Humans respond to sound in different ways. It can also be a useful tool if you know how and why. In medieval movies, you often hear soldiers yelling out “Charge!” before charging towards their enemies. In Karate breaking demos, the performer often yells out “Ai-yah” (or similar) before hitting the object. Those that do yoga must have heard about the ‘OM’ sound. Classical singers understand that sound can be generated from deep down from the belly instead of just the throat.
Purpose
- to communicate or synchronize multiple individuals physically and mentally
- to help absorb a hit by letting go air.
- to intimidate or to overload your opponent’s sensory system with sudden unexpected loud yell or sound.
- to synchronize your intent and physical.
- to act as a mental trigger to sum up all your energy before or during a hit, attack or extreme physical exertion.
- to generate extra muscle tension (of abs, diaphragm, neck and some of the involuntary muscles) and therefore power. In this case, it is not sound itself but the use of sound generation neural mechanics from deep-down causing correct muscle tension and mental focus.
- to set or establish a tone or mood.
Exercise
- Given what you read above, do you have enough to be able to use it? What is missing?
Optional extra reading
Kiai from wiki
Om sound from wiki
How sound effects sprouting seeds
How synchronized swimmers stay insync
Use of sound in martial arts