kiai
Fighter's focused cry
Kiai is the sharp shout martial artists make when executing a strike or technique.
The cry comes from the diaphragm and serves multiple purposes: focusing energy, startling an opponent, and reinforcing proper breathing.
In Japanese martial arts like karate and kendo, the kiai is considered essential to effective technique: He let out a powerful kiai as he struck.
Japanese unarmed combat discipline
- judoJapanese throwing discipline
- aikidoThrowing art using redirection
- taekwondoKorean striking martial art
- kendoJapanese bamboo fencing
dojo · sensei · kumite · sparring · kata · strike · punch · block
Greek letter or energy
- forceStrength or compulsion
- powerEnergy transfer rate
- spiritSoul, mood, or liquor
- focusConcentrated attention point
projection · channeling · intention · willpower · concentration · inner · essence · vital
Speak very loudly
- screamLoud sharp cry
- battlecryCombat rallying shout
- roarLoud, deep animal cry
- vocalizationProducing sounds with voice
exhalation · breath · projection · timing · release · burst · explosion · utterance
karate
Japanese unarmed combat discipline
- judoJapanese throwing discipline
- aikidoThrowing art using redirection
- taekwondoKorean striking martial art
kendo · dojo · sensei · kumite · sparring · kata · strike · punch · block · technique
chi
Greek letter or energy
focus · projection · channeling · intention · willpower · concentration · inner · essence · vital · flow
yell
Speak very loudly
vocalization · exhalation · breath · projection · timing · release · burst · explosion · utterance · exclamation
intimidation
Deliberate fear-inducing pressure
- startleFrighten suddenly
- distractionThing diverting one's attention
- timingArt of choosing moments
impact · attack · defense · opponent · engagement · moment · contact · execution · victory · dominance
kiaistillness
Complete lack of motion
calm · tranquility · relaxation · passivity · lethargy