What is a Kihap?

A Kihap is a loud yell from the stomach.  We use a Kihap when we perform a strike or kick.

Why do we Kihap?

1. Power - The primary purpose of a Kihap is to add power to your strikes and kicks.
2. Breathing - It's easy to forget to breathe in a stressful encounter.  Kihaps force you to breathe.
3. Effect on your opponent - A strong Kihap can startle or intimidate your opponent, giving you an advantage.

Kihap Etymology

The word Kihap is composed of the words Ki and Hap, just like in the word Hapkido.  And the two words individually have the same meaning as they do in Hapkido.

Ki - Energy or Power
Hap - Harmony or Coordination

So Kihap means to coordinate power.

​However, the word order matters here as well, and has philosophical implications.  In Kihap, the word Ki before Hap to indicate that you are coordinating your own power.  This is why we use it with our striking and kicking skills.

For the word Hapkido, Hapki means to coordinate with your opponent's power.  This gives a sense as to the focus of our style and how we should execute our techniques.