An Underrated Karate Technique

[Jissen]

Personally I think everyone should loudly shout their intention to attack me before doing so.

[MasterPain]

I'd rather they call me so I can take the safety off.

[bushido_man96]

Are bagpipes scary?

If you're facing Roddy Piper in a falls count anywhere match, then yes.

Ah, yes, Rowdy Roddy Piper. Loved that guy. Did you know he was born in Canada? Kind of ruins that whole thing, doesn't it?

Anyway, about the kiai, it seems to me that a lot of martial artists have no idea how to do one properly, at least not in America. They make it some long, high-pitched scream from the top of their lungs when it should be a short, low pitched shout coming from the stomach and diaphragm. I think they're exaggerating the noise to make it sound more "impressive" and not considering the actual purpose of the shout.

This is how I try to do mine. Short and loud, more like an audible exhalation.

In defense of the drawn out screams, though, the Vikings were known for their war shouts as well. War yell followed by butt-kicking and plundering would probably work for intimidation purposes.

[shadowspawn]

It's not a uke, a tsuki, a geri, or even a tekubi. It contracts what needs contracted, adds power where power needs added, and let's your opponent know that your style is impetuous and you will, in fact, eat their children. (Mike Tyson reference there, don't look at me like that.) What is it? A well placed kiai.

There are those with no respect for ki or ai, but redirect their force into a submission, and they will know they've been aiki'd. A well placed spirit shout at the start of a heavy offensive, they will know they've been kiai'd. If all that fails, just key their eye.

if you contract before the start of your technique then all it does is slowing your technique , kia should be short at the end of the techniqe into the opponent for maximum effect.

Really depends on what the intent of the kiai is. If you're using it to wake your opponent up/startle them, a kiai before the technique could work to unsettle their nerves just long enough to deliver a blow. The same effect can be used if you catch them right before they're going to throw a strike of their own. The kiai has a wide variety of uses from focusing energy to taking a hit. The timing of the kiai is entirely dependent on what you're kiaing for.

[KarateCroft]

I use a kiai at least once per sparring match, catches them off guards and works everytime.

[Catfish]

I did some rugby training after having trained in karate for a number of years. My team-mates were always amused at my kiai when I hit the tackle bag - just couldn't shake the habit! And my tackles were not so focused if I didn't kiai.