It's Not Yelling - It's Called a "Kiai"!
 

The yell is called a "kiai." It is used to:

• Show fighting spirit

• Focus total concentration into the attack

• Focus timing, breathing, movement, and power

• Increase the power of an attack

• Ensure the breath is not held during exertion

• Force oxygen into bloodstream

• Help absorb an attack.

• Surprise an opponent

• Intimidate

• Create an opening boost the overall spirit of the class

Click here to listen to an example of a correct kiai.

Click here to listen to an example of an incorrect way to do a kiai.