How to Kiai : with Ben McCandless

Learn how to kiai properly. How do you kiai and what benefits are there in a loud kiai?

Join Master Zang and Martial Arts Swap Chat he asks Ben McCandless these exact questions. You will learn that a proper kiai can:
1. Get someone's attention
2. Intimidate a potential attacker
3. Kiai can give self-confidence

McCandless is the first blind man, or visually impaired, to be awarded a black belt from the World Tang Soo Do Association. He has a first dan from River Valley Tang Soo Do Academy in Ambridge, PA and will be testing for his second degree soon.

He is also practices shiatsu massage and is a published author. Under the pen name Alexander Bently, look for his book "Sword of Dreams."

[SasquatchTX]

The kihap when properly executed in timing and technique tightens the core muscles and adds power to a technique and aids in absorbing an incoming blow. Intimidation is the last thing on my mind when giving a kihap, its all about generating maximum power. It may be used in drills or hyung (kata) or sparring to add emphasis to a technique - drawing attention similarly to point number one. The kihap should be done as a technique is about to land, so it adds power at that exact second. We reinforce this with our students during board breaking practice - aside from confidence they gain, there is a tangible difference between a technique thrown silent, and one with a properly timed and executed kihap.