A short (and sometimes loud) sound created by expelling air from the mouth, that is generated from tightening the abdomen muscles and diaphragm. Literally translated from Japanese, kiai means "mind, breath, and/or spirit united"

Comments:

American Kenpo does not rely as much on the kiai as some other martial art systems. And when executed are typically more muted that a lot of other systems.

The kiai is most commonly used for enhancing physical motion, but can also be used as a Psychological Weapon.

Related Definition(s):

Breathe

Related Term(s):

Body Harmony, Complete Harmony, Grand Total, Harmonized Power, Harnessing the Force, Harnessing Your Energy, Mental Harmony, Physical Harmony, Total Harmony, Total Physical Harmony