Beginner Tips: Kiai

[seienchin]

I spent quite a few weeks unsure what I should be "saying" when I kiai. It was embarassing, and I felt stupid.

Then we had the primal scream lesson - It was self defence by VOICE only. (a bit like the landlady character in KungFu Hustle). I yelled and screamed and yelled my way to a hoarse voice, but I GOT IT!

I had to stop worrying about the sound of what came out of my mouth and start worrying about the ferocity and intent of it.

(interesting aside - about 2 months ago, I found myself on the ground, facing a fairly agressive dog which had been invading our yard every week or so,. It had knocked me down from behind, injured my knee and I wasn't in a position to hit or kick it. My Kiai took over - It must have looked hilarious - me, on the ground, roaring at the dog - which left without further attack and I haven't seen it since. It must have figured I had rabies!).

So - how did you get past the "embarassed" stage with your kiai, and do you have any tips for how to channel it?

[Dent]

Osu!

I never had an embarrassed stage! I've been loud for most of my life! :D

I think there are several kinds of Kiai. Some loud, some soft. I think what develops naturally is a breathing method we can draw on depending on what we need from it. (Not very good beginner advice though. Sorry. :o )

Osu!

[WYKKO]

The key to a good kiyai is to begin in the heart. After all, you are trying to project your life force through your voice. Decide that your technique will be the best you've ever done. Then, breathe in quickly through your nose and exhale by pushing out your diaphragm. Relax your throat and let the air flow freely through your vocal cords. They will constrict naturally but if you over tighten them you will cut off the air and consequently the sound. Relax your jaw and allow the syllables of your kiyai to escape quickly through your mouth. I usually kiyai using "Osu!" during class. At a tournament, I will use "Sah!" instead. I like "Sah!" because your tongue creates back pressure and the sound is more explosive.

Getting over the "self-conscious" factor is easy if the instructor gets involved. Praising good spirit and kiyai is the easiest way for a student to overcome shyness. Also, as an individual you must realize that if you kiyai so loudly that other people stop what they are doing or get distracted, then you have accomplished the goal of a kiyai! You were able to use your spirit as a weapon!

OSU!!!

[Hangtime]

I advise beginners of my own experience...

"When I started karate, I was a college grad, I had a professional job, I fancied myself as a pretty confident person. I came into the dojo the first time and everyone is yelling pretty loudly...and I was expected to follow along.

It took some time, but I quickly came to realize this: I can't "yell" at home, I can't "yell" at work, I can't "yell" at the gym...but I can come into karate and let out a fiercely loud and slightly intimidating scream...over and over and over again. Yes, I felt weird about it at first but over time, it became natural!"

If I am dealing with children, I point out that their not quiet at home (and get them to confirm)...no need to be quiet when they're receiving a FREE INVITATION to "yell"!

It takes time to develop, sure, but once that mindset is ingrained...it's there!
OSU!

[FredInChina]

I thought I had a loud kiai (and my dojo mates too), until I heard Dent Sensei's primal & ferocious roar that seemed to crystallize the essence of focus, intent & formidable intensity into the raw power of his kata...
........ and so I tried to mimic, and some of Sensei Dent's teaching became clearer and simpler, and visible too... like revealed!

........ and so in my dojo, some of Sensei's mastery is somewhat carried over and rubs on the beginners, and others too, that, for some reason, seem just a tad louder when I do kata with them.

I think that example, and the ability to demonstrate that the boundary can be pushed further are marvelous things. :)


When I came back to Karate, one of the things I realized I had missed was the common kiais that resonate at the rhythm of kihon. :)

I remember learning to and growing into my kiai by imitating my peers and sempais.



Osu!

[supergroup7]

What helped me was to have seven children, I learned quickly how to call loudly with intent to break through, get their attention, and get results. Their safety, and the condition of my home, depended on being able to stop them from going, doing, or touching something dangerous.

It was easy after that to transfer this ability to Karate.

However, I don't think that having a large family is a personal life choice for every Karate student. Just picture a 2 year old getting ready to pour out their bottle of juice onto your new bought stereo system, and you are standing about 12 feet away.. only your voice can shock, and stop that kid.. the sound that comes out is very much a "kiai".

[sandman]

What helped me was to have seven children, I learned quickly how to call loudly with intent to break through, get their attention, and get results. Their safety, and the condition of my home, depended on being able to stop them from going, doing, or touching something dangerous.

It was easy after that to transfer this ability to Karate.

However, I don't think that having a large family is a personal life choice for every Karate student. Just picture a 2 year old getting ready to pour out their bottle of juice onto your new bought stereo system, and you are standing about 12 feet away.. only your voice can shock, and stop that kid.. the sound that comes out is very much a "kiai".

LOL! That is a good parallel there Supergoup7. I never thought about it that way, but now that you've mentioned it I'm sure my kids would agree that Mrs Sandman's kiaii is one of the best! :D

[juvee]

guess I will have to yell some more then!