Kihap

Kihap is a Korean term often described as Ki (energy) and Hap (coming together or coordinating). In Hapkido, the Kihap is more than simply a shout—it helps bring together your breathing, physical movement, energy and mental focus.

A correct Kihap comes from deep within the abdomen, rather than the throat. It is more of a powerful guttural sound than a yell. As you perform a technique, exhaling with the movement helps generate power, maintain focus and prevent you from holding your breath.

Kihap has several purposes during training:

• Striking: helps focus energy and generate power.

• Blocking or receiving impact: helps brace and absorb the impact.

• Throwing and being thrown: helps with breathing, relaxation and protecting the body on impact.

• Sparring: can startle an opponent and demonstrate focus.

• Breaking: helps bring physical and mental energy together toward one goal.

• Training: demonstrates focus, control and commitment.

• Confidence: using a strong, controlled Kihap helps students overcome hesitation, express themselves and build self-confidence.

Proper breathing is an important part of Hapkido. Try breathing from your abdomen rather than lifting your chest. Place one hand on your stomach and one on your chest while breathing normally. Ideally, the hand on your stomach should move more than the hand on your chest.

Although Kihap is often called a shout, do not force the sound from your throat. Use your breath and diaphragm to produce a strong, natural sound.

Your Kihap is also an expression of you. Find your own sound and make it part of your Hapkido identity.