A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Confused between your Shiko Dachi and Heko Dachi then check out our karate glossary of terms to educate yourself on some of the traditional Japanese karate words that we use during our martial arts training.
It may seem daunting at first when you train with us at Brisbane Goju Karate but you should know that each martial arts instructor has gone down the same journey you are taking now and you are free to ask them as many questions as you like.
Training in Japanese not only makes training interesting by providing a mental challenge as well as a physical challenge but it also helps you to learn specific techniques over time. The karate techniques we teach are a lot different to what you might think a standard kick or punch is before you started training in karate. Tsuki (punch in Japanese) is a lot different to the idea of a punch from boxing or even Kung Fu.
Naturally this means it is a lot easier in the long run to learn karate techniques by speaking in Japanese.
Just click through the alphabet above and familiarise yourself with the terms that you are listening to during karate classes.
If certain words confuse you please feel free to ask one of the martial arts instructors at your next training session.
Arigato Gozaimasu!
A
AGE (ah gay)
Rising or raising
AGE HIJIATE (ah gay, hee jee ah tay)
Rising vertical elbow smash
AGE UKE (ah gay, oo kay)
Rising upper block; also known Jodan Uke
AGO (ah go)
Chin — Commonly used for correct chin positioning in sanchin dachi.
AKAOBI (ah kah oh bee)
Red belt, worn only by the Grand Master and competitors in tournaments
ANZA (ahn zaa)
Sitting cross legged on the floor; the correct way to be seated when directed by an instructor
ARIGATO GOZAIMASHITA (ah ree gah toh, goh zah ee maash tah)
‘Thank you very much’—used to acknowledge the Sensei or Shihan
ASHI (ah shee)
Foot, as in Neko Ashi, Tsugi Ashi, Sagi Ashi or the cat foot stance, shuffle foot manoeuvre, or the crane foot form
ATE KATA (ah tay, kah tah)
Exercise form describing the smashing effect of the elbow, knee or heal palm strike
AYUMI ASHI (ah yoo mee, ah shee)
Walking step; as used in the manoeuvring exercise
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B
BARAI (bah rah ee)
A wide swing; as in a downward block like Gedan Barai
BUNKAI (boong kah ee)
Pre-arranged interpretation of form; components of the Kata (form or pattern) demonstrated to show meaning as in a sparring exercise
BUSHI (bush ee)
Warrior
BUSHIDO (bush ee, doh)
The way of the warrior; warrior way
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C
CHAOBI (cha oh bee)
Brown belt
CHOJUN MIYAGI (cho joon, mee yah gee)
Founder of the Goju Ryu; he resided in the city of Naha, on the southern island of Okinawa (1883–1953)
CHUDAN (choo dunn)
Middle or mid section
CHUDAN SEIKEN ZUKI (choo dunn, say ken, zoo kee)
Middle thrusting punch
CHUDAN UKE (choo dunn, oo kay)
Middle block or mid section parrying block; see also Yoko Uke
CHUSHIN (choo sheen)
Pivoting; specific hip thrust for added power in the delivery of a thrusting strike
CHUSHIN HIKE ZUKI (choo sheen, hee kee, zoo kee)
Pivoting hip with thrusting punch, immediately recovering to recoiled position alongside the body and original stance; a technique designed for coordination, mobility and speed
CHUSHIN TOME ZUKI (choo sheen, toh may, zoo kee)
Pivoting hip with thrusting punch remaining extended, executed from the lowered squatting stance
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D
DACHI (dah chee)
Stance; see also Tachi
DAN (dunn)
Black belt rating in degrees, e.g. Shodan, Nidan, Sandan; see also Yudansha (black belt grading level)
DO GI (doh, gii) or KEKO GI (kay koh, gii)
Uniform
DOJO (doh joh)
Place of training
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E
EMBU (emm boo)
Demonstration or presentation, as in performance
EMBUSEN (emm boo sen)
Demonstration line; competition terminology for where performer starts and finishes while performing Kata
EMPEI (emm pay)
Elbow strike
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F
FU KYU KATA (foo, kee oo, kah tah)
Elementary category—Taikyoku to Gekesai Kata; this term is not necessarily used except for identifying the category of Kata
FUDO KUMITE (foo doh, koo mee tay)
Stationary sparring at arms length distance; application of this training engages two partners in basic sparring while in Hieko Dachi
FURI UCHI (foo ree, oo chee)
Roundhouse snapping strike with the back of a clenched fist; movement of the arm starts from the small of the back with a similar action of a branch withdrawn, held temporarily, then released with a swinging snap on contact
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G
GEDAN (gay dunn)
Lower, as in lower target areas of the body
GEDAN BARAI (gay dunn, bah rah ee)
Downward block to the lower area (correct descriptive form of the downward block)
GEDAN HARAI UKE (gay dunn, haa rah ee, oo kay)
A downward block as in Gedan Barai or Gedan Harai Otoshi
GEDAN SEIKEN ZUKI (gay dunn, say ken, zoo kee)
Lower thrusting punch
GEDAN UKE (gay dunn, oo kay)
A shortened version of the command for Gedan Barai
GEKESAI BUNKAI (gay kee sigh, boong kaa ee)
Pre-arranged interpretation of the Gekesai Kata
GEKESAI DAI ICH (gay kee sigh, dah ee, itch)
Form combining the lower grade progression of movements, but expressed with a graduated precision distinct from a beginner
GEKESAI DAI NI (gay kee sigh, dah ee, nee)
The last form of the elementary grade level, similar to the Gekesai Ich form, but distinguished by its open hand techniques and the use of cat stance on
completion
GEKESAI KATA (gay kee sigh, kah tah)
This is translated as basic form; pattern developed by the founder of Goju Ryu to supplement the manoeuvring exercises of the basic training format
GERI (gay ree)
Kick; see also Keri.
GO (goh)
Hard as in Goju (hard/soft); also number five (5) when counting in Japanese
GODAN (goh dunn)
5th dan black belt
GOGEN YAMAGUCHI (goh gan, yah mah goo chee)
10th dan Hanshi or Grand Master of the international Karatedo Goju-Kai (1909–1989)
GOJU (goh joo)
Hard and soft; also number fifty (50) when counting in Japanese
GOJU-KAI (goh joo, kah ee)
Hard and soft organisation; founded in by Gogen Yamaguchi Hanshi after salvaging the remnants of the pre-war Goju School
GOKURO SAN (goh koo roh, sun)
Teacher’s compliment of ‘Thank you for doing what they expected of you’
GOKYU (goh kee oo)
No, not a Super Seiyan Warrior from the Planet Vegeta! 5th kyu; intermediate grade level
GOSHIN JITSU (goh shee, jeet soo)
Self defence
GYAKU ZUKI (yah koo, zoo kee)
Reverse thrusting punch
GYAKUSOKU KUMITE (yah koo soh koo, koo mee tay)
Pre-arranged sparring
GYAKUTE WAZA (yah koo tay, wah zah)
Locking techniques; arresting or holding techniques contained in Kata utilised for self defence and pre-arranged sparring
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H
HABUSHI WAZA (haa boo shee, wah zah)
Deflecting techniques, e.g. upper block, parrying block, open palm blocks, etc.
HACHI (haa chee)
Number eight (8) when counting in Japanese
HACHI KYU (haa chee, kee oo)
8th kyu grade level
HAI (haa ee)
‘Yes I understand’—an acknowledgement when assisted
HAITO UCHI (haa ee toh, oo chee)
Roundhouse snapping strike with the firmly positioned inner ridge of the hand; movement of arm starts from the small of the back with a similar action of a branch withdrawn, held temporarily, then released with a swing
HAJIME (haa jee may)
Start or begin
HAN YOINIBUKI (hunn, yoh inn ee boo kee)
Half hard and soft breathing exercise; breathing and release of air with the restrained sound by way of the mouth being opened slightly for air passage on release; the sound should be like a huttt… with the same effect as Ibuki
HAN ZENKUTSU DACHI (hunn, zenn koot soo, dah chee)
Half lunge stance or shortened lunge stance; also shortened to Han Kutso Dachi
HAN ZENKUTSU DACHI MAWASHI GERI (hunn, zenn koot soo, dah chee, mah wah shee, gay ree)
Half lunge stance executing a roundhouse kick off the back foot to advance
HANKUTSU DACHI (hunn koot soo, dah chee)
Half lunge stance executed forward or back
HANSHI (hunn shee)
Master rank of 8th dan and above
HANTAI (hunn tah ee)
Change from left to right or right to left
HANTAI NI (hun tie, nee)
The opposite side; used as a command to announce the partner’s turn for the application of a technique
HARAI OTOSHI (haa rah ee, oh tosh ee)
Downward block with a circular movement; see also Gedan Barai
HAYAI (haa yah ee)
Fast or speed, as in acceleration; a command to deliver techniques with speed
HEIHO (hey ho)
An attitude of readiness and composure; well aware of defensive positioning
HIEKO DACHI (hey koh, dah chee)
Standing with feet shoulder width apart, fist clenched and held to the exterior side of the legs; the third non-functional stance; see also Yoi No Kamae, the ready stance
HEISOKU DACHI (hey soh koo, dah chee)
Standing feet together from heels to toes; the first of the non-functional stances
HIDARI (hee dah ree)
Left, as directional or left hand, left side, left foot, etc.
HIJIATE (hee jee ah tay)
Elbow smash or strike; Hiji being an elbow and Ate describing the hit or smash
HIKI (hee kee)
Withdraw; an action of immediate recovery on executed strikes or kicks for repeated delivery of same technique; also used as an advantage for combination strategy
HIKI AYUMI ASHI (hee kee, ah yoo mee, ah shee)
Pull back the leading foot and step out with the back foot to reach the desired distance; manoeuvring stance used in the advance level of training
HIKI TE (hee kee, tay)
Withdrawing a punch with speed equal to its delivery
HIKI ZUKI (hee kee, zoo kee)
Thrusting punch with immediate withdrawal; delivered as specified, either upper or middle thrusting punches
HIZA GERI (hee zah, gay ree)
Knee rising kick
HOMBU (hom boo)
Headquarters
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I
IBUKI (ee boo kee)
Breathing in and out, or natural breath; see also the Han Yo Inibuki, Inibuki and Yoibuki
ICHI (ee chee)
Number one (1) when counting in Japanese; often pronounced as Ich
IKKYU (ee kee yoo)
3rd kyu grade level
IKYUDO (ee kee yoo doh)
The command given to combine movements in one given count
INIBUKI (inn ee boo kee)
Nasal breathing with regulated timing according to the executed movement; the soft breathing exercise that compliments the basic form
INU KAMAE (ee noo, kah maa ee)
The dog paw form/position; taken from the Sanseru Kata
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J
JODAN (joh dunn)
Upper level
JODAN SEIKEN ZUKI (joh dunn, say ken, zoo kee)
Upper thrusting punch
JODAN UKE SHITA-BARAI (joh dunn, oo kay, shee tah, bah rah ee)
Upper rising block and downward block combination
JOKYO (joh kee oh)
An instructor assigned a branch independent of the mainstream, but still attached by virtue of affiliation; the instructor would be of the 4th dan grade level
JYU KYU (joo, kee oo)
10th kyu grade level, beginners rank
JYU or JU (joo)
Soft as in Goju, Ju being the soft; also the number ten (10) when counting in Japanese
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K
KAI (kaa ee)
Organisation, association, group or company
KAICHO (kaa ee cho)
The President of an association or organisation
KAISHU KATA (kaa ee shoo, kah tah)
Advance category of forms featuring open hand movements such as Saifa, Seinchin, etc.
KAISO (kaa ee soh)
Founder or originator; formal title given to Master Chojun Miyagi; see also Chojun Miyagi
KAKATO GERI (kah kah toh, gay ree)
Downward heel kick forward or to the rear as directed; a high leg rising motion to a lower downward heel kick applied to a fallen opponent; mainly found in tournament sparring, originated by the Taekwondo practitioners
KAKE UKE (kah kay, oo kay)
Open hand semi-circular deflecting block; described as a windscreen wiper form
KAKE UKE ICH (kah kay, oo kay, itch)
Formal pattern executed using the open hand semi-circular block in combination with a front kick and vertical elbow smash; see also Taikyoku Kake Uke
KAKE UKE NI (kah kay, oo kay, nee)
The second formal pattern in the Kake Uke series; see also Taikyoku Kake Uke
KAMAE (kah maa ee)
Form position, like a fighter who shapes up in a defensive posture or a fencer holding his sword at the ready
KAMAE-TE (kah maa ee, tay)
A formal command to execute the form position; this word is not written in the text but is frequently used during training
KANCHO (kanh cho)
Head of the system or Senior Director of an organisation
KANSETSU GERI (kahn sat soo, gay ree)
Knee joint kick, done with the blade of the foot using a downward snap or thrust
KARATE DO (kah rah tay doh)
Empty hand way
KATA (kah tah)
Formal pattern or form; an arrangement of kicks and strikes demonstrating defence in all directions; considered the back bone of Karate do as a clear composite of the art form and the physical practice
KEIKO YASUME (kay koh, yah soo may)
A verbal command which announces the completion of training or end of a session
KEKOGI (kay koh gee)
Uniform or training attire; see also Doji
KEKOMI GERI (kay koh mee, gay ree)
A downward slash with the outer section of the heel and blade of the foot, usually executed on a fallen opponent
KENSHUSEI (ken shoo say)
The master’s intern instructor/s usually found in main headquarters of divisional chapters (the Hombu of the established full time Sensei); they are to be addressed as Sempai during this stage of their career
KEOTSUKI (kay oht soo kee)
Come to attention; this word is not written in the text but is frequently used during training
KERI (kay ree)
Kick; see also Geri
KERI KOMI (kay ree, koh mee)
Thrusting front kick advancing off the back foot; implemented while in manoeuvring exercise or to gain distance with the thrusting kick
KIAI (kee ay)
A sharp sounding yell projecting inner strength, executed with timing to give power to a technique
KIHON (kee hon)
Basic techniques
KIHON IDO (kee hon, ee doh)
Basic movements, as in manoeuvring exercises or specified drills
KIHON IDO ICH (kee hon, ee doh, itch)
Basic movements number one; first series of compulsory basic movements done by the elementary grade level
KIHON KATA (kee hon, kah tah)
Basic techniques devised in a formal pattern, e.g. Sanchin and Tensho
KIHON KUMITE (kee hon, koo mee tay)
Fundamental basic sparring; done progressively through the stances of Sanchin Dachi, Zenkutsu Dachi and Shiko Dachi Yonjugodo
KIME (kee may)
Focusing on timing, accuracy and speed
KIN GERI (keen, gay ree)
Groin kick
KIROBI (kee roh bee)
Yellow belt
KIYOSHI (kee yoh shee)
Master teacher of 6th and 7th dan ranks
KOHKOTSU DACHI (koh kot soo, dah chee)
Back stance or forward leg extended lean back stance
KUKYU (kook kee oo)
9th kyu grade level
KUMITE (koo mee tay)
Sparring; engaging two practitioners to exercise their skills, graduating from basic drills to a free style open range combat
KUROBI (koo roh bee)
Black belt
KYOGI KUMITE (kee yah gee, koo mee tay)
Defensive sparring
KYOREN (kee oh ren)
3rd dan black belt not associated in teaching
KYU (kee yoo)
Number nine (9) when counting in Japanese; also refers to grade levels below black belt, e.g. 10th kyu, 9th kyu, 8th kyu, etc.
KYU JUDO (kee oo joo doh)
Ninety degree (90°) direction
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M
MAAI (mah ah ee)
Distance; necessary skill for combative engagement such as sparring, pre-arranged sparring, Bunkai and Goshin Jitsu (self defence tactics)
MAE (my)
Front (when referring to direction of attack)
MAE GERI (my, gay ree)
Front kick; a thrusting frontal kick with the foot extended, emphasising the ball of the foot as the point of contact
MASSUGU (mah soo goo)
Straight forward; this word is not written in the text but is frequently used during training
MAWASHI GERI (mah wah shee, gay ree)
Roundhouse kick; usually delivered head height
MAWASHI HIJATE (mah wah shee, hee jee, ah tay)
Horizontal elbow smash; Mawashi being the round movement utilising the horizontal elbow strike
MAWASHI ICH (mah wah shee, itch)
Fifth pattern in the beginner Kata series Taikyoku; round circular block with a combination of a horizontal elbow smash, back fist snap strike, downward block and reverse thrusting punch
MAWASHI NI (mah wah shee, nee)
The same as Mawashi Ich but with two additional combinations of the round circular block and elbow, back fist snap strike, downward block and reverse punch; see also Taikyoku Mawashi Ich and Ni
MAWASHI UKE (mah wah shee, oo kay)
Round circular block with short forward heel palm thrust
MAWATE (mah wah tee)
Crossover to change direction; this word is not written in the text but is frequently used during training
MEIGIN (may giin)
Posthumous honour of Master of the highest honour
MIDORI OBI (mee doh ree, oh bee)
Green belt
MIGI (mee gee)
Right, as directional or right hand, right side, right foot, etc.
MIZUOCHI NO KAMAE (mee zoo oh chee, noh, kah maa ee)
Sparring form with arms positioned in a tight central line defence, mainly to protect the upper abdominal area or the solar-plexus
MOICHIDO (moh ee chee doh)
Repeat or perform once more; this word is not written in the text but is frequently used during training
MOKUSO (moh koo soh)
Meditation or bringing your mind to present time
MOROTE ZUKI (moh roh tay, zoo kee)
Double fist thrusting punch
MOTO DACHI (moh toh, dah chee)
Fighting stance; three quarter stance or lunge stance with a shortened reach by one step, equal weight distribution on both feet allowing easier take off; stance developed for competition sparring
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N
NAGASHI UKE (nah gah shee, oo kay)
The open palm block; a brushing like motion of the open hand causing a deflecting block
NAGE WAZA (nah gay, wah zah)
Throwing technique
NANA (nah nah)
Number seven (7) when counting in Japanese; see also Shichi
NANA HON KUMITE (nah nah, hon, koo mee tay)
Seven-point pre-arranged sparring
NAORIMASU (nah oh res maas)
Finish or complete; see also Owari
NAOTE or NAORE (nah oh tay OR nah or ray)
Resume position or return to attention after completing a given exercise
NEKO ASHI DACHI (nay koh, ah shee, dah chee)
Cat foot stance
NEKO ASHI DACHI NEKO ASHI NO KAMAE (nay koh, ah shee, dah chee, nay koh, ah shee, noh, kah maa ee)
Cat foot stance with the fighting form representing the cat, poised in preparation for sparring
NEKO ASHI IDO (nay koh, ah shee, ee doh)
Manoeuvring exercise in the cat stance fighting form
NI (nee)
Number two (2) when counting in Japanese
NIDAN (nee dunn)
2nd dan black belt
NIHON (nee hon)
Double or two of the same
NIHON SEIKEN ZUKI or NIHON ZUKI (nee hon, say ken, zoo kee OR nee hon, zoo kee)
Double thrusting punches, executed one after the other in rapid succession
NIKYU (nee que)
2nd kyu grade level
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O
OBI (oh bee)
Belt
OI ZUKI (oh ee, zoo kee)
Lunging punch; thrusting reach as opposed to a jab
ONAJI WAZA (oh nah jee, wah zah)
Same technique; this word is not written in the text but is frequently used during training
OSHIRO MASAICHI (oh shee roh, mah sah ee chee)
Master Teacher (Shihan) of the Hawaii Division of Goju Kai; teacher and mentor of Tino Ceberano Hanshi, former Chief Instructor of Goju Kai Australia
OSU (ohss)
A formal verbal greeting of karate students to acknowledge each other, especially senior black belts
OTAGI NI (oh tah gee, nee)
Bowing to each other with respect when preparing to engage in practices such as sparring or when completing an exercise; bowing procedures at the start and end of a training session
OTOSHI ATE (oh toh shee, ah tay)
Downward elbow smash
OWARI (oh wah ree)
Finish, end or complete; see also Renshu Owarimasu
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R
REI (ray)
Bow; formal respect rendered with the humble gesture of a nod, lowering of the upper body shows humble acknowledgement, and lowering the upper body to a horizontal position displays a formal acknowledgement of respect
RENOJI DACHI (ray no jee, dah chee)
Natural stance or preparatory stance to the cat foot stance; the feet are positioned in the cat foot stance but the forward foot remains on the floor (compared to the raised foot position in the cat foot stance)
RENSHU (ren shoo)
A command used during training
RENSHU OWARIMASU (ren shoo, oh wah ree maas)
End of session, announced at the finish of a session
RENZOKU (ren zoh koo)
Combination e.g. doubles, triple
RENZOKU ZUKI or REN ZUKI (ren zoh koo, zoo kee OR ren, zoo kee)
Combination of thrusting punches executed on specific drill commands, e.g. a single thrust with one fist, followed by the thrusting of the other fist and immediately withdrawing to a recoiled position
ROKU (roh koo)
Number six (6) when counting in Japanese
ROKU DAN (roh koo dunn)
6th dan black belt
RYU (ree yoo)
Style, e.g. Goju Ryu or hard-soft style
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S
SAIFA (sah ee fah)
First of the advance forms; part of the Kaishu Kata or open hand category forms
SAIFA BUNKAI (sah ee fah, boog kaa ee)
Pre-arranged interpretation of the first advance form
SAN (sunn)
Number three (3) when counting in Japanese
SANBON (sunn bonn)
Three of a kind; triple, e.g. Sanbon Geri—three kicks
SANBON KUMITE (sunn bonn, koo mee tay)
A three step offence and defense basic sparring sequence
SANBON SEKEN ZUKI (sunn bonn, say ken, zoo kee)
Three thrusting strikes delivered in rapid succession as directed, e.g. upper, middle and lower; or one upper and two middle
SANCHIN DACHI (sun cheen, dah chee)
Three-point stance; three battle stance; hour glass stance; weight distributed equally, feet shoulder width with the front foot turned in 45°
SANCHIN DACHI IDO (sun cheen, dah chee, ee doh)
Manoeuvring drill associated with the three-point stance
SANCHIN DACHI JODAN UKE (sun cheen, dah chee, joh dunn, oo kay)
Feet positioned in the three-point stance while executing the upper rising block
SANCHIN DACHI JODAN ZUKI (sun cheen, dah chee, joh dunn, zoo kee)
Feet positioned in the three-point stance while advancing and executing an upper thrusting punch (timing and focus must be coordinated for maximum result)
SANCHIN DACHI KERI NO KAMAE or SANCHIN DACHI KUMITE NO KAMAE (sun cheen, dah chee, kay ree, noh, kah maa ee OR sun cheen, dah ches, koo mee tay, noh, kah maa ee)
Three-point stance with both arms positioned in a defensive form in preparation for sparring or combat; also used for pre-arranged kick sparring and other basic movements
SANCHIN DACHI MAE GERI (sun cheen, dah chee, mah ee, gay ree)
Kicking from a three-point stance; also used in manoeuvring drills; i.e. advancing from the three-point stance executing a front kick at mid section level
SANCHIN DACHI SANCHIN NO KAMAE (sun cheen, dah chee, sun cheen, noh, kah maa ee)
Three-point stance with both arms engaged in the parrying middle block, holding fast to complete the form; application of this form displays dynamic tension with intense concentration of the internal and external energies, which the practitioner expresses with a unique way of breathing
SANCHIN DACHI SEKEN ZUKI NO KAMAE (sun cheen, dah chee, say ken, zoo kee, noh, kah maa ee)
Three-point stance while holding the arm in a forward thrusting punch position; generally a preparatory position for manoeuvring drills
SANCHIN KATA (sun cheen, dah chee, kah tah)
The hard basic form of the Goju School incorporating dynamic tension, hard external breathing and intense concentration
SANCHIN SHUHO (sun cheen, shoo ho)
Cross pattern manoeuvring or four-corner basic technique drills
SANGATE (sun gah tay)
To the rear; this command is not written in the text but most commonly used in manoeuvring drills
SANSERU KATA (sun say roo, kah tah)
The third advanced form; also known as the 36-technique form; easily identified by its dog paw form position at the completion of the pattern
SEIUNCHIN KATA (say un cheen, kah tah)
The second advanced form; also known as the tiger form; easily identified by the archer pose midway in the pattern; a unique form of the Goju School, commonly used in competitions and regarded as the first form of the black belt standard
SEIRETSU (say ret soo)
Line up; stand in a row; starting procedure to command assembly
SEISAN KATA (say sun, kah tah)
The fourth advanced form; also known as the 18-stances crane form; the only form in the Goju patterns containing a side kick (Sokuto Geri)
SEIZA (say zah)
Kneel; executed by placing the right knee on the floor followed by the left knee, with one clenched fist space between the inner thighs and the weight resting on both heels with the big toes crossed one on the other
SEKEN (say ken)
The forefist; the protruding part of the clenched fist
SEKEN ZUKI NO KAMAE (say ken, zoo kee, noh, kah mah ee)
Position of the thrusting strike form in Sanchin stance; see also Sanchin Dachi Seiken Zuki No Kamae
SEMPAI (semm paaee)
The official title of all senior students, directed mainly at black belts below the title of Sensei
SEMPAI (semm paaee)
Teacher, a formal title given to an instructor qualified in teaching usually of the 3rd dan rank and above
SENSEI NI TAISHITE (sen say, nee, tah ee shee tay)
Face the teacher or the direction of the teacher; respectful gesture acknowledging the teacher
SHEDOIN (she doh inn)
Assigned assistant instructor under the command of the headquarters; the Shedoin will not be below the rank of Sandan (3rd dan) black belt and will be fully committed to the commanding Shihan
SHEDOIN NI TAISHITE (she doh inn, nee, tah ee shee tay)
Face the assistant instructor; respectful gesture acknowledging the teacher
SHI (shee)
Number four (4) when counting in Japanese; see also Yon
SHIAI KUMITE (she ah ee, koo mee tay)
Competition sparring
SHICHI (shee chee)
Number seven (7) when counting in Japanese, see also Nana
SHIHAN (shee hunn)
Master teacher; a formal title given to a chief instructor qualified in teaching usually of the 5th dan rank and above; if this qualification is given to a 4th dan, it is a privileged honour due to his/her development and contribution to the organisation
SHIKO DACHI (shee koh, dah chee)
Lowered stance with legs wide apart and knees back; Skoh is a shortened pronunciation of this word
SHIKO DACHI GEDAN BARAI (shee koh, dah chee, gay dunn, bah rah ee)
Lowered stance position executing the lower downward block
SHIKO DACHI KYUJUDO (shee koh, dah chee, que joo doh)
Lowered stance position at a 90° angle facing the front
SHIKO DACHI KYUJUDO GEDAN ZUKI (shee koh, dah ches, que joo doh, gay dunn, zoo kee)
Advancing in the lowered stance at 90° angle executing a forward thrusting punch of equal height
SHIKO DACHI YONJUGODO (shee koh, dah chee, yon joo goh doh)
Lowered stance position at a 45° angle facing the front
SHIKO DACHI YONJUGODO GEDAN ZUKI (shee koh, dah chee, yon joo goh doh, gay dunn, zoo kee)
Advancing in a lowered stance at a 45° angle while executing a frontal punch of equal height
SHIKO DACHI YONJUGODO KANSETSU GERI (shee koh, dah chee, yon joo goh doh, kan sat soo, gay ree)
From the ready stance execute a knee joint kick at 45° angle, advance on the recoil of the foot positioning the body at the lowered 45° angle squatting stance; used in manoeuvring drills to develop strong legs, balance and coordination
SHIROBI (she roh bee)
White belt
SHISOCHIN (shee soh cheen)
The fifth advanced form; performed from the 3rd dan grade level; also described as the dragon form
SHITA ZUKI (shee tah, zoo kee)
Inverted thrusting punch, much like a shortened upper cut, directed to specific area, e.g. solar plexus, lower rib cage and groin
SHOMEN (show men)
Forward direction or frontal area
SHOMEN NI TAISHITE (show men, nee, tah ee shee tay)
A specific command of facing the front; used as a directive in the formal procedure of bowing to the front
SHOMEN URA UCHI (show men, oo rah, oo chee)
Forward direction back fist snap strike
SHUTO UCHI (shoo toh, oo chee)
Knife hand strike with snapping effect; ridge of hand held firm by way of extended fingers and thumb bent within the hand
SHUTO UKE (shoo toh, oo kay)
Knife hand block using the ridge of the hand in an outward deflecting snap on intended strikes
SOKUTO GERI (soh koo toh, gay ree)
Side kick done with the blade of the foot, not to be confused with the knee joint kick; application of this technique is mainly directed to heights above the mid section, e.g. abdomen, ribs, chest, neck, and face/head
SOTO HACHI DACHI (soh toh, haa chee, dah chee)
The fourth non-functional stance; describes foot position with the toes turned at 45° angles, wider than the shoulder width; this stance is formally known as Soto Hachi Monzi Dachi but is often shortened for easy pronunciation
SOTO UKE (soh toh, oo kay)
Interior deflecting block, executing the outer forearm in a snapping inward turn
SUKUI UKE (soo koo ee, oo kay)
A scooping block executed by joining both hands, as if to form a cup, with the emphasis on the heel of the palm in the lifting section; block is located in the many advance forms e.g. Seiunchin, Seisan, etc.
SURIASHI DACHI (soo ree ah shee, dah chee)
The drag foot stance with a forceful rush forward to offset the opponents balance
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T
TACHI (tah chee)
Stance; see also Dachi
TAIKYOKU (tie kee oh koo)
Meaning exercise in a basic sense; comes from the Chinese word Taichi, a similar concept; basic forms of the elementary grade level progressing on a gradient of drills, complementing the basic exercises; H-pattern drills consisting of blocks, strikes and kicks; all patterns in the Taikyoku Kata series have additional second, or Ni versions, which are not used in grading, but as supplementary forms and hence not written in the text
TAIKYOKU CHUDAN (tie kee oh koo, choo dunn)
The second basic form comprising the middle parrying block and the middle thrusting punch
TAIKYOKU GEDAN (tie kee oh koo, gay dunn)
The third basic form comprising the low downward block while squatting in the lowered stance at 45° and a thrusting punch at the parallel height of mid section
TAIKYOKU JODAN (tie kee oh koo, joh dunn)
The first basic form comprising the upper rising block and the upper thrusting punch
TAIKYOKU KAKE UKE (tie kee oh koo, kah key, oo key)
The fourth basic form comprising the open hand block (see Kake Uke) while in the three-point stance, followed by the execution of a combined front kick and vertical elbow smash
TAIKYOKU MAWASHI UKE (tie kee oh koo, mah wah shee, oo key)
The fifth basic form comprising the round circular block with heel palm thrust while positioned in the three-point stance, advancing into the lowered squatting stance at 45° angle with a simultaneous elbow smash (accentuated by the open palm of the opposite arm making contact with the elbow), a combination of the back fist snap strike, downward block and a reverse middle thrusting punch
TATE (tah tay)
Rise or get up; a command not written in the text but commonly used during training
TESHO ATE (tay show, ah tay)
Open palm smash to the facial area
TENSHO KATA (ten show, kah tah)
The soft basic form of the Goju system incorporating open hand movements, soft regulated breathing and intense concentration; it is also called the turning palm form
TODE (toh day)
Chinese hand, refers to early history of karate where the word Tode preceded the use of the name karate
TOME (toh may)
To strike without withdrawing recovery; this definition describes static punching used to understand natural reach on the thrust
TORI (toh ree)
The execution of a grabbing technique; this practice compliments one of the four elements of the karate training, e.g. Habushi Waza, Tori Waza, Gyakute Waza and Naga Waza
TSUGI ASHI (soo gee, ah shee)
An advancing stance using the back foot to shuffle forward with the front foot, stepping out to reach the required distance
TSUKI (soo kee)
Thrust; see also Zuki.
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U
UCHI (oo chee)
A snap delivery used as a powerful stunning blow, e.g. Ura Uchi and Shuto Uchi
UCHIDESHI (oo chee day shee)
Apprentice instructor usually noted for his/her eagerness and productiveness both in and out of the dojo. He/she willingly and frequently performs tasks for their Sensei and peers.
UCHI HACHI DACHI (oo chee, haa chee, dah chee)
The fifth non-functional stance; feet wider than shoulder width apart and parallel; also known as Uchi Hachi Monzi Dachi, but shortened for easy pronunciation
UCHI UKE (oo chee, oo kay)
Middle deflecting block, executed with outer forearm turning inward with a short snap
UKE (oo kay)
Block; represents all deflecting techniques and is associated with the technique Habushi Waza
URAUCHI (oo rah oo chee)
Back fist snap strike; also called Uraken—Ura meaning reverse side, Ken meaning fist
URAZUTO (oo rah zoo toh)
Reverse knife hand strike; executed similarly to a back hand, but striking with the blade of the hand; also called Urajuto
USHIRO (oo shee roh)
Behind or to the rear, as in direction
USHIRO HIJIATE (oo shee roh, hee jee ah tay)
Rear elbow smash
USHIRO URAUCHI (oo shee roh, oo rah oo chee)
Rear back fist snap strike from the position of both fists clenched, striking fist on top of the other and located in front of the body at mid section level; will be directed to upper, middle or lower areas as directed
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W
WAZA (wah zah)
Technique; this word is not written in the text but is occasionally used when referring to a technique
Y
YAKUSOKU KUMITE (yah koo soh koo, koo mee tay)
Pre-arranged sparring
YAME (yah may)
Stop or discontinue
YOl (yoh ee)
Ready or prepare; can be applied several ways, i.e. the ready stance Heiko Dachi; one’s preparedness to engage in combat; a ready state of mind
YO IBUKI (yoh ee,boo kee)
Strong breathing with a vocal ‘hiss’ created by expelling air from the lower abdomen; mainly used when exercising Kata, especially in the Sanchin form
YOKO (yoh koh)
Side, as a position of direction in which one delivers a technique
YOKO GERI (yoh koh, gay ree)
Lower roundhouse kick to the side of the body
YOKO HIJIATE (yoh koh, hee jee ah tay)
Elbow smash directed to the side
YOKO UKE (yoh koh, oo kay)
Side parry block; correct usage of the middle parrying block as the parrying action deflects the intended blow outward
YOKO UKE GEDAN SHITA BARAI (yoh koh, oo kay, gay dunn, she tah, bah rah ee)
Middle parry and downward block combination
YOKO URAUCHI (yoh koh, oo rah oo chee)
Back fist snap strike directed at the side while both arms are in a flexed position
YON (yon)
Number four (4) when counting in Japanese; used when counting past 10, e.g. 14, 24, 34; see also Shi
YON HON KUMITE (yon, hon, koo mee tay)
Four-point sparring; pre-arranged sparring located in the advance training text
YONJUGODO (yon joo goh doh)
45 degree angle; literal meaning is Yon Ju — 40, Go — 5, Do — way
YORI ASHI (yoh ree, ah shee)
Leading foot shuffle, as done in the advancing stance of a three quarter lunge, or in the cat stance when stepping out with the heel and ball footwork
YUDANSHA (yoo dunn shaa)
Black belt division or senior rank
YUKURI (yoo koo ree)
Slow or reduce speed
YUMIBARI (yoo mee bah ree)
Archers form from the second advanced Kata Seinchin; signified by its low squatting stance perpendicular to the front, with one hand raised at head level and other lowered and adjacent to the forward leg
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Z
ZANSHIN (zahn sheen)
Being totally alert and aware, projecting a finished form at all times; a simplified definition is the combative attitude one takes when engaging in any situation (practice or real) with oneself or an opponent; total readiness
ZENKUTSU DACHI (zen koot soo, dah chee)
Lunge stance with weight distribution 60% / 40%
ZENKUTSU DACHI CHUDAN UKE (zen koot soo, dah chee, choo dunn, oo kay)
Lunge stance executing middle parrying block
ZENKUTSU DACHI CHUDAN ZUKI (zen koot soo, dah chee, choo dunn, zoo kee)
Lunge stance executing middle thrusting punch, performed with timing, the thrusting punch is delivered with the corresponding advancing foot
ZENKUTSU DACHI HIJIATE (zen koot soo, dah chee, choo dunn, hee jee ah tay)
Executing vertical rising elbow smash while advancing in the full lunge stance, performed with timing
ZENKUTSU DACHI KERI KOMI (zen koot soo, dah chee, kay ree, koh mee)
Executing a thrusting front kick while advancing into the full lunge stance, the foot delivering the kick is always the back foot
ZUKI (voo kee)
Descriptive form of the thrust application; this word—and other words such as Tachi, Mae and Shomen — is typical of Japanese ideography