woolston
3rd May 2001, 21:44
E-Budo Members,
I am interested in what people think about the kiai in Okinawan karate, with regard to the following observations:
1) I have some video footage of Soke Takayoshi Nagamine performing kata and he appears to kiai before the technique, rather than at the moment of kime. What would the theory behind this be? Would it be to startle the opponent before execution of technique?
2) In a couple of publications, writers have theorised that the kiai may actual be a fairly modern conception, or devised for the purpose of exhibitions (Bugeisha magazine, Issue 4, p.38 & Okinawan Karate, by Mark Bishop, p.112). One of these writers mentions that, since karate was once practised in secret, the kiai would have drawn too much attention to the practitioner.
I look forward to reading any comments that anyone may have on this subject.
Respectfully,
Steve Woolston
Matsubayashi Shorin Ryu Karate
ENGLAND
I am interested in what people think about the kiai in Okinawan karate, with regard to the following observations:
1) I have some video footage of Soke Takayoshi Nagamine performing kata and he appears to kiai before the technique, rather than at the moment of kime. What would the theory behind this be? Would it be to startle the opponent before execution of technique?
2) In a couple of publications, writers have theorised that the kiai may actual be a fairly modern conception, or devised for the purpose of exhibitions (Bugeisha magazine, Issue 4, p.38 & Okinawan Karate, by Mark Bishop, p.112). One of these writers mentions that, since karate was once practised in secret, the kiai would have drawn too much attention to the practitioner.
I look forward to reading any comments that anyone may have on this subject.
Respectfully,
Steve Woolston
Matsubayashi Shorin Ryu Karate
ENGLAND