Martial artists often generate an impressive and intimidating shout when throwing a kick or strike. In Taekwondo, we call this sound a kihap 기합 (sometimes spelled kihup, kiai, or kyup). 

Yelling forces us to exhale, removing air from our diaphragms and bringing more power and speed to our attacks. It also forces a subsequent inhale, which brings oxygen into our bodies. In tournaments, the powerful yell helps judges to recognize when a strike is landed.  

What Does Kihap Mean?

The word Kihap is the combination of two base words. Ki is generally translated as energy or life force. Hup means to coordinate, gather, and concentrate. Thus, the term kihap describes a concentration, coordination, or gathering of energy, power, or force. 

In short, Kihap is a means to concentrate a martial artist’s power. 

What is the purpose of Kihap in Taekwondo?

1. Increase Power

   • Shouting ensures we breathe out at the proper time.
   • Kihap creates greater consistency with technique. 
   • The yell reduces fear and hesitation, so we strike closer to the maximum power our body can generate.

2. Intimidate Opponents

   • A fierce yell may startle and intimidate an opponent or attacker. 
   • A kihap synchronized with an effective strike will make the strike seem even more powerful and painful.

3. Increase Confidence

   • The kihap, combined with getting into fighting stance, places our mind and body in the dojang (Taekwondo training studio), where we practice executing martial arts techniques over and over. By bringing our mental state back to the dojang, we release some of the anxiety that naturally occurs during a real-life conflict or in a tournament sparring match.
     
   • This psychological return to the dojang transitions the mind to use muscle memory, rather than attempting to overthink the situation. This optimizes success during attacks or in tournaments.

4. To Protect Our Bodies

   • If we see a strike coming and are not able to defend against it, a kihap will tighten our core muscles and may prevent organs from getting injured.
   • Kihup may prevent getting the wind knocked out of you, since the lungs have been emptied of air.
   • A loud exclamation is a natural response to pain. Further, according to some martial artists, it is a way for the body to get rid of an excessive ki surge. 

Kihup During Training

During Taekwondo training, we practice channeling our power through kihup alongside with our kicks and strikes. Listen to some of our students’ kihaps here. And if you want to learn to increase confidence, generate power, and scare attackers, consider joining us on the mat for lessons.