Terminology

Basic Terminology:

• Shotokan – Our style of Karate (“Pine Waves Hall”)
• Karate - “Empty Hand”
• Karate-Ka - “Student”
• Osu – Greeting reflecting positive attitude and strong spirit
• Dojo – Place for training martial arts
• Seiza – Formal sitting position in dojo
• Senpai – Senior student (assistant instructor)
• Sensei – Instructor/Teacher
• Shihan – Instructor of Instructors
• Souke – Founder
• Gi – Karate uniform
• Obi – Belt
• Kata – Series of techniques fighting an imaginary opponent
• Kihon – Basics
• Kumite – Sparring
• Zanshin – Awareness
• Kime – Focus
• Kiah – To cultivate the student’s spirit and positiveness and unity of the class
  
  

Japanese Counting:

• 1-Ichi
• 2-Ni
• 3-San
• 4-Shi
• 5-Go
• 6-Roku
• 7-Shichi
• 8-Hachi
• 9-Ku
• 10-Ju
  
  

Basic WAZA (Techniques)

Dachi (Stances)

• Jyun Tsuki – Same side punch (forward)
• Yoi – Ready
• Naihanchi – Horseback
• Neko Ashi Dachi Dai – Long Cat Foot
• Neko Ashi Dachi Sho – Short Cat Foot
• Musubi Dachi – Attention
• Heisoku Dachi – Feet together
  
  

Uke (Blocks)

• Jodan Uke – High block
• Chudan  Soto Uke – Outward middle block
• Chudan Uchi Uke – Inward middle block
• Gedan Barai – Low block
• Shuto Uke – Open hand block
• Morote Uke – Double hand block
• Mawashi Uke – Round block
• Hiji Uke – Elbow block
  
  

Geri (Kicks)

• Mae Geri – Front kick
• Mawashi Geri – Round kick
• Yoko Geri – Side kick
• Ushiro Geri – Back kick
• Kekomi Geri – Thrust kick
• Keagi Geri – Snap kick
  
  

Tsuki/Uchi (Punches/Strikes)

• Jyun Tsuki – Same side punch
• Gyaku Tsuki – Opposite side punch
• Kage Tsuki – Hook punch
• Nukite – Open hand poke
• Uraken – Backfist
• Tettsui – Hammerfist
• Shuto Uchi – Open hand strike
• Empi Uchi – Elbow strike