Power of the Kihap

By Kyle Feagans, 3rd Dan

What is the name of, and purpose of the dynamic “shout” or “yell” used in the martial art of Taekwondo?  It is a Korean word called “Kihap” and is a technique used to push or expel air from the body.  The use of the kihap is a discipline that provides several benefits and is a valuable tool when training in martial arts.  As a participant in Taekwondo the specifics of the following reasons will be geared towards this martial arts discipline.

KIHAP helps with Breathing:

Remember being completely out of breath after your first few taekwondo classes, gasping for air and asking yourself “what did I get myself into?” And, at some point, you recall your instructor telling you to yell, to shout, to Kihap at a specific time or while performing certain techniques.  As a white belt, it is extremely important to begin developing a powerful and dynamic kihap.  The desire to have a great kihap will increase your cardiorespiratory and muscular endurance allowing you to feel less fatigue at the end of class.

KIHAP helps to tighten your stomach muscles:

A properly performed kihap helps tighten the stomach muscles.  Yes, having a consistent warm up, doing sit-ups and crunches will increase the muscular strength and endurance of your abdominal muscles but the kihap is the catalyst that helps bring it all together.  Now, you might be thinking that this is counter intuitive to the point above and how the kihap helps us breath.  Sparring is where one begins to realize and understand that the kihap is a multifaceted technique.  It helps us to breathe, allowing for increased stamina during the match and it helps to tighten our stomach on the receiving end of a kick, a punch or strike.

KIHAP helps us pinpoint or focus on the instant needed:

This point allows us to discuss some of the differences in kihap utilized in taekwondo.  In the first two points above, breathing and tightening of the abdomen, the kihap is here is a short dynamic shout.  This type of kihap is typically used in poomse, self-defense, and self-defense.  The initial kihap in breaking will be different because your agenda has changed.  Now, you are preparing to put a part of your body, a hand or foot, through a solid object.  Breaking objects requires a high level of concentration, focus, and accuracy to achieve consistent success.  This kihap, not only needs to be loud and dynamic, but it also needs to be long and drawn out.  It needs to have an intensity about it to help you pinpoint, to focus on the spot that needs to be struck.

KIHAP shows supreme confidence:

Our reasons to have a dynamic kihap discussed so far have been focused on physical aspects.  The power of the kihap is also mental.  In training and developing your kihap physically you are also training your mind to know when to kihap, where to kihap and what type of kihap to perform.  You are developing muscle memory in your brain.  The training of one’s kihap is just as important as the time and effort expended to develop natural proficiency in your kicking, punching, striking, and blocking techniques.  A strong developed kihap provides one with a confidence that will enable them to persevere in their taekwondo journey.

There are numerous other reasons to kihap in taekwondo. It helps to produce more power; it can be used as a fake in sparring or is a great way to call for help to name a few.  Be sure to make it an integral part of your training.  Do not take the Power of the Kihap for granted!