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by Erin888888 on July 1st, 2007

Erin888888

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Why do you have to say "Ha!" every time you punch or kick is Karate?

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Answers. 8 helpful answers below.

  • by Takei-Shihan on July 2nd, 2007

    Takei-Shihan

    The yell has a great number of purposes.

    It aids the student with timing ... start & finnish the move at the same speed as the one syllable yelled hard, fast, and short.

    The yell aids in the focusing and directing of the Chi ... to be gathered, circulated, accelerated, and launched with timing to an impact strike ... vibrating the body with the yell makes this energy control an easier task.

    The yell aids the student with focussing for the sudden change in body tension at time of impact at target point ... the sudden, hard exhalation and the cell vibrating yell, mixed with the relaxed move that suddenly tenses as it touches, makes it easier to feel the target and easier to learn to strike it properly by aligning the bones and applying just the right amount of tension to just the right muscles.

    There are tones and sounds that have various effects on the body. The ringing, vibrating Baoding Balls are one common example, but certain songs, chants, humming, bells, gongs, etc., and yes, even the sound of the yell, when combined with the breathing method, has a minor physiological altering effect that both increases the nerve's sensetivities and increases the tollerance to pain (ask a mother about breathing & pain !!!).

    At higher levels, once all these things have been learned, the yell becomes less important ... but it is very important as a training aid, so the student may reach the higher levels. At higher levels, stealth and silence are taught along with 'hide in shadows' and camoflage ... but the lower levels are more about using and controlling sounds as tools and as weapons.

    In combat, a sound may be a diversionary weapon, a yell may cause confusion, fear, or hesitation.

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  • by Sifu on July 2nd, 2007

    Sifu

    In my style it is not necassary to have a shout. It uses up to much engery that could be directed at the opponant. Think of it as a relief like when you go to sit down you exert air in that: Ahhh. Body tension is another thing you want to avoid...

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  • by Dark Detail on July 1st, 2007

    Dark Detail

    It isn't necessarily HA as much as it is a sharp exhalation of breath.
    It just helps make your attack stronger. Actually try it, once hold your breath, once breath in, and once breath out sharply. Whether you yell is up to you.

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  • by Koz - Passion Perseverance Patience on July 1st, 2007

    Koz - Passion Perseverance Patience

    This was answered in a previous question but the yelling is called a Kiai in Karate and Judo. It's a way to focus your energy when you execute your waza or block your opponents attack. Almost all Asian martial arts have this from Hapkido, Kung Fu, Tae Kwan Do, Karate, Judo, etc.,

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  • by galvatros on August 25th, 2007

    galvatros

    the sharp exhalation in the HA also helps to prevent you from becoming winded if the attack is countered. When I was doing Judo is was helpful to yell out right before I was slammed to prevent myself from having the wind knocked out of me

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  • by Eltinwe has a life Swan - DYOH on July 2nd, 2007

    Eltinwe has a life Swan - DYOH

    You don't have to say "Ha!" every time you punch or kick. I've also run into folks who say "Choo!" every move, and end up sounding like a steam engine. You do need to breathe, though.

    I find some syllable or other is useful for teaching proper breathing technique. Karate is like singing - you need to breathe right to make it come out right.

    At this point, you'll rarely hear my breathing, because the vocal cords actually inhibit the air from moving as fast as it can, which slows down the technique. But I am still breathing, and more than those who say "Ha!" every move. There are also more subtle differences in breath depending on timing, intent and technique. Some breaths are short and closed ended, and some are longer and open ended, and frequently vocalized for intimidation.

    Actually, one easy way to tell a skilled martial artist from a beginning one is to listen to them breathe.

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  • by Fox Happy on July 1st, 2007

    Fox Happy

    You don't /have/ to, but the point is to breath. Also a good primal yell can help some people hit harder.
    Most people do it because they think it's cool.

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  • by Lippycow on July 2nd, 2007

    Lippycow

    Ha i laugh in the face of danger and Ha covers the fact that i have just broke a bone in my foot and sounds better than a scream.

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