Why do some martial arts ask practitioners to scream when they strike?

Like engineering, discipline and mastery of blows in martial arts, rude screams mainly come from the contraction of the diaphragm. This plays an important role in many martial arts.

Some Japanese martial arts such as aikido, karate, kobudo, kendo or judo often ask practitioners to shout "Kia" ; Korean teakdoor is "Kihap" ; muay Thai uses " Aish" sound. It is also famous for the shrill screams when it hits.

Picture 1 of Why do some martial arts ask practitioners to scream when they strike?
Bruce is also famous for his shrill screams when he hits .

"Kiai" includes "ki" , meaning strength / energy or mood / mind, "a" is a strong sign. "Ki" in "Kihap" means energy, "hap" is involved, harmony or amplification.

Although each martial art has a different shouting sound, the concept, how to apply . There are many similarities.

Here are some key concepts about shouting when hitting.

The martial arts screams consist mainly of 1 or 2 syllables. The sound must originate from the diaphragm instead of the throat as it is thought to help prevent organ damage by tightening the core muscles . This technique is also seen as a way to increase speed and power in movement or attack.

Like any other form of movement, martial arts require a lot of energy and oxygen.This scream allows martial arts practitioners to develop appropriate respiratory techniques when attacking . This has been Western martial arts and some other fighting sports to learn and apply.

Screams are also considered a method of concentration support and energy release through attack.

Picture 2 of Why do some martial arts ask practitioners to scream when they strike?
This scream allows martial arts practitioners to develop appropriate respiratory techniques when attacking.

Similar to the "battle-cry" term , screams act as a confident warrior's declaration, possibly shocking, intimidating opponents. When shouting "Kia " or "Kihap " when the attack is fierce, it is a sign that you will not stop.

However, although many traditional Chinese, Japanese, and Thai martial arts use shouting in combat as an advantage, some other fighting sports such as boxing, mixed martial arts (MMA) rarely scream. up while playing.

This difference mainly comes from how to use breath and fighting style. Boxing / MMA is very fast paced, screaming proves to be counterproductive.