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Home » Blog » The Karate Kiai and What it Means

The Karate Kiai and What it Means

April 6, 2012 By Sensei Matt Klein

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Karate kid shouting his kiai

A good loud karate kiai will make you stronger, protect you, and scare your opponent.

There is a science behind using your voice as a weapon, or kiaijutsu, as Japanese masters call it. It is the projection of ki, or internal energy, and manifests itself in the Kiai, or “martial arts shout”. With this energy you penetrate, like an arrow, your opponent’s spirit.

The Kiai Startles Your Opponent

There is great power in sound. It is your best weapon on the street, I always tell my students. As your attacker attempts to grab you, let out a blood-curdling scream in his face. It will startle even the most hardened of criminals, even if only for a second—long enough for you to strike or run. It puts the attacker on the defensive straight away.

The Kiai Makes You Strong

The shout helps with any heavy exertion. This is why you hear power lifters and tennis players do it. It also serves to “amp you up”, or get primed for combat.

The Kiai Protects You

The exhalation of air from the lungs, combined with tensing of the abdominal muscles when shouting, strengthens and protects the torso from strikes or kicks. It also prevents the habit of nervously holding the breath while engaging in combat.

A loud yell will also attract the attention of bystanders, who may be able to come to your assistance, if needed.

The Kiai Must be Practiced

Practice the Kiai in during training as often as possible. It should come from the gut or diaphragm, not the throat, much like breathing in yoga or playing a musical instrument. It is a skill worth mastering. Some say that masters of the art are actually able to freeze multiple opponents, push people backwards, or even knock people over with this skill. What is your experience with the karate kiai?

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Filed Under: For the Martial Artist

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mihir-joshi-kenpo-freestyle-sydneyOver the years, through Karate, I found that my confidence and self-esteem levels had sky rocketed to heights I never thought it would go. I thank Sensei Matt, and all those who have helped me in Karate, for helping me understand such values in a fun and social learning environment.
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Australia's Youth Self Defence Karate
mihir-joshi-kenpo-freestyle-sydneyOver the years, through Karate, I found that my confidence and self-esteem levels had sky rocketed to heights I never thought it would go. I thank Sensei Matt, and all those who have helped me in Karate, for helping me understand such values in a fun and social learning environment.
Mihir Joshi

See our Karate Success Stories Page for Mihir's story.
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Friendly yet disciplined approach towards karate at Australia’s Youth has helped enormously. It enabled Mihir to build a sense of belonging and improved his motivation to excel. It’s amazing how learning the Martial Arts helps build confidence and improve overall personality.
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I like Karate because it is really fun and I love going on the weekend to see all my friends and Senseis. Karate makes me feel safe because I don’t worry about bullies at school because I know they can’t really hurt me.Tyvian-Macfarlne-Kenpo-Freestyle-Sydney
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09/08/2014
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The confidence karate has given Tyvian is amazing. He is takes pride in himself and he has matured. The focus, confidence and discipline he has gained through karate has transferred to other areas of his life such as educational tasks, looking after younger children both in and out of his family and demonstrating empathy for others.Robert-Macfarlane
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I owe my confidence, strength, fitness and leadership skills to Karate. It has taught me to persist with everything and that the only way to improve is to try harder.Adam-Loader-Kenpo-Freestyle-Sydney
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Look at what you have achieved Matt, we can’t thank you enough for your contribution to shaping these two young men. We are often complimented about the maturity of the boys and we know their Karate has played an important part in developing that maturity. Brings a tear to my eye!
loadersRobert Loader, father of Adam and Jacob Loader
09/01/2014

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