KIAI is a shout of the spirit.
In many Japanese martial training systems, the concept of 気合[KIAI] was a mere shout accompanying aggressive action.
This is a featured page introduction before engaging in battle armies would shout and cry out and when running in to fight they would scream out in a continuous flow of energy putting fear into their enemy.
Beginning students of karate, judo, and kendo can be made to shout with the delivery of techniques as a means of learning proper breathing and mental focus.
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Stencil for tattoo: The shout of spirit.pdf |
This weapon known as "Kiai" is the Japanese term for expelling sound of various types to have an effect on oneself and the attacker.
気合[Kiai] is a compound of 気[Ki], meaning internal energy, will, turn of mind, spirit and "合[ai]" meaning unite.
The technique used to convey this power is the human voice.
Use of Kiai
In learning to use Kiai correctly you gain control over your respiratory, nervous, and muscular systems and can increase your Ki supply.
To create the most effective kiai shout, use a low, open throated vowel sound, and avoid high-pitched shrieks or squealing noises.
Effects of Kiai on the attacker
The kiai used in a self-defence situation helps to confuse the senses so the attacker cannot concentrate, and be forced to decide whether to proceed or flee.
The kiai has the effect of breaking down this mind and body co-ordination, momentarily changing an opponent thought pattern and rapidly sapping confidence from him.
Kiai exploits this natural phenomenon of human physiology causing a rapid beating of the heart and a momentary break in his breathing rhythm.
This slight break is caused by the shock acting on the auditory nerve, which connects the ear to the brain, seizing the attackers reaction time for a moment.
In this way, kiai affects the central nervous system, respiratory and muscular systems temporarily freezing an attacker's thoughts and actions.
We can only attack strongly when exhaling.
Our instinctive reflexive reaction when startled is to inhale.
Types Of Kiai
The attacking shout
The attacking kiai shout is a fierce explosive noise that causes the adversary to drop his concentration momentarily.Grounded from the lower abdomen, the shout resonates through the "body to startle, terrify" and over whelm the enemy.
Though there are no specific words associated with the attacking shout, a low, drawn-out, almost growling "ehy!" sound is typical for native speakers of Japanese.
Pronunciation: otakeb.
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Stencil for tattoo: The attacking shout.pdf |
The reacting shout
The reacting kiai shout is a heavy, intense noise that creates a sense of disappointment in the enemy as his tactics are thwarted.
From the tightened midsection, the shout hisses up through the body to accompany the mental charge upon discovering the enemy's hidden weapon, or successfully avoiding his attack The hollow sounding exhalation usually takes a "toh!" form with Japanese speaking practitioners.
Pronunciation: kakusei
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Stencil for tattoo: The reacting shout.pdf |
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Stencil for tattoo: The victorious sound.pdf |
The victorious sound
The victorious shout is a boisterous, triumphant noise that celebrates the overpowering of the enemy.
The ringing shouts come from the solar plexus with the exuberance of a laugh, to discourage and bewilder the adversary after a series of blows have been dealt "Yah!" or "yoh!" sounds are natural for Japanese speakers, although the sounds have no word meanings.
Pronunciation: kanko
The shadow shout
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Stencil for tattoo: The shadow shout.pdf |
The fourth shout, or "shadow kiai!" is not necessarily a vocal shout at all, but rather a total plunging of the body, mind, and feelings into the destiny of the fight If any sound at all were emitted, it might take a "uhmm" sort of quality as this kiai form takes over the ninja's fighting presence by spontaneously blending the characteristics of the attacking, reacting, and victorious kiai shouts in the martial artist consciousness.
This is the highest level of "Involvement Attackers" are used at the crucial moment before a defense is needed, so that the attack is in reality a protection.
The harmony with the universal force implied in the concept of kiai is in no way limited to the body of each individual alone.
It is the feeling that our intentions project when we are determined to destroy someone else.
Animals as well as humans project this 殺気[sakki] as a natural part of their determination to overtake another being.
Pronunciation: sakki
Finally, I quoted these sentences on the following two website pages.
Both are very good pages.
If you are interested about KIAI, I recommend you to read these web pages.
By Hararie
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