Wado Myth: Where and Why do I have to kiai in kata?

[honoluludesktop]

The last time I took a break from training were in the years prior to turning 50. It had been a while, and in many ways the dojo had changed. The first time I had occasion to kiai, the whole dojo (may be 50 students) took note. Later Sensei asked me to make sure I didn't unintentionally hit anyone. Maybe its just me, but I hit best when I kiai. If you kai from the lower abdomen, you release air, the upper body is relaxed, the tanden is tensed, and your attention is focused. All good stuff. While all of this can be accomplished without kiai, there are times that it adds a intangible emphasis to your action. Even kyudoka kiai (softly) on the release of the bow.

IMO it is essential for beginners to attempt kiai. Once you learn it, you can chose to use it or not. As far as doing so in a kata, that's up to your teacher.