Kiai jutsu
Many past experts in martial arts have recommended training in nature to develop one's kiai.
Mas Oyama recommends this, and he spent time in the mountains to do this.
Morihei Ueshiba also spent a lot of time outdoors developing his feeling of these principles.
Takamatsu Toshitsugu only trained outdoors with his students, and spent many years traveling in the wild in his youth developing his ability to harmonize with and disrupt an opponents rhythm. Stories of his meeting with a shugendo ascetic in his youth relate to the healing powers of kiai jutsu and the use of mudra and chanting intonations (kuji).
Now that I live in Wyoming, I am looking forward to spending more time in a wild environment to work on these principles. A large part of the wilderness thing is also not seeming like a lunatic around others.
Spear training would be very good for kiaijutsu I think, and I think this is why Ueshiba may have been so fond of that weapon. Bringing everything through to a point...
Tatsu's post is very interesting, in that there are many writings that talk about different intonations and sounds for creating certain effects. One can experience this through singing and music as well. Very interesting things to be sure. A good method for associating certain sounds with intent is a good thing. Indian literature and meditative techniques rest very heavily on intonation out loud or in the mind.
Kiai justu is a strategy and not a magic method. You have to know when and with whom to employ it. It is a method and a technique, and not all techniques are equally effective on each person.
Good thread.
Glenn R. Manry
---Iaijutsu, don't forget the doorman.