Kiai Meaning in Karate

Kiai is a vocal karate technique that translates to the meeting of energy or a spirited shout. The practitioner exhales sharply from the lower abdomen to produce a loud and short burst of sound. This action tightens the core muscles to protect the internal organs and increases the power of a strike. It also serves to startle an opponent and demonstrate the strong fighting spirit of the student. The shout must come from the diaphragm rather than the throat to avoid any vocal strain. An athlete shouts loudly while performing the final finishing move of a traditional karate form. Timing the breath with the physical impact ensures that the body is fully unified for power. A strong shout can also help a person overcome fear during a difficult physical task.