A Age empi uchi: rising elbow strike Age zuki: rising punch Ai hanmi: harmony stance, when opponents are facing each other with the same foot forward Ai uchi: simultaneous blows, no points scored Aigoshi dachi: kneeling stance Aite: partner Aka: red Anza: crossed-legged sitting position Arigato gozaimasu: thank you very much Arigato: thank you Ashi sabaki: stepping or sliding movement Ashi waza: foot techniques Ashi: foot, leg Ashibo kake uke: leg hooking block Ashika te: reversing the position of your hands and feet Atama: head Ate: smash or strike Atemi waza: techniques.of vital point striking Atemi: hit body, the striking of vulnerable points on the human body Ayumi ashi: stepping through with the rear foot, as in walking, on an opponent B Bayashi: forest Bo: wooden staff, usually 5ft to 6ft in length. See also "kon" and "rokubo" Bogu zuki kumite: type of kumite engaged in by karate stylist, using protective armor (bogu) which uses full force blows Bojutsu: staff art Bokken: wooden sword Bubishi: ancient Chinese martial arts text Budo: martial way. This term refers to the modern martial ways such as swordsmanship, archery, ect. Bugei: martial arts Bujutsu: martial art. This term refers to the classical martial art such as swordsmanship, archery, ect. Bukai: martial ranks, belts Bunkai: Breakdown and analysis of Kata Bushi: warrior class of Japan Bushido: warrior .way Butoku: warrior's principles C Chakuchi: replacing step method of footwork (sliding the rear foot forward first) Chibana Choshin(1887-1969): Karate master, student of Yatsutsune "Anko" Itosu Chibana Chosho(1839-1919): Karate master, student of Sokon “Bushi” Matsumura Chikara: power Chishi: ancient form of dumbbell Cho dachi: relaxed stance Cho uke: butterfly block Choku zuki: straight punch Chokuritsu fudo dachi: formal attention stance Choshi: rhythm Chotto matte kudasai: just a minute please Chudan hasami uke: middle scissors block Chudan shotei uchi: middle palm heel strike Chudan shotei uke: middle palm heel block Chudan shuto uke: middle knife hand block Chudan soto mawashi uke: middle outward round block Chudan soto shuto uke: middle outward knife hand block Chudan soto uke: middle outward block Chudan uchi uke: middle inside block Chudan wari uke: middle split block Chudan yoko shuto uke: middle sideward knife hand block Chudan yoko uke: middle sidewad block Chudan zuki: middle level punch Chudan zuki: middle punch Chudan: middle level Chudan: middle level D Dachi: stance Dai sempai: head student in dojo or martial arts organization Dan: black belt ranking or grade De: advance or forward Deshi: student or disciple Do: way or path Dojo kun: code of the dojo or precepts of the dojo Dojo: place of the "way" or hall of learning, practice hall Doku: single or alone Domo arigato gozaimasu: thank you very much (most formal) Dozo: please E Eiku (kai): paddle or oar about six foot long Embusen: performance diagram Empi uchi: elbow strike Empi: elbow Eri: lapel F Fu: manner Fu: wind Fujin: woman Fuku: restore or revert Fukubu geri: abdomen kick Fumikomi geri: stomping kick Fumikomi: stomp Furi age uchi: rising strike Furi: shake or swing Furo: bath G Gaeshi uke: parrying block Gaeshi: counter, return or parry Gamaku: use of the hip Gan: eyeball Gasshuku: special training session Gatame: arm bar Ge: below Gedan barai uke: lower slashing block Gedan haito yoko uke: lower sideward ridge hand block Gedan kosa uke: lower cross block Gedan shotei uchi: lower palm heel strike Gedan shotei uke: lower palm heel block Gedan shuto uke: lower knife hand block Gedan shuto yoko barai uke: lower sideward slashing block Gedan uchi: low strike Gedan ude uke: lower forearm block Gedan uke: lower block Gedan yoko barai uke: lower sideward slashing block Gedan zuki: lower punch Gedan: lower level Genki: original spirit, health Geri: kick Geta: wooden clogs Gi: uniform Go: five Go: safeguard or protect Godan: fifth degree black belt Goju Ryu: hard/soft style. Karate system founded by Miyagi Chojun. Goshin: self-defense Gyaku gedan uke: reverse hand lock block Gyaku hanmi: reverse stance, when opponents are facing each other with opposite feet forward Gyaku juji jime: reverse cross choke Gyaku shuto uchi: reverse knife hand strike Gyaku zuki: reverse punch Gyakute mochi: reverse hand grip Gyo: journey H Hachi: eight Hachidan: eighth degree black belt Hachiji dachi: ready stance Hachimachi: towel used as headband Hadaka jime: naked choke Hai: yes Haishu uchi: back hand strike Haishu uke: back hand block Haishu: back hand Haisoku: instep of foot Haito uchi: ridge hand strike Haito uke: ridge hand block Haito: ridgehand Hajime: begin Hakushi: advances applications of Kata. See also “Oku” Han bo: half bo, untapered wooden stick about three foot long Hangetsu barai ashi uke: half moon foot block Hangetsu zuki: half moon punch Hanmi: half facing Hanshi: master, highest teaching title. See also "shihan" Hansoku: violation of tournament rules Hantai: reverse Hara: abdomen Harai: sweep Hashi: chopsticks Haya: quick Hayaku: quickly, hurry-up Hayashi: forest Hazushi uke: releasing block Heiko dachi: natural stance with feet parallel Heisoku dachi: attention stance with feet fully together Heisoku dachi: closed foot stance Henka: variation on techniques contained in a Kata Hidari ashi mae shizentai dachi: left foot front natural stance Hidari: left Hiji ate: elbow smash. See also "empi uchi" Hiji: elbow. See also "empi" Hikake uke: round block Hikari: light Hikite: chamber Hikiwake: draw Hiraken zuki: four knuckle punch Hiza ate: knee strike Hiza geri: knee kick Hiza: knee Ho: method Hojo undo: subsidiary exercises or subsidiary training Hoka: outside Hombu dojo: main training hall Hon: basic Honte mochi: natural grip Hyaku: one hundred Hyoshi: timing I Ichi monji: strait line Ichi: one Iie: no Imon: the point where the uniform(gi) crosses the front of the chest Ina zuma: lightning flash Ippon ashi dachi: one leg stance Ippon Jiyu Kumite: semi free sparring Ippon ken (zuki): one knuckle fist Ippon kumite: one step sparring drill Ippon: one point Iri: enter Irimi: entering Isami: courageous Ishi: stone Itosu Yasutsune "Anko" (1830-1915): Karate master, teacher of Chibana Choshin and student of Sokon “Bushi” Matsumura. Anko means Iron Horse. J Ji: blood Jigotai dachi: wide horse stance Jin: kidney Jiyu kumi bo: free style bo sparring Jiyu kumite: free sparring Jo: short staff Jodan kosa uke: upper cross block Jodan shotei uchi: upper palm heel strike Jodan shuto uke: upper knife hand block Jodan uchi: upper strike Jodan uke: upper level block Jodan wari uke: upper split block Jodan zuki: upper punch Jodan: upper level Josokutei: ball of foot Ju: ten Judan: tenth degree black belt Judo: gentle way Juji gatame: cross body arm bar through legs and across hips Juji uke: “X” block Jujutsu: gentle art Jun shizentai dachi: semi-natural stance Junbi undo: warm-up exercises K Kage: shadow Kagi Geri: hook punch Kagi zuki: hook punch Kai: neck Kakato: heel of foot Kaku zuki: square punch Kakushi: hidden (referring to Kata techniques) Kakushi waza: hidden techniques Kakushi zuki: hidden fist punch Kama: sickle Kamae kata: ready stances Kamae: a fighting postures Kamae: fighting posture Kami: clay jars, used as weights in training Kan: school or building Kanji: type of Japanese writing Kansetsu geri: joint kick (to knee) Kara: empty or China, dependant on the Kanji used Karate do: way of Karate Karate ni sente nashi: there is no first attack in Karate Karate: empty hand, traditional Okinawan self-defense art Karateka: Karate student Kata: form Katame waza: mat work grappling and ground fighting techniques Katame: grappling Katana: long Japanese sword, single edge Katsu: revival techniques Kazami zuki: jab punch Keage: snap Kekoken zuki: fore finger knuckle punch Ken: fist or sword Kekomi: thrust Ken: fist Kentsui uchi: hammer fist strike Kentsui: hammer fist Keri waza: kicking technique Keri: kick Ki: spirit or breath Kiai: spirit shout Kiba dachi: horse riding stance or horse stance Kihon tanden: basics done while standing Kihon undo: basics done while moving Kihon: basics Kime: focus Kinteki geri: groin kick Kinteki: groin Ko chira koso: the pleasure was mine Ko: small Kobayashi: small forest, a style of Shorin ryu Kobudo: ancient weapon way Kohai: a junior student in a dojo or martial arts organization Koken uke: wrist block Koken: bent wrist Kokutsu dachi: back stance Konbonwa: good evening Konnichiwa: good afternoon Konpai: dry cup, a toast Kosa dachi: crossed leg stance Koshi: ball of foot Kote aite: arm pounding drills Kumi bo: bo sparring Kumite dachi: half facing modification of pinan dachi with the torso at an angle from the opponent, thus protecting the vital organs Kumite: free sparring Kusurigama: a kama with a chain or a cord about ten foot long Kyoshi: title for master instructor Kyoski: command for attention Kyotsuki: command for attention Kyu: a beginners grade Kyusho jutsu: vital point techniques M Ma ai: spacing Mae dachi: front stance Mae empi uchi: forward elbow strike Mae geri: front kick Mae: front or forward Mageru: circle Makiwara: striking board used to condition the hands, arms and feet Manji sai: sai similar to regular sai with one prong reversed Matsubayashi: pine forest, a style of Shorin ryu Matsumura Seito Shorin Ryu: Matsumura Orthodox system of Shorin Ryu from Hohan Sokon. Matsumura Shorin Ryu: Style of Shorin Ryu from Sokon “Bushi” Matsumura, oldest style of Shorin Ryu. Matsumura Sokon "Bushi"(1796-1884): Karate master, student of Sakugawa Tode Matte ne: see you soon Matte: wait or turn around Mawashi geri: roundhouse kick or round kick Mawashi zuki: roundhouse punch mawatte: turn Menkyo: license Migi ashi mae shizentai dachi: right foot front natural stance Migi: right Mikazuki geri: crescent kick Mikazuki: cresent Miyagi Chojun: Karate master, founder of Goju ryu Mo ichi do: one more time Mokuso: meditation Momo: thigh Morote nukite: double spear hand Morote soe uke: augmented forearm block Morote uke: augmented hammer fist block Morote zuki: augmented punch Morote: double or using both hands Moto no ichi: return to original position Motobu Choki "Saru"(1871-1944): Karate master, student of Matsumura Kosaku. Motobu was known for his great skill in kumite. Saru means Monkey. Mudansha: kyu grade or kyu level Mudansha: the students in a dojo whoa re ranked below black belt Mune: chest Mura: village Mushin: unattached mind, no conscious thought Musubi dachi: attention stance N Nada: blade or sword Nagamine Shoshin(1907-1997): Karate master, founder of Matsubayashi style of Shorin ryu. Nagashi uke: sweeping block Nagashi: sweeping, spinning Nage waza: throwing techniques Nage: throw Naginata: wooden stff about five or six feet long with a blade resembling a katana affixed to one end, also known as a glaive Naha te: style of Karate developed in Naha, Okinawa Nana: seven. See also shichi Needer: A person who claims to know Karate, who claims a yudansha rank but needs more training, more heart or more skill. We should look on these people with pity as they do not do Karate the way we do it. Naname: slanted Ne waza: ground fighting techniques, also katame waza Neko ashi dachi: cat (foot) stance Ni: two Nidan geri: double jump kick Nidan: second degree black belt Nihon kukite: two-finger spearhand Nippon: Japan Nitan bo: two wooden sticks about 18-24 inches long No kachi: winner Nuki zuki: sliding thrust Nuki: draw out Nukite: spear hand Nunchaku: wooden flailing weapon Nunte bo: a wooden staff about six to seven feet long with manja sai affixed to one end Nunti sai: manji sai attached to bo staff O O goshi: major hip throw Obi: belt Ohayo gozaimasu: good morning Oi zuki: chasing punch Okage sama de: I walk in your shadow Oku: advanced Kata application. See also “Hakushi” Okuden: deep transmission or hidden teaching Okugi: inner mysteries Okuri ashi: sliding method of footwork, closing the gap on an opponent Okuri: chase or pursue One gaishi masu: please do me a favor One gozaimasu: please teach me Ono geri: axe kick Osae uke: pressing block Osae: press, push or seize O'Sensei: great teacher, usually reserved for the founder of an art Osoto gari: major outer reaping throw Ossh!: a word of exclaimation used by a martial artist as a greeting or an acknowledgement. Its usage also infers having the spirit to never give up Otagi ni rei: bow to opponent Otoshi uke: dropping block Otoshi: drop Ouchi gari: major inner reaping throw Oui zuki: front punch Oyasuminasai: good night, leaving Oyo: application in Kata P Passai dachi: horse riding stance, feet 30 degrees Pinan dachi: shallow front stance Pronate: palm down R Rei: bow Reigi: etiquette Reiken: back fist Ren zuki: double punch (consecutive) Renoji dachi: L stance Renshi: title granted to an instructor for outstanding dedication Renshu: training, training the body Renzoku: without count Rihon: Japan Ro: spine Roesobi dachi: twisted trunk stance Roku: six Rokudan: sixth degree black belt Ryo: double or both Ryo: dragon Ryoku: power or strength Ryu: school or system Ryukyu: islands located below Japan of which Okinawa is the largest S Saesae uke: augmented inside block Sai: iron or steel weapon with three prongs used to block the bo or the sword Saijutsu: sai art Saka: reverse Sakugawa Tode(1733-1815): Code master, originator of modern Karate San: three Sanbon kumite: three-step pre-arranged sparring drill Sanbon nunchaku: three sticks each about 14 inches long connected in line by short lengths of rope or chain. Sanbon zuki: triple punch Sandan: third degree black belt Sankaku: triangle Saru: monkey Sasae empi uchi: supported .elbow strike Sasae uke: supported (forearm) block Sasae: supported Sashi: iron grip Satori: enlightenment Satsuma: perfect Sayonara: good bye Sayu barai uke: double slashing (lower) side block Sayu zuki: double side punch Se: back Seifuku: restoration Seiken ude uke: forearm block Seiken waza: fist technique Seiken: fist Seiza: formal kneeling posture Semekata: attacking technique Sempai: senior Sensei ni rei: bow to sensei Sensei: teacher Seoi: back carry Shi zuki: beak punch Shi zuki: beak strike Shi: four. See also yon Shiai: tournament Shichi: seven. See also nana Shichidan: seventh degree black belt Shigoki: savage training Shihan: master, highest teaching title. See also hanshi Shikaku: dead angle, taking the angle of attack which puts your opponent at his most vulnerable. Shiken: test, examination Shiko dachi: medium horse stance Shime waza: choking techniques Shime: choke Shime:tighten Shin gi tai ichinyo: oneness of mind-technique-body Shin gi tai: mind-technique-body Shin zen bi: truth-honest-beauty Shin: body Shin: God, mind or soul Shin: heart Shinai: bamboo sword Shinza or kamiza: literally “seat of the deity” the spiritual center of the dojo, also known as the shomen of the dojo Shira ha: naked blade Shiro: white Shizentai dachi: natural stance Shizuka nakokoro: quiet spirit Shizuki: beak thrust Sho: beginning Sho: small Shoban: winner of a match Shobayashi: small forest, a style of Shorin ryu Shodan: first degree black belt Shoden: beginning transmission Shomen mi rei: bow to the front Shomen: spirit seat Shorin ryu: Karate styles developed from Shuri te and Tomari te Shorin: small forest, young forest or pine forest Shotei uchi: palm heel strike Shotei uke: palm heel block Shotei: palm heel Shoto: Small sword Shu: discipline or study Shu: practice or training Shugo: line up Shugyo: austere practice, hard training Shuri te: ancient style of Karaet developed in Shuri, Okinawa Shuto uchi: knife hand strike Shuto uke: knife hand block Shuto waza: knife hand technique Shuto: knife hand Skoshi: a little Sokko: instep Sokuto geri: foot edge kick Sokuto: foot edge Soto hachiji shizentai dachi: open leg natural stance Soto uke: outside block Soto: outside Sui: water Suki: an opening, unguarded moment, dead time Sukui uke: scoop block, scooping block Sun dome: to stop one inch Sune: shin Supinate: palm up Surichin: a length of chain about 30 inches long with a weight attached to each end Sute: sacrifice or abandon Sutemi: sacrifice the body T Tachi: stance Tachi: standing Tachikata: stances Tai otoshi: body drop throw Tai sabaki: body movement or body shifting Tai: big Tai: body Tai: great or supreme Taiko: body cavity Tamaeshiwari: breaking (boards) Tanden: point below navel Tanto: knife with a drop point or chisel point blade Taoshi: overthrow or breakdown Tataki: beat Tate empi uchi: upward elbow strike Tate zuki: vertical-fist punch Tate: vertical Tate: verticle Tatsu: dragon Te: hand Teisoku: sole of foot Tekko: a knuckle duster or brass knuckles, used in pairs Ten: heaven or sky Tenada: hand blade Tenshin: body shifting Tessen: iron fan Tetsu geta: iron clogs Tetsu: iron Tetsui uchi: hammer fist strike Tetsui: hammer fist Timbei: a short spear or machete used with a light shield sometimes made of turtle shell To: blade or sword To: head Tobi mae geri: flying front kick Tobi mawashi geri: flying roundhouse kick Tobi ushiro geri: flying back kick Tobi yoko geri: flying side kick Tobi: flying Tode: Chinese self-defense art. See also tote Tomari te: ancient style of Karate developed in Tomari, Okinawa Tome: stop Tomoe shotei uchi: circular palm heel strike Tomoe zuki: circular block and punch Tomoe: circular or comma shaped Tonbo gaeshi: somersault Tonfa: wooden weapon with 90° handle. See also tuifa Tora: tiger Tori: defender, demonstrator of technique Tori: seize, hold or grasp Torii: gateway Torite uke: seizing hand block Torite: seizing hand or grasping hand Tote: Chinese art of self-defense. See also tode Tsubi dachi: pigeon stance Tsugi ashi: skipping method of footwork, closing the gap on an opponent Tsuki waza: punching technique Tsuki: thrust or punch. See also zuki Tsukkomi: thrust and pull Tsumasaki geri: toe kick Tsumasaki: tips of toes Tsuri: lift Tsuru ashi dachi: crane stance Tsuzukete: continue Tuifa: wooden weapon with 90° handle. See also tonfa Tuite: locking hand Tzuki: punch or thrust (the letter T is added when the word is by itself) U Uchi uke: inside block Uchi waza: striking technique Uchi: inside Uchi: strike Uchi: strike, inside Uchinan: Okinawa Uchinanchu: Okinawan Ude uke: forearm block Ude: arm Uke kata: blocking techniques Uke waza: blocking technique Uke: block Ukemi: falling and rolling techniques Uki: attacker, to whom techniques are done Uki: float Ura zuki: inverted-fist punch Ura(Ur-A): back Uraken uchi(Ur-A-kin Oo-she): backfist strike Uraken(Ur-A-kin): backfist Uroeki dachi(Ur-ow-kee dah-she): laying stance Ushiro dachi(Oo-she-row dah-she): back stance Ushiro empi uchi(Oo-she-row imp