Shouting in Karate

[monkeygirl]

You guys all made some good points. Yelling gives you an adrenaline rush, scares your opponent, tightens stomach muscles/etc. It also has an aerobic benefit. Try running a long distance, while talking the entire way. It's pretty hard because of the breath control. This will help your lungs become more efficient, etc.

 

In my dojo, we often use yelling to signal to our partner that we are ready to go.

 

There is also one more effective use of kiai. Not exactly practical, but it is still a use:

 

Tournaments.

 

In competition, yelling can make or break you! Little or no yelling can have a dramatic impact on your score. There doesn't seem to be a limit to yelling in ISKA tourneys (I think I would score someone a bit lower if their entire kata was composed of nothing but yelling

 

 

[Bitseach]

See also http://www.shotokanforeveryone.com/kiai.htm

 

and - always worth a look even if only for anarchy value!

 

http://www.24fightingchickens.com

 

 

[Karateka]

On the side of techniques, you can Kiai in a combinations whenever you want, same in Kata. In my style, there are certain places you must do it, but it doesn't mean you can't do extra.

 

 

[Taikudo-ka]

Hehe I was up late one night and "accidentally" watched an episode of Walker - Texas Ranger. By the end, Chuck Norris was training this group of young guys. They were all standing there in horse stance throwing front kicks, and on each kick they were all dutifully shouting "key-ah".

 

Is it that hard to get actors to do the right thing?

 

BTW I've always had my own personal kiai. Most of the guys seem to try to immitate the sensei's or senior black belts kiai, but they do it poorly, flat, chanting it monotonously like its a "magic word" that will help their punch...

 

 

[Karateka]

I have different Kiais. My reason is you hit every person differently, so my Kiais vary. It has a lot to do with my mood, and the move I've just done.

 

 

[Shorinryu Sensei]

BRAVO G95Champ! You hit the nail on the head with your explanation PERFECTLY early at the top of the forum! I explain the kiai this way.

 

1. Startles an opponent briefly to give you a possible advantage.

 

2. Provides controlled release of energy during the execution of a technique.

 

3. Tenses your body to receive a blow from an opponent.

 

Anyway, this is my first post on this site..looking forward to being a hopefully good addition to it.

[G95champ]

Thanks Shorinryu Sensei.

 

You need to go to the introduction section and introduce yourself to the board. Hope to see you arround here some more.

 

 

[ZeRo]

we have to kiai at jujitsu so when i started kickboxing we were doin some pad work.so i let out a big KIAI with my sidekick. everyone in the gym turned round and gave me the strangest look. i was quite imbarresed. but the sempai explained to people at the end of the lesson and now everyone thinks im really hard and scary. and "oh my god he does jujitsu im goin to be killed" was what a guy said before we sparred. naturally he kicked my butt. they still think im scary and i can kiai in peace now!

 

 

[Bratt]

Believe it or not, the kiai in karate is an important part of the art. It allows you to focus all your energy and power on an intended target upon delivery, plus it also helps you absorb or take a shot better when one slips past your defense.

 

I don't think I could've explained it better

[three60roundhouse]

[color=indigo]On the topic of kiyaps, what is everyone's "personal sound". If you have more than one like Karateka, tell us that! Mine is usually the same sound just at varying volume levels, and it's just like, "ki". I find it's best to keep it simple! Some people have 2 syllable spirit shouts - I find that a bit over the top![/color]