JAPANESE TERMINOLOGY USED IN KARATE
Most of the traditional Shito-ryu karate classes are conducted in English with part of the instructions are in Japanese. Below are some of the Japanese words/terms/phrases used during karate class.
Most of the traditional Shito-ryu karate classes are conducted in English with part of the instructions are in Japanese. Below are some of the Japanese words/terms/phrases used during karate class.
Pronunciation of Japanese vowels A E I O U is as follows
あ = A = (ä) (ah)
い = I = (i:) (ee)
う = U = (w) (wu)
え = E = (a) (er)
お = O = (oh) (o)
あ = A = (ä) (ah)
い = I = (i:) (ee)
う = U = (w) (wu)
え = E = (a) (er)
お = O = (oh) (o)
Collection of common Japanese terms used in Karate, particularly in Shito-ryu and some other styles.
Below are some Japanese terms that starts with the following alphabets...
Updated: 20Feb2024
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A to E
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F to J
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K to O
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P to T
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U to Z
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A
Abara
= Ribs or Rib cage
Age
= Rising or Upper. (but Jodan is normally refer to upper part of body).
Ageru
= To raise (meaning1)
Ageru
= To give (meaning2)
Ageru
= To finish, complete (meaning3)
Age Uke
= Upper block, upward raising block.
Age Zuki
= ‘Upper cut’ A rising punch upward to chin.
In Shotokan the age zuki is perform by lifting the fist from "chudan" level to "jodan" level as the punch is executed.
In Shito ryu the "Age Zuki" is perform as upper cut to chin with inverted fist.
Ago
= Chin or Jaw.
Ago Oshi
= to push opponent's chin upwards
Agura
= Foreign/ Barbarian sitting posture. Sitting cross legged ( in Indian style).
also know as "Anza" this term is more acceptable in many dojo.
Agura wo Kaku
= To sit in cross legged posture.
Ai
= Harmony.
Ai
= Together, mutually,
Ai Kamae
= Harmony posture or matching posture i.e. both opponent in matching stance with both same leg forward position.
Ai-Ki
= Harmonious spirit, Spirit meeting, Harmony meeting.
Aikido
= The way of harmony. Japanese fighting style.
Aite
= Opponent or partner.
Aiuchi
= Sports karate -Simultaneous scoring technique. No point awarded. Referee brings his fist together in front of his chest.
Simultaneous striking each other as in kendo. A draw, tie.
Aka
= Red colour.
Aka Obi
= Red Belt - used in sports kumite.
Aka Ippon
= Red scores a point - command used in sports kumite.
Aka No Kachi
= Red wins - command used in sports kumite. Referee raise his arm on the side of the winner.
Aki
= Autumn
4 seasons. Haru is spring, Natsu is summer, Aki fall or Autumn, Fuyu is winter.
Akiresu- Ken
= Achilles tendon.
Akusho
= Handshake
Ame
= Rain
Ananku
= Light from the south. Okinawan kata.
Anata
= You.
Antei
=Balance, stability.
Anza
= Informal sitting on the floor with leg crossed in front. Same to Agura sitting.
Ao
= Blue colour.
Aoyagi
= Green Willow. Name of a Kata design by Kenwa Mabuni specifically for women.
Its been said that in the past, green("midori") is also called "au" (blue).
Arigato Gozaimasu
= Thank you. Say this at the end of training section during the bowing motion.
Aruku
= walk. "Ue o muite aruku" walk looking up)
"sampo" means strolling, taking a walk
"Ayumi" 歩み. means walking or stepping. Ayumi dachi means walking stands
Ashi
= Leg.
Ashi Age
= Lift leg. Same meaning as " Ashi Hane Age" means lift leg quickly like jumping.
Ashi Ate
Leg strikes. Striking techniques using knee, ball of foot, edge of foot or heel.
Ashi Barai
= Leg Sweep. Leg sweeps are techniques to sweep the leg of opponent to unbalance and bring them down to the floor.
Ashibumi 踏み
= foot stepping. Proper stance. Foundation of good footing, this term used mostly in archery.
Ashi Fumikae
= Changing feet, swapping.
Ashi Gake
= Leg pulling technique using foot. Similar to Ashi barai but instead of sweeping, this technique is used by hooking back of leg at heel with front leg then pulling the leg.
Ashigatame
= Foot sword. Usually used in Kyukushikin. Another name for "Sokuto" outer part of foot along the little toe side.
Ashi Kubi
= Ankle.
Ashi Kubi Kake Uke
= Ankle hooking block.
Ashi O Furimasu
= Shake your leg.
Ashi Sabaki
= Foot movement techniques.
Ashi Ura
= Sole of foot.
Ashi Waza
= Leg Techniques.
Ashi Yubi
= Toes.
Ashi Zoko
= Bottom of foot. Use or leg sweeping.
Ashita
= Tomorrow.
Atama (Ganmen)
= Head.
"Gashira" also means head, as in "Hizagashira" meaning head of knee, kneecap
Atama Uchi
= Striking with Head.
Ate 当て (あて)
= Strike.Hit, Blow
Ate Waza
= Striking techniques.
Atemi Waza
= Striking technique used with grappling and throwing technique.
4 types of atemi waza.. koboshi ate (fist strikes), hiji ate (elbow strikes), hiza ate ( knee strikes) & ashi ate (leg strikes).
Atenai Yoni
= Warning without penalty - command used in sports kumite.
Ateru
= To hit.
Atoshi Baraku
= A little time left - command used in sports kumite.
Ato
= After, Afterwards
Ato
= Back (direction).
Atsui
= Hot ( weather)
Attate Iru
= “contact” - used in sports kumite.
Awase
= Together. Combine. Denotes using two hands at the same time.
"mae ni awase kamaeru" = join hands in ready posture (as in start position in Nipaipo)
Awase Uke
= Joint Hand Block.
Awase Zuki
= U punch.
Ayumi 歩み.
= Step or pace., walking.
Ayumi Ashi / (De Ashi)
= Stepping foot. Walking feet. Foot stepping crossing the other foot.
Ayumi Dachi
= Natural walking stance - used in Itosu Kai Shito Ryu.
B
Barai
= Strike (forearm block). Comes from harau meaning to sweep.
Basami
= Same as Hasami meaning scissor or Shear. "Yubi Basami" finger scissor or "Hassami Keri" Scissor kick.
Bassai
= “To breach (or destroy) the fortress”.
Bassai Dai
= kata meaning: A big/greater version of destroy/breach the fortress.
Bassai Sho
= A smaller/lesser version of the “Breach the fortress” kata.
Bitei (or Bikotsu)
= Coccyx. Tailbone.
Bo
= Okinawan rod/staff weapon usually 5 to 6 feet long.
Bo Uchi
= striking with staff.
Bogu
= Protective equipment. Body guards or armors.
Bogyo
= Defend, guard.
Bokken
= Wooden sword i.e. wooden katana for training.
Budo
= Martial way. The way of the warrior.
Budo No Yotsu(4) No Gensoku
= 4 Principle of Martial Arts: 1) "Gan"(eyes). 2) "Soku" Foot. 3) "Tan" (Mind/spirit). 4) "Riki" 力 (りき) (power)
1). "Gan" or "Me" The eyes or vision should look at all area with peripheral view. Eyes always looking at opponent eye level but not fixed on the opponent eyes.
2). "Soku" the footwork should fast and smooth with body balance.
3). "Tan" the mind should have mental capacity to cope with any situation confidently
4). "Riki" the amount of power you generate or obtain. Power from muscle, stamina and rapid reaction.
Bugei
= Martial Art.
Bushi
= Warrior.
Bushido
= Way of the Warrior.
Bunkai 分解
= Analysis/Application of kata. Step by step analysis of kata. Fighting skills in kata.
"bun" means divide, part, break it.., "Kai" mean understand, solve, untie, undo
while "Oyo" means practical application.
Bunkai Honto
= True or Real bunkai. Application intended by the creator of the kata. Most are lost in time. This Bunkai Honto is open to investigation.
Bunkai Omote
= Surface or apparent bunkai. Simple and basic analisis. A block is a block . A punch is a punch.
Bunkai Ura
= Hidden bunkai. This Ura means behind the surface. A block can be a strike or grab etc.
C
Chairo
= Brown colour
Chakugan
= Focusing. Where to look and focus attention.
Chakuza
= Sitting method. The act or method of sitting into seiza position from standing position.
Chatanyara Kusanku
= Kata named after Chinese master Chatan Yara and Okinawan master Kusanku
Chi 知
= to know, to understand
Chi 小
= small. The kanji character 小 is sometime pronounced as "sho" or "ko"
Chiisai (小さい)
= Small, tiny, little
Chi ishi
= Power stone. Chi means power, Isshi means stone.
Strenght training tool in Okinawa, with weight (stone/cement or iron) on one side attached to a wooden shaft.
Chikama
= Short fighting distance, close enough to strike without moving forward target.
Chikara
= power, force, strength or ability
Chi Mai
= Short distance
Chinkuchi
= Okinawan's similar word for Kime, where focused control is accomplished in a technique.
Chinte
= A kata named Strange Hands or Unusual Hands. A shuri te kata by Itosu.
Chinto
= A kata named Fighting to the East. A shuri te kata by Itosu.
Choku
= Straight/direct.
Choku Zuki
= Straight Punch. Punching from standing position feet in line.
"CHOKU ZUKI" is straight punch done in parallel stances like soto hachiji dachi, heiko dachi, naihanchin dachi or shiko dachi.
Chowa
= a spirit of harmonious partnership. A harmonious mental and physical reaction or state while training or practice.
Chowa suru
= Having harmonized movement with partners in kata practice.
Chudan
= Middle/Mid-section.
Chudan Barai
= Simultaneous Yoko Uke and Gedan Barai.
Chudan Zuki
= Punch to stomach/mid-section.
Chudan (mae) Geri
= Front middle kick.
Chudan Mae Geri Keage
= Front Snap Kick.
Chudan Mae Geri Kekomi
= Front Thrust Kick.
Chui
= Warning - Used in sports karate.
Chusoku (Josoku)
= Ball of foot.
D
Dachi (Tachi)
= Stance. Tachi is pronounced dachi when describing an action. Ie Shiko dachi.
Dai
= Greater or bigger.
Daidaiiro
= Orange colour.
Dai-Ken-To
= First large knuckles (index and middle finger knuckles).
Dai Ichi
= The first.
Dai Ni
= The second.
Dai San
= The third.
Dai Yon
= The forth.
Dan
= Level, rank or degree. Grade or class for black belt level.
Dan Zuki
= Consecutive punch using same hand.
De Ashi
= Advancing foot. Leg technique- Step forward with back leg.
Deshi
= Student. Trainee.
Do
= The way (or path).
Dogi
= uniform. Karate uniform. Karate Gi, aka Keikogi traditional uniform worn in Japanese martial arts
Dogu
= Instruments of the way. Martial arts gear.
Dojo
= Place of the way. Karate training place, training hall.
Dojo Kun
= Dojo principle or oath. A list of rules for karate students. Some dojo makes the student say out loud the "Dojo Kun" principles at the beginning or end of class.
Domo Arigato Gozaimashita
= Thank you very much. Polite way of saying Thank you.
Doryoku
= Effort, endeavor, striving, hard work.
Dosa · 動作
= Movement. As in "Kihon Dosa" means Basic movements.
Doshu
= Master or Keeper of the way.
Dotoku 道徳 (どうとく)
= Moral. Expressing the truth, morality
Douji
= Simultaneous, same time.
Douji ni 同時に
= Doing simultaneous (techniques).
E
Ekku (Eku)
= Okinawan weapon, a wooden oar. Wooden sword.
Embusen
= Floor pattern of any given kata. Line of performance.
Empi
= Elbow (hiji is used in shito-ryu).
Empi ( Enpi)
= Name of a kata Flying Swallow. A kata of Shotokan similar to Tomari no wanshu of shito ryu.
Empi Uchi
= Elbow strike aka Hiji ate.
Empi Uke
= Elbow block.
Encho Sen
= Extension, overtime after a draw - command used in sports kumite.
Enpi
= another word for Empi (elbow).
Enshu
= Practice, drill or exercise. Similar to Renshuu
Eshaku
= in "Ritsurei" Standing bow at 15 deg angle. Casual greeting between friends or lower ranks.
(Keirei is 30deg bow, Saikeirei is 45deg bow)
Abara
= Ribs or Rib cage
Age
= Rising or Upper. (but Jodan is normally refer to upper part of body).
Ageru
= To raise (meaning1)
Ageru
= To give (meaning2)
Ageru
= To finish, complete (meaning3)
Age Uke
= Upper block, upward raising block.
Age Zuki
= ‘Upper cut’ A rising punch upward to chin.
In Shotokan the age zuki is perform by lifting the fist from "chudan" level to "jodan" level as the punch is executed.
In Shito ryu the "Age Zuki" is perform as upper cut to chin with inverted fist.
Ago
= Chin or Jaw.
Ago Oshi
= to push opponent's chin upwards
Agura
= Foreign/ Barbarian sitting posture. Sitting cross legged ( in Indian style).
also know as "Anza" this term is more acceptable in many dojo.
Agura wo Kaku
= To sit in cross legged posture.
Ai
= Harmony.
Ai
= Together, mutually,
Ai Kamae
= Harmony posture or matching posture i.e. both opponent in matching stance with both same leg forward position.
Ai-Ki
= Harmonious spirit, Spirit meeting, Harmony meeting.
Aikido
= The way of harmony. Japanese fighting style.
Aite
= Opponent or partner.
Aiuchi
= Sports karate -Simultaneous scoring technique. No point awarded. Referee brings his fist together in front of his chest.
Simultaneous striking each other as in kendo. A draw, tie.
Aka
= Red colour.
Aka Obi
= Red Belt - used in sports kumite.
Aka Ippon
= Red scores a point - command used in sports kumite.
Aka No Kachi
= Red wins - command used in sports kumite. Referee raise his arm on the side of the winner.
Aki
= Autumn
4 seasons. Haru is spring, Natsu is summer, Aki fall or Autumn, Fuyu is winter.
Akiresu- Ken
= Achilles tendon.
Akusho
= Handshake
Ame
= Rain
Ananku
= Light from the south. Okinawan kata.
Anata
= You.
Antei
=Balance, stability.
Anza
= Informal sitting on the floor with leg crossed in front. Same to Agura sitting.
Ao
= Blue colour.
Aoyagi
= Green Willow. Name of a Kata design by Kenwa Mabuni specifically for women.
Its been said that in the past, green("midori") is also called "au" (blue).
Arigato Gozaimasu
= Thank you. Say this at the end of training section during the bowing motion.
Aruku
= walk. "Ue o muite aruku" walk looking up)
"sampo" means strolling, taking a walk
"Ayumi" 歩み. means walking or stepping. Ayumi dachi means walking stands
Ashi
= Leg.
Ashi Age
= Lift leg. Same meaning as " Ashi Hane Age" means lift leg quickly like jumping.
Ashi Ate
Leg strikes. Striking techniques using knee, ball of foot, edge of foot or heel.
Ashi Barai
= Leg Sweep. Leg sweeps are techniques to sweep the leg of opponent to unbalance and bring them down to the floor.
Ashibumi 踏み
= foot stepping. Proper stance. Foundation of good footing, this term used mostly in archery.
Ashi Fumikae
= Changing feet, swapping.
Ashi Gake
= Leg pulling technique using foot. Similar to Ashi barai but instead of sweeping, this technique is used by hooking back of leg at heel with front leg then pulling the leg.
Ashigatame
= Foot sword. Usually used in Kyukushikin. Another name for "Sokuto" outer part of foot along the little toe side.
Ashi Kubi
= Ankle.
Ashi Kubi Kake Uke
= Ankle hooking block.
Ashi O Furimasu
= Shake your leg.
Ashi Sabaki
= Foot movement techniques.
Ashi Ura
= Sole of foot.
Ashi Waza
= Leg Techniques.
Ashi Yubi
= Toes.
Ashi Zoko
= Bottom of foot. Use or leg sweeping.
Ashita
= Tomorrow.
Atama (Ganmen)
= Head.
"Gashira" also means head, as in "Hizagashira" meaning head of knee, kneecap
Atama Uchi
= Striking with Head.
Ate 当て (あて)
= Strike.Hit, Blow
Ate Waza
= Striking techniques.
Atemi Waza
= Striking technique used with grappling and throwing technique.
4 types of atemi waza.. koboshi ate (fist strikes), hiji ate (elbow strikes), hiza ate ( knee strikes) & ashi ate (leg strikes).
Atenai Yoni
= Warning without penalty - command used in sports kumite.
Ateru
= To hit.
Atoshi Baraku
= A little time left - command used in sports kumite.
Ato
= After, Afterwards
Ato
= Back (direction).
Atsui
= Hot ( weather)
Attate Iru
= “contact” - used in sports kumite.
Awase
= Together. Combine. Denotes using two hands at the same time.
"mae ni awase kamaeru" = join hands in ready posture (as in start position in Nipaipo)
Awase Uke
= Joint Hand Block.
Awase Zuki
= U punch.
Ayumi 歩み.
= Step or pace., walking.
Ayumi Ashi / (De Ashi)
= Stepping foot. Walking feet. Foot stepping crossing the other foot.
Ayumi Dachi
= Natural walking stance - used in Itosu Kai Shito Ryu.
B
Barai
= Strike (forearm block). Comes from harau meaning to sweep.
Basami
= Same as Hasami meaning scissor or Shear. "Yubi Basami" finger scissor or "Hassami Keri" Scissor kick.
Bassai
= “To breach (or destroy) the fortress”.
Bassai Dai
= kata meaning: A big/greater version of destroy/breach the fortress.
Bassai Sho
= A smaller/lesser version of the “Breach the fortress” kata.
Bitei (or Bikotsu)
= Coccyx. Tailbone.
Bo
= Okinawan rod/staff weapon usually 5 to 6 feet long.
Bo Uchi
= striking with staff.
Bogu
= Protective equipment. Body guards or armors.
Bogyo
= Defend, guard.
Bokken
= Wooden sword i.e. wooden katana for training.
Budo
= Martial way. The way of the warrior.
Budo No Yotsu(4) No Gensoku
= 4 Principle of Martial Arts: 1) "Gan"(eyes). 2) "Soku" Foot. 3) "Tan" (Mind/spirit). 4) "Riki" 力 (りき) (power)
1). "Gan" or "Me" The eyes or vision should look at all area with peripheral view. Eyes always looking at opponent eye level but not fixed on the opponent eyes.
2). "Soku" the footwork should fast and smooth with body balance.
3). "Tan" the mind should have mental capacity to cope with any situation confidently
4). "Riki" the amount of power you generate or obtain. Power from muscle, stamina and rapid reaction.
Bugei
= Martial Art.
Bushi
= Warrior.
Bushido
= Way of the Warrior.
Bunkai 分解
= Analysis/Application of kata. Step by step analysis of kata. Fighting skills in kata.
"bun" means divide, part, break it.., "Kai" mean understand, solve, untie, undo
while "Oyo" means practical application.
Bunkai Honto
= True or Real bunkai. Application intended by the creator of the kata. Most are lost in time. This Bunkai Honto is open to investigation.
Bunkai Omote
= Surface or apparent bunkai. Simple and basic analisis. A block is a block . A punch is a punch.
Bunkai Ura
= Hidden bunkai. This Ura means behind the surface. A block can be a strike or grab etc.
C
Chairo
= Brown colour
Chakugan
= Focusing. Where to look and focus attention.
Chakuza
= Sitting method. The act or method of sitting into seiza position from standing position.
Chatanyara Kusanku
= Kata named after Chinese master Chatan Yara and Okinawan master Kusanku
Chi 知
= to know, to understand
Chi 小
= small. The kanji character 小 is sometime pronounced as "sho" or "ko"
Chiisai (小さい)
= Small, tiny, little
Chi ishi
= Power stone. Chi means power, Isshi means stone.
Strenght training tool in Okinawa, with weight (stone/cement or iron) on one side attached to a wooden shaft.
Chikama
= Short fighting distance, close enough to strike without moving forward target.
Chikara
= power, force, strength or ability
Chi Mai
= Short distance
Chinkuchi
= Okinawan's similar word for Kime, where focused control is accomplished in a technique.
Chinte
= A kata named Strange Hands or Unusual Hands. A shuri te kata by Itosu.
Chinto
= A kata named Fighting to the East. A shuri te kata by Itosu.
Choku
= Straight/direct.
Choku Zuki
= Straight Punch. Punching from standing position feet in line.
"CHOKU ZUKI" is straight punch done in parallel stances like soto hachiji dachi, heiko dachi, naihanchin dachi or shiko dachi.
Chowa
= a spirit of harmonious partnership. A harmonious mental and physical reaction or state while training or practice.
Chowa suru
= Having harmonized movement with partners in kata practice.
Chudan
= Middle/Mid-section.
Chudan Barai
= Simultaneous Yoko Uke and Gedan Barai.
Chudan Zuki
= Punch to stomach/mid-section.
Chudan (mae) Geri
= Front middle kick.
Chudan Mae Geri Keage
= Front Snap Kick.
Chudan Mae Geri Kekomi
= Front Thrust Kick.
Chui
= Warning - Used in sports karate.
Chusoku (Josoku)
= Ball of foot.
D
Dachi (Tachi)
= Stance. Tachi is pronounced dachi when describing an action. Ie Shiko dachi.
Dai
= Greater or bigger.
Daidaiiro
= Orange colour.
Dai-Ken-To
= First large knuckles (index and middle finger knuckles).
Dai Ichi
= The first.
Dai Ni
= The second.
Dai San
= The third.
Dai Yon
= The forth.
Dan
= Level, rank or degree. Grade or class for black belt level.
Dan Zuki
= Consecutive punch using same hand.
De Ashi
= Advancing foot. Leg technique- Step forward with back leg.
Deshi
= Student. Trainee.
Do
= The way (or path).
Dogi
= uniform. Karate uniform. Karate Gi, aka Keikogi traditional uniform worn in Japanese martial arts
Dogu
= Instruments of the way. Martial arts gear.
Dojo
= Place of the way. Karate training place, training hall.
Dojo Kun
= Dojo principle or oath. A list of rules for karate students. Some dojo makes the student say out loud the "Dojo Kun" principles at the beginning or end of class.
Domo Arigato Gozaimashita
= Thank you very much. Polite way of saying Thank you.
Doryoku
= Effort, endeavor, striving, hard work.
Dosa · 動作
= Movement. As in "Kihon Dosa" means Basic movements.
Doshu
= Master or Keeper of the way.
Dotoku 道徳 (どうとく)
= Moral. Expressing the truth, morality
Douji
= Simultaneous, same time.
Douji ni 同時に
= Doing simultaneous (techniques).
E
Ekku (Eku)
= Okinawan weapon, a wooden oar. Wooden sword.
Embusen
= Floor pattern of any given kata. Line of performance.
Empi
= Elbow (hiji is used in shito-ryu).
Empi ( Enpi)
= Name of a kata Flying Swallow. A kata of Shotokan similar to Tomari no wanshu of shito ryu.
Empi Uchi
= Elbow strike aka Hiji ate.
Empi Uke
= Elbow block.
Encho Sen
= Extension, overtime after a draw - command used in sports kumite.
Enpi
= another word for Empi (elbow).
Enshu
= Practice, drill or exercise. Similar to Renshuu
Eshaku
= in "Ritsurei" Standing bow at 15 deg angle. Casual greeting between friends or lower ranks.
(Keirei is 30deg bow, Saikeirei is 45deg bow)
F
Fudo Dachi
= Immovable stance aka Sochin dachi – used in Shotokan.
Fujibun
= Not enough power - used in sport kumite.
Fukuto
= Outer side of lower tight.
Fukushiki
= compound
Fukushiki Kokyu
= abdominal breathing used in Sanchin kata
Fukushin Shugo
= Judges conference - used in sports kumite.
Fumi
= Step or Stomp
Fumi waza
= Stamping or stomping techniques.
Fumikiri Geri
= Slicing kick, Cutting kick. Similar to Gedan Sokuto Geri. "Kiri" means cutting
A stamping kick using knife edge of foot (sokuto) to strike when opponent is down on ground.
Fumikomi
= Stomp kick, using heel side of sole. Applied to knee, shin or instep of opponent leg.
Fumikudashi
= Stamping kick, stepping on instep of opponent ( as in Heian Yondan).
Fumioroshi
= Toe stomping kick.
Furi
= Swing, Shake or Wave.
Furi Sute Uke
= Swinging block, forearm circle and shake off, ending forearm horizontal position. As in Bassai Dai.
Furi Zuki
= Swing Punch/ Hook Punch to temple. i.e. in end part of Heian Sandan and kata Seipai.
Fushi
= Joint. Knuckle.
Fuyu
= Winter
4 seasons. Haru is spring, Natsu is summer, Aki fall or Autumn, Fuyu is winter.
G
Gaeshi
= reversal throw
Gaiwan
= Outer arm.
Gamae
= Ready posture. Aka "Kamae". Pronunciation depends on usage. i.e. "Hidari Waki Gamae" meaning ready posture with fist at left side above hip.
Gan
= Eye. Another word for eye in Japanese is "ME"
In "Budo no yottsu no Gensoku" the First principle is "Gan" the eyes.
1). "Gan" The eyes or vision should look at all area with peripheral view. Eyes always looking at opponent eye level but not fixed on the opponent eyes.
Ganbatte
= good luck, let's go
Ganbatte Kudasai
= polite way of saying good luck, normally if the person is elder.
Gankaku Dachi
= Crane stance (aka Tsuru ashi dachi or Sagi Ashi dachi).
Ganmen
= Face of a person. Similar word is KAO
Gashira 頭 (がしら)
= head, as in "hizagashira" meaning head-of-knee or knee cap
Gasshuku
= training camp. Traditionally in natural environment.
Gassho or Ga Sho 合掌
= Open palm catching. "ga" means to put together. Sho means palm.
position of hand pressed together like in Indian and Buddhist greeting or praying
Gedan
= Lower section
Gedan Barai
= Downward block (sweeping block), Lower block in low stands.
Gedan Kosa Uke
= lower cross arm block. Also known as "GEDAN JUJI UKE" in Shotokan ryu
Gedan Shotei Uchi
= Lower open palm strike (fingers pointing down).
Gedan Sokuto Geri
= Lower kick to knee knee area using the edge of foot
Gedan Wa Uke
= Union lower block - open palm. Block with knife hand
Gedan Zuki
= Low punch.
Gen 原 (げん)
= Original, primary; fundamental
Genri 原理
= Principle, Theory, Fundamental truth
"uke no Go Genri" means "5 principle of defense"
Gensoku 原則
= Principle, General rule. "Gen" means general or primary. "Soku" means rule.
Geri (Keri)
= Kick. "Keri" is pronounced "Geri" when used after a description ie Mae Geri.
Geri Gaeshi ( Keri Gaeshi)
= Performing 2 kicks with same leg without placing leg down after 1st kick with quick snap kicks.
Geri Hanashi (Keri Hanashi)
= Quick withdrawing of leg after kicking at target, to avoid leg being caught.
Gi
= Training uniform. Also known as KIMONO, KEIKOGI or DOGI. Karate GI refers to Karate uniform. JUDO GI refers to JUDO uniform etc.
The GI normally have a top jacket known as UWAGI, bottom pants known as SHITABAKI and a belt known as OBI.
Go 剛
= Hard, Strong. As in "Goju ryu" meaning hard and soft style
Go
= Five (5).
Go Dan
= Fifth level black belt.
Go Do Shin
= Shito Ryu's Five way spirit.
One- Determination. Never forget the spirit of first beginning. "Hitotsu- Ishi. Shoshin wasureru nakare. "(1. 意志. 初心忘れるなかれ)
One- Morality. Never neglect courtesy and etiquette. "Hitotsu- Do toku. Reigi okutaru nakare."(1. 道徳. 礼儀怠るなかれ)
One- Development. Never neglect effort. "Hitotsu- Hatten. Doryoku okutaru nakare." (1. 発展. 努力怠るなかれ)
One- Common sense. Never lose common sense. "Hitotsu- Jo shiki. Jo shiki kakeru nakare." (1. 常識. 常識かけるなかれ)
One- Peace. Never disturb harmony. Hitotsu- Heiwa. Wa midasu nakare. (1.平和. 和乱すなかれ)
Go Ho
= 5 direction/step.
Go Hon Kumite
= 5 step Sparring.
attacker step 5 step with attack every step, defense 5 step backward and counter after the last defense with energy shout ( Kiai).
Go Ju
= Fifty (50).
Goju Ryu 剛柔流
= Hard and Soft style. One of the major karate style in karate. Created by Choyun Miyagi
Go Kyu
= Fifth level student - purple belt.
Go No Sen 後の先(ごのせん)
= Defense technique (5b) - counter attack after an attack technique is completed. e.g. block an attack then attack back
Gomen
= Sorry (in casual way)
Gomen nasai
= Sorry (in more polite way)
Goju Ryu
= Karate style founded by Chojun Miyagi, Hard/Soft Style from Naha-te Okinawan karate.
Gojushiho (Sho and Dai)
= Kata named as 54 Steps, Itosu lineage Shuri te kata.
Goshin
= Self-defense or protection.
Gyaku
= Reverse or Opposite.
Gyaku Ashi
= Reverse leg or opposite leg.
Gyaku Mawashi Geri (Ura Mawashi Geri)
= Reverse round house kick. Kicking leg travels from inside opponent and strike with heel or sole.
Gyaku Zuki
= Reverse punch (i.e. if left leg is forward the punch is with right hand).
GYAKU ZUKI is straight reverse punch in one leg forward stance like moto dachi or zenkutsu dachi.
H
Ha
= Tooth.
Ha
= Faction or school. e.i. HAYASHI-HA mean Hayashi's school.
Hachi
= Eight (8).
Hachi Dan
= Eight level black belt.
Hachi Kyu
= Level eight karate student - yellow belt.
Hachi Ju
= Eighty (80).
Hachiji Dachi
= Natural stance, resembling Japanese character 8, feet shoulder width apart, toes pointing outward.
Hada (Hifu)
= Skin.
Hadashi
= Barefoot.
Haguki
= Gums. (tooth gums).
Hae
= Lungs.
Hai
= Yes.
Haibu
= Back. Back rib area.
Haishu
= Back of hand.
Haishu Uchi
= Strike with back of hand/palm.
Haishu Uke
= Block with back of hand/palm.
Haisoku
= Instep of foot. Top of foot.
Hairo
= Gray colour.
Haite
= breath out, exhale. "iki wo haite" breath out. Breath in is "Sutte". "Iki wo sutte" means breath in.
Haito
= Ridge of hand. Inner blade of hand. Area between thumb and index finger.
Haito Uchi
= Ridge of hand strike with thumb tucked in touching base of little finger.
Haiwan
= Upper part of forearm. Back of arm.
Haiwan Nagashi Uke
= Sweeping defense with upper forearm, back arm block.
Hajime
= Begin or start. A command to start.
Hajime masu
= polite way of saying Let's start
Han
= Half. (1/2).
Han
= Anti, counter. As in "Hangeki"means counter attack
Han Zenkutsu Dachi
= Half stance. Shorter than ZENKUTSU DACHI but longer than MOTO DACHI
Hana
= Nose.
Hana
= flower
Hane 跳ね(はね)
= jump. Hop. Jumping upward. "Ashi hane age" means lift knee quickly as in Kata Seisan
Hangeki 反撃
= Counter attack. "Han 反" means anti, opposite, contrary. "Geki 撃" means attack or strike
Defense technique No.5 of Uke No Go Genri.
Counter Attack - to decide when to counter attack. Concept of defence by deciding to counter attack
1) So no Sen: before an attack is completed, only possible if the defender is fast.
2) Go no Sen: to attack after an attack have completed. 後 Go(kou) behind or later. 後の先 post initiative
3) Sen no Sen: Attack same time as the opponent.
4) Sen Sen no Sen: Pre-emptive attack. attack before an attack is made."
Hangetsu Dachi
= Half-moon stance, wide hour glass stance (Shotokan stance).
Haniaitorimas
= I will take your decision- command used in sports kumite.
Hanmi Kamae
= Half facing posture.
Hanshi
= Master, highest black belt
Hansoku
= Serious foul - used in sports kumite
Hansoku Chui
= Warning with one point penalty - used in sports kumite
Hantai
= Command to turn direction and adjust GI before seiza.
Hantai
= Call for judgement - used in sport kumite.
Hantai Kachi
= Winner by decision - command used in sports kumite.
Hantai Mawatte
= Turn 180deg - back leg shift and turn.
Happo
= Eight (8) direction.
Hara
= Belly. Abdomen. (Stomach is Onaka)
Hara Uke
= abdominal block. Rarely used term. Not considered a correct term. Downward sweeping block, same as "Harai Uke"
Harai 払い (はらい)
= sweeping motion. Comes from harau meaning to sweep.
Harai and Barai has the same meaning for sweep, sweeping motion.
Just that how the sweep is placed in sentence or command.
When sweep is used before a word, it is pronounced as Harai.
ie Harai Uke, Harai Goshi (sweeping hip throw in Judo),
When sweep comes after a word it is pronounced as Barai. The H sound change to B sound.
Ie. Gedan Barai, Yoko Barai, Ashi Barai, Shuto Barai etc
Harai Uke
= Downward sweeping block/parry, same as "Gedan Barai" but in narrow stances.
this block is use for defending "chudan" area.
Clenched fist starts from opposite shoulder and sweep down as wrist is twisted and turn as strike is made using the outer wrist ("soto kote") area.
Harai Te
= Sweeping technique with arm.
Harai Waza
= Sweeping techniques.
Hare
= Sunny (weather)
Haru
= spring season.
4 seasons. HARU is spring, NATSU is summer, AKI fall or Autumn, FUYU is winter.
Hasami
= Scissor.
Hasami Geri
= Scissor kick. Used to take down opponent, one leg at back of knee and other leg at opposite waist area.
also known as "Kami Barai" in Shotokan
Hasami Zuki
= Scissor punch (not used in shito ryu).
Hashiru 走る(はしる)
= run. "Hashiru kudasai" means please run
Hatten 発展 (はってん)
= Development, Advancement, Growth
Hayai
= Fast.
Hayaku
= Quickly or rapidly
Hazushi
= Puling away. To slip away, to undo.
Hazushi te
= escaping hand by pulling away from a grip. Like a HIKITE.
Heian
= Peace. Peaceful mind or tranquility. Name of 5 basic KATA.
Heian Shodan
= 1st HEIAN KATA.
Heian Nidan
= 2nd HEIAN KATA.
Heian Sandan
= 3rd HEIAN KATA.
Heian Yondan
= 4th HEIAN KATA.
Heian Godan
= 5th HEIAN KATA.
Heiko
= Parallel, balance.
Heiko Dachi
= Natural stance, feet shoulder width stance, feet parallel, one small step forward.
Heiko Zuki
= Simultaneous parallel double punch.
Heisoku
= Feet together. Close feet. Both toes close and touching.
Heisoku Dachi
= Feet close together stance.
Heiwa
= Peace, peaceful
Hichu
= Adam’s apple.
Hidari
= Left.
Hidarigawa 左側 (ひだりがわ)
= left side. "Hidarigawa ni ido" , means move to left side.
Higashi
= East ( compass direction)
North is KITA, South is MINAMI, East is HIGASHI, West Is NISHI.
Hihaku
= determination.
Hiji (or Empi)
= Elbow.
Hiji Ate
= Elbow strike.
Hiji Atemi
= Elbow strikes.
Hiji Ate Goho
= A KATA with five different elbow strikes.
Hiji Sasae Uke
= Middle block (YOKO UKE) with elbow supported with augmenting fist at elbow
Hiji Waza
= Elbow techniques.
Hiji Uke
= Elbow block.
Hiki Ashi
= Leg technique – Retracting leg, stepping backward, pulling leg.
Hikiwake
= Draw - used in sport kumite.
Hikite
= Retracting hand - pulling and twisting of hand technique.
Hikkaku
= Scratching. Attack with finger nail.
Hineri
= twist or spin
Hineri Ashi
= Spinning leg. twist and turn on back leg 180 deg and land on stance with back leg become front leg.
Also as in Heian Godan from moto dachi turn with back leg and into Shiko dachi.
Hira
= Open palm, inside of hand.
Hira Basami
= Full hand scissors. Open palm grip to neck.
Hiraken (or Sho Ken)
= 2nd knuckles fist. Fingers not fully closed. Also known as Sho Ken (small knuckle).
Hiraite
= to open
"te o hiraite" means open hand from close hand with fingers spread or straight.(Beginning of kata Nipaipo)
"musunde" is close shut, the opposite of hiraite
Hira Nukite
= Spear hand with palm facing down. "Shi Hon Nukite" with finger lined up horizontally.
Hitai
= Forehead.
Hitosashi yubi
= Index Finger
Hitosashi Ippon Ken
= Index finger fist. Forefinger small Knuckle fist.
Hitotsu
= One (or first). In a series of statement Japanese use Hitotsu as the starting point. All statement starts with Hitotsu and carries equal importance.
As in "Dojo Kun".
Hittsui
= Knee (Shito-ryu uses Hiza).
Hittsui Geri
= Knee up ward kick.
Hiza
= Knee.
Hiza Ate
= Knee strike.
Hiza Dachi
= One kneeling stance.
Hiza Gashira
= Knee cap. The part that is use to strike groin or belly area.
Hiza Geri
= Knee kick.
Hiza Uke
= Block using knee, knee block.
Hizo
= Spleen. Small of the back.
Ho 法
= law
"Uke no Go Ho" (aka. "Uke No Go Gendri"). Used in shito ryu as 5 laws of defence.. Rakka, Ryusui, Kusshin, Teni and Hangeki
Hobaku
= technique for binding. Capture, apprehension, Arrest.
Honbu
= Central. Headquarter.
Hoji
= retention, hold. Ie "keitai no Hoji" means to correct position, in movement and stance
Honbu Dojo
= Central training school and headquarter for administration.
Honjitsu
= Today. Another informal word for today is Kyuo
Horan No Kamae
= Egg in the nest ready position, left fist cover by right hand ready position. As Jion Kata.
Hyaku
= One hundred (100).
I
Iaido
= The way of sword.
Ibuki
= Breathing way or method.
other words referring to breath are "Kokyu" means breath, Iki means breathing.
Ichi
= One (1).
Ichigeki-Hisatsu
= One strike, certain death.
Ido
= Moving, movement.
Idogeiko
= Moving basics.
Idoshiki
= moving exercise.
Ido Kihon
= Basic movement technique.
Ikken Hissatsu
= To kill with one blow.
Iki
= breathing. also "kokyu" means the same breath
"iki wo suru" means do breathing
Iki 意気 (いき)
= spirit , hearth
Ikiru (生きる)
= to live, to exist
Inasu
= Redirect. Technique if evasion by moving body from the line of attack. To parry, to side step
Part of Wado ryu principle. Nagasu(flow) Inasu(redirect), Noru(ride).
Inyo
= Cause and affect. Similar to Chinese Yin and Yang. Basically represented with large white circle and inside it a smaller red circle.
Ippon
= One.
Ippon Ken
= One knuckle fist.
"Ippon Ken" is use for striking vital points like solar plexus.
"Hitosashi Ippon Ken" means fist with index finger's second joint (second knuckles) is use to strike with fist held vertically.
"Nakadaka Ippon Ken" means fist with middle finger's second finger joint (second knuckles) is use to strike with fist held vertically.
Ippon Ken Tsuki
= One knuckle punch.
Ippon Kumite
= One step sparring.
Ippon Nukite
= Stabbing action using index finger.
Ippon Shobu
= One point match - used in sports kumite.
Iro
= Colour.
Irimi
= To penetrate, to enter - Moving closer to the attacker.
Ishi
= Stone. Chi Ishi is exercise tool made of handle and stone
Ishi 意志
= Will, intention, intent, determination
Ishoni
= together
Isogashi ( 忙しい)
= Busy. "ikura isogashii ni seyo" means: no matter how busy you may be..
Itai
= painful or equivalent to "ouch"
J
Jiai
= affection, kindness, love
Jiai no kamae
= Posture of benevolence. In harmony with one’s self posture as in Jion, Bassai Dai etc.
Also known as Horan no kamae.
Jikan
= Time.
Jiku Ashi
= Pivoting leg. Supporting leg. Turning the body with using front or back leg. The pivoting leg is called jiku ashi.
Jin
= Name of kata called Temple Ground.
Jin 迅
= Rapid, fast, quick.
Jinchu
= are between nose and upper lips. Philtrum area just above the upper lip. Vital point for striking.
Jinkaku 人格
= Personality. "jin" mean person. "kaku" means rank of a person. Together "Jinkaku" means a persons character
Jinsoku 迅速
= swiftly, quickly. As in Kenwa Mabuni saying "dosa wa jinsoku ni seyo" means movement should be done quickly
Junzo
= Kidney
Jion
= Name of kata called Temple Sound.
Jitte
= Name of kata called Temple Hands or Ten Hands.
Jiyu Ippon Kumite
= One step free sparring.
Jiyu Kumite
= Free style sparring.
Jiyu Kumite Kamae
= Free sparring posture.
Jo
= Weapon, wooden stick about 4' to 5' in length, walking stick.
Jodan
= Upper level. Head area level.
Jodan Geri
= Upper kick (i.e to chin).
Jodan Mawashi Geri
= Upper round house kick (i.e to jaw).
Jodan Shotei Uchi
= Upper open palm strike (fingers pointing upwards).
Jodan Uke
= Upper block same as Age Uke.
Jodan Wa Uke
= Upper block both hand block with clenched fist or open palm.
Jodan Zuki
= Upper punch (i.e to nose).
Jogai
= Exited from Ring - used in sport kumite.
Jogai Hansoku
= Fourth and final exit from ring - used in sport kumite.
Jogai Hansoku Chui
= Third exit from fighting ring, 1 point awarded to opponent - used in sport kumite.
Jogai Keikaku
= Second exit from ring - used in sport kumite.
Jo Shiki
= Common sense
Jo Sokute
= Ball of foot. Also known as "koshi"
Ju 柔
= Soft, gentle. As in "GoJu Ryu" meaning Hard Soft Style of Karate by Chojun Miyagi
Ju
= Ten ( 10 ).
Ju Ichi
= Eleven (11).
Ju Ni
= Twelve (12).
Ju San
= Thirteen (13).
Ju Yon
= Fourteen (14).
Ju Go
= Fifteen (15).
Ju Roku
= Sixteen (16).
Ju Nana
= Seventeen (17).
Ju Hachi
= Eighteen (18).
Ju Kyu
= Nineteen (19).
Jubin Taisho
= Warm up exercises.
Judo
= Gentle way. Grapping and throwing fighting style of Jigoro Kano.
Juji Uke
= X block (aka kosa uke).
Juji
= Cross, X.
Jujutsu
= Art of gentleness. Grapping art of mainland Japan.
Jun
= Follow, not oppose.
Jun Zuki
= Lunge punch (Wado ryu term for Oi zuki).
Junbi Undo
= Preparatory exercises. Exercises done at beginning of training.
Fudo Dachi
= Immovable stance aka Sochin dachi – used in Shotokan.
Fujibun
= Not enough power - used in sport kumite.
Fukuto
= Outer side of lower tight.
Fukushiki
= compound
Fukushiki Kokyu
= abdominal breathing used in Sanchin kata
Fukushin Shugo
= Judges conference - used in sports kumite.
Fumi
= Step or Stomp
Fumi waza
= Stamping or stomping techniques.
Fumikiri Geri
= Slicing kick, Cutting kick. Similar to Gedan Sokuto Geri. "Kiri" means cutting
A stamping kick using knife edge of foot (sokuto) to strike when opponent is down on ground.
Fumikomi
= Stomp kick, using heel side of sole. Applied to knee, shin or instep of opponent leg.
Fumikudashi
= Stamping kick, stepping on instep of opponent ( as in Heian Yondan).
Fumioroshi
= Toe stomping kick.
Furi
= Swing, Shake or Wave.
Furi Sute Uke
= Swinging block, forearm circle and shake off, ending forearm horizontal position. As in Bassai Dai.
Furi Zuki
= Swing Punch/ Hook Punch to temple. i.e. in end part of Heian Sandan and kata Seipai.
Fushi
= Joint. Knuckle.
Fuyu
= Winter
4 seasons. Haru is spring, Natsu is summer, Aki fall or Autumn, Fuyu is winter.
G
Gaeshi
= reversal throw
Gaiwan
= Outer arm.
Gamae
= Ready posture. Aka "Kamae". Pronunciation depends on usage. i.e. "Hidari Waki Gamae" meaning ready posture with fist at left side above hip.
Gan
= Eye. Another word for eye in Japanese is "ME"
In "Budo no yottsu no Gensoku" the First principle is "Gan" the eyes.
1). "Gan" The eyes or vision should look at all area with peripheral view. Eyes always looking at opponent eye level but not fixed on the opponent eyes.
Ganbatte
= good luck, let's go
Ganbatte Kudasai
= polite way of saying good luck, normally if the person is elder.
Gankaku Dachi
= Crane stance (aka Tsuru ashi dachi or Sagi Ashi dachi).
Ganmen
= Face of a person. Similar word is KAO
Gashira 頭 (がしら)
= head, as in "hizagashira" meaning head-of-knee or knee cap
Gasshuku
= training camp. Traditionally in natural environment.
Gassho or Ga Sho 合掌
= Open palm catching. "ga" means to put together. Sho means palm.
position of hand pressed together like in Indian and Buddhist greeting or praying
Gedan
= Lower section
Gedan Barai
= Downward block (sweeping block), Lower block in low stands.
Gedan Kosa Uke
= lower cross arm block. Also known as "GEDAN JUJI UKE" in Shotokan ryu
Gedan Shotei Uchi
= Lower open palm strike (fingers pointing down).
Gedan Sokuto Geri
= Lower kick to knee knee area using the edge of foot
Gedan Wa Uke
= Union lower block - open palm. Block with knife hand
Gedan Zuki
= Low punch.
Gen 原 (げん)
= Original, primary; fundamental
Genri 原理
= Principle, Theory, Fundamental truth
"uke no Go Genri" means "5 principle of defense"
Gensoku 原則
= Principle, General rule. "Gen" means general or primary. "Soku" means rule.
Geri (Keri)
= Kick. "Keri" is pronounced "Geri" when used after a description ie Mae Geri.
Geri Gaeshi ( Keri Gaeshi)
= Performing 2 kicks with same leg without placing leg down after 1st kick with quick snap kicks.
Geri Hanashi (Keri Hanashi)
= Quick withdrawing of leg after kicking at target, to avoid leg being caught.
Gi
= Training uniform. Also known as KIMONO, KEIKOGI or DOGI. Karate GI refers to Karate uniform. JUDO GI refers to JUDO uniform etc.
The GI normally have a top jacket known as UWAGI, bottom pants known as SHITABAKI and a belt known as OBI.
Go 剛
= Hard, Strong. As in "Goju ryu" meaning hard and soft style
Go
= Five (5).
Go Dan
= Fifth level black belt.
Go Do Shin
= Shito Ryu's Five way spirit.
One- Determination. Never forget the spirit of first beginning. "Hitotsu- Ishi. Shoshin wasureru nakare. "(1. 意志. 初心忘れるなかれ)
One- Morality. Never neglect courtesy and etiquette. "Hitotsu- Do toku. Reigi okutaru nakare."(1. 道徳. 礼儀怠るなかれ)
One- Development. Never neglect effort. "Hitotsu- Hatten. Doryoku okutaru nakare." (1. 発展. 努力怠るなかれ)
One- Common sense. Never lose common sense. "Hitotsu- Jo shiki. Jo shiki kakeru nakare." (1. 常識. 常識かけるなかれ)
One- Peace. Never disturb harmony. Hitotsu- Heiwa. Wa midasu nakare. (1.平和. 和乱すなかれ)
Go Ho
= 5 direction/step.
Go Hon Kumite
= 5 step Sparring.
attacker step 5 step with attack every step, defense 5 step backward and counter after the last defense with energy shout ( Kiai).
Go Ju
= Fifty (50).
Goju Ryu 剛柔流
= Hard and Soft style. One of the major karate style in karate. Created by Choyun Miyagi
Go Kyu
= Fifth level student - purple belt.
Go No Sen 後の先(ごのせん)
= Defense technique (5b) - counter attack after an attack technique is completed. e.g. block an attack then attack back
Gomen
= Sorry (in casual way)
Gomen nasai
= Sorry (in more polite way)
Goju Ryu
= Karate style founded by Chojun Miyagi, Hard/Soft Style from Naha-te Okinawan karate.
Gojushiho (Sho and Dai)
= Kata named as 54 Steps, Itosu lineage Shuri te kata.
Goshin
= Self-defense or protection.
Gyaku
= Reverse or Opposite.
Gyaku Ashi
= Reverse leg or opposite leg.
Gyaku Mawashi Geri (Ura Mawashi Geri)
= Reverse round house kick. Kicking leg travels from inside opponent and strike with heel or sole.
Gyaku Zuki
= Reverse punch (i.e. if left leg is forward the punch is with right hand).
GYAKU ZUKI is straight reverse punch in one leg forward stance like moto dachi or zenkutsu dachi.
H
Ha
= Tooth.
Ha
= Faction or school. e.i. HAYASHI-HA mean Hayashi's school.
Hachi
= Eight (8).
Hachi Dan
= Eight level black belt.
Hachi Kyu
= Level eight karate student - yellow belt.
Hachi Ju
= Eighty (80).
Hachiji Dachi
= Natural stance, resembling Japanese character 8, feet shoulder width apart, toes pointing outward.
Hada (Hifu)
= Skin.
Hadashi
= Barefoot.
Haguki
= Gums. (tooth gums).
Hae
= Lungs.
Hai
= Yes.
Haibu
= Back. Back rib area.
Haishu
= Back of hand.
Haishu Uchi
= Strike with back of hand/palm.
Haishu Uke
= Block with back of hand/palm.
Haisoku
= Instep of foot. Top of foot.
Hairo
= Gray colour.
Haite
= breath out, exhale. "iki wo haite" breath out. Breath in is "Sutte". "Iki wo sutte" means breath in.
Haito
= Ridge of hand. Inner blade of hand. Area between thumb and index finger.
Haito Uchi
= Ridge of hand strike with thumb tucked in touching base of little finger.
Haiwan
= Upper part of forearm. Back of arm.
Haiwan Nagashi Uke
= Sweeping defense with upper forearm, back arm block.
Hajime
= Begin or start. A command to start.
Hajime masu
= polite way of saying Let's start
Han
= Half. (1/2).
Han
= Anti, counter. As in "Hangeki"means counter attack
Han Zenkutsu Dachi
= Half stance. Shorter than ZENKUTSU DACHI but longer than MOTO DACHI
Hana
= Nose.
Hana
= flower
Hane 跳ね(はね)
= jump. Hop. Jumping upward. "Ashi hane age" means lift knee quickly as in Kata Seisan
Hangeki 反撃
= Counter attack. "Han 反" means anti, opposite, contrary. "Geki 撃" means attack or strike
Defense technique No.5 of Uke No Go Genri.
Counter Attack - to decide when to counter attack. Concept of defence by deciding to counter attack
1) So no Sen: before an attack is completed, only possible if the defender is fast.
2) Go no Sen: to attack after an attack have completed. 後 Go(kou) behind or later. 後の先 post initiative
3) Sen no Sen: Attack same time as the opponent.
4) Sen Sen no Sen: Pre-emptive attack. attack before an attack is made."
Hangetsu Dachi
= Half-moon stance, wide hour glass stance (Shotokan stance).
Haniaitorimas
= I will take your decision- command used in sports kumite.
Hanmi Kamae
= Half facing posture.
Hanshi
= Master, highest black belt
Hansoku
= Serious foul - used in sports kumite
Hansoku Chui
= Warning with one point penalty - used in sports kumite
Hantai
= Command to turn direction and adjust GI before seiza.
Hantai
= Call for judgement - used in sport kumite.
Hantai Kachi
= Winner by decision - command used in sports kumite.
Hantai Mawatte
= Turn 180deg - back leg shift and turn.
Happo
= Eight (8) direction.
Hara
= Belly. Abdomen. (Stomach is Onaka)
Hara Uke
= abdominal block. Rarely used term. Not considered a correct term. Downward sweeping block, same as "Harai Uke"
Harai 払い (はらい)
= sweeping motion. Comes from harau meaning to sweep.
Harai and Barai has the same meaning for sweep, sweeping motion.
Just that how the sweep is placed in sentence or command.
When sweep is used before a word, it is pronounced as Harai.
ie Harai Uke, Harai Goshi (sweeping hip throw in Judo),
When sweep comes after a word it is pronounced as Barai. The H sound change to B sound.
Ie. Gedan Barai, Yoko Barai, Ashi Barai, Shuto Barai etc
Harai Uke
= Downward sweeping block/parry, same as "Gedan Barai" but in narrow stances.
this block is use for defending "chudan" area.
Clenched fist starts from opposite shoulder and sweep down as wrist is twisted and turn as strike is made using the outer wrist ("soto kote") area.
Harai Te
= Sweeping technique with arm.
Harai Waza
= Sweeping techniques.
Hare
= Sunny (weather)
Haru
= spring season.
4 seasons. HARU is spring, NATSU is summer, AKI fall or Autumn, FUYU is winter.
Hasami
= Scissor.
Hasami Geri
= Scissor kick. Used to take down opponent, one leg at back of knee and other leg at opposite waist area.
also known as "Kami Barai" in Shotokan
Hasami Zuki
= Scissor punch (not used in shito ryu).
Hashiru 走る(はしる)
= run. "Hashiru kudasai" means please run
Hatten 発展 (はってん)
= Development, Advancement, Growth
Hayai
= Fast.
Hayaku
= Quickly or rapidly
Hazushi
= Puling away. To slip away, to undo.
Hazushi te
= escaping hand by pulling away from a grip. Like a HIKITE.
Heian
= Peace. Peaceful mind or tranquility. Name of 5 basic KATA.
Heian Shodan
= 1st HEIAN KATA.
Heian Nidan
= 2nd HEIAN KATA.
Heian Sandan
= 3rd HEIAN KATA.
Heian Yondan
= 4th HEIAN KATA.
Heian Godan
= 5th HEIAN KATA.
Heiko
= Parallel, balance.
Heiko Dachi
= Natural stance, feet shoulder width stance, feet parallel, one small step forward.
Heiko Zuki
= Simultaneous parallel double punch.
Heisoku
= Feet together. Close feet. Both toes close and touching.
Heisoku Dachi
= Feet close together stance.
Heiwa
= Peace, peaceful
Hichu
= Adam’s apple.
Hidari
= Left.
Hidarigawa 左側 (ひだりがわ)
= left side. "Hidarigawa ni ido" , means move to left side.
Higashi
= East ( compass direction)
North is KITA, South is MINAMI, East is HIGASHI, West Is NISHI.
Hihaku
= determination.
Hiji (or Empi)
= Elbow.
Hiji Ate
= Elbow strike.
Hiji Atemi
= Elbow strikes.
Hiji Ate Goho
= A KATA with five different elbow strikes.
Hiji Sasae Uke
= Middle block (YOKO UKE) with elbow supported with augmenting fist at elbow
Hiji Waza
= Elbow techniques.
Hiji Uke
= Elbow block.
Hiki Ashi
= Leg technique – Retracting leg, stepping backward, pulling leg.
Hikiwake
= Draw - used in sport kumite.
Hikite
= Retracting hand - pulling and twisting of hand technique.
Hikkaku
= Scratching. Attack with finger nail.
Hineri
= twist or spin
Hineri Ashi
= Spinning leg. twist and turn on back leg 180 deg and land on stance with back leg become front leg.
Also as in Heian Godan from moto dachi turn with back leg and into Shiko dachi.
Hira
= Open palm, inside of hand.
Hira Basami
= Full hand scissors. Open palm grip to neck.
Hiraken (or Sho Ken)
= 2nd knuckles fist. Fingers not fully closed. Also known as Sho Ken (small knuckle).
Hiraite
= to open
"te o hiraite" means open hand from close hand with fingers spread or straight.(Beginning of kata Nipaipo)
"musunde" is close shut, the opposite of hiraite
Hira Nukite
= Spear hand with palm facing down. "Shi Hon Nukite" with finger lined up horizontally.
Hitai
= Forehead.
Hitosashi yubi
= Index Finger
Hitosashi Ippon Ken
= Index finger fist. Forefinger small Knuckle fist.
Hitotsu
= One (or first). In a series of statement Japanese use Hitotsu as the starting point. All statement starts with Hitotsu and carries equal importance.
As in "Dojo Kun".
Hittsui
= Knee (Shito-ryu uses Hiza).
Hittsui Geri
= Knee up ward kick.
Hiza
= Knee.
Hiza Ate
= Knee strike.
Hiza Dachi
= One kneeling stance.
Hiza Gashira
= Knee cap. The part that is use to strike groin or belly area.
Hiza Geri
= Knee kick.
Hiza Uke
= Block using knee, knee block.
Hizo
= Spleen. Small of the back.
Ho 法
= law
"Uke no Go Ho" (aka. "Uke No Go Gendri"). Used in shito ryu as 5 laws of defence.. Rakka, Ryusui, Kusshin, Teni and Hangeki
Hobaku
= technique for binding. Capture, apprehension, Arrest.
Honbu
= Central. Headquarter.
Hoji
= retention, hold. Ie "keitai no Hoji" means to correct position, in movement and stance
Honbu Dojo
= Central training school and headquarter for administration.
Honjitsu
= Today. Another informal word for today is Kyuo
Horan No Kamae
= Egg in the nest ready position, left fist cover by right hand ready position. As Jion Kata.
Hyaku
= One hundred (100).
I
Iaido
= The way of sword.
Ibuki
= Breathing way or method.
other words referring to breath are "Kokyu" means breath, Iki means breathing.
Ichi
= One (1).
Ichigeki-Hisatsu
= One strike, certain death.
Ido
= Moving, movement.
Idogeiko
= Moving basics.
Idoshiki
= moving exercise.
Ido Kihon
= Basic movement technique.
Ikken Hissatsu
= To kill with one blow.
Iki
= breathing. also "kokyu" means the same breath
"iki wo suru" means do breathing
Iki 意気 (いき)
= spirit , hearth
Ikiru (生きる)
= to live, to exist
Inasu
= Redirect. Technique if evasion by moving body from the line of attack. To parry, to side step
Part of Wado ryu principle. Nagasu(flow) Inasu(redirect), Noru(ride).
Inyo
= Cause and affect. Similar to Chinese Yin and Yang. Basically represented with large white circle and inside it a smaller red circle.
Ippon
= One.
Ippon Ken
= One knuckle fist.
"Ippon Ken" is use for striking vital points like solar plexus.
"Hitosashi Ippon Ken" means fist with index finger's second joint (second knuckles) is use to strike with fist held vertically.
"Nakadaka Ippon Ken" means fist with middle finger's second finger joint (second knuckles) is use to strike with fist held vertically.
Ippon Ken Tsuki
= One knuckle punch.
Ippon Kumite
= One step sparring.
Ippon Nukite
= Stabbing action using index finger.
Ippon Shobu
= One point match - used in sports kumite.
Iro
= Colour.
Irimi
= To penetrate, to enter - Moving closer to the attacker.
Ishi
= Stone. Chi Ishi is exercise tool made of handle and stone
Ishi 意志
= Will, intention, intent, determination
Ishoni
= together
Isogashi ( 忙しい)
= Busy. "ikura isogashii ni seyo" means: no matter how busy you may be..
Itai
= painful or equivalent to "ouch"
J
Jiai
= affection, kindness, love
Jiai no kamae
= Posture of benevolence. In harmony with one’s self posture as in Jion, Bassai Dai etc.
Also known as Horan no kamae.
Jikan
= Time.
Jiku Ashi
= Pivoting leg. Supporting leg. Turning the body with using front or back leg. The pivoting leg is called jiku ashi.
Jin
= Name of kata called Temple Ground.
Jin 迅
= Rapid, fast, quick.
Jinchu
= are between nose and upper lips. Philtrum area just above the upper lip. Vital point for striking.
Jinkaku 人格
= Personality. "jin" mean person. "kaku" means rank of a person. Together "Jinkaku" means a persons character
Jinsoku 迅速
= swiftly, quickly. As in Kenwa Mabuni saying "dosa wa jinsoku ni seyo" means movement should be done quickly
Junzo
= Kidney
Jion
= Name of kata called Temple Sound.
Jitte
= Name of kata called Temple Hands or Ten Hands.
Jiyu Ippon Kumite
= One step free sparring.
Jiyu Kumite
= Free style sparring.
Jiyu Kumite Kamae
= Free sparring posture.
Jo
= Weapon, wooden stick about 4' to 5' in length, walking stick.
Jodan
= Upper level. Head area level.
Jodan Geri
= Upper kick (i.e to chin).
Jodan Mawashi Geri
= Upper round house kick (i.e to jaw).
Jodan Shotei Uchi
= Upper open palm strike (fingers pointing upwards).
Jodan Uke
= Upper block same as Age Uke.
Jodan Wa Uke
= Upper block both hand block with clenched fist or open palm.
Jodan Zuki
= Upper punch (i.e to nose).
Jogai
= Exited from Ring - used in sport kumite.
Jogai Hansoku
= Fourth and final exit from ring - used in sport kumite.
Jogai Hansoku Chui
= Third exit from fighting ring, 1 point awarded to opponent - used in sport kumite.
Jogai Keikaku
= Second exit from ring - used in sport kumite.
Jo Shiki
= Common sense
Jo Sokute
= Ball of foot. Also known as "koshi"
Ju 柔
= Soft, gentle. As in "GoJu Ryu" meaning Hard Soft Style of Karate by Chojun Miyagi
Ju
= Ten ( 10 ).
Ju Ichi
= Eleven (11).
Ju Ni
= Twelve (12).
Ju San
= Thirteen (13).
Ju Yon
= Fourteen (14).
Ju Go
= Fifteen (15).
Ju Roku
= Sixteen (16).
Ju Nana
= Seventeen (17).
Ju Hachi
= Eighteen (18).
Ju Kyu
= Nineteen (19).
Jubin Taisho
= Warm up exercises.
Judo
= Gentle way. Grapping and throwing fighting style of Jigoro Kano.
Juji Uke
= X block (aka kosa uke).
Juji
= Cross, X.
Jujutsu
= Art of gentleness. Grapping art of mainland Japan.
Jun
= Follow, not oppose.
Jun Zuki
= Lunge punch (Wado ryu term for Oi zuki).
Junbi Undo
= Preparatory exercises. Exercises done at beginning of training.
K
Ka
= Practitioner.
Kachi (勝ち)
= Victory - used in sport kumite. Eg "Aka no Kachi" meaning Red is winner or Red wins)
Kaeshi 返し (かえし)
= Counter (attack). Return. Reversal.
Kaeshi Ippon Kumite
= One step sparring with counter attack (block and attack). Ie Attack/Block/Attack/Block/Attack.
Kafukubu
= Lower abdomen.
Kagi
= Hooked.
Kagi zuki
= Hook punch across body.
Kaho
= Downward.
Kai 会, かい
= Meaning meeting, assembly, party, association, club. Used as Association in karate.
Kaiha
= Same as kai meaning association. Shito Kai ( Shito Association) vs Shito Ryu (Shito style)
Kaimoku
= Open eyes (from mediation).
Kaisho (Kaishu)
= Open Hand.
Kaisho Yoko Uke
= Open palm middle block.
Kaiten
= rotation, turning, spinning
Kaiten Uchi
= spinning strike
Kakato
= Heel of foot.
Kakato Geri
= Axe kick. Also known as "kakato utoshi geri" and also know as "One geri"
Kake
= Hook. Hooking.
Kakeru かける
= lose, to bet, to gamble. -かける (-kakeru) means “to start to do something” or “to get halfway into something.”
忘れかける (wasurekakeru: to almost forget).
e.g.. " Joshiki kakeru nakare" means never lose common sense.
Kake Te (uke)
= Hook block. Hooking hand.
Kakiwake Uke
= Double hand wedge, two handed block, separating block.
Kakushi Waza
= Hidden techniques.
Kakuto
= Top of bend wrist.
Kakuto Uchi
= Wrist joint strike (aka Ko uchi).
Kakuto Uke
= Wrist joint block (aka Ko uke).
Kamae
= Ready position. Posture.
Kamaete (or Yoi) (構え) (かまえ)
= Command given to get into ready posture. Also called "Gamae" depending on usage of the word.
Kami (or Ke)
= Hair.
Kami
= God, deity, spirit.
Kanojo
= her . Referring to a girl or women.
Kanji
= Written Chinese characters.
Kansei 人格
=complete, perfect. As in " Jinsoku Kansei ni Tsutomeru koto" meaning 'Seek perfection of character'.
Kansetsu
= Articulation joints, elbow joints, knee joints etc.
Kanzo
= Liver.
Kappo
= Technique of resuscitating people who had shock to nervous system.
Kara
= Empty.
Kara Uke
= Dodging block (use in Juroko). Empty block.
Karada (or Shintai)
= Body or physique.
Karada Kitae
= Body conditioning. Usually slow and years of hitting body parts against stones or "makiwara"
Karate
= Empty Hand.
Karate do
= The way of karate.
Karate Gi
= karate training uniform. Usually 2 part uniform. Usually the colour is white. Top jacket is calledd uwagi, the bottom pants is called shitibaki.
The top jacket is hold together with a belt called Obi, mormally made of cotton clothe or silk.
Karate ka
= Karate practitioner.
Karate Ni Sente Nashi
= “In karate there is no first strike”.
Kasshikoi
= Smart or clever. Used to acknowledging or encouraging younger people.
Ka Sokute
= Heel of foot.
Kasumi
= Temple area on the side of head. Temple of skull is normally known as komekami
Kata (or Seoi) 肩 (かた)
= Shoulder.
Kata 形
= Forms, shape or figure. Pre-arranged defense and offence pattern.
most movement in kata are comprise of close combat techniques.
Katakana
= Japanese characters to translate foreign languages eg. English sounds.
Katana
= A long sword carried and used by samurai warriors.
Katate (片手)(かたて)
= One hand.
Katsu (勝つ) (かつ)
= to win, to gain victory.
Kao (顔) (かお) (or Men)
Face
Keage (蹴上げ) (けあげ)
= Rise. Snap. Quick extending and re-tracking at knee.
Keibu (or Kubi)
Neck region.
Keichu
= Back of neck.
Keiko
= Training, practice - (meaning 1).
Keiko
= Joint finger tips - (meaning 2).
Kekomi
= Thrust (as in thrust kick) Kicking with pushing at hip at same time snap kicking.
Keikogi
= A training uniform worn during training in Japanese martial Arts. Also known as Dogi.
Keikoku
= Warning with 1/2 point deduction penalty (waza ari) -used in sport kumite.
Keirei
= In "Ritsurei" Standing bow at 30deg angle. (Eshaku is 10deg standing bowing, Saikeirei is 45deg standing bow)
Keisu
= Numbers.
Keitai
= carrying, something to carry along.
Keitai no Hoji
= to keep proper posture in stance and movements. "Hoji" means retention or to keep.
Kempo
= Fist law, a general term used to describe fighting system using fist.
Ken
= Fist.
Ken Sasae Uke
= Middle block (yoko uke) with block supported with augmenting open palm at wrist level.
Kensei
= Silent kiai.
Kentate Shuto Uke
= Knife hand block with resting hand clench fist at above waist.
Kentsui
= Hammer Fist, bottom of fist.
Kentsui Uchi
= Hammer fist strike @ Tettsui uchi.
Keri (Geri)
= Kick.
KeriAge
= Kick upwards
Keri Waza
= Kicking techniques.
Ketto
= Blood.
Ki
= conjugation of the verb kuru ( to come)
" ki ta" means to came. Ta is used to make past-tense
Ki
= Energy, spirit, mind.
Kiai
= Spirit meeting, loud yell, shout (Ha, eeyah, ohii etc).
Kiba
= Straddle.
Kiba Dachi
= Straddle stance @ Naifanchi or Naihanchi dachi.
Kihon
= Basics.
Kihon Dosa
= Basic movement.
Kiiro
= Yellow colour.
Kiken
= Renunciation (formal rejection) - used in sports karate.
Kime 決め
= Focus of power. intentionality .The instance power is delivered and stops of at the end of a technique.
Similar to "Chinkuchin" an Okinawan word to mean explosive of power where all focal points come together.
Kimeru
= To decide , to to make up ones mind, to choose, etc.
Kime Waza
= decisive technique where Focus and power is applied
Kimono
= Traditional Japanese dress, worn by women and also by man with a little difference.
Yukata is similar to Kimono but a simplified and casual dress.
Its also the uniform for some traditional Japanese martial Arts.
Kin Geri (or Sokko geri)
= Groin kick using instep.
Kinniku
= Muscles.
Kintama (or Kinteki)
= Groin, Testicles.
Kiotsuke / Ki-wo-tsuke
= Attention, Direction given to move to "musubi dachi" before bowing.
"Kiotsuke ni shisei" means move to attention posture
Kiri
= cutting. As in "harakiri" mean suicide by cutting the hara. "Hara" means belly.
Kiritsu (or Kireitsu)( kanji: 起立)(hiragana: きりつ)
= Stand up. Please stand up. Direction given to stand up from meditating posture.
kiryoku 気力(きki りriょyoくku)
= Will power, energy, vitality
Kiso
= Basic or Foundation. Similar meaning with Kihon.
Kiso Kumite
= Basic sparing usually based on KATA
Kita
= North (compass direction)
North is Kita, South is Minami, East is Higashi, West Is Nishi.
Kitae 鍛え ( Key-tah-eh)
= Conditioning, training, disciplining, forge.
Kitae Bo
= A Shaft wrapped with rope used for conditioning arms and legs
Kiza
= Sitting position. Sitting on heels with bended knee and bended toes. Also a transitional position in "Seiza"
Kizami Zuki
= Jap punch (- front hand straight punch to face).
Ko or kou
= back/behind same as ushiro
Ko Bo Ichi
= The concept of Attack- defense connection.
Ko Uchi
= Wrist joint strike.
Ko Uke
= Bend wrist block, crane block, @ Kakuto uke.
Kohai
= Junior karateka to oneself.
Koken
= Bend wrist/wrist joint.
Koken Uke
= Wrist block fingers joint together. Wrist is bent making an arc with straight fingertips and thumb touching.
Kokoro
=Spirit, heart.
Kokutsu dachi or koukutsu dachi 後屈
= Back stance. "kou" 後 means ushiro or back, Kutsu 屈 means bend. Koukutsu dachi means back leg(or knee) bend stance.
Kokyu
= Breath, breathing, respiration. Posture.
"Fukushiki kokyu" means abdominal breathing. Used in Sanchin kata.
KomeKami
= temple, side part of the skull
Komi
= including, inclusive of.
Kosa Dachi
= Crossed leg stance.
Kosa Uke
= Crossed hand block.
Kosaho
= Simultaneous defense – attack.
Koshi (or Goshi)
= Hip.
Koshi Mawari
= Hip rotation. As in Heian nidan.. 180degree turning quickly with speed and power.
Koshi Kamae
= A stance where fist at held at hip area with one fist on top the other. (same as Shito ryu’s waki gamae)
Koshin
= Rearward, backward.
Koshu
= Back of heel.
Koshu Geri
= Heel back rising kick.
Kote 小手 (こて )
= Forearm. From wrist to elbow.
Uchi Kote (thumb side).
Soto Kote (little finger side).
Hira Kote (top side of forearm, opposite palm side).
Kote Gaeshi
= Wrist throw. Wrist reverse turn or wrist turn out. Basic aikido technique also used in karate kata.
Kote Kitae 小手鍛え
= Forearm conditioning.
Usually 2 person drill where each person strike their forearms together.
"Kote Kitae" is the exercise of hardening forearms.
By hitting forearm against forearm. with partner or against other objects.
Kote Uchi
= Forearm strike.
Kote Uke
= Upper forearm (open palm) block.
Koto
= it's a word used by superior to lower ranking person. Or a statement used to "to do" emphasis
As in Dojo kun "Jinkaku Kansei ni Tsutomeru kota" meaning Seek perfection of character.
Ko yubi
= Little finger
Ku
= Nine (9).
Kuatsu
= The method of resuscitating an unconscious person due to strangulation, shock.
Kubi (Keibu)
= Neck.
Kubotan
= Miniature baton, developed by Takayuki Kuboto.
Kuchi
= Mouth. Also can refer to an opening like Iri-guchi means entrance and De-guchi mean exit.
Kumade
= Bear hand.
Kumite
= Sparring. (literal meaning is Grappling hand)
Kumite Kamae
= Sparring posture/position.
Kumori
= Cloudy (weather)
Kun
= precept. a general rule intended to regulate behaviour or thought
as in "Dojo Kun" means training hall rules. A general set of rules to be followed karate-ka. Sometime recited at the end of class by some stlyes of karate.
Kunshi
=Wise man. Man of virtue.
Kunshi no Ken 君子の拳
= The virtuous person’s martial arts” (kunshi no ken 君子の拳)
= Gentleman's Fist. A sayings of Kenwa Mabuni: The noble discipline, Culture of the wise man.
Kuri
= Coiling.
Kuri Uke
= Turning or coiling of hand block. Blocking is at wrist below little finger.
Kurikaeshi
= Repetition.
Kuro
= Black.
Kuro Obi
= Black belt.
Kusshin 屈伸
= Elasticity. Bending and stretching. Springing Action Originating in Knees - sudden drop in body position/height.
Defense technique No.4 of Uke No Go Genri.
Concept of an immediate shifting of stance from one type to another (e.g.- Moto dachi > Neko-ashi dachi > Moto dachi or Zenkutsu dachi > Kokutsudachi)
or a reflexive darting away then returning back immediately type of body shifting from any angle."
Kusuri yubi
= Ring finger
Kuzushi
= Balance breaking. Unbalancing opponent by pushing or pulling.
Kuzushi Waza
= Trapping technique ( leg sweeping etc)
Kyo
= Today.
Kyo
= Teach or teaching.
Kyobu (or Mune)
= Chest.
Kyoshi
= Knowledgeable person, given to 7th Dan blackbelt person.
Kyou
= Today. This day. Another more polite word for today is Honjitsu.
Today is Kyou, Tomorrow is Ashita,
Kyu
= Grade or class (below black belt level).
Kyu (or Ku)
= Nine (9).
Kyu Ju
= Ninety (90).
Kyosho
= Vital pressure point.
Kyusho Waza
= Pressure point techniques.
L -
M
Maai
= Proper distance.in a battle a Karate ka must control the distance between him and the opponent.
Maai Ga To
= Not proper distance.
Mae
= Front (or forward).
Mae Ashi Geri
= Front leg kick.
Mae Empi
= Forward elbow strike.
Mae Geri Keage.
= Front Snap Kick
Mae Geri Kekomi
= Front Thrust Kick.
Maemuki (前向き) (まえむき)
= Face forward. "Mae" means front, "Muki" means direction. To look straight forward. forward-looking, positive, constructive.
Mae Ukemi
= Forward fall or roll.
Mae Te Zuki
= Front hand punch.
Mae Tobi Geri
= Flying Front Kick.
Makiwara
= Striking or punching board.
Makoto 誠
= Feeling of total sincerity. Truth
Ma ma
= as it is, just nice position or condition.
Mamoru 守る
= Guard, protect
Manabu
= Learning by imitation.
Manji Uke
= Double block - gedan barai and jodan uchi uke (jodan yoko uke).
Massugu
= straight ahead
Mata
= Inside of tight.
Matsukaze
= Left carotid artery.
Matte
= Wait.
Mawashi
= Turning, Round House.
Mawashi Empi Uchi
= Circular elbow strike (aka Mawashi hiji ate).
Mawashi Geri
= Turning kick, Round house kick.
Mawashi Hiji Ate
= Circular elbow strike (aka Mawashi empi uchi).
Mawashi Uke
= Circular block.
Mawashi Zuki
= Roundhouse punch, a hook punch (aka furi zuki)
Mawatte
= Turn around. Instruction given to turn around 180 degree.
Mawari
= Rotation, Surrounding
Mawari Ashi
= Leg technique - stepping back and landing facing 45deg.
Me (or Gan)
= Eye.
Metsuke(目付)
= to have your eyes on something.
Midasu
= to disturb, to throw out of order.
Midori
= Green colour.
Mie Nai
= I did not see - used in sports kumite.
Migi
= Right.
Migigawa
= right hand. "Migigawa ni ido" means move to right side. "uhen" is another way of saying right side( "sahen" is the left).
Mikazuki
= Angle of Jaw.
Mikazuki
= Crescent moon, new moon(3 day old).
Mikazuki Geri
= Crescent kick.
Mimi
= Ears.
Minami
= South (compass direction)
North is Kita, South is Minami, East is Higashi, West Is Nishi.
Mizoochi
= Pit of stomach, Solar plexus. Also known as "Suigetsu"
Modoru
= to return, to go back. Eg "shisei ini modoru" means return to posture.
Mokuso
= Instruction to start meditation by closing eyes in seiza. "Moku" means be silent, "So" here means to think about positive thoughts during meditation.
Morote
= Both hands/Double Fist.
Morote Kentsui Uchi
= Double hammer fist strike to ribcage (from Shinpa kata).
Morote ShoKen Uchi
= Double knuckle strike to ribcage (from Shinpa kata).
Morete Uke
= Double middle block- yoko uke.
Morote Zuki.
= U-Punch, punch with both hand - lower fist inverse.
Moto
= Basic, Origin, Natural.
Moto Dachi
= Natural Walking Stance, Foundation stance, (kumite stance).
Moto No Ichi
= Return to original position - used on sport kumite.
Mubobi
= Warning for lack of regards for won safety - used n sport kumite.
Mudasha
= Karate student without black belt ranking.
Mune (Kyobu)
= Chest.
Murasaki
= Purple colour.
Murasame
= Right carotid artery.
Mushin
= State of no mind. A state of mind with clear and calm before battle.
Mushin no Shin
= Mind without mind.
Musubi 結び (むすび)
= join, union
Musubi Dachi
= Attention stance. Feet together stance, heels touching and toes 45deg pointing out.
Each foot at 45 degree diagonally, making a V shape roughly 90 degree together.
N
Nado
= Throat.
Nagashi
= Sweep, flowing.
Nagashi Uke
= Open palm pushing side, sweeping block.
Nagasu 流す
= Flow. Part of Wado ryu principle. Nagasu(flow) Inasu(redirect), Noru(ride).
Nagasu – flow. “To let flow.” Not stopping an attack, but simply re-directing it. Parry or Diverting rather than opposing; sweeping rather than blocking.
Inasu – Redirect. Technique if evasion by moving body from the line of attack. To Dodging, parry, to side step
Noru – ride. or moving in contact with the opponent as a means of controlling the opponent's technique or body movement.
Nage
= throw
Nage waza
= throwing techniques
Naha te
= Naha hand - Karate style from Naha area of Okinawa.
Naihanchi Dachi
= Inside tension stance. Stance narrower than shiko dachi but wider that shoulder width, foot parallel.
Naihancin (Naifanchin)
= Name of kata. A side movement kata. 3 katas, Nafanchin Shodan, Naifanchin Nidan, Naifanchin Sandan.
Naka 中 ( なか )
= Middle. Inside. In
Naka yubi
= Middle finger
Nakadaka Ippon Ken / Nakayubi Ken
= Middle finger small knuckle fist.
Fist with middle finger's second finger joint (small knuckles) is use to strike with fist held vertically.
Nakare なかれ
= do not, don't, must not, be not
Naore 直れ
= Relax. Return to starting position.
Naotte
= Relax and return to original position. Same meaning as "Naore" but pronounced slightly different.
Nami (meaning 1)
= wave as in "Nami Ashi"
Nami (meaning 2)
= In line. as in "Nami Heiko dachi"
Namiashi
= Slow step or Inside foot, waving foot. Leg sweeping or escaping leg sweep by lifting leg inward toward inner thigh. Use in Naihanchin kata.
Namiheiko Dachi
= Parallel stance (heiko dachi)- feet shoulder width, toes straight.
Nana (shi)
= Two (7).
Nana Ju
= Seventy (70).
Naname
= Diagonally at 45 degree angle.
Naname Hidari
= Direction to the left front, 315deg.
Naname Hidari Ato
= Direction to the left back, 225deg.
Naname Migi
= Direction to the right front, 45deg.
Naname Migi Ato.
= Direction to the right back, 135deg.
Narabe 並べ
= To line up.
Natsu
= Summer
4 seasons. Haru is spring, Natsu is summer, Aki fall or Autumn, Fuyu is winter.
Nekoashi Dachi
= Cat stance, Cat paw stance. Weight on back leg 70%, front leg 30%, inner tension, back foot 45deg.
Ni
= Two (2).
Ni Dan
= Second level black belt.
Nigiri Game
= Gripping Jars. A vase with hold able opening. Used as exercises tool strengthen gripping power, arms and shoulder
Nigiru
= to grasp, to grip, to hold
"Ryo ken wa nigiru" means make grasp with both hand like kamae-te (as in Nipaipo)
Ni kyu
= Level two karate student - Brown belt.
Nihon Nukite
= Two finger spear hand.
Ni Ju
= Twenty (20).
Nijushiho
= Name of kata. Twenty four steps.
Niren
= Twice/Double/Two times.
Niren Zuki
= Continues two punches, alternate hand punch.
Ni Seyo (にせよ)
= regardless, even if. Similar meaning with "Ni Shiro"
Nishi
= west (compass direction)
North is Kita, South is Minami, East is Higashi, West Is Nishi.
Ninoude Uke
= Forearm inward (swing) block.
Nobasu
= to lengthen, extend or stretch. Ie "te o nobasu" as in kururunfa kata stretching hands sideways. Or stretching upwards
"Nodo 喉 (のど)
= Throat"
No koto
= means nothing but only emphasizing/highlighting something. ie "ashibumi no kota" means stance. Pay attention.
Noru
= Ride. or moving in contact with the opponent as a means of controlling the opponent's technique or body movement.
Part of Wado ryu principle. Nagasu(flow) Inasu(redirect), Noru(ride).
Nukite
= Spear Hand. Spear hand strike with fingers with thumb tucked in.
"Shi Hon Nukite" or "Yon Hon Nukite" four finger spear hand.
"Tate Nukite" is Yon Hon Nukite with fingers lined vertically.
"Hira Nukite" is Yon Hon Nukite finger lines horizontally with palm facing down.
" Ni Hon Nukite" is two fingers index finger and middle finger slightly separated horizontally with palm facing down. Usually strike to eye.
"Ippon Hon Nukite" is index finger strike with other fingers bend.
Nunchaku
= Okinawan weapon -twin arm length stick attached together with thin rope.
O
Obi
= Belt.
Oi (Jun)
= Lunge (or straight).
Oi Zuki
= Lunge punch (leading leg and hand punch).
"Oi Zuki" is straight lunge punch in one leg forward stance like moto dachi or zenkutsu dachi..as in kihon katas.
Ojigi お辞儀
= Bowing Japanese style.
two types of bowing 1) Standing bowing called Ritsurei and 2) Sitting in seiza and bowing japanese style (zarei)
typical standing bowing by nodding the head about 10deg is called eshaku.
Oki
= Big. Greater.
Okimas(Okiru)
= Get up or rise.
Okinawa
= Japanese island where karate originated.
Okotaru 怠る (おこたる)
= to be negligent in doing something, to shirk, to be off one's guard
As in "Reigi okutaru nakare" meaning Never neglect courtesy and etiquette.
Okure
= Late. "Okuremasu" means to be late.
Okure Mashita Sumimasen 遅(Oku)れ(re)ま(ma)し(shi)た(ta) す(su)み(mi)ま(ma)せ(Se)ん(n)
= Sorry I am late. Also "okurete sumimasen". "Okurette" is the adverb of "Okuremasu", means be late or get late.
When students come in late, they sit in "seiza" posture at the right front of class and bow as they say this "Okure Mashita Sumimasen" .
"Okurette Sumimasen" means the same, Sorry I am late.
"Osokunatte Sumimasen" also means, sorry I am late.
Omiyage ( お o み mi や ya げ ge)
= Gift or souvenir
Onaji
= same. Ie "Kata no onaji taka sa" means same height with shoulder.(kata means shoulder)
"Dojini" has similar meaning but its more like simultaneously
Onegashimasu
= I request, lets learn together - say this during bowing motion at the beginning of class.
Ono 斧 (おの)
= Axe
Ono Geri
= Axe kick, aka "Kakato othoshi geri" or "kakato keri" vertically kicking downwards with heel.
Osae
= Pressing.
Osae Uke
= Pressing block.
Osoi
= Slow/ late. Osokunatte Sumimasen" also means sorry I am late.
Osoku
= late. Adverb of osoi
Osokunatte
= to be late. "natte" to become
"Osokunatte Sumimasen" also means sorry I am late.
Osu/Oss
= Verbal sound made to acknowledge, greeting or yes etc.
Otagai お互い
= each other, mutual
Otaga Ni Rei
= Bow to each other. Instruction given to bow at the end of meditation.
Otoshi
= Downward. Dropping.
Otoshi Empi Uchi
= Downward or dropping elbow strike. Same as Otoshi Hiji Ate.
Otoshi Hiji Ate
= Vertical downward elbow strike.
Oya Yubi,
=Thumb
Oyayubi Ippon Ken
= Thumb knuckle.
Oyayubi Ken
= Thumb knuckle fist.
Oyo (応用) (お (o) よ(yo)
= Practical application. "O" (応) means answer, reply, response. "Yo" 用means work, function, engagement.
Also means "effective use" or "practical use"
Oyo Waza
= Application personal interpreted from technique from kata. Oyo bunkai.
Ka
= Practitioner.
Kachi (勝ち)
= Victory - used in sport kumite. Eg "Aka no Kachi" meaning Red is winner or Red wins)
Kaeshi 返し (かえし)
= Counter (attack). Return. Reversal.
Kaeshi Ippon Kumite
= One step sparring with counter attack (block and attack). Ie Attack/Block/Attack/Block/Attack.
Kafukubu
= Lower abdomen.
Kagi
= Hooked.
Kagi zuki
= Hook punch across body.
Kaho
= Downward.
Kai 会, かい
= Meaning meeting, assembly, party, association, club. Used as Association in karate.
Kaiha
= Same as kai meaning association. Shito Kai ( Shito Association) vs Shito Ryu (Shito style)
Kaimoku
= Open eyes (from mediation).
Kaisho (Kaishu)
= Open Hand.
Kaisho Yoko Uke
= Open palm middle block.
Kaiten
= rotation, turning, spinning
Kaiten Uchi
= spinning strike
Kakato
= Heel of foot.
Kakato Geri
= Axe kick. Also known as "kakato utoshi geri" and also know as "One geri"
Kake
= Hook. Hooking.
Kakeru かける
= lose, to bet, to gamble. -かける (-kakeru) means “to start to do something” or “to get halfway into something.”
忘れかける (wasurekakeru: to almost forget).
e.g.. " Joshiki kakeru nakare" means never lose common sense.
Kake Te (uke)
= Hook block. Hooking hand.
Kakiwake Uke
= Double hand wedge, two handed block, separating block.
Kakushi Waza
= Hidden techniques.
Kakuto
= Top of bend wrist.
Kakuto Uchi
= Wrist joint strike (aka Ko uchi).
Kakuto Uke
= Wrist joint block (aka Ko uke).
Kamae
= Ready position. Posture.
Kamaete (or Yoi) (構え) (かまえ)
= Command given to get into ready posture. Also called "Gamae" depending on usage of the word.
Kami (or Ke)
= Hair.
Kami
= God, deity, spirit.
Kanojo
= her . Referring to a girl or women.
Kanji
= Written Chinese characters.
Kansei 人格
=complete, perfect. As in " Jinsoku Kansei ni Tsutomeru koto" meaning 'Seek perfection of character'.
Kansetsu
= Articulation joints, elbow joints, knee joints etc.
Kanzo
= Liver.
Kappo
= Technique of resuscitating people who had shock to nervous system.
Kara
= Empty.
Kara Uke
= Dodging block (use in Juroko). Empty block.
Karada (or Shintai)
= Body or physique.
Karada Kitae
= Body conditioning. Usually slow and years of hitting body parts against stones or "makiwara"
Karate
= Empty Hand.
Karate do
= The way of karate.
Karate Gi
= karate training uniform. Usually 2 part uniform. Usually the colour is white. Top jacket is calledd uwagi, the bottom pants is called shitibaki.
The top jacket is hold together with a belt called Obi, mormally made of cotton clothe or silk.
Karate ka
= Karate practitioner.
Karate Ni Sente Nashi
= “In karate there is no first strike”.
Kasshikoi
= Smart or clever. Used to acknowledging or encouraging younger people.
Ka Sokute
= Heel of foot.
Kasumi
= Temple area on the side of head. Temple of skull is normally known as komekami
Kata (or Seoi) 肩 (かた)
= Shoulder.
Kata 形
= Forms, shape or figure. Pre-arranged defense and offence pattern.
most movement in kata are comprise of close combat techniques.
Katakana
= Japanese characters to translate foreign languages eg. English sounds.
Katana
= A long sword carried and used by samurai warriors.
Katate (片手)(かたて)
= One hand.
Katsu (勝つ) (かつ)
= to win, to gain victory.
Kao (顔) (かお) (or Men)
Face
Keage (蹴上げ) (けあげ)
= Rise. Snap. Quick extending and re-tracking at knee.
Keibu (or Kubi)
Neck region.
Keichu
= Back of neck.
Keiko
= Training, practice - (meaning 1).
Keiko
= Joint finger tips - (meaning 2).
Kekomi
= Thrust (as in thrust kick) Kicking with pushing at hip at same time snap kicking.
Keikogi
= A training uniform worn during training in Japanese martial Arts. Also known as Dogi.
Keikoku
= Warning with 1/2 point deduction penalty (waza ari) -used in sport kumite.
Keirei
= In "Ritsurei" Standing bow at 30deg angle. (Eshaku is 10deg standing bowing, Saikeirei is 45deg standing bow)
Keisu
= Numbers.
Keitai
= carrying, something to carry along.
Keitai no Hoji
= to keep proper posture in stance and movements. "Hoji" means retention or to keep.
Kempo
= Fist law, a general term used to describe fighting system using fist.
Ken
= Fist.
Ken Sasae Uke
= Middle block (yoko uke) with block supported with augmenting open palm at wrist level.
Kensei
= Silent kiai.
Kentate Shuto Uke
= Knife hand block with resting hand clench fist at above waist.
Kentsui
= Hammer Fist, bottom of fist.
Kentsui Uchi
= Hammer fist strike @ Tettsui uchi.
Keri (Geri)
= Kick.
KeriAge
= Kick upwards
Keri Waza
= Kicking techniques.
Ketto
= Blood.
Ki
= conjugation of the verb kuru ( to come)
" ki ta" means to came. Ta is used to make past-tense
Ki
= Energy, spirit, mind.
Kiai
= Spirit meeting, loud yell, shout (Ha, eeyah, ohii etc).
Kiba
= Straddle.
Kiba Dachi
= Straddle stance @ Naifanchi or Naihanchi dachi.
Kihon
= Basics.
Kihon Dosa
= Basic movement.
Kiiro
= Yellow colour.
Kiken
= Renunciation (formal rejection) - used in sports karate.
Kime 決め
= Focus of power. intentionality .The instance power is delivered and stops of at the end of a technique.
Similar to "Chinkuchin" an Okinawan word to mean explosive of power where all focal points come together.
Kimeru
= To decide , to to make up ones mind, to choose, etc.
Kime Waza
= decisive technique where Focus and power is applied
Kimono
= Traditional Japanese dress, worn by women and also by man with a little difference.
Yukata is similar to Kimono but a simplified and casual dress.
Its also the uniform for some traditional Japanese martial Arts.
Kin Geri (or Sokko geri)
= Groin kick using instep.
Kinniku
= Muscles.
Kintama (or Kinteki)
= Groin, Testicles.
Kiotsuke / Ki-wo-tsuke
= Attention, Direction given to move to "musubi dachi" before bowing.
"Kiotsuke ni shisei" means move to attention posture
Kiri
= cutting. As in "harakiri" mean suicide by cutting the hara. "Hara" means belly.
Kiritsu (or Kireitsu)( kanji: 起立)(hiragana: きりつ)
= Stand up. Please stand up. Direction given to stand up from meditating posture.
kiryoku 気力(きki りriょyoくku)
= Will power, energy, vitality
Kiso
= Basic or Foundation. Similar meaning with Kihon.
Kiso Kumite
= Basic sparing usually based on KATA
Kita
= North (compass direction)
North is Kita, South is Minami, East is Higashi, West Is Nishi.
Kitae 鍛え ( Key-tah-eh)
= Conditioning, training, disciplining, forge.
Kitae Bo
= A Shaft wrapped with rope used for conditioning arms and legs
Kiza
= Sitting position. Sitting on heels with bended knee and bended toes. Also a transitional position in "Seiza"
Kizami Zuki
= Jap punch (- front hand straight punch to face).
Ko or kou
= back/behind same as ushiro
Ko Bo Ichi
= The concept of Attack- defense connection.
Ko Uchi
= Wrist joint strike.
Ko Uke
= Bend wrist block, crane block, @ Kakuto uke.
Kohai
= Junior karateka to oneself.
Koken
= Bend wrist/wrist joint.
Koken Uke
= Wrist block fingers joint together. Wrist is bent making an arc with straight fingertips and thumb touching.
Kokoro
=Spirit, heart.
Kokutsu dachi or koukutsu dachi 後屈
= Back stance. "kou" 後 means ushiro or back, Kutsu 屈 means bend. Koukutsu dachi means back leg(or knee) bend stance.
Kokyu
= Breath, breathing, respiration. Posture.
"Fukushiki kokyu" means abdominal breathing. Used in Sanchin kata.
KomeKami
= temple, side part of the skull
Komi
= including, inclusive of.
Kosa Dachi
= Crossed leg stance.
Kosa Uke
= Crossed hand block.
Kosaho
= Simultaneous defense – attack.
Koshi (or Goshi)
= Hip.
Koshi Mawari
= Hip rotation. As in Heian nidan.. 180degree turning quickly with speed and power.
Koshi Kamae
= A stance where fist at held at hip area with one fist on top the other. (same as Shito ryu’s waki gamae)
Koshin
= Rearward, backward.
Koshu
= Back of heel.
Koshu Geri
= Heel back rising kick.
Kote 小手 (こて )
= Forearm. From wrist to elbow.
Uchi Kote (thumb side).
Soto Kote (little finger side).
Hira Kote (top side of forearm, opposite palm side).
Kote Gaeshi
= Wrist throw. Wrist reverse turn or wrist turn out. Basic aikido technique also used in karate kata.
Kote Kitae 小手鍛え
= Forearm conditioning.
Usually 2 person drill where each person strike their forearms together.
"Kote Kitae" is the exercise of hardening forearms.
By hitting forearm against forearm. with partner or against other objects.
Kote Uchi
= Forearm strike.
Kote Uke
= Upper forearm (open palm) block.
Koto
= it's a word used by superior to lower ranking person. Or a statement used to "to do" emphasis
As in Dojo kun "Jinkaku Kansei ni Tsutomeru kota" meaning Seek perfection of character.
Ko yubi
= Little finger
Ku
= Nine (9).
Kuatsu
= The method of resuscitating an unconscious person due to strangulation, shock.
Kubi (Keibu)
= Neck.
Kubotan
= Miniature baton, developed by Takayuki Kuboto.
Kuchi
= Mouth. Also can refer to an opening like Iri-guchi means entrance and De-guchi mean exit.
Kumade
= Bear hand.
Kumite
= Sparring. (literal meaning is Grappling hand)
Kumite Kamae
= Sparring posture/position.
Kumori
= Cloudy (weather)
Kun
= precept. a general rule intended to regulate behaviour or thought
as in "Dojo Kun" means training hall rules. A general set of rules to be followed karate-ka. Sometime recited at the end of class by some stlyes of karate.
Kunshi
=Wise man. Man of virtue.
Kunshi no Ken 君子の拳
= The virtuous person’s martial arts” (kunshi no ken 君子の拳)
= Gentleman's Fist. A sayings of Kenwa Mabuni: The noble discipline, Culture of the wise man.
Kuri
= Coiling.
Kuri Uke
= Turning or coiling of hand block. Blocking is at wrist below little finger.
Kurikaeshi
= Repetition.
Kuro
= Black.
Kuro Obi
= Black belt.
Kusshin 屈伸
= Elasticity. Bending and stretching. Springing Action Originating in Knees - sudden drop in body position/height.
Defense technique No.4 of Uke No Go Genri.
Concept of an immediate shifting of stance from one type to another (e.g.- Moto dachi > Neko-ashi dachi > Moto dachi or Zenkutsu dachi > Kokutsudachi)
or a reflexive darting away then returning back immediately type of body shifting from any angle."
Kusuri yubi
= Ring finger
Kuzushi
= Balance breaking. Unbalancing opponent by pushing or pulling.
Kuzushi Waza
= Trapping technique ( leg sweeping etc)
Kyo
= Today.
Kyo
= Teach or teaching.
Kyobu (or Mune)
= Chest.
Kyoshi
= Knowledgeable person, given to 7th Dan blackbelt person.
Kyou
= Today. This day. Another more polite word for today is Honjitsu.
Today is Kyou, Tomorrow is Ashita,
Kyu
= Grade or class (below black belt level).
Kyu (or Ku)
= Nine (9).
Kyu Ju
= Ninety (90).
Kyosho
= Vital pressure point.
Kyusho Waza
= Pressure point techniques.
L -
M
Maai
= Proper distance.in a battle a Karate ka must control the distance between him and the opponent.
Maai Ga To
= Not proper distance.
Mae
= Front (or forward).
Mae Ashi Geri
= Front leg kick.
Mae Empi
= Forward elbow strike.
Mae Geri Keage.
= Front Snap Kick
Mae Geri Kekomi
= Front Thrust Kick.
Maemuki (前向き) (まえむき)
= Face forward. "Mae" means front, "Muki" means direction. To look straight forward. forward-looking, positive, constructive.
Mae Ukemi
= Forward fall or roll.
Mae Te Zuki
= Front hand punch.
Mae Tobi Geri
= Flying Front Kick.
Makiwara
= Striking or punching board.
Makoto 誠
= Feeling of total sincerity. Truth
Ma ma
= as it is, just nice position or condition.
Mamoru 守る
= Guard, protect
Manabu
= Learning by imitation.
Manji Uke
= Double block - gedan barai and jodan uchi uke (jodan yoko uke).
Massugu
= straight ahead
Mata
= Inside of tight.
Matsukaze
= Left carotid artery.
Matte
= Wait.
Mawashi
= Turning, Round House.
Mawashi Empi Uchi
= Circular elbow strike (aka Mawashi hiji ate).
Mawashi Geri
= Turning kick, Round house kick.
Mawashi Hiji Ate
= Circular elbow strike (aka Mawashi empi uchi).
Mawashi Uke
= Circular block.
Mawashi Zuki
= Roundhouse punch, a hook punch (aka furi zuki)
Mawatte
= Turn around. Instruction given to turn around 180 degree.
Mawari
= Rotation, Surrounding
Mawari Ashi
= Leg technique - stepping back and landing facing 45deg.
Me (or Gan)
= Eye.
Metsuke(目付)
= to have your eyes on something.
Midasu
= to disturb, to throw out of order.
Midori
= Green colour.
Mie Nai
= I did not see - used in sports kumite.
Migi
= Right.
Migigawa
= right hand. "Migigawa ni ido" means move to right side. "uhen" is another way of saying right side( "sahen" is the left).
Mikazuki
= Angle of Jaw.
Mikazuki
= Crescent moon, new moon(3 day old).
Mikazuki Geri
= Crescent kick.
Mimi
= Ears.
Minami
= South (compass direction)
North is Kita, South is Minami, East is Higashi, West Is Nishi.
Mizoochi
= Pit of stomach, Solar plexus. Also known as "Suigetsu"
Modoru
= to return, to go back. Eg "shisei ini modoru" means return to posture.
Mokuso
= Instruction to start meditation by closing eyes in seiza. "Moku" means be silent, "So" here means to think about positive thoughts during meditation.
Morote
= Both hands/Double Fist.
Morote Kentsui Uchi
= Double hammer fist strike to ribcage (from Shinpa kata).
Morote ShoKen Uchi
= Double knuckle strike to ribcage (from Shinpa kata).
Morete Uke
= Double middle block- yoko uke.
Morote Zuki.
= U-Punch, punch with both hand - lower fist inverse.
Moto
= Basic, Origin, Natural.
Moto Dachi
= Natural Walking Stance, Foundation stance, (kumite stance).
Moto No Ichi
= Return to original position - used on sport kumite.
Mubobi
= Warning for lack of regards for won safety - used n sport kumite.
Mudasha
= Karate student without black belt ranking.
Mune (Kyobu)
= Chest.
Murasaki
= Purple colour.
Murasame
= Right carotid artery.
Mushin
= State of no mind. A state of mind with clear and calm before battle.
Mushin no Shin
= Mind without mind.
Musubi 結び (むすび)
= join, union
Musubi Dachi
= Attention stance. Feet together stance, heels touching and toes 45deg pointing out.
Each foot at 45 degree diagonally, making a V shape roughly 90 degree together.
N
Nado
= Throat.
Nagashi
= Sweep, flowing.
Nagashi Uke
= Open palm pushing side, sweeping block.
Nagasu 流す
= Flow. Part of Wado ryu principle. Nagasu(flow) Inasu(redirect), Noru(ride).
Nagasu – flow. “To let flow.” Not stopping an attack, but simply re-directing it. Parry or Diverting rather than opposing; sweeping rather than blocking.
Inasu – Redirect. Technique if evasion by moving body from the line of attack. To Dodging, parry, to side step
Noru – ride. or moving in contact with the opponent as a means of controlling the opponent's technique or body movement.
Nage
= throw
Nage waza
= throwing techniques
Naha te
= Naha hand - Karate style from Naha area of Okinawa.
Naihanchi Dachi
= Inside tension stance. Stance narrower than shiko dachi but wider that shoulder width, foot parallel.
Naihancin (Naifanchin)
= Name of kata. A side movement kata. 3 katas, Nafanchin Shodan, Naifanchin Nidan, Naifanchin Sandan.
Naka 中 ( なか )
= Middle. Inside. In
Naka yubi
= Middle finger
Nakadaka Ippon Ken / Nakayubi Ken
= Middle finger small knuckle fist.
Fist with middle finger's second finger joint (small knuckles) is use to strike with fist held vertically.
Nakare なかれ
= do not, don't, must not, be not
Naore 直れ
= Relax. Return to starting position.
Naotte
= Relax and return to original position. Same meaning as "Naore" but pronounced slightly different.
Nami (meaning 1)
= wave as in "Nami Ashi"
Nami (meaning 2)
= In line. as in "Nami Heiko dachi"
Namiashi
= Slow step or Inside foot, waving foot. Leg sweeping or escaping leg sweep by lifting leg inward toward inner thigh. Use in Naihanchin kata.
Namiheiko Dachi
= Parallel stance (heiko dachi)- feet shoulder width, toes straight.
Nana (shi)
= Two (7).
Nana Ju
= Seventy (70).
Naname
= Diagonally at 45 degree angle.
Naname Hidari
= Direction to the left front, 315deg.
Naname Hidari Ato
= Direction to the left back, 225deg.
Naname Migi
= Direction to the right front, 45deg.
Naname Migi Ato.
= Direction to the right back, 135deg.
Narabe 並べ
= To line up.
Natsu
= Summer
4 seasons. Haru is spring, Natsu is summer, Aki fall or Autumn, Fuyu is winter.
Nekoashi Dachi
= Cat stance, Cat paw stance. Weight on back leg 70%, front leg 30%, inner tension, back foot 45deg.
Ni
= Two (2).
Ni Dan
= Second level black belt.
Nigiri Game
= Gripping Jars. A vase with hold able opening. Used as exercises tool strengthen gripping power, arms and shoulder
Nigiru
= to grasp, to grip, to hold
"Ryo ken wa nigiru" means make grasp with both hand like kamae-te (as in Nipaipo)
Ni kyu
= Level two karate student - Brown belt.
Nihon Nukite
= Two finger spear hand.
Ni Ju
= Twenty (20).
Nijushiho
= Name of kata. Twenty four steps.
Niren
= Twice/Double/Two times.
Niren Zuki
= Continues two punches, alternate hand punch.
Ni Seyo (にせよ)
= regardless, even if. Similar meaning with "Ni Shiro"
Nishi
= west (compass direction)
North is Kita, South is Minami, East is Higashi, West Is Nishi.
Ninoude Uke
= Forearm inward (swing) block.
Nobasu
= to lengthen, extend or stretch. Ie "te o nobasu" as in kururunfa kata stretching hands sideways. Or stretching upwards
"Nodo 喉 (のど)
= Throat"
No koto
= means nothing but only emphasizing/highlighting something. ie "ashibumi no kota" means stance. Pay attention.
Noru
= Ride. or moving in contact with the opponent as a means of controlling the opponent's technique or body movement.
Part of Wado ryu principle. Nagasu(flow) Inasu(redirect), Noru(ride).
Nukite
= Spear Hand. Spear hand strike with fingers with thumb tucked in.
"Shi Hon Nukite" or "Yon Hon Nukite" four finger spear hand.
"Tate Nukite" is Yon Hon Nukite with fingers lined vertically.
"Hira Nukite" is Yon Hon Nukite finger lines horizontally with palm facing down.
" Ni Hon Nukite" is two fingers index finger and middle finger slightly separated horizontally with palm facing down. Usually strike to eye.
"Ippon Hon Nukite" is index finger strike with other fingers bend.
Nunchaku
= Okinawan weapon -twin arm length stick attached together with thin rope.
O
Obi
= Belt.
Oi (Jun)
= Lunge (or straight).
Oi Zuki
= Lunge punch (leading leg and hand punch).
"Oi Zuki" is straight lunge punch in one leg forward stance like moto dachi or zenkutsu dachi..as in kihon katas.
Ojigi お辞儀
= Bowing Japanese style.
two types of bowing 1) Standing bowing called Ritsurei and 2) Sitting in seiza and bowing japanese style (zarei)
typical standing bowing by nodding the head about 10deg is called eshaku.
Oki
= Big. Greater.
Okimas(Okiru)
= Get up or rise.
Okinawa
= Japanese island where karate originated.
Okotaru 怠る (おこたる)
= to be negligent in doing something, to shirk, to be off one's guard
As in "Reigi okutaru nakare" meaning Never neglect courtesy and etiquette.
Okure
= Late. "Okuremasu" means to be late.
Okure Mashita Sumimasen 遅(Oku)れ(re)ま(ma)し(shi)た(ta) す(su)み(mi)ま(ma)せ(Se)ん(n)
= Sorry I am late. Also "okurete sumimasen". "Okurette" is the adverb of "Okuremasu", means be late or get late.
When students come in late, they sit in "seiza" posture at the right front of class and bow as they say this "Okure Mashita Sumimasen" .
"Okurette Sumimasen" means the same, Sorry I am late.
"Osokunatte Sumimasen" also means, sorry I am late.
Omiyage ( お o み mi や ya げ ge)
= Gift or souvenir
Onaji
= same. Ie "Kata no onaji taka sa" means same height with shoulder.(kata means shoulder)
"Dojini" has similar meaning but its more like simultaneously
Onegashimasu
= I request, lets learn together - say this during bowing motion at the beginning of class.
Ono 斧 (おの)
= Axe
Ono Geri
= Axe kick, aka "Kakato othoshi geri" or "kakato keri" vertically kicking downwards with heel.
Osae
= Pressing.
Osae Uke
= Pressing block.
Osoi
= Slow/ late. Osokunatte Sumimasen" also means sorry I am late.
Osoku
= late. Adverb of osoi
Osokunatte
= to be late. "natte" to become
"Osokunatte Sumimasen" also means sorry I am late.
Osu/Oss
= Verbal sound made to acknowledge, greeting or yes etc.
Otagai お互い
= each other, mutual
Otaga Ni Rei
= Bow to each other. Instruction given to bow at the end of meditation.
Otoshi
= Downward. Dropping.
Otoshi Empi Uchi
= Downward or dropping elbow strike. Same as Otoshi Hiji Ate.
Otoshi Hiji Ate
= Vertical downward elbow strike.
Oya Yubi,
=Thumb
Oyayubi Ippon Ken
= Thumb knuckle.
Oyayubi Ken
= Thumb knuckle fist.
Oyo (応用) (お (o) よ(yo)
= Practical application. "O" (応) means answer, reply, response. "Yo" 用means work, function, engagement.
Also means "effective use" or "practical use"
Oyo Waza
= Application personal interpreted from technique from kata. Oyo bunkai.
P
Pinan
= Okinawan basic kata. In Japanese it’s called Heian.
Passai
= Passai is kata name in Okinawa. Japanese call it Bassai. Meaning to break or penetrate a fortress.
Q -
R
Rakka
= Fall, Drop, Come down.
Defense technique No.1 of Uke No Go Genri.
Like "Flower Falling Down". block to damage, defense with full force.
Hard blocking technique applied with sudden maximum power, with a twisting action executed to literally stop the opponent's attack and destroy his confidence.
Rei
= Zero (0).
Rei
= Bow, Respect.
Reigi 礼儀 (れいぎ)
= Etiquette, manners, courtesy.
Ren Zuki
= combination punches. Continuous punches
Renoji Dachi
= Katakana figure "re" レstance, Stance with feet making tilted V position.
Rensei
= Practice tournament -used in sport karate.
Renshi
= A title earned by a 8 Dan black belt, A person who has mastered oneself.
Renshiki
= Etiquette. Same as Reigi.
Renshu
= Practice, training.
Renzoku
= Combination.
Renzoku Waza
= Combination techniques.
Ritsurei
= standing bow.
3 type of bow
1) Eshaku standing bow at 15 deg angle. casual greeting with friend or lower ranks
2) Keirei : standing bow at 30deg angle. Salute, respectful bow to sensei etc.
3) Saikeirei: standing bow at 45deg or more. Deep respect bowing. to elders, sensei etc.
Rokkotsu
= Ribs.
Roku
= Six (6).
Roku Dan
= Six level black belt.
Roku Ju
= Sixty (60).
Roku Kyu
= Six class - blue belt.
Ryo Koshi Kamae
= Both fist at Hip stance.
Ryokou
=Travel, trip, journey, tour
Ryote (or Morote)
= Both hands.
Ryu
= Dragon (meaning1).
Ryu 流
= Style - karate style (meaning2).
Ryuha
= same as Ryu, that is karate styles. such as Shito Ryu (Shito style) vs Shito Kai (which means Shito association)
Ryukyu
= Old name for Okinawa.
Ryusui
" = Flowing Water. Movement or Fluid Motion - divert opponent's attack.
Defense technique No.2 of Uke No Go Genri.
Concept of soft blocking or absorbing the attack and re-directing it using circular or deflecting blocks or parry."
Ryuto Ken
= Dragon' head fist. Used by Kyokushikin ryu. Similar to "hiraken" using small knuckles fist.
S
Sagatte
= retreat. Move backwards. Command used in Idoshiki (movement training usually perform after basic kihon training)
Sagi
= Heron.
Sagi Ashi Dashi
= Heron leg stance, stand on one leg, the other foot is placed at knee level. Similar to Tsuru Dachi or Crane stance.
Sakotsu
= Collar bone, clavicle - point of attack.
Sakotsu Uchi
= Strike on the collarbone/clavicle.
Sai 釵
= Okinawan metal dagger. With 3 points
SaiKeirei
= In "Ritsurei" Standing bowing at 45deg angle, most respectful bow. angle may vary from 45deg to 70deg.
(eshku is 15 deg standing bow, Keirei is 30deg standing bowing. Saikeirei is 45 deg standing bow)
Saisho
= First, Beginning. "Saisho wa" is a phase to indicate, at first or at start or at beginning.
Samui
= Cold (feeling of weather). "atsui" is hot.
San
= Three (3).
San
= as s suffix tittle, Mr.,Ms., Mrs., Miss.eg Mr. John
San Ju
= Thirty (30).
San Dan
= Third level black belt.
San Kyu
= Third class - Green belt.
Sanbon Kumite
= Three step sparring.
Sanbon Shobu
= Three point kumite - used in sport kumite.
Sanchin
= Okinawan kata named Three Battle. Using deep breathing with body contractions.
Sanchin Dachi
= Three battle stance. Hour glass stance. Feet shoulder width toes 45deg pointing inward, one leg forward.
Sanren
= Thrice/Triple/Three times.
Sanren Zuki
= Continues three alternate hand punches.
Sasae
= Augmenting. Support.
Sasae Uke
= Augmenting block.
Sashite
= Raising of the hand either to strike, grab, or block. Inward sweeping palm block at face level. Strike at opponent’s inner shoulder.
Sebone
= Spine. Backbone.
Seichu
= Exact middle.
Seichusen
= Line of attack.
Seikai
= correct, right answer
Seiken
= Index finger and middle finger knuckles.
Seiken Zuki
= Standard fist punch with 2 large knuckles, Index and middle finger knuckles.
Seiretsu 整列 (せいれつ}
= Line up by rank. A Command for students to line up.
– line up in approximate grade order, with the most senior students furthest away from the dojo exit normally to right side of sensei.
Seiryuto
= Ox/Bull jaw hand.
Seiryuto Uchi
= Ox/Bull jaw strike, strike with base of knife hand (shuto).
Seishin
= Mind and spirit.
Seiza 正坐
= A formal Japanese meditation posture. A command to sit into meditating posture.
A karate practice where short meditation is called at the beginning and ending of class.
Sekai
= world
Seme 攻め, せめ
= attack or offend. A phychological way to pressure the opponent in
Seme Wawa
= Offense techniques for attack
Sempai
= A senior or a senior karate student.
Proper spelling is Senpai but often pronounce as Sempai.
Sen
= Initiate.
"sen wo toru" 先を取るmean take the initiative
Sen No Sen
= Defense technique - Attack same time as opponent attack.
Senpai
= Senpai is an honorific title for a senior, a mentor figure or a senior karate student.
Proper spelling is Senpai but often pronounce as Sempai.
Sen Sen No Sen
= Defense technique - Attack before opponent attack.
Sensei
= Teacher. Meaning “the one who has gone before”. Karate teacher.
Sensei Ni Rei
= Bow to teacher. Instruction given to bow at the end of meditation.
Senshu
= athlete, player or competitor in kumite tournament
Senshu
= last week
Sentei
= Select, chose, prefer
Sentei Kata
= Selected kata in competition. Part of 3 groups of Kata as in Shitei, Sentei and Tokui
Shagamu
= Squat down.
Shi (or Yon)
= Four (4).
Shiai
= a match or contest.
Shiai Kumite
= Competition sparring
Shiatsu
= Healing method of massage.
Shichi (or nana)
= Seven (7).
Shichi Dan
= Seventh level - black belt.
Shichi Kyu
= Seventh class - green belt.
Shihan
= A title given as Master instructor. (usually in Shitoryu 7th Dan black belt).
Shiho
= Four (4) direction.
Shihon Nukite
= Four finger strike/thrust. Also known as Yonhon nukite.
Shikashi
= but. Also can mean "by the way'
Shikkaku
= Disqualification - used in sport karate.
Shikari (shikkari)
= firmly, strong, for sure
Shiko
= translate as four leg. Shiko is a exercise done by sumo wrestler where they lift one leg high sideways while balancing on the other leg.
The sumo match also start after the ritual of shiko
Shiko Dachi
= Square stance. Sumo stance. - sit low, knees out, toes 45deg. Head height same as Zenkutsu dachi.
Shiko Zuki
= punching side ways in shiko dachi.
Shin 心,
= Heart , also call "Kokoro", Spirit, Mind
Shin 伸,
= Bend
Shin 真,
= True, Genuine, Real
Shin 新,
= New
ShinGiTai 心技体
= Harmony of Mind / Spirit, Technique and Body. 3 qualities of martial artist: heart, technique and physique.
Shintai
= Advance or retreat. Movement.
Shintai
= Ultimate truth. Essence in Buddhism.
Shin-tai (or Karada)
= God-Body.
Shiri
= Buttocks.
Shiro
= White colour.
Shiro Obi
= White belt.
Shisei
= Posture or stance.
Shisei ni modoru
= return back to starting posture.
Shita
= Tongue.
Shita
= Below, down or under.
Shitabaki
= Part of karate uniform.The bottom pants. Usually made of cotton cloth and in white colour.
Shitei Kata
= Compulsory selection of Kata (form). Part of 3 groups of kata, Shitei, Sentei and Tokui.
Shito 糸東
= the created name by Kenwa Mabuni for his style of karate. Due to enforcement by japan to name and register their karate.
Kenwa took the first character of his 2 master and created a new word Shito from "shi" 糸 and "ito" 東
Shito Kai
= shito association. A separate organization from Seito Shito ryu. Kia means association
Shito Ryu 糸東流
= Karate style founded by Kenwa Mabuni, combination of Naha-te and Shuri-te. The word Shito is a combination of names of 2 Kenwa Mabuni's masters.
"Shito Ryu Karate Do" 糸東流空手道
Shitsurei 失礼
= being rude
Shitsurei Shimasu 失礼します
= excuse me. A polite way of saying excuse me. Saying this when entering a room, something like saying sorry for being rude.
Shiwari
= Breaking test.
Shizentai
= Natural posture but body alert.
Shizentai Dachi
= Natural stance.
Sho
= First.
Sho
= Small.. Short.
Sho
= Palm of hand.
Shobu Hajime
= Start fight - used in sport kumite.
Shobu Sanbon Hajime
= Start 3 point fight - used in sport kumite.
Sho Dan
= First level - black belt.
Shofu
= Side of neck. "keichu" is back of neck.
Sho Ken To
= Second knuckles (proximal interphalangeal joints)
Shomen
= Front of dojo.
Shomen ni rei
= Bow to the front of dojo.
Shorin ryu
= Little Forest Style from Shuri-te Okinawan Karate.
Shoshin
= Beginner's mind.
It refers to having an attitude of openness, eagerness, and lack of preconceptions
when studying a subject.
Shoshin wasureru nakare 初心忘れるなかれ
= Never forget the spirit of first beginning. One of the principle of shito ryu, from "Go Do Shin"
Shotei
= Palm heel. Bottom part of palm is used for striking or pushing. The thumb is bend
Shotei Uchi
= Palm heel strike.
Shotei Uke
= Heel of palm block.
Shoto
= pine waves or waving pine. Also a pen name used by Shotokan founder Gichin Funakoshi
Shotokan
= Karate style founded by Guchin Funakoshi. "Shoto" means pipe waves and "Kan" means house or hall.
Shuhari
" = Japanese martial art concept of learning to mastery. Progress maintain, adhere, improve.
Shu means obey and learn.
Ha means detach, breaking with tradition
Ri means leave, separate from tradition and all moves with nature."
Shuri te
= Shuri hand - Karate from Shuri area of Okinawa.
Shugo
= Judges called - used in sport kumite.
Shuto
= Knife hand. Cutting edge of hand. The fleshy part from bottom of little finger to wrist. Fingers straight pointing up with thumb bend.
Shuto Uchi
= Knife hand strike. The famous karate chop is Shuto uchi.
Shuto Uke
= Knife hand block. Using the flashy part of the hand below little finger.
Sochin Dachi
= Immovable stance, aka Fudo dachi.
Sokko (or Ashigatana or Kori)
= Instep of foot. Top of foot.
Sokko Geri
= kick to groin area with instep of foot.
Soku 速
= fast, quick. "Jinsokuni" means swiftly
Soku
= Foot.
In Budo No Yotsu(4) No Gensoku The 2nd principle is "Soku" the footwork should fast and smooth with body balance.
Soku 則
= Rule, regulation.
Sokutei
= Sole of foot.
Sokuto
= Knife edge of foot. Closer to heel side.
Sokuto Geri
= Front or 45deg kick with edge of foot, similar to side kick.
So No Sen
= Defense technique (5a) - counter attack before an attack is completed.
Soshite
= is a conjunction that is used to connect two sentences. And Then, And, Also
Soto
= Outside.
Soto Hachiji Dachi
= Feet shoulder width stance - toes 45deg pointing out.
Soto (Ude) Uke
= Outside (forearm ) @Seiken Chudan Soto Uke, @ Chudan Soto Uke, @ Yoko Uchi(shito ryu).
Soto Yoke Uke
= Old Japanese term for Uchi Ude Uke aka Yoko Uke.
Sugoi
= Fantastic, awesome or wow. Word for praising for something fantastic.
"Sugoi Desu ne" a polite way of saying fantastic.
Suigetsu (Mizoochi)
= Solar Plexus. A complex system of nerves. Pit of stomach. Aka "mizoochi". Point of nerves
Suki
= Opening.
Sukui
= Scooping.
Sukui Dome
= Scooping for leg lifting, scoop and catch leg.
Sukui Te
= Old term for sukui uke.
Sukui Uke
= Scooping block with open palm.
Sumimasen
= Excuse me, I am sorry.
Sune すね
= Shin.
Sune Uke
= Shin block. Used against lower round house kick.
Suri
= Sliding.
Suri Ashi
= Sliding feet. Yori Ashi and Tsugi Ashi comes under Suri Ashi category
Susunde
= Move forward or advance
derived from susumu. Susun is a connective word to be used with de(te) indicating to proceed, to move forward, to move on.
Susunde kudasai mean please move forward. Instruction using susunde to instruct students to move forward in idoshiki (moving exercise)
Sutte
= breath in, Inhale. breath out is "haite"
Suwari
= Sit.
Suwari Waza
= Fighting technique from sitting position.
T
Tachi Kata
= Stances.
Tadashi ただし
= however
Tadashii (正しい) ただしい
= correct, accurate, right, exact, accurate, fair, just, truthful, true
Tai
= Body.
Tai-sabaki
= Body movement/shifting.
Taiming Ga Osoi
= Slow timing, not proper timing.
Taiso
= Warm-up exercises.
Tairyoku 体力(たいりょく)
= Fitness (Body Power)
Tairyoku Tesuto
= Fitness test
Taka
= tall or high
Takai
= expensive, tall, high.
Takasa
= Height or level. ie "onaji taka-sa iku yo" means move(or lets go) at same height. "onaji" mean same. Iku means lets go.
Tameshiwari 試し割り
= Breaking technique. Breaking boards, bricks etc. "Tame 試し" means to test; try, attempt, experiment, "wari 割り" means to cut, divide, separate, split
this art of breaking follows after the conditioning of body aka "karada kitae'
Tan
Tanden
= Body’s center of gravity at navel area. Its located about 1" to 2" below belly button.
Tatami
= Japanese straw floor mat.
Tate
= Upward, Vertical.
Tate Empi Uchi
= Upward elbow strike @ tate hiji ate.
Tate Hiji Ate
= Upward elbow strike to chin or solar plexus.
Tate Ken
= Vertical fist.
Tate Ken Zuki
= Vertical punch.
Tate Nukite
= Shi Hon Nukite or Yon Hon Nukite with fingers lined vertically with thumb bend and folded.
Tate Shuto Uke
= "Shuto Uke" done with arms stretched hand. Shuto is pointing vertically. Often seen in kata competition.
Tate Zuki
= Vertical punch @ Tate Ken Zuki.
Te
= Hand.
Thumb is Oya Yubi, 親指
Index Finger is Hitosashi yubi 人差し指
Middle finger is Naka yubi 中指
Ring finger is Kusuri yubi 薬指
Little finger is Ko yubi 小指
Teiji Dachi
= Feet in T-shape stance.
Teisho
= Palm Heel.
Teisho Uchi
= Palm heel strike @ shotei uchi.
Teisho Uke
= Palm heel block @ shotei uke.
Teisoku
= Arch of the foot –sole.
Tekubi
= Wrist.
Teni
" = Taisabaki like Body Movement - Evading attack by shifting sideways, move body to left or right.
Defense technique No.3 of Uke No Go Genri.
Concept of shifting or turning away from opponent's attack or avoiding his attack by applying evasive body movement"
Tenshi (Tenchi)
= Heaven and Earth.
Tenshin
= Moving, shifting.
Tenshin Happo
" = 8 DIRECTIONAL BODY SHIFTING is a basic body movement direction for defense as well as offence techniques.
The direction of body movement is basically divided into 8 direction.
That is to the front (mae), back (ato), left (hidari), right (migi)
as well as diagonal movements like to the front left (naname hidari), front right (naname migi), back left (naname hidari ato) and right back (naname migi ato).
Tenshin Nage
= Heaven and Earth throw technique in Aikido.
Tenkan
= 180 degree pivot to avoid attack (akido technique). Similar to "mawari ashi"
Tensho
= Kata - elegant hand - Okinawan Naha-te kata.
Tenpo Gosoku
= Five (5) different steps of footwork.
Tento
= Skull (top).
Tetsui
=Hammer fist. Ken-tsui.
Tettsui Uchi
= Hammer strike @ Kentsui uchi.
Tobi
= Jump, Flying. Leap
Tobi Ashi
= Jumping foot, jump and landing with both leg in same position.
Tobi Geri
= Jumping kick, flying kick.
Tobi Zuki
= Jumping punch.
tokui (得意 - とくい)
= favorite; best, one's specialty.
toku (得) means gain, get, find, earn, acquire, can, may, able to, profit, advantage, benefit.
i (意) means idea, mind, heart, taste, thought, desire, care, liking.
tokui waza (得意技 - とくいわざ)
= a favorite, special technique.
Tokui Kata (得意 - とくい)
= Free selection kata in competition. Part of 3 groups as in Shitei, Sentei and Tokui.
Tomari te
= Tomari hand - Karate from Tomari area of Okinawa.
Tonari
= next to
Tonfa
= A farm tool weapon of Okinawa.
Toranai
= No point - used in sport karate.
Tora
= Tiger.
Tora Guchi
= Tiger mouth strike (upper and lower shotei uchi). Like Mawashi uke followed by shotei uchi.
Tori
= Attacker. Opposite to "UKE" who is the defender.
Torimasen
= Unacceptable scoring technique -used in sports kumite.
Tsukami
= Grasping.
Tsukami Uke
= Grasping block.
Tsukami Waza
= Grappling, catching technique.
Tsugi
= to succeed (personally or in business)
Tsugi Ashi
= Shuffle step. Contracting and expanding feet. To move closer to target by back foot slides close to front foot then the front foot slide forward.
Tsuki 月
= Moon. Also pronounce as "Zuki" (zookey) whenplaced after a word. As in "mikazuki Geri" meaning crescent moon kick
Tsuki 突き(つき)
= Thrust. Punch, Tsuki is derived from verb "tsuku" meaning to thrust. It is pronounced as zuki (zoo-key) when it is expressed before another word.
Tsuki uke
= Blocking punch. A counter attack punch where the punching forearm block the opponent’s punch at the same time the fist strikes the opponent body.
Tsuki Waza
= Punching techniques.
Tsumasaki
= Toe tips
Tsumasaki geri
= Toe kick. Usually big toe and 2nd toe is pressed together and the point is used for the kick.
Tsuru
= The crane bird.
Tsuru Ashi Dachi
= Crane stance @ Gangaku dachi @ Sagi ashi dachi.
Tsutomeru
= endeavor, to strive, to make an effort. As in dojo kun "Jinkaku Kansei ni Tsutomeru" meaning Seek perfection of character
Tsuttatsu (thuts)
= Stand-up. Kirtsu also refer to stand up.
Tsuyoi
=Strong action.
Tsuzukete
= Continue fighting - used in sports kumite.
Tsuzukete Hajime
= Resume fighting (after stopping the match) - used in sports kumite.
Pinan
= Okinawan basic kata. In Japanese it’s called Heian.
Passai
= Passai is kata name in Okinawa. Japanese call it Bassai. Meaning to break or penetrate a fortress.
Q -
R
Rakka
= Fall, Drop, Come down.
Defense technique No.1 of Uke No Go Genri.
Like "Flower Falling Down". block to damage, defense with full force.
Hard blocking technique applied with sudden maximum power, with a twisting action executed to literally stop the opponent's attack and destroy his confidence.
Rei
= Zero (0).
Rei
= Bow, Respect.
Reigi 礼儀 (れいぎ)
= Etiquette, manners, courtesy.
Ren Zuki
= combination punches. Continuous punches
Renoji Dachi
= Katakana figure "re" レstance, Stance with feet making tilted V position.
Rensei
= Practice tournament -used in sport karate.
Renshi
= A title earned by a 8 Dan black belt, A person who has mastered oneself.
Renshiki
= Etiquette. Same as Reigi.
Renshu
= Practice, training.
Renzoku
= Combination.
Renzoku Waza
= Combination techniques.
Ritsurei
= standing bow.
3 type of bow
1) Eshaku standing bow at 15 deg angle. casual greeting with friend or lower ranks
2) Keirei : standing bow at 30deg angle. Salute, respectful bow to sensei etc.
3) Saikeirei: standing bow at 45deg or more. Deep respect bowing. to elders, sensei etc.
Rokkotsu
= Ribs.
Roku
= Six (6).
Roku Dan
= Six level black belt.
Roku Ju
= Sixty (60).
Roku Kyu
= Six class - blue belt.
Ryo Koshi Kamae
= Both fist at Hip stance.
Ryokou
=Travel, trip, journey, tour
Ryote (or Morote)
= Both hands.
Ryu
= Dragon (meaning1).
Ryu 流
= Style - karate style (meaning2).
Ryuha
= same as Ryu, that is karate styles. such as Shito Ryu (Shito style) vs Shito Kai (which means Shito association)
Ryukyu
= Old name for Okinawa.
Ryusui
" = Flowing Water. Movement or Fluid Motion - divert opponent's attack.
Defense technique No.2 of Uke No Go Genri.
Concept of soft blocking or absorbing the attack and re-directing it using circular or deflecting blocks or parry."
Ryuto Ken
= Dragon' head fist. Used by Kyokushikin ryu. Similar to "hiraken" using small knuckles fist.
S
Sagatte
= retreat. Move backwards. Command used in Idoshiki (movement training usually perform after basic kihon training)
Sagi
= Heron.
Sagi Ashi Dashi
= Heron leg stance, stand on one leg, the other foot is placed at knee level. Similar to Tsuru Dachi or Crane stance.
Sakotsu
= Collar bone, clavicle - point of attack.
Sakotsu Uchi
= Strike on the collarbone/clavicle.
Sai 釵
= Okinawan metal dagger. With 3 points
SaiKeirei
= In "Ritsurei" Standing bowing at 45deg angle, most respectful bow. angle may vary from 45deg to 70deg.
(eshku is 15 deg standing bow, Keirei is 30deg standing bowing. Saikeirei is 45 deg standing bow)
Saisho
= First, Beginning. "Saisho wa" is a phase to indicate, at first or at start or at beginning.
Samui
= Cold (feeling of weather). "atsui" is hot.
San
= Three (3).
San
= as s suffix tittle, Mr.,Ms., Mrs., Miss.eg Mr. John
San Ju
= Thirty (30).
San Dan
= Third level black belt.
San Kyu
= Third class - Green belt.
Sanbon Kumite
= Three step sparring.
Sanbon Shobu
= Three point kumite - used in sport kumite.
Sanchin
= Okinawan kata named Three Battle. Using deep breathing with body contractions.
Sanchin Dachi
= Three battle stance. Hour glass stance. Feet shoulder width toes 45deg pointing inward, one leg forward.
Sanren
= Thrice/Triple/Three times.
Sanren Zuki
= Continues three alternate hand punches.
Sasae
= Augmenting. Support.
Sasae Uke
= Augmenting block.
Sashite
= Raising of the hand either to strike, grab, or block. Inward sweeping palm block at face level. Strike at opponent’s inner shoulder.
Sebone
= Spine. Backbone.
Seichu
= Exact middle.
Seichusen
= Line of attack.
Seikai
= correct, right answer
Seiken
= Index finger and middle finger knuckles.
Seiken Zuki
= Standard fist punch with 2 large knuckles, Index and middle finger knuckles.
Seiretsu 整列 (せいれつ}
= Line up by rank. A Command for students to line up.
– line up in approximate grade order, with the most senior students furthest away from the dojo exit normally to right side of sensei.
Seiryuto
= Ox/Bull jaw hand.
Seiryuto Uchi
= Ox/Bull jaw strike, strike with base of knife hand (shuto).
Seishin
= Mind and spirit.
Seiza 正坐
= A formal Japanese meditation posture. A command to sit into meditating posture.
A karate practice where short meditation is called at the beginning and ending of class.
Sekai
= world
Seme 攻め, せめ
= attack or offend. A phychological way to pressure the opponent in
Seme Wawa
= Offense techniques for attack
Sempai
= A senior or a senior karate student.
Proper spelling is Senpai but often pronounce as Sempai.
Sen
= Initiate.
"sen wo toru" 先を取るmean take the initiative
Sen No Sen
= Defense technique - Attack same time as opponent attack.
Senpai
= Senpai is an honorific title for a senior, a mentor figure or a senior karate student.
Proper spelling is Senpai but often pronounce as Sempai.
Sen Sen No Sen
= Defense technique - Attack before opponent attack.
Sensei
= Teacher. Meaning “the one who has gone before”. Karate teacher.
Sensei Ni Rei
= Bow to teacher. Instruction given to bow at the end of meditation.
Senshu
= athlete, player or competitor in kumite tournament
Senshu
= last week
Sentei
= Select, chose, prefer
Sentei Kata
= Selected kata in competition. Part of 3 groups of Kata as in Shitei, Sentei and Tokui
Shagamu
= Squat down.
Shi (or Yon)
= Four (4).
Shiai
= a match or contest.
Shiai Kumite
= Competition sparring
Shiatsu
= Healing method of massage.
Shichi (or nana)
= Seven (7).
Shichi Dan
= Seventh level - black belt.
Shichi Kyu
= Seventh class - green belt.
Shihan
= A title given as Master instructor. (usually in Shitoryu 7th Dan black belt).
Shiho
= Four (4) direction.
Shihon Nukite
= Four finger strike/thrust. Also known as Yonhon nukite.
Shikashi
= but. Also can mean "by the way'
Shikkaku
= Disqualification - used in sport karate.
Shikari (shikkari)
= firmly, strong, for sure
Shiko
= translate as four leg. Shiko is a exercise done by sumo wrestler where they lift one leg high sideways while balancing on the other leg.
The sumo match also start after the ritual of shiko
Shiko Dachi
= Square stance. Sumo stance. - sit low, knees out, toes 45deg. Head height same as Zenkutsu dachi.
Shiko Zuki
= punching side ways in shiko dachi.
Shin 心,
= Heart , also call "Kokoro", Spirit, Mind
Shin 伸,
= Bend
Shin 真,
= True, Genuine, Real
Shin 新,
= New
ShinGiTai 心技体
= Harmony of Mind / Spirit, Technique and Body. 3 qualities of martial artist: heart, technique and physique.
Shintai
= Advance or retreat. Movement.
Shintai
= Ultimate truth. Essence in Buddhism.
Shin-tai (or Karada)
= God-Body.
Shiri
= Buttocks.
Shiro
= White colour.
Shiro Obi
= White belt.
Shisei
= Posture or stance.
Shisei ni modoru
= return back to starting posture.
Shita
= Tongue.
Shita
= Below, down or under.
Shitabaki
= Part of karate uniform.The bottom pants. Usually made of cotton cloth and in white colour.
Shitei Kata
= Compulsory selection of Kata (form). Part of 3 groups of kata, Shitei, Sentei and Tokui.
Shito 糸東
= the created name by Kenwa Mabuni for his style of karate. Due to enforcement by japan to name and register their karate.
Kenwa took the first character of his 2 master and created a new word Shito from "shi" 糸 and "ito" 東
Shito Kai
= shito association. A separate organization from Seito Shito ryu. Kia means association
Shito Ryu 糸東流
= Karate style founded by Kenwa Mabuni, combination of Naha-te and Shuri-te. The word Shito is a combination of names of 2 Kenwa Mabuni's masters.
"Shito Ryu Karate Do" 糸東流空手道
Shitsurei 失礼
= being rude
Shitsurei Shimasu 失礼します
= excuse me. A polite way of saying excuse me. Saying this when entering a room, something like saying sorry for being rude.
Shiwari
= Breaking test.
Shizentai
= Natural posture but body alert.
Shizentai Dachi
= Natural stance.
Sho
= First.
Sho
= Small.. Short.
Sho
= Palm of hand.
Shobu Hajime
= Start fight - used in sport kumite.
Shobu Sanbon Hajime
= Start 3 point fight - used in sport kumite.
Sho Dan
= First level - black belt.
Shofu
= Side of neck. "keichu" is back of neck.
Sho Ken To
= Second knuckles (proximal interphalangeal joints)
Shomen
= Front of dojo.
Shomen ni rei
= Bow to the front of dojo.
Shorin ryu
= Little Forest Style from Shuri-te Okinawan Karate.
Shoshin
= Beginner's mind.
It refers to having an attitude of openness, eagerness, and lack of preconceptions
when studying a subject.
Shoshin wasureru nakare 初心忘れるなかれ
= Never forget the spirit of first beginning. One of the principle of shito ryu, from "Go Do Shin"
Shotei
= Palm heel. Bottom part of palm is used for striking or pushing. The thumb is bend
Shotei Uchi
= Palm heel strike.
Shotei Uke
= Heel of palm block.
Shoto
= pine waves or waving pine. Also a pen name used by Shotokan founder Gichin Funakoshi
Shotokan
= Karate style founded by Guchin Funakoshi. "Shoto" means pipe waves and "Kan" means house or hall.
Shuhari
" = Japanese martial art concept of learning to mastery. Progress maintain, adhere, improve.
Shu means obey and learn.
Ha means detach, breaking with tradition
Ri means leave, separate from tradition and all moves with nature."
Shuri te
= Shuri hand - Karate from Shuri area of Okinawa.
Shugo
= Judges called - used in sport kumite.
Shuto
= Knife hand. Cutting edge of hand. The fleshy part from bottom of little finger to wrist. Fingers straight pointing up with thumb bend.
Shuto Uchi
= Knife hand strike. The famous karate chop is Shuto uchi.
Shuto Uke
= Knife hand block. Using the flashy part of the hand below little finger.
Sochin Dachi
= Immovable stance, aka Fudo dachi.
Sokko (or Ashigatana or Kori)
= Instep of foot. Top of foot.
Sokko Geri
= kick to groin area with instep of foot.
Soku 速
= fast, quick. "Jinsokuni" means swiftly
Soku
= Foot.
In Budo No Yotsu(4) No Gensoku The 2nd principle is "Soku" the footwork should fast and smooth with body balance.
Soku 則
= Rule, regulation.
Sokutei
= Sole of foot.
Sokuto
= Knife edge of foot. Closer to heel side.
Sokuto Geri
= Front or 45deg kick with edge of foot, similar to side kick.
So No Sen
= Defense technique (5a) - counter attack before an attack is completed.
Soshite
= is a conjunction that is used to connect two sentences. And Then, And, Also
Soto
= Outside.
Soto Hachiji Dachi
= Feet shoulder width stance - toes 45deg pointing out.
Soto (Ude) Uke
= Outside (forearm ) @Seiken Chudan Soto Uke, @ Chudan Soto Uke, @ Yoko Uchi(shito ryu).
Soto Yoke Uke
= Old Japanese term for Uchi Ude Uke aka Yoko Uke.
Sugoi
= Fantastic, awesome or wow. Word for praising for something fantastic.
"Sugoi Desu ne" a polite way of saying fantastic.
Suigetsu (Mizoochi)
= Solar Plexus. A complex system of nerves. Pit of stomach. Aka "mizoochi". Point of nerves
Suki
= Opening.
Sukui
= Scooping.
Sukui Dome
= Scooping for leg lifting, scoop and catch leg.
Sukui Te
= Old term for sukui uke.
Sukui Uke
= Scooping block with open palm.
Sumimasen
= Excuse me, I am sorry.
Sune すね
= Shin.
Sune Uke
= Shin block. Used against lower round house kick.
Suri
= Sliding.
Suri Ashi
= Sliding feet. Yori Ashi and Tsugi Ashi comes under Suri Ashi category
Susunde
= Move forward or advance
derived from susumu. Susun is a connective word to be used with de(te) indicating to proceed, to move forward, to move on.
Susunde kudasai mean please move forward. Instruction using susunde to instruct students to move forward in idoshiki (moving exercise)
Sutte
= breath in, Inhale. breath out is "haite"
Suwari
= Sit.
Suwari Waza
= Fighting technique from sitting position.
T
Tachi Kata
= Stances.
Tadashi ただし
= however
Tadashii (正しい) ただしい
= correct, accurate, right, exact, accurate, fair, just, truthful, true
Tai
= Body.
Tai-sabaki
= Body movement/shifting.
Taiming Ga Osoi
= Slow timing, not proper timing.
Taiso
= Warm-up exercises.
Tairyoku 体力(たいりょく)
= Fitness (Body Power)
Tairyoku Tesuto
= Fitness test
Taka
= tall or high
Takai
= expensive, tall, high.
Takasa
= Height or level. ie "onaji taka-sa iku yo" means move(or lets go) at same height. "onaji" mean same. Iku means lets go.
Tameshiwari 試し割り
= Breaking technique. Breaking boards, bricks etc. "Tame 試し" means to test; try, attempt, experiment, "wari 割り" means to cut, divide, separate, split
this art of breaking follows after the conditioning of body aka "karada kitae'
Tan
Tanden
= Body’s center of gravity at navel area. Its located about 1" to 2" below belly button.
Tatami
= Japanese straw floor mat.
Tate
= Upward, Vertical.
Tate Empi Uchi
= Upward elbow strike @ tate hiji ate.
Tate Hiji Ate
= Upward elbow strike to chin or solar plexus.
Tate Ken
= Vertical fist.
Tate Ken Zuki
= Vertical punch.
Tate Nukite
= Shi Hon Nukite or Yon Hon Nukite with fingers lined vertically with thumb bend and folded.
Tate Shuto Uke
= "Shuto Uke" done with arms stretched hand. Shuto is pointing vertically. Often seen in kata competition.
Tate Zuki
= Vertical punch @ Tate Ken Zuki.
Te
= Hand.
Thumb is Oya Yubi, 親指
Index Finger is Hitosashi yubi 人差し指
Middle finger is Naka yubi 中指
Ring finger is Kusuri yubi 薬指
Little finger is Ko yubi 小指
Teiji Dachi
= Feet in T-shape stance.
Teisho
= Palm Heel.
Teisho Uchi
= Palm heel strike @ shotei uchi.
Teisho Uke
= Palm heel block @ shotei uke.
Teisoku
= Arch of the foot –sole.
Tekubi
= Wrist.
Teni
" = Taisabaki like Body Movement - Evading attack by shifting sideways, move body to left or right.
Defense technique No.3 of Uke No Go Genri.
Concept of shifting or turning away from opponent's attack or avoiding his attack by applying evasive body movement"
Tenshi (Tenchi)
= Heaven and Earth.
Tenshin
= Moving, shifting.
Tenshin Happo
" = 8 DIRECTIONAL BODY SHIFTING is a basic body movement direction for defense as well as offence techniques.
The direction of body movement is basically divided into 8 direction.
That is to the front (mae), back (ato), left (hidari), right (migi)
as well as diagonal movements like to the front left (naname hidari), front right (naname migi), back left (naname hidari ato) and right back (naname migi ato).
Tenshin Nage
= Heaven and Earth throw technique in Aikido.
Tenkan
= 180 degree pivot to avoid attack (akido technique). Similar to "mawari ashi"
Tensho
= Kata - elegant hand - Okinawan Naha-te kata.
Tenpo Gosoku
= Five (5) different steps of footwork.
Tento
= Skull (top).
Tetsui
=Hammer fist. Ken-tsui.
Tettsui Uchi
= Hammer strike @ Kentsui uchi.
Tobi
= Jump, Flying. Leap
Tobi Ashi
= Jumping foot, jump and landing with both leg in same position.
Tobi Geri
= Jumping kick, flying kick.
Tobi Zuki
= Jumping punch.
tokui (得意 - とくい)
= favorite; best, one's specialty.
toku (得) means gain, get, find, earn, acquire, can, may, able to, profit, advantage, benefit.
i (意) means idea, mind, heart, taste, thought, desire, care, liking.
tokui waza (得意技 - とくいわざ)
= a favorite, special technique.
Tokui Kata (得意 - とくい)
= Free selection kata in competition. Part of 3 groups as in Shitei, Sentei and Tokui.
Tomari te
= Tomari hand - Karate from Tomari area of Okinawa.
Tonari
= next to
Tonfa
= A farm tool weapon of Okinawa.
Toranai
= No point - used in sport karate.
Tora
= Tiger.
Tora Guchi
= Tiger mouth strike (upper and lower shotei uchi). Like Mawashi uke followed by shotei uchi.
Tori
= Attacker. Opposite to "UKE" who is the defender.
Torimasen
= Unacceptable scoring technique -used in sports kumite.
Tsukami
= Grasping.
Tsukami Uke
= Grasping block.
Tsukami Waza
= Grappling, catching technique.
Tsugi
= to succeed (personally or in business)
Tsugi Ashi
= Shuffle step. Contracting and expanding feet. To move closer to target by back foot slides close to front foot then the front foot slide forward.
Tsuki 月
= Moon. Also pronounce as "Zuki" (zookey) whenplaced after a word. As in "mikazuki Geri" meaning crescent moon kick
Tsuki 突き(つき)
= Thrust. Punch, Tsuki is derived from verb "tsuku" meaning to thrust. It is pronounced as zuki (zoo-key) when it is expressed before another word.
Tsuki uke
= Blocking punch. A counter attack punch where the punching forearm block the opponent’s punch at the same time the fist strikes the opponent body.
Tsuki Waza
= Punching techniques.
Tsumasaki
= Toe tips
Tsumasaki geri
= Toe kick. Usually big toe and 2nd toe is pressed together and the point is used for the kick.
Tsuru
= The crane bird.
Tsuru Ashi Dachi
= Crane stance @ Gangaku dachi @ Sagi ashi dachi.
Tsutomeru
= endeavor, to strive, to make an effort. As in dojo kun "Jinkaku Kansei ni Tsutomeru" meaning Seek perfection of character
Tsuttatsu (thuts)
= Stand-up. Kirtsu also refer to stand up.
Tsuyoi
=Strong action.
Tsuzukete
= Continue fighting - used in sports kumite.
Tsuzukete Hajime
= Resume fighting (after stopping the match) - used in sports kumite.
U
Uchi 家
= House (meaning1).
Uchi 内
= Inside (meaning2).
Uchi 打ち
= Strike (meaning3).
Uchi Deshi
= A live-in student who live in dojo.
Uchi Hachiji Dachi
= Feet shoulder width, feet parallel, toes pointing inward (aka Hour glass stance).
Uchi Komi (Uchi Kome)
= A repetitive practice drill used in Judo, Kendo and also in karate.
Driving, pounding, invasion, shooting into.
Striking trust. Downward strike with hammer fist to groin, similar movement with gedan barai.
Uchi Otoshi Uke
= Arm circling block, from inside drop/strike down block.
Uchi Mawashi Geri
= Inside round house kick.
Uchi Ude Uke or Uchi Uke
= Inside forearm block - @ yoko uke.
Uchi Uke
= Shotokan version of Yoko Uke.. Middle flick block
Uchi Uke Gedan Barai
= Simultaneous middle and lower block @ Chudan Barai.
uchi waza or ate waza
= striking techniques
Ude (Kote)
= Forearm.
Uhen
= right side. Similar to "Migigawa" but its right hand.
Uke 受け
= Block. Literal meaning is to receive.
Uke
= Defender in Attacker/Opponent partner in training, especially in Jujitsu, judo. "Tori" will be the attacker.
Ukemi Waza
= Fall breaking technique.
Uke No
= Defense
Ukete wa Uchite 受手はう撃手
= The best defense is a good offense - kenwa mabuni
Uke No Go Genri
= 5 principle of defense. Five (5) defense techniques.
Consisting of "Rakka" (fall), "Ryusui" (Flowing water), "Kusshin" (elasticity, coiling), "Teni" (body shifting) and Hangeki"(counter attack "sen no sen", gono sen,etc)
Uke Waza
= Blocking technique.
Unsoku
= footwork fundamental, body shifting technique. In Aikido “Unsoku” is the basic leg movement pattern done in “yori ashi”
Ura
= Inverted, back of fist.
Ura Ken
= Back Knuckles Fist.
Ura Kote
= Back of forearm.
Ura Mawashi Geri
= Reverse roundhouse kick, kick with back leg to face with ball of foot.
Ura Shuto
= Back of knife hand @Haito.
Refer to the striking area between the fleshy part of index finger and thumb with thumb bent, fingers keep straight.
Ura Shuto Uchi
= striking with the fleshy part between index finger and thumb, the opposite part of knife hand.
Ura Uchi @Uraken Uchi
= Back knuckles strike.
Ura Uke
= Back of hand circling, yoko uke with open palm and wrist bending at end.
Ura Zuki @Uraken Zuki
= Inverted close range punch.
Ushiro
= Back (direction), backward.
Ushiro Empi Uchi
= Back strike with elbow @ ushiro hiji ate.
Ushiro Geri
= Back kick.
Ushiro Hiji Ate
= Back elbow strike.
Ushiro Kakato
= Back heel of foot. Back side of heal. It is use to hit/strike the groin ("kinteki") or shin grabs from behind.
Ushiro Mawashi Geri
= Back turning roundhouse kick, 180deg turn and kick with back leg.
Utsu 打つ
= to hit, to strike ( ie zenwan de utsu means strike with forearm).
Uwagi
= Part karate uniform. The top jacket. Usually made of cotton cloth and in white colour.
V -
W
Wa
= Circle.
Wa
= Peace, Harmony.
Wa Do Ryu
= Karate style found by Hironori Otsuke. Way of the peace school or style.
Wan
= Arm. Haiwan =Back of arm, Gaiwan = Outer arm, Naiwan = Inner arm, Shuwan = Inner arm below wrist.
Waki
= under one's arm, armpit, side. Close to, near.
Waki Gamae
= Attention posture, with one fist at side at lower rib above belt and the other hand across the body and fist close to the other fist.
Wasureru 忘れる
= to forget
Watashi/Boku
= I or me.
Wa Uke
= Half circle block, palm facing out - found in shimpa (kata). Two arm circle (roof) block.
Waza
= Technique.
Tsuki waza = thrusting technique, punching techniques
Uchi waza or Ate waza =striking techniques
Keri waza = Kicking technique
Nage waza = Throwing techniques
Kansetsu waza = Joint locking techniques
Uke waza = defense techniques
Seme waza = attacking techniques
Waza Ari
= Half point - used in sports kumite.
Wa Zuki
= Double circle fist punch.
X -
Y
Yama Zuki
= Mountain punch, U-shaped punch.
Yame
= Stop.
Yasume/Yasumi/Yasame
= Rest. Command given for students to stand at ease and rest/relax.
Yoi
= Instruction given to get ready for action.
Yoko
= Side (direction).
Yoko Geri / Sokuto Geri
= Side kick.
Yoko Geri Keage
= Side Snap Kick.
Yoko Geri Kekomi
= Side Thrust Kick.
Yoko Tobi Geri
= Side jumping kick. Flying Side Kick.
Yoko Barai
= Sideway block/strike.
Yoko Hiji Ate
= Side elbow strike to face or rib level.
Yoko Mawashi Empi Uchi
= Elbow strike to side @ Yoko hiji ate.
Yoko Sokuto Geri
= Side kick with knife edge of foot.
Yoko Uchi
= Striking sideway block, forearm striking inwards, @Soto Uke.
Yoko Uke
= Forearm inside to outside block block, @Uchi uke.
Yon (shi)
= Four (4).
Yon Dan
= Forth level black belt.
Yon Hon Nukite
= 4 finger strike/thrust, same as Shi Hon nukite.
Yon Kyu
= Forth class - brown belt.
Yon Ju
= Fourty (40).
Yori Ashi
= Leg Technique - sliding back leg to front leg then sliding front leg forward.
Yotsu
= Four times.
You ni
= similar to something, just like , just as.
Yowai
= Weak focus.
Yubi 指
= Finger.
Thumb is Oya Yubi, 親指
Index Finger is Hitosashi yubi 人差し指
Middle finger is Naka yubi 中指
Ring finger is Kusuri yubi 薬指
Little finger is Ko yubi 小指
Yubi Basami
= Thumb and forefinger scissors.
Two finger grip/strike to the neck. With bend finger and small knuckle "shokento" pushing towards throat.
Yubisaki
= Finger tip.
Yudansha
= Black belt holder - any rank.
Yukkuri
= Slowly.
Yuki
= Snow
Yukata
= A less formal Kimono, worn at after shower or casually in summer time in Japan.
Z
Za Rei
= Traditional bowing from sitting position.
Zanshin
= Remaining alert, mind n heart during and after a technique. “The remaining mind”. Maintaining complete awareness and alertness at all times.
Zempo
= front (forward)
Zempo ni Ageru
= raise forward. As in kata
Zen
= Forward
Zenbu
= All or everything included.
Zenkutsu Dachi
= Forward stance.
Zen(forward) Kutsu (bend)
Big stance with heel to heel width is shoulder width wide and length. bout 1 1/2 shoulder wide.
Forward leg is bend back leg straight.
Zenshin
= Entire body, Whole body.
Zenshin
= Forward movement, advance.
Zenwan ( or Kote, Ude)
= Forearm.
Zori
= Japanese wooden slipper.
Zuki 突き(づき) (zoo-key)
= Punch. Thrust. Tsuki is derived from verb "tsuku" meaning to thrust. It is pronounced as zuki (zoo-key) when it is expressed before or combine with another word.
Zuki Uke
= Blocking punch. its pronounce "Tsuki Uke" (tsu-key u-kay) and not "Zuki Uke". (zoo-key u-kay)
A counter attack punch where the punching forearm block the opponent’s punch at the same time the fist strikes the opponent body.
Zuno
= Head or brain.
Uchi 家
= House (meaning1).
Uchi 内
= Inside (meaning2).
Uchi 打ち
= Strike (meaning3).
Uchi Deshi
= A live-in student who live in dojo.
Uchi Hachiji Dachi
= Feet shoulder width, feet parallel, toes pointing inward (aka Hour glass stance).
Uchi Komi (Uchi Kome)
= A repetitive practice drill used in Judo, Kendo and also in karate.
Driving, pounding, invasion, shooting into.
Striking trust. Downward strike with hammer fist to groin, similar movement with gedan barai.
Uchi Otoshi Uke
= Arm circling block, from inside drop/strike down block.
Uchi Mawashi Geri
= Inside round house kick.
Uchi Ude Uke or Uchi Uke
= Inside forearm block - @ yoko uke.
Uchi Uke
= Shotokan version of Yoko Uke.. Middle flick block
Uchi Uke Gedan Barai
= Simultaneous middle and lower block @ Chudan Barai.
uchi waza or ate waza
= striking techniques
Ude (Kote)
= Forearm.
Uhen
= right side. Similar to "Migigawa" but its right hand.
Uke 受け
= Block. Literal meaning is to receive.
Uke
= Defender in Attacker/Opponent partner in training, especially in Jujitsu, judo. "Tori" will be the attacker.
Ukemi Waza
= Fall breaking technique.
Uke No
= Defense
Ukete wa Uchite 受手はう撃手
= The best defense is a good offense - kenwa mabuni
Uke No Go Genri
= 5 principle of defense. Five (5) defense techniques.
Consisting of "Rakka" (fall), "Ryusui" (Flowing water), "Kusshin" (elasticity, coiling), "Teni" (body shifting) and Hangeki"(counter attack "sen no sen", gono sen,etc)
Uke Waza
= Blocking technique.
Unsoku
= footwork fundamental, body shifting technique. In Aikido “Unsoku” is the basic leg movement pattern done in “yori ashi”
Ura
= Inverted, back of fist.
Ura Ken
= Back Knuckles Fist.
Ura Kote
= Back of forearm.
Ura Mawashi Geri
= Reverse roundhouse kick, kick with back leg to face with ball of foot.
Ura Shuto
= Back of knife hand @Haito.
Refer to the striking area between the fleshy part of index finger and thumb with thumb bent, fingers keep straight.
Ura Shuto Uchi
= striking with the fleshy part between index finger and thumb, the opposite part of knife hand.
Ura Uchi @Uraken Uchi
= Back knuckles strike.
Ura Uke
= Back of hand circling, yoko uke with open palm and wrist bending at end.
Ura Zuki @Uraken Zuki
= Inverted close range punch.
Ushiro
= Back (direction), backward.
Ushiro Empi Uchi
= Back strike with elbow @ ushiro hiji ate.
Ushiro Geri
= Back kick.
Ushiro Hiji Ate
= Back elbow strike.
Ushiro Kakato
= Back heel of foot. Back side of heal. It is use to hit/strike the groin ("kinteki") or shin grabs from behind.
Ushiro Mawashi Geri
= Back turning roundhouse kick, 180deg turn and kick with back leg.
Utsu 打つ
= to hit, to strike ( ie zenwan de utsu means strike with forearm).
Uwagi
= Part karate uniform. The top jacket. Usually made of cotton cloth and in white colour.
V -
W
Wa
= Circle.
Wa
= Peace, Harmony.
Wa Do Ryu
= Karate style found by Hironori Otsuke. Way of the peace school or style.
Wan
= Arm. Haiwan =Back of arm, Gaiwan = Outer arm, Naiwan = Inner arm, Shuwan = Inner arm below wrist.
Waki
= under one's arm, armpit, side. Close to, near.
Waki Gamae
= Attention posture, with one fist at side at lower rib above belt and the other hand across the body and fist close to the other fist.
Wasureru 忘れる
= to forget
Watashi/Boku
= I or me.
Wa Uke
= Half circle block, palm facing out - found in shimpa (kata). Two arm circle (roof) block.
Waza
= Technique.
Tsuki waza = thrusting technique, punching techniques
Uchi waza or Ate waza =striking techniques
Keri waza = Kicking technique
Nage waza = Throwing techniques
Kansetsu waza = Joint locking techniques
Uke waza = defense techniques
Seme waza = attacking techniques
Waza Ari
= Half point - used in sports kumite.
Wa Zuki
= Double circle fist punch.
X -
Y
Yama Zuki
= Mountain punch, U-shaped punch.
Yame
= Stop.
Yasume/Yasumi/Yasame
= Rest. Command given for students to stand at ease and rest/relax.
Yoi
= Instruction given to get ready for action.
Yoko
= Side (direction).
Yoko Geri / Sokuto Geri
= Side kick.
Yoko Geri Keage
= Side Snap Kick.
Yoko Geri Kekomi
= Side Thrust Kick.
Yoko Tobi Geri
= Side jumping kick. Flying Side Kick.
Yoko Barai
= Sideway block/strike.
Yoko Hiji Ate
= Side elbow strike to face or rib level.
Yoko Mawashi Empi Uchi
= Elbow strike to side @ Yoko hiji ate.
Yoko Sokuto Geri
= Side kick with knife edge of foot.
Yoko Uchi
= Striking sideway block, forearm striking inwards, @Soto Uke.
Yoko Uke
= Forearm inside to outside block block, @Uchi uke.
Yon (shi)
= Four (4).
Yon Dan
= Forth level black belt.
Yon Hon Nukite
= 4 finger strike/thrust, same as Shi Hon nukite.
Yon Kyu
= Forth class - brown belt.
Yon Ju
= Fourty (40).
Yori Ashi
= Leg Technique - sliding back leg to front leg then sliding front leg forward.
Yotsu
= Four times.
You ni
= similar to something, just like , just as.
Yowai
= Weak focus.
Yubi 指
= Finger.
Thumb is Oya Yubi, 親指
Index Finger is Hitosashi yubi 人差し指
Middle finger is Naka yubi 中指
Ring finger is Kusuri yubi 薬指
Little finger is Ko yubi 小指
Yubi Basami
= Thumb and forefinger scissors.
Two finger grip/strike to the neck. With bend finger and small knuckle "shokento" pushing towards throat.
Yubisaki
= Finger tip.
Yudansha
= Black belt holder - any rank.
Yukkuri
= Slowly.
Yuki
= Snow
Yukata
= A less formal Kimono, worn at after shower or casually in summer time in Japan.
Z
Za Rei
= Traditional bowing from sitting position.
Zanshin
= Remaining alert, mind n heart during and after a technique. “The remaining mind”. Maintaining complete awareness and alertness at all times.
Zempo
= front (forward)
Zempo ni Ageru
= raise forward. As in kata
Zen
= Forward
Zenbu
= All or everything included.
Zenkutsu Dachi
= Forward stance.
Zen(forward) Kutsu (bend)
Big stance with heel to heel width is shoulder width wide and length. bout 1 1/2 shoulder wide.
Forward leg is bend back leg straight.
Zenshin
= Entire body, Whole body.
Zenshin
= Forward movement, advance.
Zenwan ( or Kote, Ude)
= Forearm.
Zori
= Japanese wooden slipper.
Zuki 突き(づき) (zoo-key)
= Punch. Thrust. Tsuki is derived from verb "tsuku" meaning to thrust. It is pronounced as zuki (zoo-key) when it is expressed before or combine with another word.
Zuki Uke
= Blocking punch. its pronounce "Tsuki Uke" (tsu-key u-kay) and not "Zuki Uke". (zoo-key u-kay)
A counter attack punch where the punching forearm block the opponent’s punch at the same time the fist strikes the opponent body.
Zuno
= Head or brain.
-------------------Compiled by R.KENNEDY
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