Ki Hap? Who Me?
When I began to train, I was first taken through the rules of the do jang and the art itself, and I was taught the appropriate way to bow, stand, sit, and answer. Next I was shown a few basic techniques - ho sin sool (self-defense) and a hyung (form). Somewhere in this introductory process, I was told that I should "ki hap" at key points within a hyung, while sparring, during kick presentation, while executing self defense movements, or simply to indicate the completion of any or all of the aforementioned. To this I thought: "What are you saying and what does it mean... " The explanation I received: "It's a yell or a show of spirit…"We are taught to use our minds and bodies as weapons. Are not the vocal chords a part of the body? Even though we are unable to physically remove them for use as an instrument for battle, are we not capable of using the sounds they emit to our advantage? A strong, spirited, ki hap tends to startle even those of us who are accustomed to hearing them, let alone an unsuspecting attacker. When a ki hap is executed at just the right moment it could mean the difference between life and death. It could possibly provide the window of opportunity that would enable you to put into action those mental and physical skills you have worked so diligently to develop.
There are as many styles of ki haps as there are practitioners of the Moo Duk Kwan. A ki hap should show confidence -- embodying Neh Gung (internal power), Weh Gung (external power), and Shim Gung (mental power). So, remember, when you are asked to ki hap, you are not only contributing to the energy or spirit of training (class participation), but also developing and maintaining a part of your total weapon.
Marie Addison
April, 1999