Terms, etc.

Here is a listing of many terms you will hear in places where all types of Karate are practiced. Often a mixture of Japanese and English terms are used, with the mixture varying with the instructor. Thus, it is a good idea to know all of the terms in Japanese, just in case. The terms are divided into sections as follows:

The Dojo Kun	Counting	General	Commands
Stances	Blocks	Arm Techniques	Leg Techniques

The Dojo Kun

The Dojo Kun summarizes the precepts of Karate in five lines and is recited at the end of every practice. The most senior student recites the first line, the rest of the class repeats the line, the senior student recites the next line, etc.

Dojo Kun - Japanese

Hitotsu! Jinkaku kansei ni tsutomuru koto!
Hitotsu! Makoto no michi o mamoru koto!
Hitotsu! Doryoku no seichin o yashinau koto!
Hitotsu! Reigi o omonzuru koto!
Hitotsu! Kekki no yu o imashimuru koto!

Doju Kun - English

Seek perfection of character!
Be faithful!
Endeavor!
Respect others!
Refrain from violent behavior!

Counting

Counting is done in both Japanese and English. Slower, warm-up exercises are usually done in English, with the more spirited techniques done in Japanese. Counts stop at ten, and if more iterations are required, the counting restarts from one.

Number	Japanese
1	ichi
2	ni
3	san
4	shi
5	go
6	roku
7	shichi
8	hachi
9	kyu
10	ju

General

These fall into no particular category, but are important nonetheless.

Term	Definition
Kihon	Basic techniques of Karate
Kata	A specific sequence of techniques
Kumite	Sparring - come in three-step, one-step, semi-free and freestyle varieties.
Kime	Focus
Kiai	Spirited yell that accompanies decisive techniques that combine focus and power
Jodan	Upper body - face, head
Chudan	Middle body - chest, stomach
Gedan	Lower body - groin, knees, shins, feet
Osu	I acknowledge (a person, command, idea, etc.)

Commands

Given by Sensei or senior students.

Command	Definition
Yoi	Ready (move into ready stance)
Hajime	Begin
Yame	Stop
Yasume	Relax
Mawatte	Turn (remaining in stance)
Rei	Bow
Shomen ni rei	Bow to the banner traditionally hung in front of the class
Sensei ni rei	Bow to Sensei
Otaigai ni rei	Bow to students
Seiza	Sit (in formal position)
Mokuso	Meditate

Stances

Stance	Description
Zenkutsu Dachi	Front stance (60/40 weight on front/back feet)
Kokutsu Dachi	Back stance (40/60 weight on front/back feet)
Kiba Dachi	Front side stance (50/50 weight on feet), feet pointing forward
Hachiji Dachi	Ready position

Blocks

Block	Description
Age uke	Rising block, head block
Gedan barai	Downward sweeping block
Soto uke	Outside forearm block
Uchi uke	Inside forearm block
Shuto uke	Knifehand block

Arm Techniques

Technique	Description
Oi zuki	Lunge punch
Gyaku zuki	Reverse punch, counter punch
Kizami zuki	Jabbing punch
Sanbon zuki	Triple punch
Nukite	Spearhand strike
Empi uchi	Elbow strike
Uraken	Backfist strike
Tetsui	Hammerfist strike

Leg Techniques

Technique	Description
Mae geri	Front snap kick (strike with ball of foot)
Yoko keage	Side snap kick
Yoko kekomi	Side thrust kick
Kizami geri	Front snap kick (strike with entire foot)
Mawashi geri	Roundhouse kick
Ushiro geri	Back thrust kick
Nidan geri	Double kick (one with each leg)
Hiza geri	Knee strike