Ki-ai

[Andyeilio]

I just did a search under Heian Sandan, my next kata, and found a very interesting thread.

http://www.sekiryuzan.org/forum/index.php/topic,22.0.html

With the danger of repeating an old thread, I would like to hear what everyone thinks about this essential component.

Personally, and perhaps embarassinly, My first Ki-ai, was.......Ki-ai.

During kumite at Seki, I did (tried to do) a kizami zuki followed by a gyaku zuki and used an awful pink panther style kiai, "ai" quickly followed by "ai-ah" ?? sounded like ae-ayaa this made me think badly about myself  and about my ki-ai.

I know use something like Taaii, or tie

I found the kiai lists interesting, and like the Tai-so, for example perhaps to be used when block and counter, or a punching combination?

I think at least two people use this at Seki, Richard and Shane?

Do people have different Ki-ai's for different techniques, I obviously read Gwyn's thoughts, and I am now in trouble for breaking two telly's and a door

[B&D]

having looked at the thread I think the most important part of it is exactly what was talked about by sensei in training on Saturday and what we concentrated on last night.....the heel during execution of a punch

[Hong Kong Cheungy]

im always trying to find the coolest ki-ai, i usualy go tai and on the final one i go arr (scream it) but i am still investigating, the bruce lee ki - ia is a comedy ki-ia for me, and onl me do it in seki

[JimmyTheHoover]

A "genuine" Kia is a personal thing and shouldn't really be a "forced" or "imitated" sound - it should be mainly the sound of your core body muscles contracting and forcing air out as you kime on the exhale and i fact the sound and duration will vary based on how strongly you kime and for how long......

...of course you can also kime on the in breath which will produce a different sound - the "sound mnemonics" you seem to be discussing are really only "elementary guidelines" IMHO 

Stop worrying about the sound you make and concentrate on putting the correct amount of effort into the technique an breathing properly and let it happen....

Jim

[Hong Kong Cheungy]

but i do wana cool ki-ia if you get me?

[JimmyTheHoover]

but i do wana cool ki-ia if you get me?

Cool Karate is better....

[Hong Kong Cheungy]

cool me is beter

[JimmyTheHoover]

cool me is beter

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=sTUoJoFE5rA

[Hong Kong Cheungy]

a uncool version of me lol

his ki-ai is over the top and isnt cool enough

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8DzjUR_xQw&feature=related

[Andyeilio]

A "genuine" Kia is a personal thing and shouldn't really be a "forced" or "imitated" sound - it should be mainly the sound of your core body muscles contracting and forcing air out as you kime on the exhale and i fact the sound and duration will vary based on how strongly you kime and for how long......

...of course you can also kime on the in breath which will produce a different sound - the "sound mnemonics" you seem to be discussing are really only "elementary guidelines" IMHO 

Stop worrying about the sound you make and concentrate on putting the correct amount of effort into the technique an breathing properly and let it happen....

Jim

Thanks Jim.

And who am I to disagree, Kihon is kihon is.....

I dont want to over exagerate the importance of Kiai, or why its important, I am just interested in opinion on type and impact it has for people personally

When practising puching techniques yesterday, I found myslef kiaing in a different sound, without thinking, I had just gone into an auto mode,  whilst solely concentrating on the hips.

The Kia-ai to me, is NOT about being cool, just the opposite (Alex) its about focus.

I say this to;

1) continue the discussion, if anyone is interested and;
2) Stay well away from this "cool" thing

[Dave J]

Try and use ki ai to enhance your technique and give you more power.A genuine strong kiai will connect elements of your technique together and bring more focus to your techniques.
Try using it more when your techniques don't feel as strong as you want them to be.

Also use ki ai to restore mental balance when the technique you are performing does not work the way you want to. It will help draw a line under a poor technique and move onto the next one in the correct frame of mind.Only a good strong kiai from deep inside you works for this purpose so just making a noise is pointless , you must FEEL the energy kiai can give you if it is going to be worthwhile.

Parading up and down yelping like a puppy is worse than no kiai at all.