Why do we kihap?

Correct breath control will not only improve one’s stamina and speed, but will also focus the power of a technique. Correct breathing in martial arts is performed using the diaphragm. A sharp exhaling of breath during movement, with a sudden stop on impact of technique tenses the abdomen and maximizes power and effort of delivery. The breathing technique used in Tae Kwon-Do is called kihap or shout. Although called a shout, be careful not to use the vocal cords instead of the diaphragm, otherwise all the benefits will be lost.