As the members of the Ohio University Kendo/Kumdo Club warm up, the silence is broken only occasionally by their chanting as hip-hop music blares from the group fitness room.
But by the time the group is halfway through its practice in Ping Center's combat room, their yells stifle the music next door.
In the Japanese sword-fighting art of kendo, which is based around a two-handed bamboo sword called the shinai, verbal expression is essential to score in competition.
Even if you make a really devastating hit G? if you didn't make a kihap sound very effectively
you do not make a point said Eungha Ryu, an OU political science professor and advisor for the club.
Although the club usually sends only experienced members to tournaments, they frequently spar and sometimes have practice games between members, said Garrick Rosario, a junior studying history and the club's treasurer.
During practice, Ryu coaches members as much on their kihap, which should rise in pitch as a combatant strikes, as their technique. The kihap indicates power as well as respect for the opponent, Ryu said.
Instead of relying on muscle power from the arms, the strength in kendo should come from concentration and a point a fist-length below the belly button called the damjeom Ryu said.
Ryu, who is from Korea, also introduces the club to Korean sword fighting elements, similar to kendo, to create a mix of the two styles. Japanese tradition emphasizes a single powerful hit to overcome the opponent, but the Korean style focuses on a series of short, rapid strikes, he said.
Every time a combatant strikes the opponent it is necessary to make a kihap sound, which needs to be strong without showing any sign of weakness, Ryu said.
Kihap can be one of the hardest skills to master for new members, but usually comes with face-to-face combat, Rosario said.
When they're actually coming at you to hit you
your natural defense is going to be to yell back
he said.
The sound comes from the diaphragm and helps combatants breathe correctly, said Rae Brown, a freshman studying digital media and computer science. Kihap also plays a part in intimidation and is different for everyone, she said.
Judges pay close attention to kihap during competition, said Royce Best, a sophomore studying English and the club's president.
Different animals have battle cries and so do humans
and it's the kihap
Best said.
-
17
Archives
Meghan McNamara
