Kiai

The Kiai [ ki.ai ] (Japanese気 合and気合いand气 合) is the name given to the battle cry during an action in the Asian martial arts (Japanese Budo ). There are two forms of Kiai: the unvoiced Kiai with an audible exhalation and the voiced Kiai with a loud cry. This is not necessarily called " Kiai ", but any (or in the dojo specified ) syllable combination. Also, great emphasis is placed on the correct breathing technique in which the Kiai is produced by abdominal breathing, not chest breathing.

The word is composed of the terms Ki (气and Japanese気, "inner life energy" ) and Ai (Japanese合, "unity, harmony "). The Kiai ( "one - be with the inner rhythm " ) is an essential element in many martial arts and serves several purposes:

• Temporal and spatial coordination of physical energy and mental attention to the running punch, kick, or throw action (Japanese Kime )
• Maintenance of internal tension and aggression after a successful hit (this one is in a position to continue fighting without weakening, through joy or relief in the concentration) (Japanese Zanshin or Zan -Shin )

For many beginners, the application of a loud, voiced Kiai with a kind of mental inhibition is connected. Possible reasons are that loud calls are frowned upon in everyday life, and making you feel uncomfortable when you get loud alone.

In the Korean martial arts of cry Gihap is called ( Kor. 기합 ). Some special exhibits of Taekkyon - battle cry.

Kiai at kendo

The hit areas during kendo have their own names ( Kote, Men, Dō ), and these must be called loud and clear, so that the results apply. Even with basic techniques usually the name of the hit areas are called according to convey that the hit was not a product of chance, but was achieved with full intention. Initially, there is the Shiai additionally the Kake - goe, loud, energetic, partially shrill cries or screams, mostly on the syllable " Yaaa ", which serve to intimidate the opponent and the building up of internal stress. There are certain breathing exercises with which the Kake - goe can be specifically trained.

Even with the implementation of the kata there Kake - goe and Kiai. There, the Kake - goe occurs at certain stroke techniques that are proclaimed by Shidachi "To ", from uchidachi with " Ya ". The Kiai is here more intense than the shinai kendo.

The Kiai coincides with the Kime. A cut / hit is only valid in kendo when it is executed with conviction and when Kiai, the harmonious movement of the entire body and the impact of the weapon at the same moment take place. When well executed, the Kiai can be a weapon itself, since an attacker will be thrown off balance by the posture, movement, and vocal use, that is, can be intimidated or confused ( psychological effect to the outside). Expel a Kiai also acts motivating effect on the performers ( psychological effect inwards). The Kiai is an essential component or prerequisite for learning the techniques.