A recent study by research scientists documented the effects of “grunting” during the execution of a kick. What did they find? The average study participant generated almost 10% more force when they “grunted.”[1]
If you’ve trained in martial arts for any length of time, this should come as no surprise. The old masters have known this for centuries. In the Japanese arts, this phenomenon is referred to as kiai 氣合, or “spirit shout,” and in the Chinese arts (i.e. kung fu), we train heng/ha 哼哈, and specifically in I Liq Chuan, we also train tu’na 吐納 breathing. The shout helps increase core stability, resulting in more power to the limbs. For example, in this study, researchers found that improving core stability of female handball players resulted in an increased throwing speed of almost 5%.
While this might seem like a no-brainer to experienced martial artists, the real secret lies in using the diaphragm. Most people are familiar with the diaphragm and its role in breathing; however, what’s less commonly understood is that the diaphragm plays a role as a respiratory muscle and a spinal stabilizer.
My experience has been that even dual role; as a respiratory muscle and a spinal stabilizer. In my experience teaching my martial arts classes here in Tempe, Arizona, even martial arts and yoga veterans often have extreme difficulty accessing the diaphragm and have faulty breathing patterns. As a coach, I’ve had to get creative at times with finding novel ways of to get people in touch with their diaphragm.
The secondary findings of the study are possibly more interesting; the audible noise made during exertion has the potential to confuse an opponent and cause them to misjudge their defense.
22 students from the University of Hawaii were tested on their ability to guess the angle of a recorded kick in the presence of a simulated grunt.
Although I think the methodology used in the second part of the study was problematic at best, the concept has merit.
With that being said, when my kids were young, I used to use the concept to interrupt bad behavior by them without having to spank them. Remember, this isn’t just any ole yell; it comes from deep down, propelled by a powerful diaphragm pulse. There were occasions when my kids were taken enough by surprise that their young nervous systems were overwhelmed, and their legs buckled, causing them to stumble.
Of course, you can’t expect such an extreme response from a fully mature nervous system. Still, I have occasionally seen grown men nearly cry in my local martial arts classes when I demonstrated by belting out a powerful “ha” in their faces (then again, maybe it was just my breath…).
Returning to the study results, the students responded about 50ms slower to kicks accompanied by the simulated grunt. That’s about 1/20th of a second slower to judge the angle of an incoming kick. Enough lag to potentially result in a KO kick, or in the old days, when swords or other weapons were involved, make the difference between life and death.
Of course, this is martial arts, so if somebody didn’t take the concept to questionable extremes, it just wouldn’t be any fun, now would it?
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About the Author
Ashe Higgs, I Liq Chuan Master Instructor & L2 Nutrition Coach
Ashe is a highly skilled martial arts instructor and certified nutrition coach with over two decades of experience in the field. He holds a Master Instructor certification in I Liq Chuan under Sam FS Chin, making him one of only several individuals worldwide to hold the title. He has taught classes and workshops worldwide and is passionate about helping others achieve their fitness and wellness goals.
With a background in full-contact fighting and a Level 2 certification from Precision Nutrition in nutrition coaching, Ashe is a well-rounded expert in the fields of martial arts. In addition to his expertise, he has a wealth of experience in teaching and mentoring others. He has a natural ability to connect with his students and inspire them to reach their full potential.
Disclaimers & Conflicts of Interest
I am not a doctor, and the information provided should not be considered medical advice. The information provided is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine, or lifestyle.
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References
- Sinnett, Scott, Cj Maglinti, and Alan Kingstone. “Grunting’s competitive advantage: Considerations of force and distraction.” PloS one 13.2 (2018): e0192939.
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0192939