Karate Terminology
Age Empi.
Rising Elbow strike.
Age Uke.
Upper Block.
Age Zuki.
Rising Punch.
Aka.
Red.
Ashi Barai.
Foot sweep.
Ashi Dachi.
Leg stance.
Ashi Waza.
Name given to all leg/foot techniques.
Atemi Waza.
Striking techniques that are normally used in conjunction with grappling/throwing techniques.
Awase Uke.
Joined hand block.
Awase Zuki.
U punch. Also refered to as "Morote Zuki".
Ayumi Dachi.
Natural walking stance with weight over the centre.
Bo.
Staff. A long stick used as a weapon. (approx 6ft long.)
Budo.
Martial Way. Japanese character "Bu" (martial.) and "Do" (the way.) In Karate-do it is assumed that the best way to avoid violent conflict is to build and cultivate individual character. Therefore preventing or avoiding violence as far as possible.
Bunkai/Oyo.
A study of the techniques and applications of Kata.
Choku Zuki.
Straight punch.
Chudan.
Mid section.
Chudan Zuki.
A punch to the midsection of an oponents body.
Counting to 10 in Japanese.
1. One = Ichi.
2. Two = Ni.
3. Three = San.
4. Four = Shi.
5. Fiv = Go.
6. Six = Roku.
7. Seven = Shichi (or Nana.)
8. Eight = Hachi.
9. Nine = Kyu or Ku.
10. Ten = Ju.
Dachi.
Stance.
Dan.
Rank or Degree. Black belt rank. (Ranks under black belt are called Kyu grades.)
Do.
Way/Path. The Japanese character for "Do" is the same as the Chinese symbol for Tao. (as in Taoism). A way of attaining enlightenment and improving one's character.
Dojo.
Literally means "place of the way". Also "place of enlightenment". The place where Karate is practiced. Etiquette requires bowing in the direction of the designated front of the Dojo (Shomen) whenever entering or leaving the Dojo.
Domo Arigato Gozaimashita.
Japanese for "thankyou very much". At the end of each class, it is proper to bow and thank the Sensei and those with whom you have trained.
Ekku/Kai.
A wooden oar used as an improvised weapon.
Embusen.
Floor pattern of a given Kata.
Empi.
(1) One of the Black Belt level of Kata. Translated as "The Flight of a Sparrow".
(2) Elbow. Sometimes refered to as "Hiji".
Empi Uchi.
Elbow strike, (also called "Hiji-Ate".
Fudo Dachi.
Immovable stance, (also referred to as "Sochin Dachi".
Fuju Bun.
Not enough power.
Fumikomi Geri.
Stomp kick, usually applied to the Knee, Shin or Instep of an opponent.
Gankaku Dachi.
Crane stance, sometimes refered to as "Tsuru Ashi Dachi" or "Sagi Ashi Dachi".
Gassho Uke.
Combined palm heel block.
Gasshukua.
Special training camp.
Gedan.
Lower section of Body. (below waist).
Gedan Barai.
Downward moving lower block.
Gedan Ude Uke.
Lower forearm block.
Gedan zuki.
Punch to the lower section of an opponents body.
Geri. (also known as Keri).
Kick.
Gi, (Do Gi) (Keiko Gi) (Karate Gi).
Training costume. Consisting of "Uwagi" (jacket) and "Shitagi" (pants).
Go No Sen.
A tactic where you allow the opponent to attack first, in order to open up targets for counter attack.
Gohon Kumite.
Five step sparring.
Gyaku Mawashi Geri.
Reverse roundhouse kick.
Gyaku Mikazuki Geri.
Reverse crescent kick.
Gyaku Zuki.
Reverse punch.
Hachiji Dachi.
Natural open foot stance, feet positioned about a shoulder width apart and pointed slightly outward.
Hai.
Yes.
Haishu Uchi.
Strike with the back of the hand.
Haishu Uke.
Block using the back of the hand.
Haito Uchi.
Ridge hand strike.
Haiwan Uke.
Back arm/hand block.
Hajime.
Begin. A command given to start Kata/Kumite.
Hangetsu.
Blackbelt level Kata.
Hangetsu Dachi.
Half moon stance.
Hanshi.
Master. An honourary title given to the highest Black Belt of an Organisation, to signify their understanding of the art.
Harai Te.
Sweeping technique with the arm.
Harai Waza.
Sweeping techniques.
Hasami Zuki.
Scissor punch.
Heiko Dachi.
Natural stance, with feet positioned about a shoulder width apart and pointing straight forward. (parallel).
Heiko Zuki.
Parallel punch, both fists punch simultaneously.
Heisoku Dachi.
Informal attention stance. Feet are together and pointed straight forward.
Henka Waza.
Techniques used after Oyo Waza is applied. Henka Waza is varied and many, dependant apon given conditions.
Hidari.
Left.
Hiji.
Elbow, also know as Empi.
Hiji Atemi.
Elbow Strikes.
Hiji Uke.
Blocing action using the elbow.
Hiji Ate.
Elbow strike, also called Empi Uchi.
Hiki Te.
HThe retracting, pulling and twisting of an arm during a technique.
Hiraken.
Flat fist.
Hitosashi Ippon Ken.
Forefinger Knuckle.
Hiza Geri.
Knee kick.
Hiza Uke.
Blocking action using the knee.
Hombu Dojo.
The central Dojo of an Organisation.
Horan No Kamae.
Ready position used in some Kata where the fist is covered by the other hand.
Inasu.
Evasion of an oncoming attack by removal of the body from line of attack.
Ippon Ken.
One Knuckle Fist.
Ippon Kumite.
One step sparring.
Ippon Nukite.
Stabbing action using extende index finger.
Ippon Shobu.
One point match, used in tournament.
Irimi.
To penetrate/enter, moving inside the opponents attack.
Jikan.
Time.
Jiyu Ippon Kumite.
One step free sparring, participants attack with any technique when ready.
Jiyu Kumite.
Free sparring.
Jo.
Wooden Staff about 4ft in length. (originated from walking stick).
Jodan.
Upper level. Above shoulder high.
Juji Uke.
X block.
Jun Zuki.
Term used for OI Zuki.
Kagi Zuki.
Hook Punch.
Kaisho.
Open hand, blow delivered with open palm, also other hand blows in which the fist is not fully closed.
Kakato Geri.
Heel kick.
Kake Uke.
hooking block. "Kake Te".
Kakiwake Oroshi.
Downward wedge thrust.
Kakiwake Uke.
Wedge block. Two handed block using the outer surface of the wrist.
Kakushi Waza.
Hidden Techniques.
Kakuto Uchi.
Crane head strike. Wrist joint strike,also known as Ko Uchi.
Kakuto Uke.
Crane head block. Wrist joint block, also known as Ko Uke.
Kamae.
Positive posture or stance with or without a weapon. Kamae generally means to adopt an attitude of positive and strong physical and mental bearing.
Kamae Te.
Command given by Sensei for students to get into position.
Karate.
Empty Hand.
Karate-Do.
Empty hand way. The way of Karate.
Karate-Ka.
A practitioner of Karate-do.
Kata.
A form or prescribed pattern of movement. Also means Shoulder.
Keage.
Snap kick.
Keiko.
(1) Training. (the only secret to success in Karate-do).
(2) Joined Fingertips.
Kekomi.
Thrust kick. Kick straight into.
Kensei.
Technique with silent Kiai.
Kentsui.
Hammer fist, also known as Tettsui.
Kentsui Uchi. (Tettsui Uchi).
Hammer fist strike.
Keri. (Geri).
Kick.
Ki.
Mind, Spirit, Body, Energy, Intention, Vital Force all together, Ki is a word that could not be fully translated in any one language.
Ki O Tsuke.
Attention, Musubi Dachi with open hands down both sides.
Kiai.
Shout delivered for the purpose of focusing all one's energy into a single movement. Simultaneous union of spirit, expression and physical strength.
Kiba Dachi.
Horse riding stance, also known as "Naifanchi" or "Naihanchi Dachi".
Kihon.
Fundamental or Basic Techniques perfomed as routine on command. Usually three steps with Kiai on final move.
Kime.
Focus of power.
Kin Geri.
Groin kick.
Kizami Zuki.
Jab or shock punch.
Kobura Uchi.
Cobra strike.
Ko Bo ichi.
Concept of Attack/Defence connection.
Ko Uchi.
Wrist joint strike, also known as Kakuto Uchi.
Ko Uke.
Arch block same as Kakuto uke.
Kohai.
Student junior to oneself.
Koken.
Wrist joit.
Kokoro.
Spirit heart. The spirit dwells in the heart.
Koku Uke.
Tiger mouth block.
Kokutsu Dachi.
Stance which has most of the weight on the back foot. "back stance".
Kosa Dachi.
Crossed leg stance.
Koshin.
Rearward.
Kubotan.
Defense tool developed by Takayuki Kubota. this tool is usually a key chain.
Kumade.
Bear hand.
Kyoshi.
Knowledgeable person, this title can be confered at Rokudan or Shichidan depending on the Organisation. Most large Organisations this is at Shichidan (7th Dan).
Kyu.
Any rank below Shodan (1st Dan).
Kyoshu Waza.
Pressure point techniques.
Ma Ai.
Proper distances and timing with respect to one's partner.
Ma Ai Ga Toh.
Not proper distance.
Mae.
Front.
Mae Ashi Geri.
Kicking with the front leg.
Mae Empi.
Forward elbow strike.
Mae Geri Keage.
Front snap kick
Mae Geri Kekomi.
Front thrust Kick.
Mae Ukemi.
Forward fall/roll.
Makoto.
Feeling of absolute sinerity and frankness, which requires pure mind free from all pressures.
Manabu.
Learning by imitating, method of studying movement and techniques and imitating the Sensei.
Manji Uke.
Double block where one arm executes Gedan Barai and the other Jodan Uchi Uke.
Matte.
Wait.
Mawashi Empi Uchi.
Circular elbow strike.
Mawashi Geri.
Roundhouse kick.
Mawashi Zuki.
Roundhouse punch.
Mawate Te.
Turn Around.
Migi.
Right.
Mikazuki Geri.
Crescent kick.
Mokosu.
Meditation.
Morote Uke.
Augmented block. One arm and fist support the other arm in a block.
Morote Zuki.
U punch, punching with both fists at same time, also called Awase Zuki.
Mudansha.
Students without Black Belt rank.
Musubi Dachi.
Formal attention stance.
Nagashi Uke.
Sweeping block.
Neko Ashi Dachi.
Cat stance.
Nukite.
Spear hand.
Oi Zuki.
Lunge punch.
Onegai Shimasu.
I welcome and request you to train with me, this is said to one's partner when initiating practise.
Osae Uke.
Pressing block.
Oshi Age Uke.
Upper pressing block.
Otoshi Empi Uchi.
Elbow strike by dropping the elbow.
Otoshi Uchi.
Dropping strike.
Otoshi Uke.
Dropping block.
Oyayubi Ippon Ken.
Thumb Knuckle.
Oyo Waza.
Applications interpreted from techniques in Kata, persons own implications according to a given condition.
Rei.
Bow. Method of showing respect in Japanese culture. It is proper for the junior to bow lower than the Senior.
Reigi.
Observation of Etiquette.
Reinoji Dachi.
Stance with feet making an L shape.
Rensei.
Practice tournament.
Renshi.
A person who has mastered oneself, considered an expert instructor, prerequisite before attaining the status of Kyoshi. Renshi is usually given at Rokudan, in most styles/systems.
Saga Ashi Dachi.
One leg stance, also know as Gankaku Dachi.
Sai.
An Okinawan weapon shaped like the Greek letter "Psi" with the middle being much longer.
Sanbon Kumite.
Three step sparring.
Sanbon Shobu.
Three point match, used in tournaments.
Sanchin Dachi.
Hour glass stance. Inverted stance.
Sashite.
Raising of the hand to either strike, grab or block.
Seiken.
Forefist.
Seiryuto.
Bull strike, hand technique delivered with the base of the Shuto.
Seiza.
Proper sitting position.
Sempai.
A senior student, second in Dojo.
Sen No Sen.
attacking at the exact moment the opponent attacks.
Sen Sen no Sen.
Attacking before the opponent attacks.
Sensei.
Teacher, head of Dojo.
Shiai.
match or contest, event.
Shidoin.
Formally recognised instructor not yet a Sensei, assistant instructor.
Shihan.
A formal title meaning approximately"master instructor". A teacher of teachers. Hanshi is wise or Sage like hence the common translation of "master". Shihan is an alternative meaning.
Shiko Dachi.
Square stance.
Shiro.
White.
Shizentai.
Natural position, remaining relaxed but alert.
Shomen.
Designated front of a Dojo, also the front or top of head.
Shuto Uke.
Knife hand block. also known as "Shuto Te".
Sochin Dachi.
Immovable Stance, also "Fudo Dachi".
Sokuto.
Edge of foot.
Soto Mikazuki Geri.
Outside crescent kick.
Soto Uke.
Outside block.
Soto Ude Uke.
Outside forearm block, also "Soto Yoko Te".
Sukui Uke.
Scooping block, also "Sukui Te".
Suri Uke.
Sliding block.
Suwari Waza.
Techniques from a sitting position.
Tai Sabaka.
Body movement/shifting.
Taiming Ga Osoi.
Not proper timing.
Tate Empi.
Upward elbow strike, also "Age Empi".
Tate Uraken Uchi.
Vertical backfist attack.
Tate Zuki.
Vertical punch, with the palm along a vertical plane.
Teiji Dachi.
Stance with feet in a T shape.
Teisho Uchi.
Palm heel strike.
Teisho Uke.
Palm heel block.
Testtest.
This is a test.
Tettsui Uchi.
Hammerfist strike, also "Kentsui"
Tobi Geri.
Jump kick.
Tonfa.
A farm tool, wheat grinder handle developed into a weapon by the Okinawans.
Tora Uchi.
Tiger/Leopards paw strike
Toranai.
No Point.
Toute.
Vital point attacking or manipulation.
Tsukami Uke.
Grasping block.
Tsukami Waza.
Catching technique, block and seize the opponents arm, leg or weapon.
Tsuki.
Punch or thrust, also "Zuki".
Tsuru Ashi Dachi.
Crane stance,also "Gankaku Dachi" and "Sagi Ashi Dachi".
Tuite.
Grappling Skills.
Uchi Uke.
Strike block, inside block.
Uchi Ude Uke.
Inside forearm block.
Uchi Deshi.
Live in student, lives in Dojo and devotes Him/Herself both to training and maintenance of the Dojo. (and sometimes personal service to the Sensei).
Uchi Mawashi Geri.
Inside roundhouse kick.
Uchi Waza.
Striking techniques.
Uchi Yoko Te.
Outside forearm block, also "Soto Ude Uke".
Uke.
Block.
Uke Waza.
Blocking techniques.
Ukemi Waza.
Breakfall Techniques.
Ura Zuki.
Uppercut punch used at close range.
Uraken.
Back knuckle/fist.
Uraken Uke.
backfist block.
Uraken Zuki.
Backfist strike.
Ushiro Empi Uchi.
Striking rearwards with elbow.
Ushiro Geri.
Back kick.
Ushiro Mawashi Geri.
Reverse round house kick.
Ushiro Mikazuki Geri.
Reverse crescent kick.
Wa Uke.
Similar to Yoko Uke, imagine wiping the wall in front of you with your palm in a half circle, at the end the hand is slightly angle to the outside.
Waza.
Techniques.
Yama Zuki.
Mountain punch, a wide U shaped dual punch.
Yame.
Stop.
Yasumi.
Rest, ordered by Sensei, usually after a long series of drills.
Yoi.
Ready.
Yoko.
Side.
Yoko Geri Keage.
Side snap kick.
Yoko Geri Kekomi.
Side thrust kick.
Yoko Uke.
Side block.
Yowai.
Weak focus.
Yudansha.
Black Belt holder of any rank.
Za Rei.
Traditional Japanese bow from kneeling position.
Zanshin.
Lit, aware even after technique is completed one should remain alert for and be prepared to respond to additional attacks.
Zenkutsu Dachi.
Forward stance.
Zenshin.
Forward.
Zori.
Japanese slippers/thongs.