.

2. Executing a killing blow with Kiai - a good thing.

3. Giving what the judges are looking for - many times a good thing, but not always if mis-used.

- Killer -

[Valithor]

I think it happens way too much in tournament sparring. But honestly I think that it is misplaced kime. Instead of displaying their spirit/power in their physical techniques they try to display it incorrectly in their yelling.

I agree.

Kiai should be used sparingly. One feature I was taught about it was that it was to surprise and startle momentarily. Too much use reduces the possbility of doing that. When I first started a lot of younger students used it alot because in their minds they thought that it was the essense of karate or something like that.

I agree.

Kiai, like kime, take a while to understand.

A closed mouth gathers no feet..

[tdiedwards]

Are noisy tournament fighters also trying to annoy their opponents - as we see in the irritating women's tennis matches these days?

Incidently, what is a Kime, please?

Thanks,

Tim

[cathal]

Incidently, what is a Kime, please?

Thanks,

Tim

There are a few meanings. Kime is mostly a Japanese martial arts term. In karate it can mean 'focus' - the instantaneous tensing at the correct moment during a technique. In judo, the 'Kime no kata' are often translated as the 'Kata of Decision'. In other forms of budo the term refers to attacking a pressure point. In still another context it can be a general term describing the spirit a person has while performing a technique properly while tensing the appropriate muscle groups.

[jaymac]

I have all but given up on tournaments (as I have mentioned in previous post ), but I too noticed when I used to attend and judge, alot of kiaing coming from all ages of competitors. In younger students and lower ranked individuals, I think they were nervous and all but ignored it. In black belts who kiai'ed everywhere, I just saw arrogance. I tended to rate the individual with a great kata, good breath, minimal kiai's, and did not run up to me and SCREAM who they are, what they are doing... higher in scoring.