The word kihap refers to the "shout" that taekwondo practitioners use when performing various techniques. The shout gives more strength to the movement, whether it is a kick, a punch, a defense, a move. The kihap is of vital importance to perform any Taekwondo movement. Shouting causes a contraction of the abdominal muscles. It increases the strength and speed of the movement and, therefore its effectiveness. A movement without a kihap will lack energy. Issuing an extremely strong kihap momentarily paralyzes the opponent for a few seconds and makes him lose some confidence.