Walk into any karate dojo, and before too long, you’ll hear “EYA!”. This is kiai, and it is one of the most misunderstood and underappreciated concepts of Karate-Do.

Karateka are introduced to kiai early in their karate training, but as they progress, certain concepts they learn as beginners begin to take on new layers of meaning. One such concept is kiai, the outward expression of your inner energy.

The word kiai combines two Japanese characters:

So kiai is quite literally the harmonisation or coming together of energy, the synchronisation of your breathing, your body, your technique and your intent into one explosive moment. In practice, your kiai is both a physical act (the contraction of the diaphragm and release of breath) and a spiritual one (projection of your fighting spirit), bringing together your mind (kokoro), body (karada) and energy (ki). Kiai is not just about being loud. You can have a loud kiai without any meaning, however, true kiai isn’t just heard…it is felt.

Why Do We Use Kiai?

There are several important reasons we use kiai:

• Focus: When your kiai is strong, it sharpens your attention and brings your mental and physical energy to a singular point. When you kiai, you commit, there’s no hesitation. You’re not just going through the motions, you’re giving it 100%.
• Power: Kiai helps your muscles contract at the moment of impact, adding strength to your technique. Your punches and kicks feel stronger when you use a proper kiai.
• Breathing: Kiai teaches how to control your breathing. Coordinate your breathing with movement and tension. Good breathing control improves kiai and by extension, your stamina and precision.
• Spirit: In karate, your fighting spirit is just as important as your physical skill. A loud, confident kiai shows your determination. It tells your opponent that you are strong, focused and ready.

As previously mentioned, kiai is not just about shouting loudly. Kiai should come from the hara (belly) and not from the throat. Use your whole body when you kiai, you should feel it from your core. A strong kiai comes from strong intention. Your kiai is unique to you and no one else’s kiai sounds exactly like yours. It becomes part of what makes your karate unique and strong so be confident when you kiai. Kiai is a reflection of your fighting spirit, your zanshin and your kime. A Karateka without a kiai is like a sword without an edge.

Kiai reminds us of the purpose of Karate-Do: to train with full commitment, awareness and spirit.

Oss!