Ki-hap. This roughly translates to: “Spirited Yell”.
You will be encouraged to Kihap often and loudly in class. Find a spirit ‘grunt’ that works best for you. For some, KIP, KUP, AI, IE, or HI work well.
Find something that you can utter loudly — the louder, the better. The “spirited yell” is how you most effectively tense your core muscles to engage the most powerful strike or block that your body can muster.
The Samurai, the Vikings, the Crusaders, and anyone fighting hand to hand has known this secret for centuries. It also instills fear in your opponent. It is one of the most vital tools in your arsenal — embrace it.
