KIME

The Kime - the unification of the forces at a person's disposal - results from the interplay of diverse elements: Exhalation, muscular tension, correct alignment of technique, concentration on action, and the combination of willpower and the physical as well as mental focus of the moment.

We summarize: Kiai is the battle cry and Kime is the union of forces.

Even though kime is usually done in conjunction with kiai, it can also be used without it: Whenever a strong technique is executed, the kime should take place when it is engaged. Therefore, karate techniques at a high level are executed with kime rather than force - a crucial difference. This is the reason why people with supposedly little strength can successfully defend themselves. Therefore, the excessive use of muscle power in karate is a sign of not yet mature skill.

The correct use of kime begins with the muscles completely relaxed - only the muscles needed to perform the movement should be used. This allows the user to reach the maximum speed of a technique. Only at the moment of the end point of the technique should the concentration of all elements (as described at the beginning) be used. Immediately after that, the maximum possible relaxation follows again. Of course, the zanshin remains intact. The pronounced use of this alternating rhythm is indispensable for the Kime. Mastering the Kime is a high goal and accordingly requires a certain amount of time and the necessary intensity of practice. However, the kime is fundamental to karate and is an essential element especially at advanced levels.