Techniques of Shotokan

The Kiai

Wait a minute. Isn't the kiai the yell that I hear when students are sparring and/or fighting? How can it be technique? How? Easy! A karate master can take out an opponent with their kiai alone (or so the teachings say). Knowing when to use a kiai, and how to properly execute and apply it are just as important as knowing the proper way to kick or punch. It is a technique just the same as a kick or punch, but just not as physical.

A kiai is done by quickly exhaling, and at the same time making a one syallable sound. "I", "HI" and "EE" would be good sounds to use for a kiai. You want your kiai to be as short but loud as possible. However, a kiai should not be confused with a yell. A well executed kiai will not cause the throat to feel to raw, as yelling would.

When done properly, the kiai does three things.

1. It empties air from the lungs. This is good, because if you are struck after executing a kiai, the chances of having the "wind knocked out of you" are greatly reduced. Also, by getting as much air out of your lungs as possible, it makes you a somewhat harder, denser target. Therefore, if you are atruck after a kiai, it should not hurt quite as much.
2. It should startle your opponent. Even a momentary pause or blink by your opponent can be the opening your are waiting for. Use a kiai to help create that openning.
3. It should "psych" you up. Think of it as talking to yourself before the big fight. The kiai should get your adrenaline going.

Kiai Samples

Good Kiai ~14K .wav file

Bad Kiai ~23K .wav file

Back