気合 Spirit; tell; fighting spirit; cry; shout; scream; clamor; roar; bellow. (fighting) spirit, motivation, effort; shout (for getting in the right mood to deal with something, etc.), cheer, yell. (short shout when performing an attacking move) (martial arts)
Ki [気] means spirit, mind, heart.
ai [合] means fit or join.
It’s NOT a long drawn out scream where the performers faces look like they are going to explode nor is it expressed as if screaming the word itself, “KIIIIIAAAIIIIII !”
It’s a concept and methodology that is either a one distinct sound or no sound at all often called silent kiai.
Like saying the sound of, “ka”, as if saying the “c” part of “cake.”
In my dojo, I actually use “ka” like a haiku cutting (Kireji) word. It’s a terse, short, and sharp sound. When you achieve a certain proficiency applying kiai it is difficult for others to even hear it and if you are on the receiving end you will only feel it as its applied.
The modern competitive kiai is a product of showmanship and ignorance of those using it and especially those judging it.
A properly applied kiai by an expert can be missed entirely by an adept observing or be perceived as a sharp distinct sound that stuns the mind into a single moments freeze, i.e., as if you think you heard it but can’t be sure.
Like many concepts of martial prowess of Asia, by itself can take many years as a stand alone to learn to expert level.
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