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Japanese Terminology

Japanese Martial Arts lessons make heavy use of Japanese terminology here is an overview of the most frequently used terms.

 

JAPANESE TERMINOLOGY

PARTS OF THE BODY.

 

AGO Jaw or Chin.
AKIRESU-KEN Achilles Tendon.
ASHI  Foot or Leg.
ASHIKUBI Ankle.
ASHI URA Sole of foot.
ASHI YUBI Toes.
ASHIZOKO Bottom Foot. You use this to sweep your opponents foot during Ashi Barai.
DO Torso or Trunk of Body.
DOKKO The Mastoids.
EMPI Elbow (also called HIJI).
FUKUTO The outside of the lower part of the thigh.
FUSHI Joint, Knuckle
GAI WAN Outer Arm.
GAN Eye. You may also see this as Gansei.
GANMEN Head and face area.
HA Tooth.
HADA Skin.
HAGUKI Gums.
HAI Lung.
HAIBU The back area used as the target area in Karate.
HAIMEN Back or Rear Side.
HAISOKU Instep of the foot. The area at the base of the shin bone and the top of the foot.
HAI-WAN Back Arm.
HANA Nose.
HARA Abdomen, means the same as Tandan.
HIDARI Left (left side).
HIFU Skin.
HIJI Elbow, also known as Empi. HIJI is the older version. EMPI is now the most commonly used. You may also see it spelt as Enpi.
HIJIKANSETSU  Elbow Joint.
HIRA-KOTE Level Forearm. Centre of the outer and inner forearms.
HITAI Brow/Forehead.
HITOSASHI Forefinger Knuckle.
HIZA Knee or Lap.
HIZAGASHIRA Knee Cap.
HIZAKANSETSU Knee Joint.
JINZO Kidney.
KAFUKUBU Abdomen.
KAHANSHIN Lower half of the body.
KAKATO Heel (of the foot)
KAMI Hair. Kami Dori/Tsukami is Hair grab,
KANSETSU Joint.
KANZO Liver. (may also sometimes see it as Kimo).
KARADA Body, Physique.
KASUMI Temple on the side of the head. Also see Komikami
KATA Shoulder.
KE Hair.
KEIBU Neck Area. Used as a target in sports karate.
KEICHU Nape of the neck.
KETTO Blood.
KINNIKU Muscles.
KINTEKI Testicles.
KOKEN Wrist Joint, or bent wrist. It translates as 'Arc Fist'. 
KOMEKAMI The temple area of the head. Also see Kasumi.
KOSHI The Ball of the Foot, or the Hip/Waist.
KOTE (1) Wrist, another translation for Wrist. TE is on the end to signify that it is of the hand. Ko means Arc.
KOTE (2) Back Hand.
KOTE (3) Forearm. In some cases you will see KOTE as forearm as in 'Omote-Kote' or 'Outer Forearm'
KUBI Neck.
KUCHI Mouth.
KUSAGAKURE The outside edge of the top of the foot.
KYOBU Chest Area.
MATA Top of the thigh.
MATSUKAZE The side of the neck.
ME Eye.
MIGI Right (right side).
MIKAZUKI The lower ridge of the lower jaw, the mandible base.
MIMI Ear or Ears.
MOMO Thigh.
MUNE Chest.
MYAKU Pulse.
MYOJO Area about one inch below the navel.
NAI WAN Inner Arm.
NODO Throat.
OMOTE-KOTE Front Forearm or Inner Forearm. The thumb edge side that when standing naturally faces to the front. 
OYAYUBI Thumb or Big Toe.
ROKKOTSU Rib.
SAKOTSU Collar Bone.
SEBONE Backbone, Spine.
SENAKA The Back.
SEOI Shoulder. In Karate we use 'Kata' to say Shoulder but you may see Seoi Nage for Shoulder Throw. 
SHIN Heart.
SHINTAI Body, another expression for body.
SHINZO Heart.
SHIRI Buttocks.
SHITA Tongue.
SHO Palm, as in hand.
SHOFU Side of neck.
SHUWAN Palm Side of Forearm. This is also seen as SHOWAN.
SODA The area between the shoulder blades.
SOKKO Top Of The Foot.
SOKUTEI Sole of Foot.
SOKUTO Edge of foot. The striking area in a Side Thrust Kick.
SUIGETSU  Solar-plexus.
SUNE Shin.
TAI Body, as in Tai-Sabaki tai = body, sabaki = shifting or movement.
TAIKAKU Build or Physique.
TANDEN Basically your centre of gravity, naval area. Also see Hara.
TE Hand.
TENDO The crown of your head.
TENTO The Fontanelle or the space between the crown of the head and the forehead.
TOMOE Stomach.
TSUMASAKI Tips of the Toes.
TSUME Nail, of the fingers or toes. Used to effect in the kata Bassai Sho, to cut across the opponents eyeballs.
UDE Forearm.
UDEKANSETSU Arm Joint.
URA-KOTE Reverse or Rear Forearm. The little finger side.
USHIRO Back or Rear.
UTO The point at the base of the nose between the eyes.
WAKIBARA Side Of The Chest.
WAN Arm.
WANSHUN Top of outside edge of upper arm.
YAKO The inside of the upper thigh.
YOBO Face.
YOKO Side or Lateral.
YUBI Finger.
YUBI NO KANSETSU Knuckle.
YUBISAKI Fingertip.
ZENSHIN Whole (entire) Body.
ZENWAN Forearm.
ZUNO Head or Brains.

UKE - BLOCKS

 

AGE UKE Upper Rising Block. Used generally to guard against an attack to the face.
ASHIBO-KAKE UKE Leg Hooking Block, in which the leg is raised to the side and swung in a circle to deflect an opponents side kick to the abdomen.
ASHIKUBI-KAKE UKE Ankle Hooking Block. Normally used to block a front kick. It is similar in motion to Ashibo-Kake Uke. 
AWASE UKE Combined Block. A generic term for any combined block.
CHUDAN UDE UKE Middle Level Forearm Block, blocking an attack to the mid-section.
CHUDAN UKE Middle Level Block. A general term for middle level blocks.
EMPI UKE Elbow Block. A general term for the blocking action using the elbow
GEDAN BARAI Lower Level Sweep. Normally the first move students make prior to going on to do their combinations, one of the reason's for this is so that the first move in Karate is a block which demonstrates that Karate is for self-defence. When we call Gedan Barai it is really a shortened version of Gedan Barai Uke.
GEDAN BARAI UKE Lower level Sweeping Block. Gedan Barai but using it as a block
GEDAN SOTO UDE UKE Lower Level Outside Forearm Block,
GEDAN UKE Lower Level Block
HAISHU UKE Back Hand Block. A block using the back of the hand.
HAITO UKE Ridge-hand Block.
HAI-WAN UKE Back Arm Block
HARAI WAZA Sweeping techniques. 
HIJI UKE Elbow Block, a blocking action using the elbow. Also see Empi Uke
JODAN UKE High Level Block.
JO UKE WAZA Jo Blocking Techniques. 
JUJI UKE X Block.
KAGI UKE Hooking Block.
KAISHO UKE Open Hand Block.
KAKE UKE Hooking Block. A generic term for hooking blocks.
KAKIWAKE UKE Reverse Wedge Block.
KEITO UKE Chicken Head Block.
KENTSUI UKE (Or TETTSUI UKE) Hammer Fist Block.
KOSA UKE Crossed Block.
MOROTE UKE Augmented Block.
NAGASHI UKE Sweeping Block. This is one of the times that Nagashi is referred to as Sweeping.
NAMI ASHI Inside Snapping Block, 
OTOSHI-UKE Dropping Block.
SEIRYUTO UKE Ox Jaw Block. A hand technique delivered with the base of the SHUTO (Knife hand).
SHUTO UKE Knife-hand Block.
SOTO UDE UKE Outside Forearm Block or sometimes said as Lower Wrist Block.
SOTO UKE Outside Block, normally a shortened version of Soto Ude Uke.
SUKUI UKE Scooping Block.
TE GATANA UKE Hand Sword Block, this is now most commonly referred to as 'Shuto Uke'.
TEISHO BARAI Palm Heel Sweep. As seen in the Kata Unsu.
TEISHO UKE Palm Heel Block.
TSUKAMI UKE Grasping Block.
TSUKI UKE Punching Block.
UCHI UDE UKE Inside Forearm Block.
UCHI-UKE Inside Block generally used as a short version of Uchi Ude Uke.
UDE UKE Forearm Block.
UKE Block.
URAKEN UKE Back Fist Block. For when the Back Fist is used as a block. 

GERI - KICKS & ASHI WAZA - LEG TECHINQUES.

 

ASHI Foot or Leg.
ASHI BARAI Foot/Leg Sweep.
ASHI GATANA Foot Sword.
ASHI WAZA Name given to all leg and foot techniques, ASHI meaning either leg or foot and WAZA meaning technique.
FUMIKIRI GERI Cutting Kick.
FUMIKOMI GERI Stamping kick.
GERI Kick. When using the spelling of 'geri' it should be added to another word to describe the kick. Geri used by itself would mean diahorrea. Also see KERIand Keru.
HIZA GERI (strike) Knee Kick.
KAKATO GERI Axe Kick, striking with the back of the heel of the foot.
KEAGE 'Kick Up' in karate we use this when describing snapping as opposed to thrusting kicks. But see Keriage
KEKOMI Thrust Kick (Literally, Kick Into/Straight). See Kerikomi.
KERI Kick, you will see kick spelt this way. Keri by itself is a noun meaning kick coming from the verb Keru "To kick", The normal spelling used on this site is
GERI.  
KERU Kick. This is used when saying kick as a verb.
MAE GERI Front Kick.
MAE GERI KEAGE Front Snapping Kick.
MAE GERI KEKOMI Front Thrust Kick.
MAWASHI GERI  Roundhouse Kick.
MIKAZUKI GERI Crescent Kick.
NIDAN GERI Double Kick, as seen at the end of the Kata 
REN-GERI Consecutive Kicking, alternate kicking i.e. left and then right.
TOBI GERI Jumping Kick.
TSUMASAKI GERI Kicking using the tips of the toes to strike with. Should only be used to attack the soft parts of the opponents body e.g. groin.
USHIRO GERI Back Kick.
YOKO GERI Side Kick.
YOKO GERI KEAGE Side Snap Kick.
YOKO GERI KEKOMI  Side Thrust Kick. Also referred to as YOKO KEKOMI.

KAMAE - POSITION (ALSO SPELT GAMAE)

 

AI KAMAE Harmony Posture.
GANKAKU KAMAE Crane Posture
HIDARI KAMAE Left Posture. Used to describe when your left side is forward in a stance.
JIYU KAMAE Free Sparring Posture.
KAGI KAMAE Hooking Posture.
KAMAE Posture or Stance. Kamae is sometimes spelt GAMAE.
KAMAETE A command given by the instructor for students to get into position.
KOSHI KAMAE A stance where the fists are held one above the other against one of the hips. 
MANJI KAMAE A Double block where one arm executes Gedan Barai to one side, while the other arm executes Jodan Uchi Uke or Haiwan uke. As seen in the kata Jitte.
MIGI KAMAE Right Posture. Used to describe when your right side is forward in a stance.
RYO WAN KAMAE  wide arm stance, where the arms are held at 45 degree's from the body, helps gives stability when practising basic kicking techniques. The actualtranslation is Both Arm Posture.
ZANSHIN KAMAE awareness posture.

TSUKI - PUNCHES

 

AGE TSUKI (ZUKI) Rising Punch. 
AWASE TSUKI Combined Punch, or U Punch. Also referred to as MOROTE TSUKI.
CHOKU TSUKI Straight Punch. Also known as Kara Tsuki.
DAN-TSUKI Consecutive punching (same hand).
GYAKU TSUKI Reverse Punch.
HEIKO TSUKI Parallel Punch, (A double, simultaneous punch).
HIRAKEN Flat Fist or Fore knuckle fist.
IPPON KEN One Knuckle Fist.
KAGI TSUKI Hook Punch.
KIZAMI TSUKI Jabbing Punch.
MAWASHI TSUKI Roundhouse Punch.
MIKEN TSUKI Leading Hand Punch
MOROTE TSUKI Augmented Punch or U-Punch.
NAGASHI TSUKI  Flowing punch.
NAKADAKA IPPON-KEN Middle Finger One Knuckle Fist.
OI-TSUKI Lunge punch.
REN-TSUKI Alternate punching
SANBON TSUKI A series of three punches, generally the first is OI TSUKI JODAN, followed by a slight pause then, CHUDAN GYAKU TSUKI, immediately followed by CHUDAN TSUKI, but it can be performed with three punches to the same target.
SEIKEN Fore fist, Regular Fist.
TATE TSUKI Vertical Punch
TSUKI A punch or thrust.
URA TSUKI An upper cut / close punch used at close range. Sometimes called STAZ TSUKI.
YAMA TSUKI A wide U-shaped dual punch. Also called Mountain Punch, YAMA=MOUNTAIN.
ZUKI A different spelling of TSUKI. You would use the spelling 'Zuki' when you are adding the word to another. You use the spelling 'Tsuki' when it is said by itself.

UCHI - STRIKES

 

AGE-EMPI UCHI Upward Elbow Strike. Sometimes called TATE EMPI UCHI. 
HAISHU UCHI Back Hand Strike. A strike with the back of the hand where the hand and fingers are straight.
HAITO UCHI Ridge-hand Strike.
HIJI-ATE elbow strike, also called EMPI UCHI.
HIJI ATEMI or HIJI ATE Elbow Strikes.
IPPON NUKITE One Finger Strike.
IPPON TSUKI One Finger Thrust. Today we use the term Ippon Nukite.
KEITO UCHI Chicken Head Strike.
KENTSUI UCHI (Or TETTSUI UCHI) Hammer Fist Strike.
KUMADE UCHI Bear hand strike. Kumade also means rake or fork.
NIHON NUKITE Two Finger Strike
NIHON TSUKI Two Finger Thrust. Today we use the term Nihon Nukite.
NUKITE Spear Hand
SHIHON NUKITE Four Finger Strike
SHIHON TSUKI Four Finger Thrust. Today we use the term Shihon Nukite.
SHUTO UCHI Knife hand strike
TATE EMPI UCHI Upward Elbow Strike. Sometimes also called AGE EMPI
TE GATANA UKE Hand Sword Block, this is now most commonly referred to as 'Shuto Uke'.
TEISHO UCHI Palm Heel Strike.
TETTSUI UCHI Bottom Fist Strike. Also called KENTSUI.
UCHI Striking
URAKEN UCHI Back Fist Strike
USHIRO MAWASHI EMPI UCHI Back Roundhouse Elbow Strike
YOKO EMPI UCHI Side Elbow Strike.

DACHI - STANCES

 

FUDO DACHI Rooted Stance. Now also referred to as SOCHIN DACHI but they are two separate stances.
GANKAKU DACHI Crane Stance, 
HACHIJI DACHI Open Leg Stance. The feet are positioned about one shoulder width apart and pointed outwards at 45 degrees. It actually translates to 'Figure Eight Stance' and the true full name for this stance should be 'Soto Hachiji Dachi', and when the feet are angled in at 45 degrees the name is 'Uchi Hachiji Dachi'.
HANGETSU DACHI Half-Moon Stance.
HEIKO DACHI Parallel stance.
HEISOKU DACHI An informal attention stance.
KIBA DACHI Straddle Stance. Also known as HORSE RIDING STANCE.
KOKUTSU DACHI Back Stance.
KOSA DACHI Cross Stance or as it is more commonly called Crossed-feet Stance.
MUSUBI DACHI Informal attention stance, Heels placed together but with each foot turned out at 45 degrees.
NAIHANCHI DACHI Kiba Dachi, but with the feet turned in. Funakoshi changed the name Naihanchi to Tekki.
NANAME SHIKO DACHI  Diagonal Straddle Leg Stance.
NEKO-ASHI DACHI Cats Foot Stance.
RENOJI DACHI L Stance.
SAGI ASHI DACHI Heron Leg Stance.
SANCHIN DACHI Hour-glass Stance.
SHIKO DACHI Square Stance, or Four Thigh Stance also sometimes called SUMO STANCE.
SHIZEN DACHI Natural Stance.
SOCHIN DACHI Diagonal Straddle Leg stance. Immovable Stance. Also now referred to as FUDO DACHI but they are two different stances. In Fudo Dachi the weight is further forwards.
TACHI Standing or Stance. To stand up would be Tachiagaru. In some older works you may also see Zenkutsu Tachi etc. instead of Dachi.
TEIJI DACHI A Stance with the feet in a 'T-shape'.
TSURU ASHI DACHI Crane Leg Stance.
UCHI-HACHIJI DACHI Inverted open leg stance, or Inverted Figure Eight Stance. The feet are shoulder width apart but with the feet facing inwards.
ZENKUTSU DACHI Forward Stance. The actual translation means Front Knee Bent Stance.

ALPHABETICAL - General

A

 

AGE UKE Upward Block. 

 
AGE ZUKI Rising Punch.
AIUCHI "Simultaneous Scoring Technique." No point awarded to either contestant. Referee brings fists together in front of the chest.
AKA Red
AKA (SHIRO) NO KACHI "Red (White) Wins!" The Referee obliquely raises his arm on the side of the winner.
AKA (SHIRO) IPPON "Red (White) Scores Ippon." The Referee obliquely raises his arm on the side of the winner (as in ...NO KACHI).
ASHI BARAI Foot Sweep.
ASHI WAZA Name given to all leg and foot techniques..
ATEMI WAZA Striking techniques that are normally used in conjunction with grappling and throwing techniques.
ATENAI YONI "Warning without penalty." This may be imposed for attended minor infractions or for the first instance of a minor inforaction. The Referee raises one hand in a fist with the other hand covering it at chest level and shows it to the offender.
ATOSHI BARAKU "A little more time left." An audible signal will be given by the time keeper 30 seconds before the actual end of the bout.
ATTATE IRU  "Contact"
AWASE UKE Joined Hand Block.
AWASE ZUKI U Punch. Also referred to as MOROTE ZUKI.
AYUMI DACHI A stance found in ITOSU-KAI SHITO-RYU. It is a natural "Walking" stance with the weight over the center.

 

B-D

 

BO Staff. A long stick used as a weapon (approximately 6 feet long).
BOGYO ROKU KYODO Six Defense Actions. A basic drill of the Japan Karate-Do Ryobu-Kai. Uses the old names of techniqes such as AGE TE,HARAI TE (or GEDAN BARAI), SOTO YOKO TE, UCHI YOKO TE, SHUTO TE, and SUKUI TE.
BUDO Martial way. The Japanese character for "BU" (martial) is derived from characters meaning "stop" and (a weapon like a) "halberd." In conjunction, then, "BU" may have the connotation "to stop the halberd." In Karate, there is an assumption that the best way to prevent violent conflict is to emphasize the cultivation of individual character. The way (DO) of Karate is thus equivalent to the way of BU, taken in this sense of preventing or avoiding violence so far as possible.
BUNKAI A study of the techniques and applications in KATA.
CHOKU ZUKI Straight Punch.
CHUDAN Mid-section. During the practice of KIHON IPPON KUMITE (one step basic sparring), the attacker will normally announce where he/she will attack JODAN, CHUDAN, or GEDAN (Upper level, Mid-level, or lower level).
CHUDAN ZUKI A punch to the mid-section of the opponent's body.
CHUI "Warning"
DANI Level, Rank or Degree. Black Belt rank. Ranks under Black Belt are called KYU ranks.
DO Way/path. The Japanese character for "DO" is the same as the Chinese character for Tao (as in "Taoism"). In Karate, the connotation is that of a way of attaining enlightenment or a way of improving one's character through traditional training.
DOJO Literally "place of the Way." Also "place of enlightenment." The place where we practice Karate. Traditional etiquette prescribes bowing in the direction of the designated front of the dojo (SHOMEN) whenever entering or leaving the dojo.
DOMO ARIGATO GOZAIMASHITA Japanese for "thank you very much." At the end of each class, it is proper to bow and thank the instructor and those with whom you've trained.


 

E-G

 

EKKU A Wooden oar used by the Okinawans which was imporovised as a weapon.
EMBUSEN Floor pattern of a given kata.
EMPI Elbow. Sometimes referred to as HIJI.
EMPI UCHI elbow strike (also called HIJI-ATE)
ENCHO-SEN "Extension." After a draw, the match goes into overtime. Referee reopens match with command "SHOBU HAJIME."
FUDO DACHI Immovable Stance. Also referred to as SOCHIN DACHI.
FUJUBUN "Not enough power"
FUKUSHIN SHUGO "Judges Conference" 
FUMIKOMI Stomp kick, usually applied to the knee, shin, or instep of an opponent.
GANKAKU DACHI Crane Stance, sometimes referred to as TSURU ASHI DACHI and SAGI ASHI DACHI.
GASSHUKUA special training camp.
GEDAN

 

 Lower section. During the practice of KIHON IPPON KUMITE (one step basic sparring), the attacker will normally announce where he/she will attack JODAN, CHUDAN, or GEDAN (Upper level, Mid-level, or lower level).
GEDAN BARAI Downward Block.
GEDAN UDE UKE Low Forearm Block.
GEDAN ZUKI A punch to the lower section of the opponent's body.
GI (DO GI) (KEIKO GI) (KARATE GI) Training costume. In most other traditional Japanese and Okinawan Karate Dojo, the GI must be white and cotton
GO NO SEN The tactic where one allows the opponent to attack first so to open up targets for counteracttack. 
GOHON KUMITE Five step basic sparring. The attacker steps in five consecutive times with a striking technique with each step. The defender steps back five times, blocking each technique. After the fifth block, the defender executes a counter-strike.
GYAKU MAWASHI GERI Reverse Round-house Kick.
GYAKU ZUKI Reverse Punch.

 

H

 

HACHIJI DACHI A natural stance, feet positioned about one shoulder width apart, with feet pointed slightly outward.
HAI "Yes".
HAISHU UCHI A strike with the back of the hand.
HAISHU UKE A block using the back of the hand.
HAITO UCHI Ridge-hand Strike.
HAJIME "Begin". A command given to start a given drill, Kata, or Kumite.
HANGETSU A Kata.
HANGETSU DACHI "Half-Moon" Stance.
HANSHI "Master." An honorary title given to the highest Black Belt of an organization, signifying their understanding of their art. In Japan Karate-Do Ryobu-Kai, the Hanshi is the Grandmaster of Ryobu-Kai, Yasuhiro Konishi II.
HANSOKU "Foul." This is imposed following a very serious infraction. It results in the opponent's score being raised to SANBON.

HANSOKU is also invoked when the number of HANSOKU-CHUI and KEIKOKU imposed raise the opponent's score to SANBON.

The Referee points with his index finger tot he face of the offender at a 45 degree angle and announces a victory for theopponent.
HANSOKU CHUI "Warning with an IPPON penalty. This is a penalty in which IPPON is added to the opponent's score. HANSOKU-CHUI is usually imposed for infractions for which a KEIKOKU has previously been given in that bout. The Referee points with his index finger to the abdomen of the offender of the offender parallel to the floor.
HANTEI "Judgment." Referee calls for judgment by blowing his whistle and the Judges render their decision by flag signal.
HANTEI KACHI "Winner by decision".
HARAI TE Sweeping technique with the arm.
HARAI WAZA Sweeping techniques.
HASAMI ZUKI Scissor Punch.
HEIKO DACHI A natural stance. Feet positioned about one shoulder width apart, with feet pointed straight forward. Some Kata begin from this position.
(HIGAONNA LINE) HEIKO DACHI A Heiko Dachi stance, where the front foot is turned slightly inwards while the rear foot is straight. This stance is found in kata.
HEIKO ZUKI "Parallel Punch" (A double, simultaneous punch).
HEISOKU DACHI An 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, dependent on the given condition.
HIDARI "Left".
HIJI "Elbow", also known as Empi.
HIJI-ATE elbow strike (also called EMPI-UCHI)
HIJI ATEMI Elbow Strikes.
HIJI UKE A blocking action using the elbow
HIKI-TE The retracting (pulling and twisting) arm during a technique. It gives the balance of power to the forward moving technique. It can also be used as a pulling technique after a grab, or a strike backward with the elbow.
HIKIWAKE "Draw." Referee crosses arms over chest, then uncrosses and holds arms out from the body with the palms showing upwards.
HITOSASHI IPPON KEN Forefinger Knuckle.
HIZA GERI Knee Kick.
HIZA UKE A blocking action using the knee.
HOMBU DOJO A term used to refer to the central dojo of an organization.
HORAN NO KAMAE "Egg in the Nest Ready Position." A "ready" position used in some KATA where the fist in covered by the other hand.

 

I-J

 

INASU evasion of an on-coming attack through the course of removing the body from the line of attack.
IPPON KEN "One Knuckle Fist".
IPPON KUMITE One step sparring.
IPPON NUKITE  A stabbing action using the extended index finger.
IPPON SHOBU  One point match, used in tournaments.
IRIMI to penetrate, to enter. Usually describes moving closer to the opponent than the attack as you close in defense.
JIKAN "Time".
JIYU IPPON KUMITE One step free sparring. The participants can attack with any technique whenever ready.
JIYU KUMITE  Free Sparring.
JO Wooden staff about 4'-5' in length. The JO originated as a walking stick. 
JODAN Upper level. During the practice of KIHON IPPON KUMITE (one step basic sparring), the attacker will normally announce where he/she will attack JODAN, CHUDAN, or GEDAN (Upper level, Mid-level, or lower level).
JOGAI "Exit from fighting area." The Referee points with his index finger at a 45 degree angle to the area boundary on the side of the offender.
JOGAI KEIKOKU "Second exit from fighting area." WAZA-ARI penalty is given to the opponent.
JOGAI HANSOKU  "Fourth and Final Exit from the fighting area." Fourth exit from the fighting area causes victory to the opponent.
JOGAI HANSOKU CHUI "Third exit from fighting area". Referee uses two hand signals with announcement "AKA (or SHIRO) JOGAI HANSOKU CHUI". He first points with his index finger to the match boundary on the side of the offender, then to the offender's abdomen. An IPPON is awarded to the opponent.
JUJI UKE X Block.
JUN ZUKI The WADO RYU term for OI-ZUKI.

 

K

 

KACHI Victorious. (e.g., AKA KACHI) in a tournament. 
KAGI ZUKI Hook Punch.
KAISHO Open hand. This refers to the type of blow which is delivered with the open palm. It can also be used to describe other hand blows in which the fist is not fully clenched.
KAKE-TE Hook Block.
KAKIWAKE A two handed block using the outer surface of the wrist to neutralize a two-handed attack, such as a grab.
KAKUSHI WAZA "Hidden techniques."
KAKUTO UCHI Wrist joint strike. Also known as "KO UCHI."
KAKUTO UKE Wrist Joint Block. Also known as KO UKE.
KAMAE A posture or stance either with or without a weapon. KAMAE may also connote proper distance (Ma-ai) with respect to one's partner. Although "KAMAE" generally refers to a physical stance, there is an important prallel in Karate between one's physical and one's psychological bearing. Adopting a strong physical stance helps to promote the correlative adoption of a strong psychological attitude. It is important to try so far as possible to maintain a positive and strong mental bearing in Karate.
KAMAE-TE A command given by the instructor for students to get into position.
KAPPO Techniques of resuscitating people who have succumbed to a shock to the nervous system.
KARATE "Empty Hand". When Karate was first introduced to Japan, it was called "TO-DE". The characters of TODE could be pronounced. However, the meaning of TODE is Chinese Hand.
KARATE-DO "The Way of Karate". This implies not only the physical aspect of Karate, but also the mental and social aspects of Karate.
KARATEKA A practitioner of Karate.
KATA A "form" or prescribed pattern of movement. (But also "shoulder.")
KEAGE Snap Kick. (Literally, Kick upward).
KEIKO (1) Training. The only secret to success in Karate. 

(2) Joined Fingertips. 
KEIKOKU "Warning with WAZA-ARI penalty in SANBON SHOBU. This is a penalty in which WAZA-ARI is added to the opponent's score. KEIKOKU is imposed for minor infractions for which a warning has previously been given in that bout, or for infractions not sufficiently serious enough to merit HANSOKU-CHUI. Referee points with his indes finger to the feet of the offender at an angle of 45 degrees.
KEKOMI Thrust Kick ( Literally, Kick Into/Straight ).
KEMPO "Fist Law." A generic term to describe fighting systems that uses the fist. In this regard, KARATE is also KEMPO.
KENSEI The technique with silent KIAI. Related to meditation. 
KENTSUI Hammer Fist Also known as TETTSUI.
KENTSUI UCHI (Or TETTSUI UCHI) Hammer Fist Stike.
KERI Kick.
KI Mind. Spirit. Energy. Vital-force. Intention. (Chinese "chi") The definitions presented here are very general. KI is one word that cannot be translated directly into any language. 
KIAI A shout delivered for the purpose of focusing all of one's energy into a single movement. Even when audible KIAI are absent, one should try to preserve the feeling of KIAI at certain crucial points within Karate techniques. Manifestation of KI (simultaneous union of spirit and expression of physical strength).
KIBA DACHI Staddle Stance. Also known as NAIFANCHI or NAIHANCHI DACHI.
KIHON (Something which is) fundamental. Basic techniques. 
KIKEN "Renunciation." The Referee points one index finger towards the contestant.
KIME Focus of Power.
KI-O-TSUKE "Attention". Musubi Dachi with open hands down both sides.
KIZAMI ZUKI Jab Punch.
KO BO ICHI The concept of "Attack-Defence Connection".
KO UCHI Wrist joint strike. Also known as KAKUTO UCHI.
KO UKE "Crane Block" or "Arch Block". Same as KAKUTO UKE.
KOHAI A student junior to oneself.
KOKORO "Spirit, Heart." In Japanese culture, the spirit dwells in the Heart.
KUBOTAN A self-defense tool developed by TAKAYUKI KUBOTA. This tool serves normally as a key chain.
KOKEN Wrist Joint.
KOKUTSU DACHI  A stance which has most of the weight to the back. Referred to in English as Back Stance.
KOSA DACHI Crossed-Leg Stance.
KOSHIN Rearward.
KUATSU The method of resuscitating a person who has lost consciousness due to strangulation or shock.
KUMADE Bear hand.
KYOSHI "knowledgeable person," and usually this title is conferred at rokudan or shichidan, depending on system. Common practice in the large organizations is for this to be at shichidan (7th dan).
KYU "Grade". Any rank below Shodan.
KYUSHO WAZA Pressure Point techniques.

 

N-M

 

MA-AI Proper distancing or timing with respect to one's partner. Since Karate techniques always vary according to circumstances, it is important to understand how differences in initial position affect the timing and application of techniques.
MAAI GA TOH "not proper distance"
MAE Front.
MAE EMPI Forward Elbow Strike.
MAE ASHI GERI Kicking with the front leg.
MAE GERI KEAGE Front Snap Kick. Also referred to as MAE KEAGE.
MAE GERI KEKOMI Front Thrust Kick. Also referred to as MAE KEKOMI.
MAE UKEMI forward fall/roll.
MAKOTO A feeling of absolute sincerity and total frankness, which requires a pure mind, free from pressure of events.
MANABU "Learning by imitating." A method of studying movement and techniques by following and imitating the instructor.
MANJI UKE A Double block where one arm executes GEDAN BARAI to one side, while the other arm executes JODAN UCHI UKE (or JODAN SOTO YOKO TE).
MATTE "Wait".
MAWASHI GERI Roundhouse Kick.
MAWASHI ZUKI Roundhouse Punch.
MAWASHI EMPI UCHI Circular Elbow Strike. Also referred to as MAWASHI HIJI ATE.
MAWASHI HIJI ATE Circular Elbow Strike. Also referred to as MAWASHI EMPI UCHI.
MAWAT-TE A command given by the instructor for students to turn around.
MIENAI "I could not see." A call by a judge to indicate that a given technique was not visible form his/her angle.
MIGI Right.
MIKAZUKI GERI  Crescent Kick.
MOKUSO Meditation. Practice often begins or ends with a brief period of meditation. The purpose of meditation is to clear one's mind and to develop cognitive equanimity. Perhaps more importantly, meditation is an opportunity to become aware of conditioned patterns of thought and behavior so that such patterns can be modified, eliminated or more efficiently put to use. 
MOROTE ZUKI U-Punch. Punching with both fists simultaneously. Also referred to as AWASE ZUKI.
MOROTE UKE Augmented Block. One arm and fist support the other arm in a block.
MOTO NO ICHI "Original Position." Contestants, Referee and Judge return to their respective standing lines.
MUDANSHA Students without black-belt ranking.
MUMOBI "Warning for lack of regard for ones own safety." Referee points one index finger in the air at a 60 degree angle on the side of the offender. 
MUMOBI KEIKOKU "Warning with WAZA=ARI penalty. Referee uses two hand signals with announcement AKA (SHIRO) MUBOBI-KEIKOKU. He first points with his index finger at a 60 degree angle on the side of the offender, then to the offender's feet. 
MUSHIN "No Mind." The state of being that allos freedom and flexibility to react and adapt to a given situation.
MUSUBI DACHI An attention stance with feet pointed slightly outward.
NAGASHI UKE Sweeping Block.
NAGASU "to flow like water". Deflection of an on-coming attack. This term describes being carried by a current in a stream. So this relates to nagashi uke in which you re-direct the attack as it moves closer to you, sweeping is just past you. 
NAIFANCHI DACHI Straddle Stance. Also referred to as NAIHANCHI DACHI and KIBA DACHI.
NAIHANCHI DACHI Straddle Stance. Also referred to as KIBA DACHI and NAIFANCHI DACHI.
NAKADAKA IPPON KEN Middle Finger Knuckle.
NAMI-GAESHI Returning Wave. Foot technique found in Tekki Shodan to block an attack to the groin area. The technique can also be used to strike the opponent's inner thigh or knee.
NEKO ASHI DACHI Cat Stance.
NIHON NUKITE Two finger stabbing attack.
NIDAN Second Level, as in Second Degree Black Belt.
NIDAN GERI Double Kick.
NORU "to ride" or "to carry" or "to give a ride to", so you ride on your opponent's attacking arm or leg, etc. You may also ride his hikite to break his rhythm; this is very hard to defend.
NUKETE IRU "Out of Target"
NUKITE Spear Hand.
NUNCHAKU An Okinawan weapon consisting of two sticks connected by rope or chain. This was originally used by the Okinawans as a farm tool to thrash rice straw.


 

O-S

 

OI-ZUKI  Lunge Punch. 
ONEGAI SHIMASU  "I welcome you to train with me," or literally, "I make a request." This is said to one's partner when initiating practice. 
OSAE UKE  Pressing Block. 
OTOSHI EMPI UCHI  An elbow strike by dropping the elbow. Also referred to as Otoshi Hiji Ate. 
OYAYUBI IPPON KEN  Thumb Knuckle. 
OYO WAZA  Applications interpreted from techniques in Kata, implicated according to a given condition. 
REI  "Respect". A method of showing respect in Japanese culture is the Bow. It is proper for the junior person bows lower than the senior person.
REIGI  Etiquette. Also referred to as REISHIKI. Observance of proper etiquette at all times (but especially observance of proper DOJO etiquette) is as much a part of one's training as the practice of techniques. Observation of etiquette indicates one's sincerity, one's willingness to learn, and one's recognition of the rights and interests of others. 
REINOJI DACHI  A stance with feet making a 'L-shape.' 
RENSEI  Practice Tournament. Competitors are critiqued on their performances. 
RENSHI  "A person who has mastered oneself." This person is considered an expert instructor. This status is prerequisite before attaining the status as KYOSHI. Renshi "has a name." Renshi is no longer one of the many, so to speak. Renshi is usually given at yodan to rokudan, depending on the system. 
SAGI ASHI DACHI  One Leg Stance. Also referred to as GANKAKU DACHI or TSURU ASHI DACHI. 
SAI  An Okinawan weapon that is 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. 
SASHITE  Raising of the hand either to strike, grab, or block. 
SEIKEN  Forefist. 
SEIRYUTO  Bull Strike. A hand technique delivered with the base of the SHUTO (Knife hand). 
SEIZA  A proper sitting position. Sitting on one's knees. Sitting this way requires acclimatization, but provides both a stable base and greater ease of movement than sitting cross-legged. It is used for the formal opening and closing of the class.
SEMPAI  A senior student. 
SEN NO SEN  Attacking at the exact moment when the opponent attacks. 
SEN SEN NO SEN  Attacking before the opponent attacks. Preemptive attack. 
SENSEI  Teacher. It is usually considered proper to address the instructor during practice as "Sensei" rather than by his/her name. If the instructor is a permanent instructor for one's DOJO or for an organization, it is proper to address him/her as "Sensei" off the mat as well.
SHIAI  A match or a contest (Event). 
SHIDOIN  Formally recognized Instructor who has not yet be recognized as 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." Shinan may be an alternative pronunciation. 
SHIKKAKU  "Disqualification." This is a disqualification from the actual tournament, competition, or match. The opponent's score is raised to SANBON. In order to define the limit of SHIKKAKU, the Referee Council must be consulted. SHIKKAKU may be invoked when a contestant commits an act which harms the prestige and honor of Karate-Do and when other actions are considered to violate the rules of the tournament. Referee uses two hand signals with the announcement "AKA (SHIRO) - SHIKKAKU." He first points with his index to the offender's face then obliquely above and behind him. The Referee will announce with the appropriate gesture as previously given "AKA (SHIRO) NO KACHI!" 
SHIKO DACHI  Square Stance. A stance often used in Goju-Ryu and Shito-Ryu. 
SHIRO  White 
SHIZENTAI  Natural Position. The body remains relaxed but alert. 
SHOBU HAJIME  "Start the Extended Bout." 
SHOBU SANBON HAJIME  "Start the Bout" 
SHOMEN  Front or top of head. Also the designated front of a Dojo. 
SHUGO  "Judges Called." The Referee beckons with his arms to the Judges. 
SHUTO TE  Same as SHUTO UKE. This name was used before the advent of sport karate. Used to describe one of the techniques in BOGYO ROKU KYODO.
SHUTO UKE  Knife-hand Block. 
SOCHIN DACHI Immovable Stance. Also referred to as FUDO DACHI. 
SOKUTO  Edge of foot. This term is often used to refer to the side thrust kick. 
SOTO (UDE) UKE  Outside (Forearm) Block. 
SOTO YOKO TE  Same as UCHI UDE UKE. This name was used before the advent of sport karate. Used to describe one of the techniques in BOGYO ROKU KYODO. 
SUKUI TE  Same as SUKUI UKE. This name was used before the advent of sport karate. Used to describe one of the techniques in BOGYO ROKU KYODO.
SUKUI UKE  Scooping Block. 
SUWARI WAZA  Techniques from a sitting position. 

 

T-U

 

TAIMING GA OSOI "Not proper timing"
TAI SABAKI Body movement/shifting.
TATE EMPI Upward Elbow Strike.
TATE ZUKI Vertical Punch. A fist punch with the palm along a verticalplane.
TATE URAKEN UCHI Vertical back-fist attack.
TEIJI DACHI A Stance with the feet in a 'T-shape.'
TEISHO UCHI Palm Heel Strike.
TEISHO UKE Palm Heel Block.
TETTSUI UCHI Hammer Strike. Also called KENTSUI.
TOBI GERI Jump Kick.
TONFA A farm tool developed into a weapon by the Okinawans.
TORANAI "No Point"
TORIMASEN "Unacceptable as scoring techniques." As HIKIWAKE, but culminating with the palms facing downwards towards body.
TSUKAMI WAZA Catching technique. A blocking technique by seizing the opponent's weapon, arm, or leg. Used often for grappling techniques.
TSUKI A punch or thrust (esp. an attack to the midsection).
TSURU ASHI DACHI Crane Stance, also referred to as GANKAKU DACHI and SAGI ASHI DACHI.
TSUZUKETE "Fight On!" Resumption of fighting ordered when unauthorized interruption occurs.
TSUZUKETE HAJIME "Resume Fighting - Begin!" Referee standing upon his line, steps back into ZENKUTSU DACHI and brings the palms of this hands toward each other.
TUITE Grappling skills.
UCHI DESHI A live-in student. A student who lives in a dojo and devotes him/herself both to training and to the maintenence of the dojo (and sometimes to personal service to the SENSEI of the dojo).
UCHI MAWASHI GERI Inside Roundhouse Kick.
UCHI (UDE) UKE Inside (Forearm) Block.
UCHI YOKO TE Same as SOTO UDE UKE. This name was used before the advent of sport karate. Used to describe one of the techniques in BOGYO ROKU KYODO.
UKE Block.
UKEMI WAZA Breakfall techniques.
URA ZUKI An upper cut punch used at close range.
URAKEN Back Knuckle.
USHIRO EMPI UCHI  Striking to the rear with the elbow.
USHIRO GERI Back Kick.

 

W-Z

 

WA-UKE A block where the path taken is similar to the yoko-uke. Imagine wiping a wall in front of you with your palm in a half-circle. At the end of the block the hand is angled slightly to the outside. This block occurs in the Shinpa kata.
WAZA Technique(s).
WAZA ARI  "Half point"
YAMA ZUKI  Mountain Punch. A wide U-shaped dual punch.
YAME Stop!