Japanese Words used in Karate

Dojo Kun

JKA Karate teaches a student to be peaceful. Our dojo kun reminds us to:

1. Seek Perfection of Character
Seek Perfection of Character

1. Be Faithful

Be Faithful

1. Endeavor

Endeavor

1. Respect Others

Respect Others

1. Refrain from Violent Behavior

Refrain from Violent Behavior

blackandwhitedsc_0594All of which are numbered 1 and are given the same value. A JKA Karateka does not boast showy demonstrations nor the points earned in tournaments. A JKA Karateka has kime (focus) and constantly learns about the harmony between the mind and body. A true Karateka does not engage in fights or brawls but if conflict is unavoidable, JKA Karate dictates taking down an opponent with a single blow.

Because of strong roots and foundations, JKA Masters base every lesson technique in solid, scientific physical movement and theory. Experience allowed them to refine and improve every single detail that mattered in the improvement of techniques. There are also many Japanese words used in Karate. Below is a list of the most common terms used during class in JKA Hawaii.

General Terms

Karate
Empty Hand


Sensei
Teacher


Senpai
Senior


Do-Gi/Gi
Uniform


Dojo
Practice Area


Osu/Oss
(Various Meanings)


Seiza
Kneel


Mokoso
Meditate


Mokoso-Yame
End Meditation


Shomani
Ancestors


Rei
Bow


Otagai Ni Rei
Bow to Others


Kihon
Basics


Kumite
Sparing


Kata
Form


Hajime
Begin


Yame
Stop


Hai
Yes

Positions

Yoi
Natural Stance


Matte
Wait


Mawatte
Turn Around


Gedan
Lower


Gedan-barai
Lower Sweeping Block


Jodan
Upper


Jodan-uke
Upper Level Block


Chudan
Mid-Level


Chudan-soto-uke
Mid-Level Outside Block


Mae-geri
Front Kick


Mawashi-geri
Round-house Kick


Yoko-geri
Side Kick


Yoko-geri Kekomi
Side Thrust Kick


Kiba-dachi
Horse Riding Stance


Kamae
Fighting Posture


Kokutsu-dachi
Back Stance


Kiai
Battle Shout


 

Other

Ichi
1


Ni
2


San
3


Shi
4


Go
5


Roku
6


Shichi
7


Hachi
8


Kyu
9


Ju
10


Hitotsu
1


Koto
Thing/Matter


Jinkaku Kansei ni Tsutomuru Koto
Seek Perfection of Character


Makoto no michi o mamoru koto
Be Faithful


Doryoku no seishin o yashinau koto
Endevour


Reigi o omonnzuru koto
Respect others


Kekki no yu o imashimuru koto
Refrain from Violent Behavior