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Karate Terminology (This page is being updated)
General Terminology
- Goju Ryu (剛 柔 流): The Way of Hard and Soft. **
- Budo (武道): Way of combat. **
- Kara Te (空手): Empty Hand. The martial art of Japanese origin, emphasizing striking techniques using punches, kicks, knees, elbows, and open-hand techniques. **
- Kara Te Do (空手道): The Way of Karate. **
- Kara Te Ka (空手家): Practitioner of Karate. **
- Bu Shi Do (武 士 道): The Way of the Warrior
- Sensei (先生): Refers to a karate instructor or teacher. **
- Renshi (錬士): Entry Level Master
- Shihan (師範): Master Instructor
- Sen pai (先輩): Senior
- Ko hai (後輩): Junior **
- De Shi (弟 子): Student
- Kyu (級): Rank **
- Dan (段): Grade or Level. **
- Dojo (道場): The training hall or school where karate practitioners train. **
- Gi (着): The traditional uniform worn in karate, typically consisting of a jacket and pants. **
- Obi (帯): The belt worn around the waist, indicating the practitioner's rank. **
- Rei Shiki (礼 式): Bowing Ceremony
- Ki Hon (基本): Fundamental techniques, often used as the building blocks for more advanced movements. **
- I Do (移 動): Movement **
- Kata (型): A pre-arranged sequence of movements, representing various defensive and offensive techniques.
- Embusen (演武線): The "line of performance" or "pattern of movements" in martial arts forms or katas.
- Bunkai ( 分解): The process of analyzing and breaking down the movements and techniques of a kata to understand their practical applications in self-defense or combat situations.
- Maai (間合い): The "combative distance" or "timing".
- Bunkai (分解): "Bunkai" refers to the practice of analyzing and breaking down the movements and techniques of a kata (pre-arranged sequence of movements) to understand their practical applications in self-defense or combat situations.
- Kumi Te (組手): Sparring or partner drills involving controlled fighting.
- Ippon Kumi Te (一本組手): one-step sparring.
- Yakusoku Kumi Te (約束組手): Prearranged or drilled sparring.
- Rangeki Kumi Te (乱隙組手): random attack sparring. one participant takes on the role of the attacker, delivering attacks from various angles and distances with a degree of unpredictability. The defender must respond with appropriate blocks, strikes, and counters while adapting to the changing attacks.
- Ji Yū Kumi Te (自由組手): Where practitioners engage in controlled and dynamic exchanges of techniques with a degree of freedom. Unlike prearranged forms or drills, "Ji Yū Kumi Te" allows participants to react spontaneously and use a variety of techniques against a live, resisting opponent.
- Randori Kumi Te (乱取り組手): multiple-attack sparring.
- Uke (受け): Defensive role of receiving or blocking an opponent's attack. **
- Geri ( 蹴り): Kicks **
- Dachi (立ち): Stand **
- Tsuki or Zuki (突き): Punch or Thrusting Technique. **
- Uchi (打ち): Describe various striking techniques, such as punches, strikes, or hits. **
- Waza (技): Techniques or skills in karate.
- Ashi-barai (足払い): Foot Sweep
- Tai-sabaki (体捌き): Describes the art of moving the body to avoid attacks, find better positions, or create openings for counterattacks.
- Yori-ashi (寄足): Yori-ashi involves smoothly and silently gliding the feet closer together or apart to adjust one's distance from the opponent while maintaining balance and readiness.
- Suri Ashi (すり足): A movement technique where the foot is lifted slightly off the ground and then slid forward or backward, allowing for smooth and quiet movement.
- Tori (取り): The person executing a technique during training.
- Zanshin (残心): The state of maintaining awareness and focus even after executing a technique. Poise and control
- Kime ( 決め): Concept of focusing or concentrating one's energy and power at the point of impact during a technique.
- Mushin (無 心): “(having) No Thought” or “(having) No Emotion”
- Ippon (一本): Refers to a full-point score, often used in competitions.
- Hoko (方向): Direction.
- Kazoeru (数える): Count
- Shirei (指令): Command
- Tobi (飛び): Jump
- Ki Ai (気合い): A loud shout or vocal expression of energy during a technique. **
- Mokuso (黙想): Meditation or silent contemplation, often performed at the beginning and end of training. **
- Hai ( はい): Yes **
- Iie (いいえ): No **
- Onegai Shimasu (お願いします): I welcome you to train with me.
- Gozaimashita (ございました): Thank-you very much. **
- Dozo (どうぞ): Can be translated as "please," "go ahead," "here you go," or "feel free."
Kazoeru **
- Ichi (一): One
- Ni (二): Two
- San (三): Three
- Shi or Yon (四): Four
- Go (五): Five
- Roku (六): Six
- Shichi or Nana (七): Seven
- Hachi (八): Eight
- Ku (九): Nine
- Ju (十): Ten
- NiJu (二十): Twenty
- NiJu Ichi (二十一): Twenty-one
- Hyaku ( 百 ): One Hundred
Shirei
- Narande (並んで): Line up
- Sei Retsu (整列): Line up by rank. **
- Yo i (用意): Get ready. **
- Yasume (休め): rest, take a break, or relax.
- Tate (縦): Stand up (vertical) **
- Moku Sō (黙 想): Closing One’s Eyes in Silent Meditation. **
- Shōmen ni Taishite (正面に対して): Face towards the front. **
- Sensei ni Taishite (先生に対して): Face towards the teacher. **
- O Tagai ni (お互いに): Indicates an action or interaction that involves reciprocity or mutual involvement. **
- Rei (礼): Bowing, which is a form of respect shown at the beginning and end of training sessions. **
- Sei Za (正座): Be Seated. The formal sitting position, kneeling with the buttocks resting on the heels. **
- Mawatte (回って): The command to turn around. **
- Hajime (始め): The command to begin or start a practice or competition. **
- Yame (止め): The command to stop or end a practice or competition. **
- Age-te (揚げ手): The command to lift hands. Also describe techniques involving raising or lifting the hand, such as certain striking, blocking, or grappling actions.
Hoko **
- Mae (前): Front
- Yoko (横): Side
- Ushiro (後ろ): Behind
- Migi (右): Right
- Hidari (左): Left
- Tate (縦): vertical
- Mawashi (回し): Round or circle.
- Gyaku (逆): Reverse
- Age (揚げ): Rising
- Jo Dan (上段): Head high level
- Chu Dan (中段): Mid level
- Ge Dan (下 段): Lower level
- Sokumen (側面): Sideway
- Yoko (横): Actions that occur in a horizontal or lateral direction, perpendicular to the front or back.
- Uchi (内): Inner
- Soto (外): Outer
- Otoshi (落し): Dropping
Waza **
- Uke Waza (受け 技): Blocking Techniques
- Kō Geki Waza (攻 撃 技): Striking Techniques
- Tsuki Waza (突き 技): Punching Techniques
- Geri Waza (蹴り技): kicking techniques.
- Taoshi Waza (倒し技): Take-Down Techniques
- Nage Waza (投げ 技): Throwing Techniques
- Ne Waza (寝技): Ground Techniques
- Gyaku Waza (逆技): Reversal Techniques
Uke
- Age Uke (上げ受け): Rising block - used to defend against high attacks like punches to the head. **
- Yoko Uke (横受け): Side block or middle block. **
- Harai Uke (払い受け): Sweeping block. **
- Soto Uke (外受け): Outside block - used to block strikes coming from the outside, such as roundhouse kicks or punches.
- Uchi Uke (内受け): Inside block - used to block attacks coming from the inside, typically close-range punches.
- Gedan Barai (下段払い): Downward block - used to defend against low kicks or strikes to the lower body.
- Chūdan Uchi Uke Gedan Barai (中段 内 受け 下段 払い): “Middle Inside-out Block & Lower Sweeping Block.
- Shuto Uke (手刀受け): Knife-hand block - a block using the edge of the hand, effective against various strikes.
- Shutō Jōdan Uke (手刀 上段 受け): Upper Knife Hand Block
- Shutō Gedan Uke (手刀 下段 受け): Lower Knife Hand Block
- Juji Uke (十字受け): X-shaped block - forming an "X" shape with the arms to block multiple strikes.
- Kosa Uke (交差受け): Crossing Block
- Osae Uke (押え受け): Pressing block - used to control an opponent's arm and create an opening for a counterattack.
- Kake Uke (掛け受け): Hooking block - used to catch and control an opponent's limb during close-quarters combat.
- Mawashi Uke (回し 受け): “Roundhouse Block
- Tora Guchi (虎 口): Two-Hand Roundhouse Block”, “Double open hand circular block with palm heel strike”
- Ko Ken Uke (弧 拳 受け): Arch Fist Block or Chicken Wrist Block
- Hai Tō Uke (肘 受け): Elbow Block
- Hiza Uke (膝 受け): Knee Block
- Soku Tei Uke (足 底 受け): Sole of the Foot Block
- Sune Uke (脛 受け): Shin Block
- Soku Tei Uke (足 底 受け): Sole of the Foot Block
- Chūdan Soto Uke (中段 外 受け): Middle Outside-In Block
- Chūdan Uchi Uke (中段 内 受け): Middle Inside-Out Block
Tsuki/Uchi
- Sei Ken Tsuki (正 拳 突き): Full, Regular Fist Strike. **
- Oi-Tsuki (追い突き): Front punch - a straight punch delivered from the chambered position.
- Gyaku-Tsuki (逆突き): Reverse punch - a straight punch thrown with the rear hand.
- Kizami-Tsuki (刻み突き): Jab punch - a quick and short punch used to set up other techniques.
- Tate-Tsuki (縦突き): Vertical punch - a punch delivered vertically, often targeting the nose or solar plexus.
- Age-Tsuki (上げ突き): Uppercut - an upward punch targeting the chin or jawline.
- Mawashi-Tsuki (回し突き): Hook punch - a curved punch delivered from the side.
- Kagi-Tsuki (鉤突き): Hooking punch - a punch delivered in a hooking motion.
- Nuki Te (貫手): Spear-hand strike - a hand formed into a spear-like shape used for striking vital points.
- Ippon Nuki Te (一本 貫 手): Single Finger Spearhand Strike
- Nihon Nuki Te (二本 貫 手): Two-Finger Strike
- Uraken (裏拳): Back-fist strike - a strike delivered with the back of the hand. **
- Shita Tsuki (下 突き): Reverse Strike. **
- Shu Tō Tsuki (手 刀 突き): Knife-hand strike - a strike delivered with the edge of the hand.
- Empi (猿臂): Elbow strike - a strike using the elbow as the point of contact.
- Tettsui Uchi (鉄槌 打ち): Hammer fist - a strike using a clenched fist with the base of the palm as the point of contact.
- Haito (背刀): Ridge-hand strike - a strike using the side of the hand with the thumb-side leading.
- Hiji Ate (肘当て): Elbow smash - a close-range strike using the elbow.
- Mae Empi (前猿臂): Forward elbow strike - an elbow strike delivered forward.
- Mawashi Empi (回し猿臂): Roundhouse elbow strike - an elbow strike delivered in a circular motion.
- Ushiro Empi (後ろ猿臂): Backward elbow strike - an elbow strike delivered backward.
Geri
- Mae Geri (前蹴り): Front kick - a kick delivered with the front foot, targeting various areas. **
- Mawashi Geri (回し蹴り): Roundhouse kick - a circular kick targeting the midsection. **
- Gyaku Mawashi Geri (逆回し蹴り): Reverse Roundhouse Kick
- Tate Mawashi Geri (縦回し蹴り): Vertical roundhouse kick - a roundhouse kick delivered vertically.
- Ura Mawashi Geri (裏回し蹴り): reverse roundhouse kick.
- Ura Ushiro Mawashi Geri (裏後ろ回し蹴り): reverse spinning roundhouse kick
- Ushiro Geri (後ろ蹴り): Back kick - a kick delivered backward, often targeting an opponent behind.
- Kin Geri (金足): Groin kick - a kick targeting the groin area.
- Kekomi Geri (蹴込蹴り): Thrust kick - a powerful linear kick delivered with the ball of the foot.
- Kansetsu Geri (関節蹴り): Joint kick - a kick targeting the joints, such as the knee or ankle. **
- Fumikomi Geri (踏み込み蹴り): Stomp kick - a downward kick, often used to target an opponent's foot or knee.
- Mikazuki Geri (三日月蹴り): Crescent kick - a semi-circular kick delivered with the inside or outside edge of the foot.
- Kakato geri" (踵蹴り): Heel kick
- Ura Mawashi Hiza Geri (裏回膝蹴しり): Reverse roundhouse knee kick - a knee kick delivered with the rear leg in a roundhouse motion.
- Hiza Geri (膝蹴り): Knee kick - a strike using the knee as the point of contact.
- Soto Mawashi Geri (外回し蹴り): Outside roundhouse kick - a roundhouse kick delivered with the leg sweeping from the outside.
- Uchi Mawashi Geri (内回し蹴り): Inside roundhouse kick - a roundhouse kick delivered with the leg sweeping from the inside.
- Sokuto Geri (足刀蹴り): Sword-foot kick - a kick delivered with the blade of the foot.
- Yoko Geri" (横蹴り): Side kick
- Tobi Geri (飛び蹴り): Jumping kick - a kick executed while jumping off the ground.
- Nidan Geri (二段蹴り): Double kick - a combination of two kicks delivered in succession.
- Nami Gaeshi Geri (波返蹴り): Returning wave kick - a kick where the leg bends and extends in a wavelike motion.
- Kakato Otoshi (踵落とし): Heel drop - a downward strike using the heel of the foot.
- Kakuto Geri" (角度蹴り): Hook Kick
Dachi
- Kamae (構え): Ready Stand, posture, or ready position. **
- Heisoku Dachi ( 閉足立ち): Closed foot stance. Formal Attention Stance (Yoi). **
- Musubi Dachi (結び立ち): Informal Attention Stance (feet in a 'V"). **
- Heiko Dachi (平行立ち): Stance where the feet are placed parallel to each other and shoulder-width apart. The arms are positioned naturally at the sides. **
- Soto Dachi (外立ち): Outward stance. Feet are placed wider apart, and the toes are turned slightly outward. The weight is distributed evenly between both legs.
- Uchi Dachi (内立ち): Inside stance. Feet are positioned wider apart, and the toes are turned slightly inward. The weight is typically distributed evenly between both legs.
- Shiko Dachi" (四股立ち): Horse stance **
- Kiba Dachi (騎馬立ち): Straddle Stance
- Sanchin Dachi (三戦 立ち): Immovable Stance **
- Zenkutsu dachi (前屈立ち): Front Stance **
- Han Zenkutsu Dachi (半前屈 立ち): Half-Front Stance
- Kokutsu Dachi (後屈立ち): Back Stance
- Neko-ashi Dachi (猫足立ち): Cat Stance
- Hachiji Dachi (八字立ち): Natural stance, feet are placed shoulder-width apart, with the toes slightly turned outward.
- Renoji Dachi (レの字立ち): L-shaped stance
- Kosa Dachi (交差立ち): Cross-legged Stance
Instructor Title
- Sensei (先生): General term for "teacher" or "instructor."
- Shi Han (師範): Shihan is a high-level instructor title, often translated as "master instructor."
- Renshi (錬士): Renshi means "polished instructor." It represents a senior level of teaching proficiency and is often awarded to individuals who have demonstrated a high standard of technical skill and teaching ability.
- Kyoshi (教士): Kyoshi means "teacher of teachers." It is a title given to senior instructors who have not only achieved a high level of technical proficiency but have also made significant contributions to the development and promotion of karate.
- Han Shi (範士): Hanshi is one of the highest instructor titles. It is often translated as "exemplary master." Hanshi is typically awarded to individuals who have achieved a very high dan rank, have extensive teaching experience, and have made substantial contributions to the art of karate.
- Kancho (館長): Kancho refers to the head or founder of a martial arts organization or school. This title is more commonly associated with the leadership of a martial arts organization as a whole rather than an individual instructor.
- Soke (宗家): Soke is a title reserved for the head of a particular martial arts style or system. It represents the founder and highest authority of that style.