Breath Control

Proper breath control during execution of a technique requires:

Low volume, high pressure exhale during execution
High volume, low pressure exhale with a momentary cutoff of the breath at the moment of impact
Normal exhale after impact

The kiai accomplishes this type of breath control.

Kiai Composition

The kiai is composed of a high frequency first syllable (ki) and a low frequency second syllable (ai).

You sound "ki" at the start of a technique. When sounding "ki," you forcibly expel air through constricted vocal cords using the diaphragm, which restricts airflow, increases air pressure within the lungs, and forces oxygen into the blood stream. This relaxes the body so all muscles may work together for maximum speed and power.

You sound "ai" at the moment of impact. During the execution of a technique, all your concentration and power is focused on the moment of impact and the sounding of the "ai." When sounding "ai," you release a burst of air from the lungs that relieves the increased pressure and tenses the entire body, especially the abdomen. With the abdomen tensed, the upper and lower body are solidly connected into one integral unit. This permits the body to transfer power from the legs to the point of contact and permits the body to transfer the reaction force quickly through the body to the ground and back to the point of impact before contact terminates.

After the "ai" is sounded, you continue with a normal exhale. This disconnects the upper and lower body, relaxes the entire body, and allows it to return to the on-guard position quickly.

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