Taekwondo Blog

Martial artists often generate an impressive and intimidating shout when throwing a kick or strike. In Taekwondo, we call this sound a kihap (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.