Terminology

Terminology


Age Uke - Rising Block
Ashibo Kake Uke - Leg-Hooking Block
Ashikubi Kake Uke - Ankle-Hooking Block
Awase Uke - Combined Block
Chudan Shotei Uke - Mid Level Palm Heel Block
Chudan Shuto Uke - Mid Level Knife hand Block
Chudan Soto Uke - Mid Level Inner(J)/Outside(O) Block
Chudan Uke - Mid Level Block
Chudan Yoko Shuto Uke - Mid Level Sideward Knife hand Block
Deai Osae Uke - Smothering Block, done as one moves forward
Gedan Barai - Lower Level Sweep Downward Sweeping Block
Gedan Kake Uke - Lower Level Hooking Block Downward Hooking Block
Gedan Soto Harai - Lower Level Outside Sweep
Gedan Tensho Uke - Lower Level Palm Heel Block Lower Level Palm Heel Block
Gyaku Soto Uke - Reverse Outside Block
Haishu Uke - Open Back Hand Block
Haito Uke Ridge Hand Block
Haiwan Nagashi Uke - Back of the Arm/Wrist Sweeping Block
Haiwan Uke - Back of the Arm/Wrist Block
Hangetsu Barai Uke - Sweeping Half Moon Foot Block
Harai Te - Sweep with the Hand
Hazushi Uke - Evading Block/Dodging Block
Hiji Suri Uke - Elbow Sliding Block
Hiji Uke - Elbow Block
Hiki Uke - Knee Block
Hiza Uke (Soto) - Outside Knee Block
Hiza Uke (Uchi) - Inside Knee Block
Jodan Age Uke - Upper Level Rising Block Upper Level Rising Block
Jodan Kosa Uke - Upper Level Cross Block Upper Level Cross Block
Jodan Uchi Shuto Uke - Upper Level Inside Knife-Hand Block Upper Level Inside Knife-Hand Block
Juji Uke - Cross or X-Block Cross or X-Block
Kagi Uke - Hooking Block
Kaiso Uke - Open hand block
Kake Shuto Uke - Hooking Knife-Hand Block
Kake Uke - Hooking Block
Kakete Uke - Hooking Hand Block
Kakiwake Uke - Reverse Wedge Block
Kakuta Uke - Bent Wrist Block
Keito Uke - Chicken Head Wrist Block
Kentsui Uke - Hammer Fist/Bottom Fist Block A block with the bottom of the closed fist
Mae Ude Deai Osae Uke - Forearm Pressing Block
Mae Ude Hineri Uke - Forearm Twisting Block
Mawashi Uke - Roundhouse Block Windmill Parry
Morote Jodan Uke - Two Handed Upper Block
Morote Naka Uke - Two Handed Inside Block
Morote Sukui Uke - Two Handed Scooping Block
Morote Uke - Two Handed Block/augmented block
Nagashi Uke - Sweeping Block
Nami Ashi - Inside Leg Block
Osae Uke - Pressing Block
Otoshi Uke - Downward, Pushing Block
Shotei Shita Uke - Palm Heel Lower Block A downward block with the palm of the hand
Shotei Sotogawa Uke - Palm Heel Outside Block A block with the palm of the hand from the outside
Shotei Uke – Palm Heel Block
Shuto Uke – Knife Hand Block
Sokumen Awase Uke - Augmented block with the palm of the hand
Sokutei Mawashi Uke - Crescent kick block with the sale of the foot
Soto Gedan Barai - Outside Downward Sweeping Block
Soto Ude Uke - Outside Forearm Block
Soto Uke – Outside Block
Sukui Uke – Scooping Block
Tate Shuto Uke - Vertical Knife Hand Block
Tate Uke Vertical Block
Tegatana Juji Uke - Sword Hand Cross Block An open handed cross armed block
Tegatana Uke - Sword Hand Block
Teisho UkePalm - Heel Block
Tekubi Kake Uke - Wrist Hook Block
TettsuiUkeHammer - Fist Block
Tsukami Uke - Grasping Block
Uchi Ude Uke - Inner Forearm Block the same as the Okinawan Soto Uke
Uchi Uke - Inner Block A block to the inside and toward the center of the body. Not Soto Uke
Ude Uke - Forearm Block
Uke Kata - Methods or Forms of Blocking

Arukikata - Methods of Walking
Ashi Sabaki - Footwork
Ayumi Ashi - Regular Stepping
Chidori Ashi - A type of stepping movement where one foot crosses over the other
Fumi Ashi - "Tread Water"
Fumikomu - To step inside, to penetrate
Fumu - To move, to take a step
Hiki Ashi - Sliding Back
Hiraki – Opening Twisting the body to open away from a frontal attack
Irimi - Entering An entering movement
Issoku - A Single Step
Kaiten - Spin, Turn, Revolve
Kihon Dosa - Fundamental Movements
Kogeki Hou Hou - Attacking and Retreating Methods
Mae Tsugi Ashi - Forward Sliding Step
Mawatte - Turn
Naname - Oblique, Diagonal -Direction
Nanbei - Oblique, Slant (Okinawan)
Nijiri Ashi - Toe Crawling
Oi - Lunge
Okuri Ashi - A short quick step used for covering large distances
Sankaku Tenshin - Triangular Movements
Sanpo - Three Directions
Suri Ashi - Sliding Step
Tai Sabaki - Body Movement Methods of entering, turning and shifting the body while performing techniques
Tenchin - Body Movement (Okinawan) Tenshin
Tsugi Ashi - Shuffle Step
Yori Ashi – Sliding Step

Ashi Barai - Leg Sweep
AshiWaza - Leg/Foot Techniques
Ato no Kehanashi - Back Foot Snap Kick
Chudan Geri - Mid Level Kick
Chudan Nidan Geri - Double Mid-Level Kicks
Fukubu Geri - Abdomen Kick
Fumi Kiri - Stamping Cutting Kick
Fumi Komi - Stamping Thrusting Kick
Gyaku Mawashi Geri - Reverse Roundhouse Kick
Hittsui Geri - Knee Strike
Hiza Geri - Knee Kick
Kakato Fumikomi - Stomping Heel Kick
Kakato Geri - Heel Kick/axe kick
Kake Geri - Hook Kick
Kansetsu Geri - Joint Kick
Kansetsu Geri Keage - Stamping (Joint) Kick
Kekomi Geri - Thrusting Kick
Keri - Kick
Keri Age - Rising Kick
Keri Kata - Way of Kicking
Keri Waza - Kicking Techniques
Kesa Geri - Diagonal Kick
Kin Geri - Groin Kick
Kyubu Geri - Chest Kick
Mae Geri - Front Kick
Mae Geri (Haisoku) - Front Snap Kick (Instep)
Mae Geri (Kagato) - Front Snap Kick (Heel)
Mae Geri (Keage) - Front Snap Kick
Mae Geri (Kekomi) - Front Thrust Kick
Mae Geri (Sokuto) - Front Snap Kick (Foot Edge)
Mae Geri (Tsumasaki) - Front Snap Kick (Toes)
Mae Kehanashi - Front Foot Snap Kick
Mae Tobi Geri - Front Jumping Kick
Mawashi Geri - Roundhouse Kick
Mawashi Geri (Josokutei) - Roundhouse Kick (Ball of Foot) Mawashi Geri (Sokko) - Roundhouse Kick (Instep)
Mikazuki Geri - Half Moon or Crescent Kick
Oi Geri - Lunge Kick
Oi Mae Geri - Front Lunge Kick
Oi Mawashi Geri - Roundhouse Lunge Kick
Renzoku Geri - Continuous Kicks
Tobi Nidan Geri - Jumping Double Kick
Tsumasaki Geri - Kicking using the tips of the toes to strike with
Ura Mawa5hi Geri - Reverse Roundhouse Kick
Ushiro Geri - Backward Kick
Ushiro Geri Keage - Backward Snap Kick
Ushiro Geri Kekomi - Backward Thrust Kick
Ushiro Kehanashi - Back Snap Kick
Ushiro Mawashi Geri - Backward Roundhouse Kick
Yoko Geri - Side Kick
Yoko Geri Keage - Side Snap Kick
Yoko Geri Kekomi - Side Thrust Kick
Yoko Tobi Geri - Side Jumping Kick

Atemi - Strike to Weak or Vital Point
Ateru - Strike/Hit touch
Awase - Coming to Grips/Crossing Blows
Bu - Martial/Military
Bubishi - Book of Okinawan Martial Arts - A thirty-two article treatise on strategy, philosophy, vital point striking
Budo - Martial Ways Martial Arts for personal or spiritual cultivation rather than for purely combative purposes
Budo Seishin - Martial Spirit
Budoka - A Person Studying Martial Arts
Budokan - A Martial Arts Hall
Bugei - Classical Japanese Martial Arts
Bugeisha - Martial Arts Exponent
Bujin - Warrior
Bujutsu - Martial Arts
Buke - Warrior Family/Military Caste of Japan
Buki - Weapons
Bunbu Ryodo - Literary and Martial, both paths (are the same) a phrase stressing the importance of both the literary and martial arts as part of the education of a bushi
Bunkai - Analysis/Interpretation True meanings behind the moves in Kata
Buryoku - Internal Power
Bushi - Samurai/Warrior
Chii Kara - Internal Strength
Chiisai - Small
Chikai - Close/Nearby
Chikara - External Strength
Chikara Ishi - An Okinawan Stone weight with a handle drilled into it. Used for weight training of the wrists, shoulders, and forearms
Chimei - A term for a technique or strike that if executed with force and accuracy would be fatal
Chokusen - In a straight line
Dai - Big/Large Used to indicate the more complex of a Kata pair(Sho indicates the more simple form)
Danryoku - Flexibility
Dantai - Group/Team
Dasu - To Extend As in to extend an arm, reach out
Deai - When opponents clash in combat
Embu - Martial Arts Demonstration
Embujo - Place where a Martial Arts Demonstration is held
Fuantei - Unbalanced/Disequilibrium
Fudo - Stability
Fudoshin/Fudo no Seishin - Immovable Spirit in which one is not moved or influenced by external forces
Futaridori - Practice against multiple opponents
Gaman - Persevere, Endure
Gokui - Hidden Techniques not usually revealed to the average student
Hairu - To Enter
Hando - Reaction
Hane - Spring/Jump
Hantai - Opposite
Haragei - Personality/Psychology The art of developing Hara
Harau - To Brush Aside/To Sweep
Hareru - To Swell Up
Harikite - A State of Alertness/Vigilance
Hashiru - To Run
Hayai - Fast/Rapid
Heijoshin - Ordinary Mind State of spiritual calm during combat
Hikite - Retractor The Arm going the opposite way to the striking arm
Hiku - To Pull
Hikui - Low
Hira - Flat
Hirshiryo - Action Taken without Thought
Hizamazuku - To Kneel
Hontai - One's Original Essence A state of awareness of this original state
Hyoshi - Timing
Ibuki - Breathing Method to breathe out hard from the lower abdomen
Ichiban - Number One, the Best
Iki - Breath
Ikioi - Impetus, Momentum; The Breath of Life
Ima - Now, Of the Moment
Ippatsu - A Single Blow
Jiyu - Free, Freedom, Liberty
Joshiki - Common Sense
Jozu - Skillful
Juji - To Cross
Jukuren - Mastery
Ka - Person or Practitioner Kaho - Form Training An emphasis on kata in the teaching and training of an art
Kai - Association A martial arts association
Kake - A Hooking Action
Kakushi Buki - Concealed Weapon
Kamaitte - Action
Kampo - Chinese Medicine
Kan Geiko - Cold Training Special winter training sessions held outdoors or in Dojos with the windows open to improve fortitude and fighting spirit
Kappo - The Art of Resuscitation
Karate - Empty Hand
Karate Ni Sente Nashi - There is No First Strike in Karate
Kataki - Enemy/Rival
Kataki Uchi - Vengeance Vendetta
Katameru - To Strengthen/Harden/Fortify/Reinforce
Katate - One-handed
Katsu - The Art of Resuscitation
Katsujin no Ken - The Sword that gives Life The act of overcoming the desire to kill or be victorious
Keiko - Training / instruction
Kekomi - Thrust
Ken - Sword/Fist Term literally referring to a straight sword but often used to describe a type of fist
Kensho Godo - A Zen concept of universal understanding of nature
Ki - The Energy of Life, Breath, Intention
Kiai - Unification of the Vital Spirit done by means of a loud shout while performing a technique
Kiarasoi - Fighting Spirit
Kihon - Basic, Elementary, Fundamental
Kihon Renshu - Basic Training
Kihon Waza - Basic Technique
Kiki - Pull
Kime - Focus
Kimochi - Feeling/Sensation
Kinniku - Muscles
Kiri – Cutting
Kiru - To Cut
Kiso - Base, Foundation, Basics, Fundamentals
Kobudo - Ancient/Classical Martial Ways
Kokoro - Heart, Spirit, Soul
Kokyu - Breath, Breathe
Korosu - To Contain, Control, Kill
Koryu - Classical Martial Arts Traditions or Schools
Koshi Sabaki - Hip Movement
Koshiki - Old Style, Archaic
Kyukei - A Break, A Pause
Ma - Interval, Space, Distance
Ma Ushiro - Directly to the Back
Machi Dojo - A private Dojo
Mae - Front, Forward
Maki - Wrap
Makoto - Sincerity, Honesty, Devotion The pure mind
Manabu - To Learn, To Study
Mannaka - Centre, Midpoint
Marui - Circular
Mawaru - To Spin, Rotate, Turn
Mawashi - Circular, Round
Metsuke - The point where one's vision is focused
Migi - Right
Migi Sumi - Right Corner
Mochi - Grip
Morote - Two Handed, Both Hands, Augmented Hand Technique
Mu - Nothingness, Emptiness Often used to refer to the concept of clearing the mind of any desire or specific intention
Munen Mushin - An empty or clear mind
Munen Muso - A state of no thought, emptiness of mind, clear headed
Musho Go - The Zen principle of not looking for what one seeks
MushotokuZen Non-desire of achieving a goal or receiving a reward
Muso - The Zen act of not thinking
Musubi - A State of Perfection
Muteiko - No Resistance
Mutekatsu - To vanquish one's opponent without combat
Muto - Without a Sword, Unarmed
Nagareru - To Flow, To Run as in running water
Nobasu - To Reach Out, Stretch, Lengthen
Oroshi - A downward strike or block
Osae - To hold down, control, restrict
Otagai - Together, As One
Otoshi - To Drop, To Sweep
Ren - Consecutive
Renmei - League, Federation
Renshu - Exercise, Practice
Rentai Ho - Physical Training
Rigi Ittai - Theory and Technique are One
Riki - Strength, Power
Ryote - Two Handed
Sampai - A formal bow to a Zen Master, involves a seated bow until the forehead touches the floor, with the hands on the side facing palm up
San Nen Goroshi - A secret technique said to kill with a delayed reaction
Sayu - Left and Right
Seiho - An exercise that helps blood flow in the muscle tissue
Seishin - Spirit, Soul
Seishin Tanren - Formation of the Spirit A term often used to describe the formation of a Martial Artist's spirit, like the forging of a sword
Semeru - To Attack
Shicha - Lower, Below (Okinawan)
Shimei - An attack that, if uncontrolled, would have a lethal result
Shin - Mind, Spirit
Shindo - Vibration
Shingi Ittai - Mind and Technique are One A saying in the martial arts that refers to the unity. of intent and action
Shita - Lower, Bottom Part
Shitateru - To Discipline, To Educate
Shizen - Natural, Nature
Shoshin - The Spirit of the Beginner
Shoshinsha - A Novice, A Beginner
Shuchu - Concentration
Sotai - Renshu Training with a Partner
Soto - Outside, Exterior, External
Taiso - Physical Exercise
Tandoku - Renshu Solo Training
Tanren - Strict Training, Discipline, or Drilling
Tate - Standing, Vertical
Te - A name for the early Okinawan empty handed fighting arts
Te Waza - Hand Techniques
Teki - Enemy
Tenchi - Heaven and Earth, Nature, The Universe
Tobi - Jump
Tokui - Favorite
Tsuyoi - Strong
Uchi - Inner, Interior
Ue - Up, Upper, Above
Ue Ni - Upward In an upward direction
Ui - Upper, Above (Okinawan)
Uke Kaeshi - To Block and Counter

Ashi no Ura - Sole of the Foot
Ashi Yubi - Toe(s)
Atama - Head
Chusoku - Ball of the Foot
Empi - Elbow
Gaiwan - Outer Forearm
Haishu - Back of the Hand
Haito - Ridge Hand
Heiken - Fist
Heisoku - Top of the Foot
Hiji - Elbow
Hiraken - Fore Knuckles
Hitai - Forehead
Hiza - Knee
Ibi - Finger (Okinawan)
Ippon Ken - Fist with a Single Knuckle Protruding
Ippon Nukite – One Finger Spear Hand
Josokutei - Ball of the Foot
Kaiko Ken – Crab Shell Fist
Kaishu - The striking edge of the little finger of the hand
Kakato - Heel
Kakete - A Hooking Hand
Kakuto - The Top of the Bent Wrist
Keiko Ken – One Knuckle Fist
Keito - Chicken Beak Striking point using the bunched finger tips
Kentsui - Hammer Fist Bottom of the closed fist
Koshi - Ball of the Foot
Kote - Forearm
Kumade - Bear Paw Hand
Migi Ashi - Right Foot
MigiTe - Right Fist
Nai Wan - inner Forearm
Nakadaka Ippon Ken - Middle Finger Single Knuckle Fist Nakadaka Ken - Middle Finger Knuckle Fist
Nakayubi - Middle Finger
Nakayubi Ippon Ken - Middle Finger Fist
Nihon Nukite - Two Finger Spear hand
Nukite - Spear hand
Oyayubi - Thumb
Riken - Back Fist
Ryuto Ken - Dragon's Head Fist
Seiken - Regular Fist
Seiryuto - Ox Jaw Fist
Shotei - Palm Heel
Shuto - Knife hand
Sokuto - The edge of the foot
Tate Ken – Hammer Blow
Te - Hand, Fist
Tegatana - Sword Hand
Teisho - Palm Heel, Heel of the Palm
Tettsui - Hammer Fist The bottom of the closed fist
Ti - Hand (Okinawan)
Tsumasaki - Tips of the Toes
Uraken - Back Fist
Washi De - Eagle Claw Hand
Yubi - finger

Age Tsuki - Rising Punch (Uppercut)
Awase Tsuki - "U" -Punch
Choku Tsuki - Straight Punch
Chudan Tsuki - Mid Level Punch
Furi Tsuki - Circular/Round House Punch
Ganmen Tsuki - Straight Punch to the Face
Gedan Choku Zuki - Straight Punch to the Lower Level
Gedan Tsuki - Punch to the Lower Level
Gyaku Tsuki - Reverse Punch
Hasami Tsuki - Scissors Punch hits both sides of the target at the same time
Heiko Tsuki - Parallel Punch
Hiraken Tsuki - Fore knuckle Punch
Ippon Ken Tsuki - Thrust with the Middle Knuckle Protruding
Jodan Tsuki - Upper Level Punch
Kagi Tsuki - Hook Punch A short punch in which the fist moves in a short circular hooking motion
Kaiten Jun Zuki - A combination turn and thrusting attack
Kazami Tsuki - Jab Punch
Kizami Tsuki - Leading Punch (Jab)
Maeken Tsuki - Leading Punch (Jab)
Mawashi Tsuki - Roundhouse Punch
Migi Tsuki Right Punch
Morote Tsuki - Two Handed Punch
Nagashi Tsuki - Flowing Punch
Nakadaka Ippon Ken Tsuki - Middle Finger Single Knuckle Punch
Nakadaka Ken Tsuki - Middle Finger Knuckle Fist Punch
Nidan Tsuki - Double Level Punch
Nihon Tsuki - Double Punch
Oi Tsuki - Lunge Punch
Oi Zuki - Lunge Punch
Ren Tsuki - Continuous Punches
Sanbon Tsuki - Triple Punch
Sayu Tsuki - Double Side Punch
Seiken Tsuki - Fore Fist Punch
Shita Zuki - Lower Punch / lower abdomen punch
Shomen (Choku) Tsuki - Front (Straight) Punch
Tate Ken Tsuki - Vertical Fist Punch
Tate Tsuki - Vertical Fist Punch
Teisho Tsuki - Palm Heel Thrust
Tsuki - Punch, Thrust
Tsuki Age - Uppercut
Tsuki Kata - Methods or Forms of Punching and Thrusting
Tsuki Waza - Punching and Thrusting Techniques
Ura Tsuki - Inverted Punch A close punch, palm up
Uraken Shomen Zuki - Back Fist Front Punch A straight back fist thrust to the face or body
Yama Tsuki - Mountain Punch A type of U-Punch

Antei - Balance/Equilibrium/Stability
Anza - Cross-legged Seated Position (Informal)
Aoi - Blue
Arasoi - Dispute/Quarrel
Arigato Gozaimashita - Thank you, for what you have done for me
Asageiko - Morning Practice
Bushi no Nasaki - Compassion of the Warrior According to Bushido, the skills power and strength of the warrior should ultimately be used to protect the weak and enlighten the ignorant
Bushi no Te - Warrior's Hands A term for unarmed martial arts
Bushido - Way of the Warrior The union of martial traditions and strategy with the moral codes of the warrior class, especially as influenced by Neo-Confucian thought
Cha - Brown
Chakugan - To pay attention to, take aim at
Chowa - Harmony
Chugi - Loyalty
Dame - No Good
Dan - Grade Deshi - Disciple/Pupil Seito (regular) and Uchi deshi (live in)
Do - Way Used to denote any Japanese ascetic discipline
Dogi - Training Uniform
Dojo - Place of the Way
Dojo Arashi - Dojo Storming Practice of visiting Dojo to challenge the teacher or students to extort money or make a name for oneself. Also called Dojo Yaburi
Domo - Informal greeting and way of saying thanks
Fuijai - Left (Okinawan)
Fukuju - Obedience
Fureru - To make contact, to touch
Futari - Two Used when referring to people
Futatsu - Two Used as a general counter for any objects
Gaku - Picture in a Dojo, usually of a famous Sensei
Gassho - Zen method of placing the hands together vertically in front of the body to symbolize unity of body and spirit
Gi - Training Uniform
Gi - Justice, Duty, Honor, Humility One of the virtues of Bushido
Giri - Sense of Duty or Obligation arising from Personal Honor and Pride
Go - Five
Godan – 5th degree black belt
Gojo - Five Virtues The Bushido 5 Virtues of: Chi (Wisdom), Gi (Justice), Jin (Benevolence), Rei (Courtesy), and Shin (Fidelity)
Gokyu - Go (5th) Kyu (student)
Gomen Nasai-Sorry, Pardon Me
Hachi- Eight
Hachidan - 8th degree black belt
Hai - Yes (Recognition/understand)
Hajime - Start
Hanshi - Master A Karate Master from 9th to 10th Dan
Hidari - Left
Hombu - Headquarters The school where the Head of Style teaches
Ichi - One
Lie - No (Negative not Rejection)
Ikkyu - Ik (1st) Kyu (student)
Jin - The Confucian concept of benevolence
Jiyu Renshu - Free Practice Free Practice
Joseki - Upper Seat A place of honor in a place or Dojo, the more highly regarded side of the room, farthest from the entrance
Ju - Ten
Judan - 10th degree black belt
Juku Gashira - The senior student of a Dojo or teacher, often, the one who will receive all the teaching and technical knowledge the master has to offer
Jukyu - Ju (10th) Kyu (student)
Jutsu - Art Used to distinguish between the older martial arts that were designed for combat and the more contemporary ones whose purpose is self-cultivation
Kaiden - Complete Transmission One of the highest-level ranks or instructor's licenses awarded in the classical martial arts
Kamae - Fighting Position
Kamidana - God Shelf A Shinto Altar, usually placed on the front wall of a Dojo
Kamiza - God Seat/Upper Seat A position of respect; this term is often used to refer to the front wall of a Dojo, where a scroll, altar or picture of a former teacher or founder of the art is placed
Kancho - The title sometimes given to the head of a Dojo or organization
Kao - Broad focus
Keikogi - Training Uniform
Keirei - A traditional bow or salutation
Kenshusei - Research Student A student who is being groomed to become an instructor
Keppan - Blood Seal An oath or vow taken by a student before being accepted as a disciple in a classical or traditional school of the Martial Arts
Ki O Tsuke - Attention! Command to "Pay Attention!" or "Stand at Attention!" Kiai Martial shout
Kirigami - A low level license given by a Master to a student in some classical Martial Arts schools
Kodo - Ancient/Classical Way
Kohai - Junior Someone of lower rank. The opposite of Sempai
Konbanwa - Good evening
Konichiwa - Good day
Kotae - Answer/Reply
Ku - Nine
Kudan - 9th degree black belt
Kukyu - ku (9th) Kyu (student)
Kun - Oath or Motto use traditional weapons such as bo and eku, as well
Kuro Obi - A Black Belt
Kyoshi - The second of three instructor ranks, usually only given to those who have 7th Dan rank, or no less than 7 yrs after receiving Renshi
Kyu - Level, Class, Rank Used to indicate ranks below Black Belt. Many styles start at 9 or 10 and work up to 1
Matte - Wait
Matte Kudasai - Wait (formal)
Meijin - Someone who has achieved mental, spiritual, and physical perfection in their art
Meiyo - Honor and Reputation
Menkyo Kaiden - License of Complete Transmission Certificate of full proficiency in an art
Michi - Way, Path, Road An alternative reading of the character "-DO" in Karate-DO
Migi - Right
Misogi - Purification of Mind and Body
Miyabi - Courtesy, Refinement The ideal behavior of a samurai
Mokuso - Meditation
Monjin - A disciple or student of a traditional Martial Art
Montei - A disciple or student of a traditional Martial Art
Mudansha - A student who holds only a Kyu grade
Mukyu - Beginner A student who has not yet attained any rank
Nanadan - 7th dan black belt
Nanakyu - Nana (7th) Kyu (student)
Naotte - A command to stand at ease
Narabu - To arrange oneself in a row with other trainees
Ni - Two
Nidan – 2nd dan black belt
Nihon - Two Step/Point
Nikyu - ni (2nd) Kyu (student)
Nukazu Ni Sumu - The Act of Not Drawing the Sword This idea stems from the tradition that the sword was a means of creating and preserving peace rather than making war
Nyumonsha - A student accepted by a traditional school of Martial Arts
Nyunan Shin - Beginner's Mind ,The willingness or ability to receive knowledge
O Hayo Gozaimasu - Good morning
O Negai Shimasu - Please assist me
O Sensei - Great Teacher A term referring to any Revered Master
O Yasumi Nasai - Good night
Obi - Belt
Okinawa-te - Okinawa Fist (Early term for Karate)
Okuden - Secret (hidden) Teachings
Onegai Shimasu - "If you please" Often said before entering a Dojo, as a way to ask for permission to come in, or when asking someone to practice
Otagai Ni - Together (Everyone)
Otagai Ni Rei - Bow together with the others A command for the class to show respect to each other
Rei - Bow, Courtesy
Reigi Saho - Courtesy, Manners, Formal Etiquette
Renshi - The first of three instructor ranks, usually a 6th Dan ranking is required, although this rank is technically independent from the Kyu / Dan system
Ri - Principle, Reason
Ritsu Rei - Standing Bow
Roku - Six
Rokudan – 6th dan black belt
Rokukyu - roku (6th) Kyu (student)
San - Three
Sanbon - Three-step/Point
Sandan – 3rd dan black belt
Sankyu - Go (3rd) Kyu (student)
Sayonnara - Goodbye
Seiza - A formal kneeling position used in all the Japanese Martial Arts
Sempai - Senior (Instructor) One's Senior, the opposite of Kohai
Sempai Ni Rei - Bow to the Senior
Sensei - Teacher, Professor, Doctor - respected teacher of a martial art. Usually a Instructor of 3rd Dan or above
Sensei Ni Mawatte - Turn toward the Instructor A command to turn toward the instructor
Sensei Ni Rei - Bow to the Instructor A command given during the ceremony before/after training to show respect to the Teacher
Shi - Four
Shichi - Seven
Shihan - Master Teacher
Shimoseki - The lower part of a Dojo, where the beginners and junior students sit or stand
Shimoza - The lower ranked area of the Dojo, on the opposite side from the shrine
Shitsu rei shimasu - Excuse Me
Shomen - The Front The front wall of a Dojo, the place of honor, usually where a shrine, scroll or picture is located
Shomen Ni Rei - Bow to the Front The first command in the ceremonies before and after a class
Shomen signifies one's beliefs, religion, creed to Karate as a whole. Sokuto - Immediate Response/Answer
Tanden - Center
Uchideshi - Live-in Disciple A student who lives and trains with a master
Wakarimasen - I Don't Understand
Wakarimasu - I Understand
Wakarimasu Ka - Do You Understand?
Yame - Stop
Yoi - Ready
Yondan – 4th dan black belt
Yonkyu - yon (4th) Kyu (student)
Yudansha - Black Belt
Zanshin - "Remaining Mind" Point focus A state of alertness or attentiveness that is stressed during sparring and maintained after executing a technique
Zarei - Seated Bow

Chudan no Kamae - Mid Level Ready Position
Gedan no Kamae - Lower Level Ready Position
Gohon Kumite - 5 Step Sparring
Gyaku Hanmi - Reverse Position Opponents have opposite feet forward
Hanmi no Kamae - Opponents have same feet forward 45 degree stance
Ippon Kumite - One Point Sparring
Jippon Kumite - Ten Step Sparring Exercise with one person executing ten separate attacks and the other defending
Jissen Kumite - Real Combat A training bout that approximates real fighting
Jiyu Ippon Kumite - Free One Point Sparring A free sparring match in which the first person to make a valid full point, wins the bout
Jiyu Kumite - Free Sparring
Jodan no Kamae - Upper Level Ready Position
Ju Ippon Kumite - Semi-free One-step Sparring
Ju Kumite - Free Sparring
Junin Gake - An exercise where one person fights 10 consecutive opponents
Kachinuki (-Shiai) - A training drill in which one trainee faces 10consecutive attacks from a series of opponents
until he is defeated He is then replaced by the victor, who faces those remaining
Kihon Ippon Kumite - Basic One-step Sparring Kihon Kumite - Basic Sparring Practice
Kihon Nihon Kumite - Basic Two-step Sparring Kihon Kumite - Basic Sparring Practice
Kihon Sanbon Kumite - Basic Three-step Sparring Kihon Kumite - Basic Sparring Practice
Kumite - Sparring
Maeba - A ready position used for kumite
Morote no Kamae - Augmented hand fighting posture
Sagurite no Kamae - Searching Hands Ready Position
Sanbon Kumite - Three-step Sparring
Shizen Dachi no Kamae - Natural fighting posture
Shizen no Kamae - Natural Position A ready position in an upright, comfortable, and natural attitude
Suiken no Kamae - Drunken Fighting Posture
Tenchi no Kamae - Heaven and Earth Position
Uchi Komi - Promised Sparring An exercise with promised techniques for refining counters
Waza Wo Korosu - To attack the opponent's incoming attack, rather that the opponent
Yakusoku Kumite - Pre-arranged Sparring Pre-arranged practice in pairs

Bensoku Dachi - Crossed Legs Stance
Fudo Dachi - Immovable Stance
Fudo Shisei - A ready position stance with the feet together
Futa Ashi Dachi - Two Legged Stance
Hachiji Dachi - Natural stance (feet shoulder width apart toes slightly pointed out)
Hachijinoji Dachi - Stationary Position
Han Heiko Dachi - Half Parallel Stance A little closer than Heiko
Han Shiko Dachi - Half Straddle Leg Stance
Han Zenkutsu Dachi - Half front stance (Short Zenkutsu dachi)
Hangetsu Dachi - Half Moon Stance Wide Hourglass Stance
Hanmi - A ready position stance with the feet staggered and the body facing 45 degrees
Hanmi no Neko Dachi - Half turned Cat Stance
Heian Dachi - Peaceful Stance
Heiko Dachi - Parallel Stance
Heisoku Dachi - Closed Foot Stance An Attention Stance with the feet together
Hidari Kokutsu Dachi - Left Foot Forward Back Stance
Hidari Neko Ashi Dachi - Left Foot Forward Cat Foot Stance
Hidari Zenkutsu Dachi - Left Foot Forward Front Stance
Jigotai - Stance in which the legs are bent, with the front foot pointing forward, and the back foot pointing to the side
Ju Dachi - Free Stance
Kake Dachi - Hook Stance
Kamae - A Combative Engagement Stance or Posture
Kamae Kata - Methods of Assuming and Holding
Kiba Dachi - Straddle Leg/Horse Riding Stance
Kokutsu Dachi - Back Stance
Kosa Dachi - Crossed Leg Stance
Mahanmi no Neko Ashi Dachi -Cat Foot Stance with the Body Angled 45 Degrees
Migi Shizentai - Right Natural Stance A natural stance with the right leg forward
Musubi Dachi - Open Foot Stance Formal Attention Stance
Neko Ashi Dachi - Cat Foot Stance
Renoji Dachi - Japanese Character ''Re'' Stance A stance with the feet in an "L" shape, Like the character
Ryo Ashi - Both Feet
Ryubi Dachi - Dragon Tail Stance
Sagi Ashi Dachi - Heron Foot Stance
Sanchin Dachi - Hourglass Stance
Sesan Dachi - Side Facing Straddle Stance
Shiko Dachi - Straddle Leg Stance Deep strengthening stance, two hip widths wide, with the toes pointing out to 45 degrees
Shizentai - Natural Stance
Sochin Dachi - Diagonal Straddle Leg Stance
Tachi - Stance
Tachi Kata - Methods of Standing
Teji Dachi - T-Stance
Tsuru Ashi Dachi - Crane Leg Stance Crane Stance
Uchi Hachiji Dachi - Inward Figure Eight Stance A stance with the toes pointing inward and resembling the Kanji character for "8"
Uke Dachi - Blocking Stance
Uki Ashi Dachi - Floating Leg Stance A blocking stance resembling a large Neko Ashi Dachi
Zenkutsu Dachi - A very common forward stance
Zenkutsu Dachi - Front/Bending Forward Stance A very common forward stance

Age Uchi - Rising Strike
Ago Uchi - Jaw Strike
Atemi Waza - Strikes to Vital Points
Boshiken Uchi - Thumb Fist Strike
Empi Uchi - Elbow Strike
Eri Dori - Lapel Grab
Fumi Uchi - A strike done while moving forward
Haishu Uchi - Open Back Hand Strike
Haito Uchi - Ridge Hand Strike
Haiwan Uchi - Back Wrist/Arm Strike
Heiken Uchi - Middle Phalanx Fist Strike
Hiji Uchi/Ate - Elbow Strike
Hira Hasami Uchi - Flat Scissors Strike
Hiraken Uchi - Foreknuckle Strike
Ippon Nukite Uchi - One Finger Thrust Strike
Kaiko Ken Uchi - Crab Shell Fist Strike Flat Fist Strike (Middle Knuckles)
Keiko Ken Uchi - Phoenix-eye Fist Strike
Keito Uchi - Chicken Beak Strike A pecking strike with the bunched fingertips
Kentsui Uchi - Hammer Fist/Bottom Fist Strike A strike with the bottom of the closed fist
Ko (Ken) Uchi - Bent Wrist Strike
Koko Uchi – Tiger Mouth Strike
Kote Uchi - Forearm Strike
Kumade Uchi - Bear Paw Strike with the partially clenched hand and palm.
Mae Empi Uchi - Forward Elbow Strike
Mae Hiji Ate - Forward Elbow Strike
Mawashi Empi Uchi - Roundhouse Elbow Strike
Mawashi Uchi - Roundhouse Strike
Morote Uchi - Two Handed Strike
Nakadaka Ippon Ken Uchi - Middle Finger Knuckle Fist Strike
Nihon Nukite Uchi - Two Finger Thrust Strike
Nukite Uchi - Spear hand Strike
Otoshi Empi Uchi - Downward Elbow Strike
Sage Uchi - A Downward Strike
Seiryuto Uchi - Ox Jaw Strike Edge of the hand near the wrist, most often employed against the collar bone
Shotei Ate - Palm Heel Strike
Shotei Uchi - Palm Heel Strike
Shuto Uchi - Knifehand Strike
Tate Empi Uchi - Vertical Elbow Strike
Tegatana Uchi - Sword Hand Strike
Teisho Uchi - Palm Heel Strike
Tettsui Uchi - Hammer Fist Strike
Tobi Tettsui Uchi - Jumping Hammer Fist Strike
Uraken Uchi - Back Fist Strike
Ushiro Empi Uchi - Backward Elbow Strike
Washi De Uchi - Eagle Hand Strike
Yoko Empi Uchi - Sideward Elbow Strike
Yubi Hasami Uchi - Finger Pinch Strike

Ana - Hole/Opening
Chika Ma - A close range position in which either opponent can attack without stepping forward
Enzan no Metsuke - Looking (as if) at a Distant Mountain A method of looking at an opponent without being caught by what one sees
Genshi - Intuition The ability to second guess the attackers intentions
Go no Sen - Reactive Initiative to wait until an attacker has launched an attack before executing a counter
Gorin no Sho - The Book of Five Rings/Spheres The work by Miyamoto Musashi on Tactics and Strategy, often regarded as one of the best on the subject
Kaeshi - A counter technique
Kan - Intuition
Kanden no Metsuke - Seeing with Both the Eyes and the Spirit
Kao - Broad Focus
Kobo Itchi - A combative concept in which the distinction between defense and attack disappears and all defenses are intended to inflict damage
Kuzushi - Disequilibrium To break the opponent's balance
Maai - A concept that combines the motions of space, distance, timing and opportunity
Meibuken - Enlightened/Bright Martial Fist the name used by Vagi Meitoku to refer to the fighting applications taught at his Meibukan School
Mizu no Kokoro - A Heart like Water This concept denotes absolute tranquility and lack of emotional distraction or turmoil
Mushin - An Empty or Clear Mind A mind not fixed on anything and open to everything
Nagashi - To avoid, to Sidestep an attack
Nerai - To Aim
Nidan Waza - The second technique in a series of attacks
Nogareru - To Escape
Oji Waza - A technique of anticipating the opponent's attack and stiking before the attacks are delivered
Sakeru - To Avoid
Sasoi - To Lure, to draw someone or something closer to oneself
Sen - Initiative to anticipate an attack
Sen no Sen - Simultaneous Initiative To launch an attack at the same time as one's opponent
Senryaku - Strategy
Sensen no Sen - Preemptive Initiative to attack during the interval between when the opponent decides to attack and when they launch the attack

Abara - Ribs
Ago - Jaw
Akiresu Ken - Achilles Tendon
Ashi - Leg/Foot
Ashi Yubi - Toes
Ashikubi - Ankle
Atama - Head
Bitei - Vital Point at the Bottom of the Spine (Acupressure)
Chimu - Liver (Okinawan)
Chipuru - Head (Okinawan)
Chudan - Body target area/Mid Section
Chukitsu - Vital Point in the Fold of the Elbow (Acupressure)
Chushin - Heart (Centre)
Dokko - Pressure Point in the hollow behind the jawbone and below the ears
Empi - Elbow
Eri - Lapel
Erikubi - Nape or Back of the Neck
Fuku - Heart (Okinawan)
Fukubu - Abdomen
Futokoro - Chest
Gan - Eye
Ganka - Vital Point located between the fifth and sixth rib (Acupressure)
Ganmen - Face/Front of the Head
Gawa - Side
Gedan - Groin target area/Lower Section
Guai - Shoko Vital point on the back side of the Fist
Hada - Skin
Hai - Lung
Hana - Nose
Hara - Stomach Heiki - Arms
Heisoku - Top of the Foot
Hichu - Vital Point located below the throat on the suprasternal notch
Hiji - Elbow
Hitai - Forehead
Hiza - Knee
Hiza Gashira - Knee Cap
Hiza Kansetsu - Knee Joint
Hizo - Spleen
Ho - Cheek
Hone - Bone
Ibukuro - Stomach
Inazuma - Liver
Jin - Muscles Tendons
Jinchu (Jodan) - Vital Point above the top lip and under the nose at the suture of the bone
Jinzo - Kidney
Jodan - Head target area/Upper Level
Kaiaku - A vital point located on the hand
Kakato - Heel
Kami - Hair
Kansetsu - Joint
Kanzo - Liver
Kasumi - Temples
Kata - Shoulder
Kawa - Side
Keichu - A Vital point located on the nape of the neck
Kintama - Groin/Testicles
Kinteki (Gedan) - Groin/Testicles
Ko - Nose
Koreisai - A vital point located on the top of the foot
Koshi - Waist, Hips
Kubi - Neck
Kyobu - Chest
Kyokutsu - The Sternum, The Breast Bone
Kyusho - Vital Point
Me - Eyes
Mi - Eyes (Okinawan)
Mimi - Ear
Muko - Forehead (Okinawan)
Mumi - Kidney (Okinawan)
Mune - Chest
Myojo - A vital point located five centimeters below the navel
Nito Kin - Biceps
Omote - The Front The obvious, visible front area of a target, opposite of "Ura"
Sakotsu - Collar Bone, Clavicle
Santo Kin - Triceps
Seika Tanden - A vital point used for resuscitation, located about 10 cm below the navel. Considered to the source for
Ki generation I concentration
Senaka - Back, Spine
Shakumyaku - A vital point on the wrist
Shita - Tongue
Shita Ago - A vital point on the lower jaw
Shuko - A vital point located on the back of the hand, at the base of the thumb
Suigetsu (Chudan) - The pit of the stomach
Taki - Spleen (Okinawan)
Tanden - The lower abdomen, center of gravity and "Ki"
Tekubi - Wrist
Tento - A vital point at the top of the skull
Ude - Arm
Ude Kubi - Wrist
Udi - Arm (Okinawan)
Uko - The nerve that runs along the side of the neck
Uto - A pressure point at the base of the nose, between the eyes
Wata - Belly, Abdomen (Okinawan)
Zenwan - Forearm