Why do we kiap 기합気合 Kiaps are nothing new to Korean or Japanese martial arts. In
Japanese it is called Kiai (). The reasons behind Kiaps vary from organization, style, and even school. *There are many ways or sounds of the Kiap/Kiai. They range from a ‘grunt to a loud yell or other sounds; some even yell “Kiai” etc. Grandmaster Son, Duk-sung (June 17, 1922 – March 29, 2011) formerly of the World Taekwondo Association/ChungDo Kwan was known for shouting “Utz” and promoting it in his publications and classes. (pg 68 in Korean Karate The Art of Tae Kwon Do by Duk Sung Son and Robert J. Clark 1968)
Of course, the Korean concept comes directly from Japanese influences as Japan had a considerable influence in the development of modern Korean martial as from Taekwon-Do (태권도/跆拳道) and Hapkido (합기도/合氣道) and is used extensively in Kumdo/Kendo (검도 剣道) too. A Kiap/Kiai is essentially a “war cry” and every society and military has different versions of it. We have seen it in all sorts of movies from Mel Gibson’s “Braveheart” and “We Were Soldiers” to movies like The “Last Samurai” and “TaeKukk Ki.”
It is a well-known fact that properly timing the actual act of a Kiap at the time of the execution of the techniques helps generate power. Partly because of the physics involved.
The two terms “kiap” and “Kiai” are the same as “Hapki” (hapkido) and “Aiki” (Aikido) but are transposed. The terms mean “coordination spirit/united spirit”. Some styles and organizations promote it more as a meta-physical aspect of martial arts, but others more as a practical application at the time of the execution of techniques. Try any technique on a target. The first one takes a breath and holds it and executes your technique (doesn’t matter what method you use) then uses the same technique but this time do a kiap/Kiai at the time of the technique you will feel and see the difference.
Kiap has at least 6 other “benefits” that can be used to varying degrees.
- Confuses the opponent
- Startles the opponent
- It makes your opponent aware of your power and spirit
- Stimulates the spirit.
- Focus your resources on a single point.
- It declares one’s victory!
(As a side note: The I.T.F. have never used any kiap in the patterns Officially. General Choi never wanted them incorporated, it was only I.T.F. instructors, from the older Kwans that put them in. E.G. GM Jhoon Rhee, GM Cho, Hee-il etc. Only in the last couple of years has the I.T.F. under Choi, Jung-Hwa put them in the tuls/patterns.)
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A kiap is nothing more than a forced exhalation of air from the diaphragm. This forced exhalation allows for maximum energy/force to be expelled from the body.
If you would like to see/hear it in another venue, outside of martial arts, go to a track meet and listen to the shot-putters and discus throwers.
Nothing meta physical, just bio-mechanics and applied physics as are all the martial arts.