Need help changing my kihap?

Question

I've been doing Tae Kwon Do for several years. In my classes, adding some kind of yell at the end of a technique or when doing a drill is expected of us. My instructors told me that it needs to be a sound (preferably one syllable) that comes from the abdomen, not the throat. I've heard others that sound like 'Ei' to more of a 'kiya' sound.

I feel that my kihaps are a little weak and I want to choose a different sound, but I'm having trouble figuring out what word to use. I tend to use the 'Ei', but sometimes they come out sounding really pathetic.

Any suggestions on how to figure out one that will work for me? Examples on your own kihap might be helpful too. I want something simple, but effective.

Answer 1

Try hi, us, or ashaaa!!!

Answer 2

The whole idea behind a "spirit yell" is to focus energy into a technique by using the diaphragm to help stiffen or contract the body.

What you yell is secondary to how you yell. One method is to yell in two different but connected parts. Like the well known "ki-ai"  The first part of the yell has the lungs expelling air smoothly. The second part is as loud or louder and much more abrupt, It ends the exhale or yell completely. This is part of the hard&soft of all martial arts. Using a "T" sound at the end of a yell has the tongue help stop the exhale abruptly.

This is only one method of "yelling" and the "T" sound is only one of a few sounds used that have a direct effect on breath power. I cant' tell you what to yell but you should consider the methodology behind the "yell" when you do finially find your voice.

Search the web there may be some good sources out there for you.

Answer 3

Hya!

Kya!