(Today's post is written by a guest writer and my oldest son, Michael. I consider a Michael a much better writer than I, and I always enjoy reading what he has to offer. He loves and is a student of languages, and really wanted to do a piece with this theme. I worked on this piece with Michael as simply an editor, and very minor at that, but this is his baby and I invite you to enjoy today's Language of the Arts article. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I believe you will too. Michael's profile link is at the bottom of this article...)
“Aiyah!”
“ HAI!”
“ WHAAAAaaAAAaaAaagh!”
It catches everyone’s attention during a tournament, that’s for sure. It can assure the judges know you put your all into that particular strike. No one can deny your ability of raw power after a good, strong “kiai”… But what is the “kiai”?
“Kiai”, known to many as the “shout of spirit”, comes from the two Japanese words “ki” (mind, breath, or spirit—equivalent of Chinese “chi”) and “ai” (to unite). If you are a practitioner of the Korean arts, you might know it as “kihap” or “yatz”. There is an art form altogether dedicated to the “shout of spirit”, called Kiai Jutsu, which uses the “kiai” as a weapon, often times to stun the opponent. “Kiai” is even used in the Japanese game “Go” as a term to show aggressive spirit and a positive, forward moving strategy.
“Kiai” doesn’t necessarily mean screaming till your head turns purple. Some would say that a “kiai” can be completely silent, because the principle is not in the sound, but the inner gathering of your power and energy; of proper breathing, alignment in body structure, and absolute concentration on technique.
It is worth the mention here that a silent “kiai” is extremely practical. A wide-open mouth creates a higher chance that you’ll get your jaw broken or your teeth knocked out, and a silent “kiai” can be used just as effectively while keeping the mouth closed. That’s why boxers and mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters use that “shoosh” noise whenever they punch or get hit.
However, the shout is still an important piece of the equation. The shout is the exclamation point at the end of the sentence. It is the simultaneously raw, yet disciplined explosion of all that gathered energy and will-power that causes your opponent a need to change his or her proverbial diaper.
It is also defensive. Think about it: I’m going to punch you in the stomach (not really, but just play along for a moment). What’s a good way to control the damage I might inflict on you? A gathering of and release of your breath and energy, completely absorbing the impact of my fist and making my attack all but moot. (Cue counter-punch to my surprised face.)
Furthermore, the shout of spirit can help relieve your self of any fears, even while instilling fear and uncertainty into any potential attackers.
So next time you feel silly shouting in class, or you encounter someone who likes to poke fun at martial arts using the ever-present “WaaaaachaaaaaAAAAAaaaah!” sounds (you know what I’m talking about), just remember there is so much more to the language and, in this case, shouts we use in all forms of Martial Arts. Your understanding of what you practice on a weekly basis can significantly deepen your appreciation for the traditions and heritage…and practical power…contained in the individual practices of the arts.
So go on, get out there on the mat and practice using those inner core muscles, and practice gathering the immense inner power that resides in each of us. “Kiai” until your face turns red…“Kihap” till your face turns purple…or learn to utilize the silent shout of spirit, and really rock the mat! Just be sure when you do, put all your power, energy, and focus into it. Be sharp! Do well!
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Thanks Michael (Michaels Kickgen.com username: Wyvern - show him some love)! And Happy Memorial Day observed today.
Have An Extraordinary Day!
Doug McGannon
Kickgen.com username: KGDoug
www.QuestForTheUSOpen.blogspot.com
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