Aiki & Kiai

[Please visit our sponsor:]

[wolfhoundGrowl]

This may not be the correct place to pose this question so I'm sorry if I've chosen the wrong plce...

Please be aware I've only been training in Aikido since March 2011, I am however committed to it and very serious about learning & practising all of it's aspects.

Before finding my 'thing' in Aikido I tried Karate (3 months- turned out not to be my thing) & Judo (4 months- love it, but it's not Aikido and reading about the philosophy behind Aikido drew me from Judo to Aikido)

The philosophical element of my concerns is the origin of my question ...

For the 3 months I was trying the Karate there was the shout of 'Kiai'

As I understand it Kiai is building of energy within and then allowing it to explode out (like a volcano), where Aiki is the harmonised flow of energy (Kiai is linear and Aiki is circular ??? -I don't know, I'm just thinking)

Is there any place within Aikido for the concept of kiai as I understand it, or, is my understanding of kiai incorrect, or is kiai dispelled from practice within Aikido ???

[kewms]

You might have a look at this recent thread:
http://www.aikiweb.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20475

Katherine

[Aikido Alive]

Kiai is an essential part of Aikido and should be practiced from the beginning. As with everything, it must be learned, developed and incorporated. There are many forms of kiai. No need to worry about linear or round, just keep practicing with good teachers and in time you will be able to synchronize the sound with the body movements. Kiai, or using your voice, is part of your arsenal. We want to be a full expression, utilizing every possible dimension of our being in an interaction.

[wolfhoundGrowl]

Thankyou very much guys, both responses have been very helpful. I think this forum is going to be a good place to learn & share :)