Kiai

Kiai is a compound of "ki" meaning mind, will, turn-of-mind, spirit... and "ai" being the contraction of the verb "awasu", signifying "to unite". In bujitsu (or the Japanese art of war), it is usually linked to the inner amassing of energy released in a single explosive focus of will, shout, or in one legend a "stare" in which a samurai froze a pack of wolves in their tracks by simply glaring at them. Modern karate refers to the shout that accompanies some kata as "kiai". Students of related arts (such as taiko drumming) also use kiai to focus energy when executing a technique. It is frequently associated with the representation of Asian martial arts in cinema and in animated cartoons.

Korean martial arts may call this sound a Yatz or Kihap.

See also

• Qi

External link

• A page on the kiai