About Us

Karate Terminology
Counting to 10 in Japanese:
1- Ichi           2- Ni               3- San          4- Shi                     5- Go
6- Roku        7- Shichi        8- Hachi        9- Kyu or Ku         10- Ju

AGE UKE        Upward Block
AGE ZUKI        Rising Punch
ARIGATO GOZAIMASHITA        Japanese for politely saying "thank you." At the end of each
class, it is proper to bow and thank the instructor and those with whom you've trained
ASHI BARAI        Foot Sweep
ASHI WAZA        Name given to all leg and foot techniques
ATEMI WAZA        Striking techniques that are normally used in conjunction with grappling
and throwing techniques
AWASE UKE        Joined Hand Block
AWASE ZUKI        "U Punch". Also referred to as MOROTE ZUKI
AYUMI DACHI        A stance found in ITOSU-KAI SHITO-RYU. It is a natural "Walking" stance
with the weight over the center
BO        Staff. A long stick used as a weapon (approximately 6 feet long)
BOGYO ROKU KYODO        "Six Defense Actions." A basic drill of the Japan Karate-Do
Ryobu-Kai. Uses the old names of techniques such as AGE TE, HARAI TE (or GEDAN
BARAI), SOTO YOKO TE, UCHI YOKO TE, SHUTO TE, and SUKUI TE.
BUDO        "Martial way." The Japanese character for "BU" (martial) is derived from
characters meaning "stop" and (a weapon like a) "halberd." In conjunction, then, "BU" may
have the connotation "to stop the halberd." In Karate, there is an assumption that the best
way to prevent violent conflict is to emphasize the cultivation of individual character. The way
(DO) of Karate is thus equivalent to the way of BU, taken in this sense of preventing or
avoiding violence as far as possible.
BUNKAI        A study of the techniques and applications in KATA.
CHOKU ZUKI         "Straight Punch".
CHUDAN        "Mid-section." During the practice of KIHON IPPON KUMITE (one step basic
sparring), the attacker will normally announce where he/she will attack JODAN, CHUDAN, or
GEDAN (Upper level, Mid-level, or lower level).
CHUDAN ZUKI        A punch to the mid-section of the opponent's body.
DAN         "Level", "Rank" or "Degree". Black Belt rank. Ranks under Black Belt are called
KYU ranks.
DO        Way/path. The Japanese character for "DO" is the same as the Chinese character
for Tao (as in "Taoism"). In Karate, the connotation is that of a way of attaining
enlightenment or a way of improving one's character through traditional training.
DOJO        Literally "place of the Way." Also "place of enlightenment." The place where we
practice Karate. Traditional etiquette prescribes bowing in the direction of the designated
front of the dojo (SHOMEN) whenever entering or leaving the dojo.
DOMO ARIGATO GOZAIMASHITA        Japanese for "thank you very much." At the end of
each class, it is proper to bow and thank the instructor and those with whom you've trained.
EKKU        A Wooden oar used by the Okinawans which was improvised as a weapon.
EMBUSEN        Floor pattern of movement in a given KATA.
EMPI        (1) One of the Black Belt level KATA, translated as "The Flight of a Sparrow". (2)
"Elbow" Sometimes referred to as HIJI.
FUMIKOMI        "Stomp kick", usually applied to the knee, shin, or instep of an opponent.
GANKAKU DACHI        "Crane Stance", sometimes referred to as TSURU ASHI DACHI and
SAGI ASHI DACHI.
GASSHUKU        A special training camp.
GEDAN        Lower section. During the practice of KIHON IPPON KUMITE (one step basic
sparring), the attacker will normally announce where he/she will attack JODAN, CHUDAN, or
GEDAN (Upper level, Mid-level, or lower level).
GEDAN BARAI        "Downward Block".
GEDAN UDE UKE        "Low Forearm Block".
GEDAN ZUKI         A punch to the lower section of the opponent's body.
GI (DO GI) (KEIKO GI) (KARATE GI)        Training costume. In JKR and in most other
traditional Japanese and Okinawan Karate Dojo, the GI must be white and cotton (Synthetics
with Cotton allowed). The only markings allowed are the JKR patch on the left breast area
and the person's name at the front bottom corner of the jacket. An exception exists for the
Official Gi of JKR: The organization names in Kanji is embroidered under the patch.
GO NO SEN         The tactic where one allows the opponent to attack first so to open up
targets for counterattack.
GOHON KUMITE        Five step basic sparring. The attacker steps in five consecutive times
with a striking technique with each step. The defender steps back five times, blocking each
technique. After the fifth block, the defender executes a counter-strike.
GYAKU MAWASHI GERI        "Reverse Round-house Kick". Also referred to as
URAMAWASHI GERI.
GYAKU ZUKI        "Reverse Punch".
HACHIJI DACHI        A natural stance, feet positioned about one shoulder width apart, with
feet pointed slightly outward.
HAI        "Yes".
HAISHU UCHI        A strike with the back of the hand.
HAISHU UKE        A block using the back of the hand.
HAITO UCHI        "Ridge-hand Strike".
HAJIME        "Begin". A command given to start a given drill, Kata, or Kumite.
HANGETSU        A Black Belt level Kata.
HANGETSU DACHI        "Half-Moon Stance".
HANSHI        "Master." An honorary title given to the highest Black Belt of an organization,
signifying their understanding of their art. In Japan Karate-Do Ryobu-Kai, the Hanshi is the
Grandmaster of Ryobu-Kai, Yasuhiro Konishi II.
HASAMI ZUKI        "Scissor Punch".
HARAI TE        "Sweeping technique with the arm."
HARAI WAZA        "Sweeping techniques".
HEIKO DACHI        A natural stance. Feet positioned about one shoulder width apart, with
feet pointed straight forward. Some Kata begin from this position.
HEIKO ZUKI         "Parallel Punch" (A double, simultaneous punch).
HEISOKU DACHI        An informal attention stance. Feet are together and pointed straight
forward.
HENKA WAZA        Techniques used after OYO WAZA is applied. HENKA WAZA is varied
and many, dependent on the given condition.
HIDARI        "Left".
HIJI        "Elbow", also known as EMPI.
HIJI ATE        "Elbow Strike". Also referred to as EMPI UCHI.
HIJI UKE        A blocking action using the elbow.
HIKI-TE         The retracting (pulling and twisting) arm during a technique. It gives the
balance of power to the forward moving technique. It can also be used as a pulling
technique after a grab, or a strike rearward with the elbow.
HITOSASHI IPPON KEN        "Forefinger Knuckle".
HIZA GERI        "Knee Kick".
HIZA UKE        A blocking action using the knee.
HOMBU DOJO        A term used to refer to the central dojo of an organization.
HORAN NO KAMAE        "Egg in the Nest Ready Position." A "ready" position used in some
KATA where the fist in covered by the other hand.
IPPON KEN         "One Knuckle Fist".
IPPON KUMITE        "One step sparring". The designated attacher makes one attack, after
which the defender counter-attacks.
IPPON NUKITE         A stabbing action using the extended index finger.
JIYU IPPON KUMITE        "One step free sparring". The participants can attack with any
technique whenever ready.
JIYU KUMITE         "Free Sparring".
JO        Wooden staff about 4'-5' in length. The JO originated as a walking stick.
JODAN        Upper level. During the practice of KIHON IPPON KUMITE (one step basic
sparring), the attacker will normally announce where he/she will attack JODAN, CHUDAN, or
GEDAN (Upper level, Mid-level, or lower level).
JOGAI        "Out of Bounds". Used in tournaments.
JUJI UKE        "X Block".
JUN ZUKI        The WADO RYU term for OI-ZUKI.
KAGI ZUKI        "Hook Punch".
KAISHO         "Open hand." This refers to the type of blow which is delivered with the open
palm. It can also be used to describe other hand blows in which the fist is not fully clenched.
KAKE-TE         "Hook Block" or "Hooking Technique."
KAKE-WAZA        "Hooking Technique."
KAKIWAKE         A two handed block using the outer surface of the wrist to neutralize a
two-handed attack, such as a grab.
KAKUSHI WAZA        "Hidden techniques."
KAKUTO UCHI        "Wrist joint strike." Also known as "KO UCHI."
KAKUTO UKE         "Wrist Joint Block." Also known as KO UKE.
KAMAE        A posture or stance either with or without a weapon. KAMAE may also connote
proper distance (Ma-ai) with respect to one's partner. Although "KAMAE" generally refers to
a physical stance, there is an important parallel in Karate between one's physical and one's
psychological bearing. Adopting a strong physical stance helps to promote the correlative
adoption of a strong psychological attitude. It is important to try so far as possible to
maintain a positive and strong mental bearing in Karate.
KAMAE-TE        A command given by the instructor for students to get into position.
KANSETSU WAZA         Joint-lock techniques.
KAPPO        Techniques of resuscitating people who have succumbed to a shock to the
nervous system.
KARATE        "Empty Hand". When Karate was first introduced to Japan, it was called
"TO-DE". The characters of TODE could be pronounced. However, the meaning of TODE is
Chinese Hand. There are also philosophical explanations of KARATE (explained in Gichin
Funakoshi's _Karate-Do Kyohan_.
KARATE-DO         "The Way of Karate". This implies not only the physical aspect of Karate,
but also the mental and social aspects of Karate
KARATEKA         A practitioner of Karate.
KATA        A "form" or prescribed pattern of movement. (But also "shoulder.")
KEAGE        Snap Kick. (Literally, Kick upward).
KEIKO         (1) Training. The only secret to success in Karate. (2) "Joined Fingertips".
KEKOMI        Thrust Kick ( Literally, Kick Into/Straight ).
KEMPO        "Fist Law." A generic term to describe fighting systems that uses the fist. In this
regard, KARATE is also KEMPO. In Chinese, it is pronounced "Chuan Fa".
KENSEI        The technique with silent KIAI. Related to meditation.
KENTSUI        "Hammer Fist" Also known as TETTSUI. KENTSUI UCHI (Or TETTSUI UCHI) =
"Hammer Fist Strike".
KERI        "Kick".
KI        Mind. Spirit. Energy. Vital-force. Intention. (Chinese = chi) The definitions presented
here are very general. KI is one word that cannot be translated directly into any language.
KIAI         A shout delivered for the purpose of focusing all of one's energy into a single
movement. Even when audible KIAI are absent, one should try to preserve the feeling of KIAI
at certain crucial points within Karate techniques. Manifestation of KI (simultaneous union of
spirit and expression of physical strength).
KIBA DACHI        "Straddle Stance". Also known as NAIFANCHI(N) or NAIHANCHI DACHI.
KIHON        (Something which is) fundamental. Basic techniques.
KIME         Focus of Power.
KI-O-TSUKE         "Attention". Musubi Dachi with open hands down both sides.
KIZAMI ZUKI         "Jab Punch".
KO BO ITTCHI         The concept of "Attack-Defense Connection".
KO UCHI        "Wrist joint strike." Also known as KAKUTO UCHI.
KO UKE        "Crane Block" or "Arch Block". Same as KAKUTO UKE.
KOHAI        A student junior to oneself.
KOKORO        "Spirit, Heart." In Japanese culture, the spirit dwells in the Heart.
KUBOTAN         A self-defense tool developed by TAKAYUKI KUBOTA. This tool serves
normally as a key chain.
KOKEN        "Wrist Joint".
KOKUTSU DACHI        A stance which has most of the weight to the back. Referred to in
English as "Back Stance".
KOSA DACHI         "Crossed-Leg Stance".
KOSHIN         "Rearward".
KUATSU        The method of resuscitating a person who has lost consciousness due to
strangulation or shock.
KUMADE        "Bear hand."
KUMITE         "Sparring."
KYOSHI        "Master Instructor." A Dan level in the sequence of RENSHI, KYOSHI, and
HANSHI.
KYU        "Grade". Any rank below Shodan.
KYUSHO WAZA         Pressure Point techniques.
MA-AI        Proper distancing or timing with respect to one's partner. Since Karate
techniques always vary according to circumstances, it is important to understand how
differences in initial position affect the timing and application of techniques.
MAE        Front.
MAE ASHI GERI         Kicking with the front leg.
MAE GERI KEAGE        "Front Snap Kick". Also referred to as MAE KEAGE.
MAE GERI KEKOMI        "Front Thrust Kick:. Also referred to as MAE KEKOMI.
MAE UKEMI         "forward fall/roll".
MAKOTO        A feeling of absolute sincerity and total frankness, which requires a pure
mind, free from pressure of events.
MANABU         "Learning by imitating." A method of studying movement and techniques by
following and imitating the instructor.
MANJI UKE        A Double block where one arm executes GEDAN BARAI to one side, while
the other arm executes JODAN UCHI UKE (or JODAN SOTO YOKO TE).
MATTE        "Wait".
MAWASHI GERI        "Roundhouse Kick".
MAWASHI ZUKI        "Roundhouse Punch".
MAWASHI HIJI ATE        "Circular Elbow Strike". Also referred to as MAWASHI EMPI UCHI.
MAWAT-TE        A command given by the instructor for students to turn around.
MIGI        Right.
MIKAZUKI GERI        "Crescent Kick".
MOKUSO        Meditation. Practice often begins or ends with a brief period of meditation.
The purpose of meditation is to clear one's mind and to develop cognitive equanimity.
Perhaps more importantly, meditation is an opportunity to become aware of conditioned
patterns of thought and behavior so that such patterns can be modified, eliminated or more
efficiently put to use.
MOROTE ZUKI        "U-Punch". Punching with both fists simultaneously. Also referred to as
AWASE ZUKI.
MOROTE UKE         "Augmented Block". One arm and fist support the other arm in a block.
MOTO DACHI        A short forward stance, also referred to as HAN-ZENKUTSU DACHI.
MUDANSHA        Students without black-belt ranking.
MUSHIN        "No Mind." The state of being that allos freedom and flexibility to react and
adapt to a given situation.
MUSUBI DACHI         An attention stance with feet pointed slightly outward.
NAGASHI UKE         "Sweeping Block".
NAGE WAZA        Throwing/take-down techniques.
NAIFANCHI DACHI        "Straddle Stance." Also referred to as NAIHANCHI DACHI and KIBA
DACHI.
NAIHANCHI DACHI         "Straddle Stance". Also referred to as KIBA DACHI and
NAIFANCHI(N) DACHI.
NAKADAKA IPPON KEN        "Middle Finger Knuckle".
NAMI-GAESHI        "Returning Wave." Foot technique found in Tekki Shodan to block an
attack to the groin area. The technique can also be used to strike the opponent's inner thigh
or knee, as well as to sweep an opponent's leg.
NEKO ASHI DACHI        "Cat Stance".
NIHON NUKITE        Two finger stabbing attack.
NIDAN        Second Level, as in Second Degree Black Belt.
NIDAN GERI        "Double Kick".
NUKITE         "Spear Hand".
NUNCHAKU         An Okinawan weapon consisting of two sticks connected by rope or chain.
This was originally used by the Okinawans as a farm tool to thrash rice straw.
OBI        A belt.
OI-ZUKI         "Lunge Punch".
ONAJI WAZA        "Same technique".
ONEGAI SHIMASU        "I make a request" or "I ask of You..." This is said while bowing to
one's partner when initiating practice, to the instructor at the beginning of training, or to
anyone when asking a favor/request.
OSAE UKE        "Pressing Block".
OTOSHI EMPI UCHI         An elbow strike by dropping the elbow. Also referred to as Otoshi
Hiji Ate.
OYAYUBI IPPON KEN        "Thumb Knuckle".
OYO WAZA         Applications interpreted from techniques in Kata, implicated according to a
given condition.
RAN BU HO        An exercise similar to "shadow-boxing". Various techniques are performed
spontaneously against multiple imaginary attackers. This is commonly done in 30-second
sessions.
REI         "Respect". A method of showing respect in Japanese culture is the Bow. It is proper
for the junior person bows lower than the senior person. Etiquette dictates that one should
bow when entering the dojo, when entering the training area, when greeting Sensei, when
greeting a Black Belt BUDOKA, when beginning or ending a training session with a partner,
when beginning or ending a kata performance, and when someone bows to you.
REIGI        Etiquette. Also referred to as REISHIKI. Observance of proper etiquette at all
times (but especially observance of proper DOJO etiquette) is as much a part of one's
training as the practice of techniques. Observation of etiquette indicates one's sincerity,
one's willingness to learn, and one's recognition of the rights and interests of others.
REINOJI DACHI        A stance with feet making a 'L-shape.'
RENSEI        Practice Tournament. Competitors are critiqued on their performances.
RENSHI         "A person who has mastered oneself." This person is considered an expert
instructor. This status is prerequisite before attaining the status as KYOSHI.
SAGI ASHI DACHI        One Leg Stance. Also referred to as GANKAKU DACHI or TSURU
ASHI DACHI.
SAI        An Okinawan weapon that is shaped like the Greek letter 'Psi' with the middle being
much longer.
SANBON KUMITE        "Three Step Sparring".
SANBON SHOBU         Three Point match. Used in tournaments.
SANCHIN DACHI         "Hour-glass Stance".
SASHITE         Raising of the hand either to strike, grab, or block.
SEIKEN         "Forefist".
SEIRYUTO        "Bull Strike." A hand technique delivered with the base of the SHUTO (Knife
hand).
SEIZA        A proper sitting position. Sitting on one's knees. Sitting this way requires
acclimatization, but provides both a stable base and greater ease of movement than sitting
cross-legged. It is used for the formal opening and closing of the class.
SEMPAI        A senior student.
SEN NO SEN         Attacking at the exact moment when the opponent attacks.
SEN SEN NO SEN        Attacking before the opponent attacks. Pre-emptive attack.
SENSEI        Teacher. It is usually considered proper to address the instructor during
practice as "Sensei" rather than by his/her name. If the instructor is a permanent instructor
for one's DOJO or for an organization, it is proper to address him/her as "Sensei" off the mat
as well.
SHIAI         A match or a contest (Event).
SHIDOIN        Formally recognized Instructor who has not yet been recognized as a SENSEI.
Assistant Instructor. The SHIDOIN serves as the instructor who teaches the technical
aspects of Karate.
SHIHAN        A formal title meaning, approximately, "master instructor." A "teacher of
teachers."
SHIKO DACHI        "Square Stance". A stance often used in Goju-Ryu and Shito-Ryu.
SHIME WAZA         Choking/Strangling techniques.
SHIZENTAI        "Natural Position". The body remains relaxed but alert.
SHOMEN        Front or top of head. Also the designated front of a Dojo.
SHUTO TE        Same as SHUTO UKE. This name was used before the advent of sport
karate. Used to describe one of the techniques in BOGYO ROKU KYODO.
SHUTO UKE        "Knife-hand Block".
SOCHIN DACHI        "Immovable Stance". Also referred to as Fudo Dachi.
SOKUTO        "Edge of foot". This term is often used to refer to the side thrust kick.
SOTO (UDE) UKE         Outside (Forearm) Block.
SOTO YOKO TE        Same as UCHI UDE UKE. This name was used before the advent of
sport karate. Used to describe one of the techniques in BOGYO ROKU KYODO.
SUKUI TE        Same as SUKUI UKE. This name was used before the advent of sport karate.
Used to describe one of the techniques in BOGYO ROKU KYODO.
SUKUI UKE        "Scooping Block".
SUWARI WAZA        "Techniques from a sitting position."
TAI SABAKI        Body movement/shifting.
TATE EMPI        "Upward Elbow Strike".
TATE ZUKI        "Vertical Punch." A fist punch with the palm along a vertical plane.
TEIJI DACHI        A Stance with the feet in a 'T-shape.'
TEISHO UCHI         "Palm Heel Strike".
TEISHO UKE        "Palm Heel Block".
TETTSUI UCHI         "Hammer Strike". Also called KENTSUI.
TOBI GERI         "Jump Kick".
TONFA        A farm tool developed into a weapon by the Okinawans.
TSUKAMI WAZA        "Catching technique." A blocking technique by seizing the opponent's
weapon, arm, or leg. Used often for grappling techniques.
TSUKI         A punch or thrust (esp. an attack to the midsection).
TSURU ASHI DACHI         "Crane Stance", also referred to as GANKAKU DACHI and SAGI
ASHI DACHI.
TUITE         Grappling skills.
UCHI DESHI        A live-in student/disciple. A student who lives in a dojo and devotes
him/herself both to training and to the maintenance of the dojo (and sometimes to personal
service to the SENSEI of the dojo).
UCHI MAWASHI GERI        "Inside Roundhouse Kick".
UCHI (UDE) UKE        "Inside (Forearm) Block".
UCHI YOKO TE        Same as SOTO UDE UKE. This name was used before the advent of
sport karate. Used to describe one of the techniques in BOGYO ROKU KYODO.
UKE        Block.
UKEMI WAZA        "Break-fall techniques."
UKI ASHI DACHI         A stance similar to the cat-stance, performed in the kata HANGETSU.
URA ZUKI        An upper cut punch used at close range.
URAKEN         "Back Knuckle".
USHIRO EMPI UCHI         Striking to the rear with the elbow.
USHIRO GERI         Back Kick.
WAZA        Technique(s).
YAMA ZUKI        "Mountain Punch". A wide U-shaped dual punch.
YAME        "Stop".
YASUME        "Rest." A term used by the instructor to have the students relax, normally
following a long series of drills.
YOI        "Ready".
YOKO        "Side".
YOKO GERI KEAGE         "Side Snap Kick". Also referred to as YOKO KEAGE.
YOKO GERI KEKOMI         "Side Thrust Kick". Also referred to as YOKO KEKOMI.
YOKO MAWASHI EMPI UCHI        Striking with the elbow to the side.
YOKO TOBI GERI        "Flying Side Kick".
YUDANSHA        Black belt holder (any rank).
ZANSHIN        Lit. "remaining mind/heart." Even after a Karate technique has been
completed, one should remain in a balanced and aware state. ZANSHIN thus connotes
"following through" in a technique, as well as preservation of one's awareness so that one is
prepared to respond to additional attacks.
ZA-REI        The traditional Japanese bow from the kneeling position.
ZENKUTSU DACHI         "Forward Stance".
ZENSHIN        "Forward".
ZORI        Japanese slippers.