Kiai?!

[Gattsu]

How would you explain the concept of kiai to a beginner kendoka? Bear in mind that I'm interested in the most practical explanation possible...
thanx

[Gene Williams]

It is one of the most difficult things to explain to a beginner in any of the arts. I usually say that it is when everything comes together...and that takes a while. In karate, I don't think anyone really has kiai occur until the senior ranks. It means "a bringing together of energy or spirit." The concept is actually very complex, but in karate we just start them out telling them to yell at certain points. You have to start somewhere.

[A. Bakken]

http://www.halifaxkendo.org/Kendo_Reader.doc

[Gattsu]

Thanx to both of you :)
Especially to A.Bakken with the kendo reader...a very interesting and detailed document that manages to explain many things...

[Ken-Hawaii]

Gene is right that explaining the concept of kiai is bloody difficult. But demonstrating it doesn't have to be.

The idea of yelling to focus your energies doesn't always come across, & not only to newbies. So if you have access to a grip-meter (measures how hard you can squeeze with one hand, & available for a few bucks at sporting goods stores), try this:

1. Have your student (or friend) just stand there quietly & grip the meter. That will be his/her baseline.

2. Now have him stand on tip-toe, grit his teeth, & measure his grip again.

3. Last, have him do the very same thing, but this time yelling at the top of his lungs at the meter.

So far, all of my students have registered at least 25% higher with the quasi-kiai, & several have more than doubled their gripping force. I doubt you'll have any more problem with kiais after that.

Ken

[Gattsu]

...interesting approach...I was actually thinking about different ways in which to demonstrate the actual "beneficial" aspect of the kiai but this is quite good...will surely try it...
thanx:)

[Ken-Hawaii]

Do be aware that the downside of this process, especially with youngsters, is that they tend to use yelling as a good way to do EVERYTHING after that!

Ken

[Gattsu]

Originally posted by Ken-Hawaii
Do be aware that the downside of this process, especially with youngsters, is that they tend to use yelling as a good way to do EVERYTHING after that!

Ken


:D