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