KARATE TERMINOLOGY
The Way of a Warrior is based on humanity, love, and sincerity; the
heart of martial valor is true bravery, wisdom, love, and friendship.
Emphasis on the physical aspects of warriorship is futile, for the power
of the body is always limited. Ueshiba Morihei
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I J
K
M
N
O
R
S
T
U
W
Y
Z
AGE: Upper or
rising.
AGE-HAISOKU-UCHI: Rising instep strike. Raising your instep into your
attackers groin. Usually combined with a knee kick. It is used in the
Kata Nijushiho. This is an effective "close-in"
technique. AGE-UKE: Upper
rising block. A basic block to a Jodan attack. AGE-ZUKI: Rising punch. Also called Age Tsuki. AGE-EMPI-UCHI: Upward elbow
strike or rising elbow strike. Also referred to as Tate Empi Uchi
(vertical elbow strike). AGO: Jaw or chin, as in mouth. AGURA-WO-KAKU: Informal sitting.
This is sitting with the legs crossed. AI:Harmony. AI-KAMAE:Harmony posture. This
is in relation to your opponent when you are in matching stances. i.e.
both have the right leg forward. AI-KI: Harmonious spirit. This
is where you integrate all your movements, breathing etc. to exactly
match your opponents and you then control him from it. It is also called
"Spirit Meeting" or "Harmony Meeting". AIKIDO: The way of
harmony. AITE: Opponent or partner. AITE-NO-TSUKURI: Conditioning of
your opponent or partner. This is the preparing or setting up of your
opponent in order to execute your technique so that it is most
effective. AIUCHI: Simultaneous
strike. AKA: Red. AKIRESU-KEN: Achilles tendon.
The large tendon at the back of the foot. ANANKU: An Okinawan Shorin Ryu
Kata, meaning light from the south. ANTEI: Balance, stability or
equilibrium. Also see Fu-Anti. ASHI: Foot or Leg. ASHI-ATE: Foot strikes or leg
strikes. These are methods of attacking with the knee, ball or edge of
the foot, heel, etc. ASHI-BARAI: Foot or leg sweep.
Also called Ashi Harai. ASHI-DACHI: Single leg stance, a
general term for one leg stances. See also Sashi Ashi Dachi, Tsuru Ashi
Dachi and Sagi Ashi Dachi. ASHI-FUMIKAE: Changing
feet. ASHI-GAKE: Used
in the Kata Bassai Sho, where you hook your foot behind your attackers
and then pull your foot back in towards you pulling your attackers foot
with you, pulling him off balance. This is different to an Ashi Barai
because this is not done in a sweeping motion. ASHI-HARAI: Foot or leg sweeping, another name for Ashi
Barai. ASHI-HISHIGI: Leg
lock or crunch. You apply pressure to your opponent’s lower calf in order
to pin him to the floor. ASHI-SABAKI: Foot work or foot
movement. ASHI-WAZA: Name
given to all leg and foot techniques. ASHI-YUBI:Toes. Ashi meaning
"of the foot" and Yubi being "the digit". 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: Ankle. Ashi means "of the foot" and Kubi means "of the
joint". ASHIKUBI-KAKE-UKE: Ankle hooking block. Normally used to block a front kick.
It is similar in motion to Ashibo-Kake Uke. ASHIZOKO: Bottom foot. You use this to sweep your opponents foot
during Ashi Barai. ATAMA: Head, or the top of the head. ATE: Strike or striking. ATE-WAZA:Striking or smashing
techniques. ATEMI: Body
strike or striking. ATEMI-WAZA:Body striking
techniques that are normally used in conjunction with grappling and
throwing techniques. ATERU: To place, to put, or to hold. ATO-UCHI: Delayed strike or feint. A feint must cause your opponent
to believe that the attack is going to hit him and therefore cause him to
move his guard and try to block it, which in turn will give you your
target area. ATTATE-IRU: Contact. AU:To meet. This means to encounter an opponent, be it in the
Dojo or "on the street". AWASE: Combined. AWASE-AGE-UKE: Combined upper
rising block, both arms coming up together performing the block. It is
seen in the Kata Bassai Dai. It can also be used as a defence when
someone attempts a two handed grab. AWASE-HIKI-TSUKAMI: Combined
pulling grasp, As seen in the Kata Heian Godan after the hand-pressing
block. AWASE-KOKO-UKE: Combined
tiger mouth block, as seen in the Kata Empi. A good technique against a
Jo or Bo attack. AWASE-MAWASHI-KAKE-UKE: Combined
round house hooking block. Seen in the Kata Nijushiho. This technique can
also be used to unbalance or throw your attacker. AWASE-MAWASHI-UKE: Combined roundhouse block, as seen at the start of Kata
Kankau Dai. AWASE-SHUTO-AGE-UKE: Combined
knife hand rising block. As seen in the Kata Chinte. The thumbs touch
forming a triangle. AWASE-UCHI: Combined strike. A
general term for all combined strikes. AWASE-UKE: Combined block. A
general term for all combined blocks. AWASE-WAZA: Combined
techniques. AWASE-ZUKI:U-punch.
Also referred to as Morote Zuki. AYUMI: Step or
pace. AYUMI-ASHI: Stepping foot, a method of footwork, where the feet move
alternatively one ahead of the other each sliding along the
floor. AYUMI-DACHI: A
stance found in ItosuKai Shito-Ryu. It is a natural "walking" stance with
the weight over the centre. BASSAI-DAI: To penetrate a fortress (greater of pair). Normally taught
once third Kyu has been obtained. This Kata was originally called
Passai. BASSAI-SHO: To
penetrate a fortress (lesser of pair). A technically more advanced Kata
than Bassai Dai. The Kata is notable for its leg sweeps and blocks
against a staff or Bo. BO: Staff. A long stick used as a weapon (approximately 6 feet
long). BO-UCHI: Bo strike. A general term for any strike using a
Bo. BO-UKE: Bo
block, a block against an attack from a Bo. This is a general term that
covers any block against a Bo attack. BO-WAZA: Bo
techniques. BO-JUTSU: Wooden
staff art. BOGU: Protective
equipment. i.e. hand mitts. Body armour. BOGU-KUMITE: Sparring wearing protective
equipment. A method of fighting wearing armour. BOGYO-ROKU-KYODO: Six defence
actions. A basic drill of the Japan Karate-Do Ryobu-Kai. Uses the old
names of techniques. BOKKEN: A wooden sword. It resembles a Katana and is used for
practice. BUDO: Martial way. In Karate, there is an assumption that the
best way to prevent violent conflict is to emphasise 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. BUGEI:Martial
arts. BUNKAI:A
study of the techniques and applications in Kata. BUSHI: Warrior. BUSHI-TE:Warrior hands. One of
the old names for Karate. BUSHIDO: Way of the warrior.
Bushi meaning "warrior" and Do meaning "way of". BYOBUDAOSHI:To topple a folded screen. This is a throwing technique
where you step your leg behind your attackers front leg and at the same
time that you sweep his leg you attack his chin with your open hand
pushing his head back in the opposite direction that which his leg is
being swept in. CHINTE: Strange hands. A higher
grade Kata. Master Funakoshi named this Kata Shoin. The Kata originally
came from China.
CHINTO: An Okinawan Shorin Ryu Kata, meaning fighting to the east.
The old name for the Kata Gankaku, which means "crane on a rock".
Funakoshi changed its name. CHOJI-DACHI: "T"-stance, this
is an old name for what is now called Teiji Dachi. It is a stance where
the feet form the shape of a "T". CHOKU: Straight. CHOKU-ZUKI: Straight punch. This
is a punch that is normally practised from the standing position and is
generally the first punch taught in Karate. It is seen used in the Kata
Bassai Dai. CHOWA: Harmony.
The harmonious mental and physical reaction while at
practice. CHOWASURU: To
have harmony with opponent, to harmonise movements in Kata demonstrations
etc. CHOYAKU-HANGEKI: Jumping
counter attack. CHUDAN: Mid-Level or mid-section. If called prior to an attack it
indicates that the attack will be to the stomach area. CHUDAN-BARAI-UKE: Middle
level sweeping block. The same as a Gedan Barai Uke but used against a
middle level attack. CHUDAN-CHOKU-ZUKI: A straight
punch to the mid-section of the opponent's body. CHUDAN-NO-KAMAE: Middle level posture, or middle level guard. A freestyle
posture where your hands are held at middle level. CHUDAN-TEISHO-FURI-UCHI: Middle level palm heel circular strike. Used in the Kata
Chinte. CHUDAN-UCHI-UDE-UKE: Middle level inside forearm block. A basic Shotokan block.
Also see Uchi Ude Uke. 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. CHUDAN-ZUKI: A punch to the
mid-section of the opponent's body. CHUSOKU: Ball of
foot. DAI: Lesser or minor.
(the term describes the movements of the Kata rather than its
importance).
DAN: Level,
rank or degree. A black belt rank. Grades under black belt are known as
Kyu grades. Most associations recognise up to 10 levels of black
belt. DAN-ZUKI; Consecutive punching (same hand). This can be effective if
done quickly because your opponent will not expect a second punch from
the same hand. DEAI-OSAE-UKE: Pressing block, stepping in at the time, or encountering
as the attack comes forward, or suppressing it. DEASHI-BARAI: Advanced foot sweep. Sometimes seen as Deashi
Harai. DESHI: Trainee. DO: Way or path. In Karate, the connotation is
that of a way of attaining enlightenment or a way of improving one's
character through traditional training. Torso or trunk of
body. Movement or activity. DO-KYAKU: Moving
leg. DOGU: Tools, equipment, instruments, etc. All of the pieces of
equipment used in martial arts practice. DOJI: Simultaneous. DOJI-WAZA: Simultaneous
techniques. Used to describe any time that techniques are performed
simultaneously. 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) when entering or
leaving the Dojo. DOJO-KUN: School oath, or standard of the school. DOKAN: The ring of the way;
repetition, constant practice. DOKKO: The Mastoids. Found by
pressing up behind the base of the ears. 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. DOSHU: Master or master of the way.
EMBUSEN: Performance line, the floor pattern of a given Kata. All
Shotokan Kata will start and finish on the same spot.
EMPI: A black belt level
Kata, translated as "Flying Swallow". This Kata was originally called
Wanshu. It is named after a flying swallow because the alternate high and
low attacks that are seen in it are said to resemble a swallow in flight.
It is considered to be one of the oldest Kata. Elbow. Sometimes referred to as
Hiji. EMPI-SURI-UKE:See
Hiji Suri Uke. EMPI-UCHI: Elbow strike (also called Hiji Ate) EMPI-UKE: Elbow block. A general term for the blocking action using
the elbow. EN:Circle. EN-SHO: Round heel, an alternative name for
Kakato. ENGETSU-UKE: Circular
foot block. ENOREI: Relax.
You may also see this as Enoy. ENPI: Elbow, normally spelt as Empi. ENSHIN: Centre of a circle or circular. ERI-SEOI-NAGE: Lapel shoulder throw. People often think that there are no
throws in Karate, yet the earliest Karate books demonstrate throws as
Karate techniques. FU-ANTI: Instability or
lack of balance.
FUDO-DACHI:Immovable stance or rooted stance. Also referred to as
Sochin Dachi. FUMI-WAZA: Stamping
techniques. FUMIKIRI-GERI: Cutting kick. A stamping style kick using the edge or
blade of the foot to strike with. A good technique for striking in to an
opponents wind-pipe when he is on the floor. FUMIKOMI-GERI: Stamping kick. Usually applied to the knee, shin, or
instep of an opponent. FURI-KOSA-BARAI: Circular cross
sweep, It is used in the Kata Nijushiho. GANKAKU:"Crane
on a rock", a Kata from Shotokan Karate.
GANKAKU-DACHI: Crane stance,
sometimes referred to as Tsuru Ashi Dachi and Sagi Ashi
Dachi. GANKAKU-KAMAE: Crane
posture, as used in the Kata Gankaku. The legs are in Tsuru Ashi Dachi
and the arms in Manji Uke. GASSHUKUA: Special training
camp. GEDAN: Lower level or lower section. If called prior to an attack
it indicates that the attack will be to the lower area of the
body. GEDAN-BARAI: Lower
level sweep. A basic karate block. Normally the first move students make
prior to going on to do their combinations, one of the reasons for this
is so that the first move in Karate is a block which demonstrates that
Karate is for self-defence. GEDAN-BARAI-UKE: Lower level
sweeping block, usually shortened to Gedan Barai. GEDAN-CHOKU-ZUKI: A punch to the lower section of the opponent's body,
normally the groin. GEDAN-JUJI-UKE: Lower level X
block. As seen in the Kata Heian Yondan and others. Normally used to
block a front kick. The block should land after the attacker has raised
his knee but prior to his leg beginning to extend. GEDAN-KAKE-UKE: Lower level hooking block. GEDAN-SHUTO-OSAE: Lower level
knife hand press. As seen in the Kata Gojushiho Dai. GEDAN-SOTO-UDE-UKE: Lower level
outside forearm block, as seen in the Kata Tekki Nidan. GEDAN-SUKUI-UKE: Lower level
hooking block, as seen in the Kata Bassai Dai. GEDAN-UDE-UKE: Low forearm block. GEDAN-UKE: Lower level
block. GEDAN-ZUKI: Lower
level punch, usually directed at the groin area. GERI: Kick, sometimes also seen
as being spelt as Keri. GERI-WAZA: Kicking
techniques. GERIGAESHI: Return
kick or kick counter. After you have executed the kick and performed
Gerihanashi you then reextend the kick back in to the target. This
technique often works because after you have put your first kick in which
may have been blocked by your opponent he doesn't expect the second kick
to come from the same leg and drops his guard to it. GERIHANASHI: Kick release. After
executing a kick you must withdraw the leg with the same speed as the
kick went in. If you leave your leg out after a kick it can be grabbed by
your opponent who can then easily break your supporting leg with a simple
kick. GI: Training uniform. Traditionally in Japanese and Okinawan
Karate Dojo, the Gi must be white and cotton. The only markings allowed
are the organisation patch on the left breast area and the person's name
at the front bottom corner of the jacket. GO-NO-SEN: The tactic where one
allows the opponent to attack first so to open up targets for counter
acttack. 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 and Kiais. GOJU-RYU: Hard, soft way. An
Okinawan style of Karate. GOJUSHIHO-SHO-/-DAI: Okinawan Katas,
meaning 54 steps. Two high grade Katas which were originally performed over fifty
four steps. GOSHIN: Self
defence. GYAKU: Reverse or opposite. GYAKU-ASHI: Reverse foot or
reverse leg. GYAKU-HANMI: Reversed side-on, half front facing position. This stance
is useful in assisting kicking off the back leg as a counter move because
the hip is all ready in. GYAKU-MAWASHI-GERI: Reverse
round-house kick. Sometimes also called Ura Mawashi Geri. Instead of
coming from the outside in, the leg travels from the inside
out. GYAKU-MAWASHI-EMPI-UCHI: Reverse roundhouse elbow strike. GYAKU-MIKAZUKI-GERI: Back or reverse crescent kick, as seen in the Kata Empi.
May also be seen as Ura Mikazuki Geri. GYAKU-ZUKI: Reverse
punch. A basic Karate punch. The punching hand is the opposite one to the
leg that is forward. HACHIJI-DACHI; A natural stance,
feet positioned about shoulder width apart, and pointed slightly
outward.
HADASHI; Bare
feet. HAI: Yes. Lung. HAI-WAN: Back arm. HAI-WAN-NAGASHI-UKE: Back
arm-sweeping block. Nagashi can mean "flowing" as in Nagashi Zuki, or
"flowing punch". HAI-WAN-UKE: Back arm block. HAISHU: Backhand or back of the hand. HAISHU-AGE-UCHI: Back hand rising strike. Used in the Kata
Nijushiho. HAISHU-AWASE-UKE: Backhand combined block, the opening block in the Kata
Gankaku. Also seen in Bassai Sho. HAISHU-JUJI-UKE: Backhand cross
block. HAISHU-UCHI: Back
hand strike. A strike with the back of the hand where the hand and
fingers are straight. HAISHU-UKE: Back hand block. A
block using the back of the hand. HAISOKU: Instep of the foot. The
area at the base of the shin bone and the top of the
foot. HAITO: Ridge hand. Thumb extended across the palm touching the
base of the little finger and striking with the area just below the base
of the index finger to the first joint of the thumb. Often used against
the temple. HAITO-KOSHI-KAMAE: Ridge-hand hip posture. The bottom hand is held as Seiken
and the top hand is held in Haito with the palm facing
up. HAITO-SUKUI-NAGE: Ridge-hand
scooping throw. Used to counter a front kick. As you scoop the leg you
bring it up high, hopefully taking your attacker off balance and throwing
him to the floor. HAITO-UCHI; Ridge hand strike. HAITO-UKE: Ridge hand
block. HAJIME: Begin. A command given to start a given drill, Kata, or
Kumite. HAN-ZENKUTSU-DACHI: Half front
stance, where the feet are only half the distance apart from the full
stance. Also see Moto Dachi. HANGETSU: A black belt level
Kata, meaning half moon. HANGETSU-DACHI: Half moon
stance. It is also known as wide hour glass stance. HANMI: Side on, half front
facing position. HANMI-SASHI-ASHI-DACHI: Side on
or half front facing stepping across position, as seen in the Kata
Hangetsu. HANMI-KAMAE: Half
facing position. HANSHI: Master. An honorary title given to the highest black belt
of an organisation, signifying their understanding of their
art. HARAI-FUMIKOMI-GERI: Sweeping
stamping kick, as seen in the Kata Bassai Dai. HASAMI-GERI: Scissor
kick. HASAMI-ZUKI: Scissor
punch. HAYAI: Quick, fast or rapid. HAZUSHI: Pulling
away. HAZUSHI-TE:Pulling
away hand, used to describe the action of pulling your hand away, after
it has been grasped. HEIAN: Peaceful mind or peace or tranquillity. These five Kata
were originally called Pinan. Funakoshi said that having mastered these
five Kata and all of their moves, you should now be confident enough that
you could defend yourself from attack and the meaning of the name Heian is
to be taken in this context. HEIKO-DACHI: Parallel stance. A
natural stance. Feet positioned about shoulder width apart, pointed
straight forward. HEIKO-DACHI-(HIGAONNA-
LINE): A heiko dachi stance, where the front
foot is turned slightly inwards while the rear foot is
straight. HEIKO-TATE-ZUKI: Parallel vertical fist punch, As seen in the Kata
Gojushiho Dai. HEIKO-URA-ZUKI: Parallel close punch. Used in the Kata Bassai
Sho. HEIKO-ZUKI: Parallel
punch. A double, simultaneous punch. HEISOKU: Instep. HEISOKU-DACHI: An informal
attention stance. Feet and toes are together and pointed straight
forward. HIDARI: Left
or left side. Also spelt as Hadari. HIJI-UKE: A
blocking action using the elbow. HIJI-WAZA: Elbow
techniques. HIJI-ATE: Elbow
strike, also called Empi Uchi. HIKI-ASHI: Retracting
leg, pulling your front leg back so that it is level with what was the
rear leg. i.e. to avoid a sweep. 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. HIKKAKU: Scratch, to wound with
the nails. This is can be an application from the Kata Bassai Sho, where
you bring your fingers back across your attackers eyes. HIRA-NUKITE: Level spear hand or level piercing hand. This is when the
palm is facing down. HIRAKEN: Flat fist or fore
knuckle fist, as in a punch but with the knuckles extended. Also referred
to as Hiraken Zuki. HIRAKEN-ZUKI: Fore-knuckle
strike. HIRATE-DE-UTSU: Slap, as in open
handed strike. HIRATE-OSAE-UKE: Fore hand
pressing block, or flat hand pressing block. HISHIRYO: Think without thinking; consciousness beyond
thought. HITOSASHI-IPPON-KEN:Forefinger
knuckle fist, more commonly seen as Ippon Ken. HITOSASHIYUBI-IPPON-KEN Fore finger fist. Normally called Ippon
Ken.
HIZA-DACHI: One knee stance.
Half or single kneeling position. As seen in the Kata
Gankaku. HOMBU: Headquarters. HOMBU-DOJO: A term used to refer
to the central Dojo of an organisation. HORAN-NO-KAMAE: "Egg in the nest
posture" or ready position used in some Kata where the fist in covered by
the other hand. Another way of explaining this position is that empty
hand (karateka) over comes angry fist (A non-karate person). It is also
called wrapped fist. HANGETSU: Half moon. A black belt Kata mainly performed from
Hungetsu Dachi. This Kata is sometimes seen spelt as
Hangetsu. HANGETSU-DACHI: Half moon stance. Also seen spelt as Hangetsu
Dachi. HYOSHI: Rhythm. IAI: Sparring which
begins with both the attacker and the defender seated and facing each
other is called Iai. Swordplay.
IAIDO: Way of the
sword. IBUKI: Breathing method. ICHI: One.Position or location. IKKEN-HISSATSU:To kill with one
blow. INASU: Evasion of an on-coming attack through the course of
removing the body from the line of attack. IPPON: One point (in sport
karate). IPPON-DACHI: Another
term for a one legged stance, also see Ashi Dachi. IPPON-KEN: One knuckle
fist. IPPON-KUMITE: One
step sparring. IPPON-NUKITE: One finger spear hand. A stabbing action using the
extended index finger. Normally aimed at the eyes or
throat. IPPON-ZUKI: One
finger thrust. Normally called Ippon Nukite. IRIMI: To penetrate, to enter. Usually describes moving closer to
the opponent than the attack as you close in defence. ISSHIN-RYU: "One heart school"
An Okinawan style of karate. JI-IN:Temple
grounds.
JI-ON: From the temple of Ji-On. A higher grade
Kata JIAI: To
be in harmony with one's self (start position of Ji Katas). It said that
it was a form of greeting used by the monks at the temple of
Ji-On. JIAI-NO-KAMAE: In
harmony with one's self posture, as seen at the start of the Katas Bassai
Dai, Jion, Jiin etc. It describes the state of mind that you should be in
before you begin the Kata. JIKU-ASHI: Pivot
leg. JION: A Shorei-Ryu
Kata. JITTE: Ten hands. A higher grade Kata. The translation implies
that if the Kata is mastered you can face ten opponents. This Kata is
unique in that there is not a single punch in it. JIYU-DACHI; Free sparring
posture. JIYU-IPPON-KUMITE: One step free sparring. JIYU-KUMITE: free
sparring. JO: Wooden staff about 4'-5' in length. The Jo originated as a
walking stick. JO-TSUKAMI-WAZA; Jo grasping
techniques. JO-UKE: Jo
block, A block against a Jo. JODAN: Upper level. If called
prior to an attack it indicates that the attack will be to the head
area. JODAN-MOROTE-UKE: Upper
level augmented forearm block. As seen in the Kata
Ji-On. JODAN-UKE; Upper
level block. JO-DO: Way
of the 4 foot staff. JOGAI: Out of bounds. JOTAI: Upper Body. JU: Soft, gentle. JUDO: Gentle
way. JUJI-UKE: Cross block or X
block. Where the arms cross and block at the base of where they
cross. JUJUSTU: Art of gentleness. JUN-KAITEN: Regular rotation,
corresponding rotation. The hip and arm going in the same
direction. JUN-ZUKI: Corresponding punch. i.e. punching with the same arm as
the leg that is forward. JUN-ZUKI: The Wado Ryu term for Oi
Zuki. JUTTE: A
Shorei Ryu Kata. KA: Person or
practitioner.
KACHI: Win,
victory. KACHIKAKE: Point
on jaw. Also see Ago. KAESHI: Counter, the countering of an opponent's offensive action.
Sometimes this seen spelt as Kaesu. KAESHI-IPPON-KUMITE:Returning
one step sparring, or countering one step sparring. KAFUKUBU: Abdomen. KAGI-UKE: Hooking block. KAGI-ZUKI: Hook
punch. KAHANSHIN: Lower
half of the body. KAHO: Downward. KAI: Style. KAISHIN: Open heart, The
beginning move of the Kata Kanku Dai. KAISHO: Open hand. This refers
to the type of blow or block which is delivered with the open hand. It
can also be used to describe other hand blows in which the fist is not
fully clenched or blocks with an open hand. KAISHO-KOSA-UKE: Open hand cross block. KAISHO-UKE: Open hand
block. KAITEN: Turn or rotate. KAIUN-NO-TE: Open the cloud.
From the Kata Unsu KAKAE-NAGE: Trapping throw. KAKAE-TE-UKE`: Trapping hand
block KAKATO: Heel (of the foot) KAKATO-GERI: Heel kick or also
known as Axe Kick, striking with the back of the heel of the
foot. KAKE: Hooking. KAKE-DORI: Hooking grasp or
pull. KAKE-TE: Hooking hand. KAKE-UKE: Hooking
block. KAKIWAKE: A
two handed block using the outer surface of the wrist to neutralise a
two-handed attack, such as a grab. KAKIWAKE-UKE: Reverse wedge
block. A two handed block used when an attacker attempts to grab the
front chest area of the defender. KAMAE: Posture or stance. Sometimes spelt Gamae. Attitude. KAMAE-TE: A command given by the
instructor for students to get into position. KAN: Fighting awareness,
or penetrating the true nature of things. KANJI: The symbols of Japanese
writing. Karate is made up of two kanji. The first being the symbol for
"Empty" and the second symbol being for "hand". KANKU-DAI: A Shotokan Kata, meaning "To view the sky" Developed from
the Okinawan Kata Kusanku. KANKU-SHO: Viewing the sky. (Sho
describes the movements of the Kata rather than its
importance) KARA: Empty. In Karate we use
the Kara to imply that we are weapon-less or empty handed. Also, Master
Funakoshi said "that the person who follows Karate must make himself void
or empty by ridding himself of all selfcentredness and greed, making
yourself empty within, but upright without. This is the real meaning of
the "empty" in Karate. KARATE: Empty Hand. When Karate
was first introduced to Japan, it was called "To- De". The meaning of To
De is Chinese Hand. KARATE-NI-SENTE-NASHI: A term
which sums up the essence of the art, it means "in Karate there is no
first strike". KARATE-D0-NYUMON: The first book
written by Gichin Funakoshi. It translates literally as "A passage
through the gates of the Karate way". KARATE-DO: The way of the empty
hand. This implies not only the physical aspect of Karate, but also the
mental and social aspects of Karate. KARATE-KA: A practitioner of
Karate. KASEI-GERI: Under kick. It is
kicking from under your opponent. It is seen in the Kata
Unsu. KATA: Form, figure or shape. In Karate, Kata is
a form or prescribed pattern of movement fighting imaginary
opponents. KATANA: A type of sword. It was the longer of the two swords
normally carried by a Samurai KATATE-UKE: One hand or single
hand block. KATSU: Win. A resuscitation
technique. A
type of loud shout, similar to a Kiai. KAWASHI: "Interaction", In
practice you pass through your opponents attack, in effect exchanging
places with him. Stepping in towards the attacker, while turning (Kawasu)
your body to avoid the attack. Evasion. KEAGE: "Kick Up" Generally used
to describe snapping as opposed to thrusting kicks. See
Keriage KEBANASHI: Kick
off. KEIKO: Training
or practice. Joined
fingertips or Chicken Head hand.
KEKOMI: Thrust kick (literally
kick into or straight). See Kerikomi. KEMPO: Fist Law. A generic term
to describe fighting systems that uses the fist. KEN: Fist. Sword. KENDO: Way of the
sword. KENSEI: The technique with silent Kiai. Related to
meditation. KERI: Kick. Also called Geri when used with another word. KERI-WAZA: Kicking
techniques. KERIAGE: Kick
up, this is the original name for a snap kick Keage. KERIKOME: Kick in, this is the
original name for a thrust kick or Kekomi. KI: Mind. Spirit. Energy. Vital force. Intention. (Chinese
"chi") Ki cannot easily be translated directly into any
language. KI-KEN-TAI-NO-ITCHI Spirit, technique and body as one. KI-O-TSUKE: Attention. Musubi Dachi with open hands down both
sides. KIAI: A
shout delivered for the purpose of focusing all of one's energy into a
single movement. One translation of Kiai is "the expression of vital
spirit". It is often translated as "spirit shout". KIBA-DACHI: Horse straddle
stance or horse riding stance. Also known as Naihanchi
Dachi. KIHAKU: Spirit. KIHON: Basic techniques. KIHON-IPPON-KUMITE: Basic
one-step sparring. The attacker calls the attack. The defender blocks and
counters the attack. All carried out in basics. Kihon Kumite would be
basic sparring. KIME: Focus
of power and concentration. Kime comes about as a result of Shin-Gi-
Tai. KIN-GERI: Front kick with the instep (aimed at
groin). KIREI-TU: Stand
up. KISHO-IPPON-KUMITE: Returning one step sparring. KIZAMI-GERI:Jabbing kick. Also called Kizami Mae Geri. It is a front
kick off the front leg, thrown with a jabbing action. KIZAMI-ZUKI: Jabbing
punch. KO-BO-ICHI: The concept of
"attack-defence connection". KO-EMPI-UCHI: Rear elbow strike.
Normally called Ushiro Empi Uchi. KO-UCHI: Wrist joint strike.
Also known as Kakuto Uchi. KO-UKE: Crane block or arch
block. Same as Kakuto Uke. KOBAYASHI-RYU: "Small forest" An
Okinawan form of Shorin Ryu karate. KOBUDO: Ancient warrior art.
Usually refers to weapons training. KOBUSHI: Fist, in Karate Seiken
is used. KOHAI: A student junior to oneself. KOHO-KAITEN-TOBI: Rear
turning jump, as used in the Kata Empi. KOHO-OSAE: Rear grab. Often
called a "bear hug". KOHO-TENKAN: Reversing
direction. KOKEN: Wrist
joint or bent wrist. KOKORO: Spirit,
heart. In Japanese culture, the spirit dwells in the
heart. KOKUTSU-DACHI: Back
stance. A stance with most of the weight over the rear leg. The actual
translation means back knee bent stance. KOKYU: Breath or
breathing. KOMANAGE: Spinning
top. This is a throwing technique where you place your hand in the arm
pit area of your attacker whilst your other hand holds his wrist. You
then force your opponent down. KOMPAI: Peers, those of similar
grade.
KOSA-DACHI: Crossed stance
referring to the feet. or Kosa Ashi Dachi. KOSHI-KAMAE: Hip posture or stance. A stance where the fists are held
one above the other against the hip. KOSHI-NO-KAITEN: Hip
rotation. KOTE-UCHI: Forearm
strike. KOWASU: Break. KUBIWA: Neck circle or "to encircle the neck". This is a throwing
technique where you encircle your opponents neck with your arm and then
force his head and body off balance backwards throwing him to the
ground. KUBOTAN: A
self-defence tool developed by Takayuki Kubota. This tool serves normally
as a key chain. KUMADE-UCHI:Bear
hand strike. KUMITE: Fighting
or sparring KUSHANKU: An Okinawan Shorin Ryu Kata, named after a Chinese
Master. KYO: Teach or
teaching. KYOKU: Breathing. KYOSHI: Knowledgeable person. Usually this title is conferred at
rokudan or shichidan, depending on system. KYU: Grade. Any rank below Shodan. KYUSHIN:To study or seek. You may also see this as
Kyoshin. KYUSHO: Vital
points, or pressure points. KYUSHO-WAZA: Vital point
techniques. MA-AI: Distancing.
Distancing 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.
MA-AI-GA-TOH: Not proper distance. MAE-ASHI-GERI: Front leg kick. A
kick delivered from your front leg. MAE-EMPI: Forward elbow
strike. MAE-EMPI-UCHI: Front
elbow strike. MAE-GERI: Front
Kick. One of the basic Karate kicks. 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-TOBI-GERI: Front
jumping kick or flying front kick. MAE-UKEMI: Forward fall or
roll. MAKIWARA: Punching board or post. MAKOTO: A feeling of absolute
sincerity, 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-KAMAE: A double block
where one arm executes Gedan Barai to one side, while the other arm
executes Jodan Haiwan Uke, usually carried out in Kokutsu
Dachi. MATTE: Stop or wait. MAWASHI-EMPI-UCHI: Round house or circular elbow strike. Also referred to as
Mawashi Hiji Ate. MAWASHI-GERI: Roundhouse kick.
This kick is considered to be a recent innovation and may explain why it
is not seen in many Kata. MAWASHI-HIJI-ATE: Roundhouse
elbow strike. Also referred to as Mawashi Empi Uchi. MAWASHI-HIZA-GERI: Roundhouse
knee kick. Done with the same action as a normal roundhouse kick but
striking with the knee. MAWASHI-TOBI-GERI: Roundhouse
jumping kick, or flying roundhouse kick. MAWASHI-ZUKI: Roundhouse punch.
This punch can be hooked around your opponents guard. It is not often
used in Karate. MAWAT-TE: A command given by the instructor for students to turn
around. MEIJIN: Expert or master. MEIKYO: Polished mirror. A black
belt Kata. MEN: Side, face or surface. MIGI: Right
or right side. MIGI-KAMAE: Right posture. Used to describe when your right side is
forward in a stance. MIKAZUKI-GERI-UKE: Crescent kick block, where the kick is used to block an
attack. MIZO-NAGARE-KAMAE: Water flowing
posture, Nagare also translates as "sweeping" in the same way that
Nagashi does. MIZU-NO-KOKORO: Mind like water.
A psychological principle emphasising the need to calm your mind, like
the surface of undisturbed water, while facing an
opponent. MOKUSO: Meditation.
Training often begins or more normally ends with a short period of
meditation. The reason for this is to clear ones mind and
relax. MOROASHI-BARAI: Two leg
sweep. MOROTE-KUBI-OSAE: Two handed
head or neck hold, where both hands are used to grab either side of the
opponents head. MOROTE-UDE-UKE: Augmented
forearm block. The opposite fist is placed close to the elbow of the
blocking forearm. Often called Morote Uke. MOROTE-UKE: Augmented block. One
arm and fist support the other arm in a block.
MOROTE-ZUKI: Augmented punch or U-punch. Punching with both fists
simultaneously. Also referred to as Awase Zuki. MUDANSHA: Students without
black-belt ranking. MUNEN-MUSO: Free of all idea's
and thoughts. You are therefore ready to learn, or act with a clear mind,
dedicating yourself to the task in hand. MUSHIN: No mind, or without mind. It indicates a
clear, calm spirit. MUSUBI-DACHI: Informal
attention stance. Heels placed together but with each foot turned out at
45 degrees. NAGARI: Flowing stream or
current. It has the same meaning or translation as Nagashi. Also spelt as
Nagare or Nagareru.
NAGASHI: Flowing, or sweeping. NAGASHI-UKE: Sweeping open
handed block. NAGE-WAZA: Throwing techniques. NAIHANCHI:This was the original
name for the Tekki Katas, but was changed by Funakoshi. NAIHANCHI-DACHI: Kiba
Dachi. NAMI: Wave. NAMI-ASHI: Inside snapping
block, also known as Returning Wave because of the motion of the leg. It
is some times called Nami Geashi. NEKO-ASHI-DACHI: Cat
stance. NIHON-NUKITE:Two finger spear
hand. Striking with the index and middle fingers, usually to the
eyes. NIHON-ZUKI:Two
consecutive punches from alternate hands. NIJUSHIHO: Twenty four steps. A
black belt Kata that is performed over twenty four
steps. NOGARE: A style of breathing used in Karate that advocates proper
breath control even in the face of danger. NUKITE: Spear
hand NUNCHAKU: An Okinawan weapon. Two lengths of wood hinged together by
cord. Was probably developed from a horse bridle (and not rice
flail). OBI: Belt
OI-ZUKI: Lunge punch. OKINAWA : One of a group of islands South East of
Japan, where karate was developed. OKINAWA-TE: An old name for what
today is known as Karate, also see To-De and To-Te. OKURI-ASHI-BARAI: Moving on-to
foot sweep. The opponents foot is swept out from under him as he steps
forwards. OMOTE: Front. OMOTE-KOTE: Front forearm or
inner forearm. OSAE: Pressing or
holding. OSAE-UKE: Forearm
pressing block. OSS: A word peculiar to Karate; it is used as a form of
greeting, or "yes" etc. OSU: Push. OTOSHI: Drop or dropping. OTOSHI-EMPI-UCHI: Dropping
(downward) elbow strike. An elbow strike made 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. PINAN: A series of five Katas formulated by Itosu. REI: Bow, respect. A
method of showing respect in Japanese culture is the
bow.
REIGI:Etiquette. Also referred to as Reishiki. Observance of
proper etiquette at all times, especially observance of proper Dojo
etiquette. REINOJI-DACHI:A stance with feet making a "L"-shape. REISHIKI:Etiquette. See
Reigi. REN-GERI:Consecutive kicking;
alternate kicking i.e. left and then right. REN-ZUKI: Consecutive punching; alternate punching i.e. left and
then right. RENOJI-DACHI:A stance with feet making a "L" shape. If called as Migi
Renoji Dachi then the right foot is in front, and Hidari Renoji Dachi the
left foot is in front. RENRAKU-WAZA:Combination
techniques. Multiple attacks and defences performed in
succession. 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 means "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. RONIN: A leaderless samurai, he
was seen as being of low moral virtue. RYO-KOSHI-KAMAE: Both hip stance. A stance where the fists are clenched and
placed on the hips. So that the bottoms of the fists are touching the
hips. RYU: School or Style. The literal translation of Ryu is to
flow, drift or circulate. It has been used to mean "Style" or "Method"
because of the way Karate was taught. In more primitive times, the style
was "handed down"-"circulated" from master to pupil. Dragon SAEI-REI-TU: Line
up.
SAGETA-EMPI-UCHI: Lowered
elbow strike. Normally called Otoshi Empi. SAGI: Heron. SAGI-ASHI-DACHI: One leg stance
or Heron stance. Also referred to as Gankaku Dachi or Tsuru Ashi
Dachi. SAHO: Etiquette. SAI: An Okinawan weapon, a steel pronged
truncheon. SAKOTSU: Collar
bone. SAN: Three. Friend. SANBON-KUMITE: Three step
sparring. Usually the first attack is Oi Zuki Jodan, the second Oi Zuki
Chudan and the third Mai Geri. SANBON-SHOBU: Three point match.
Used in tournaments. SANBON-ZUKI: A series of three
punches, generally the first is Oi Zuki Jodan, followed by a slight pause
then, Chudan Gyaku Zuki, immediately followed by Chudan Choku
Zuki. SANCHIN: The core Goju Ryu Kata, which emphasises correct
breathing. SANCHIN-DACHI: Hour-glass stance. So named from the shape that the legs
form. SANKAKU: Triangular. It translates as "three
angles". SASAE: Prop or propping. SASHI-ASHI-DACHI: Stepping
across or extending the foot. SASHITE: Raising of the hand
either to strike, grab, or block. SEBONE: Backbone,
spine. SEI: Tranquillity or inactivity. SEIDOKAN: An Okinawan Karate
system founded by Soke Toma. It encompasses the punching, kicking and
blocking techniques of Karate; the throwing and joint locking techniques
of Aiki-Ju-Jutsu; and the traditional weaponry of
Okinawa. SEIDON:The
area above and below the eyes. SEIKEN:Forefist. This is the
basic fist where the fingers are rolled tightly in to the palm and the
thumb presses on top. The two largest knuckles are used to
strike. SEIKEN-ZUKI: Fore
fist punch. SEIPAI: An
Okinawan Shorei Ryu Kata. SEIRYUTO: Ox jaw. The area on
the hand corresponding to the base of the Shuto. SEIRYUTO-UKE: Ox jaw block. A hand technique delivered with the base
of the Shuto. SEISAN: An
Okinawan Shorin Ryu Kata. SEISHIN: Mind and
spirit. SEIZA: Proper sitting position. Sitting on one's knees. It is
used for the formal opening and closing of the class. SEKAKU: Accuracy. SEMPAI:A senior
student. Senior. SEN-NO-SEN: To counter attack or
attack at the precise moment your opponent attacks you. SENAKA: The
back. SENSEI: Literally "one who as gone before". Teacher. It is usually
considered proper to address the instructor during practice as
Sensei. SENSEI-NI-REI: Bow
to teacher. SEOI: Shoulder. SEOI-NAGE: Shoulder
throw. SHIHAN: A formal title meaning master or master instructor. A
teacher of teachers. Generally a 5th Dan or above. SHIKO-DACHI: Square stance. A stance often used in Goju-Ryu and
Shito-Ryu. SHIN: Core,
centre. SHINKEI: Nerves. SHINTAI: Body, another
expression for body. SHIRO:White SHITTSUI:Knee
hammer. SHIZEN-DACHI:
Natural stance. A term used to describe any natural
stance. SHIZENTAI: Natural
position. The body remains relaxed but alert. SHO: Major or Greater. Palm, as in hand. SHODAN: A first level black belt. SHOFU: Side of
neck. SHOMEN: Front or top of head. Also the designated front of a
Dojo. SHOMEN-NI-REI: Bow
to the front. SHOREI-RYU: An Okinawan karate system which originated in
Naha. SHORIN-RYU: The
major style of Okinawan karate, meaning "Pine Forest"
school. SHOTOKAN: A
style of Karate. The name is derived from the pen name that Gichin
Funakoshi. The name is made up of "Shoto", meaning Waving Pines, which
was Funakoshi's pen name, and "Kan" meaning House or
School. SHRUI-TE: An
ancient Okinawan style of karate - the forerunner of Shorin
Ryu. SHUKO: Back of the hand. Generally called Haishu. SHUTO: Knife
hand. SHUTO-UCHI: Knife hand
strike. SHUTO-UKE: Knife
hand block. SHUTSUI: Hammer
hand. See Tetsui. SOBI:The
area on the inside of the lower part of the leg, approximately at the
base of the calf. SOCHIN: Immovable in the face of danger. A black belt Kata mainly
performed in Sochin Dachi. SOCHIN-DACHI: Diagonal Straddle
Leg Stance or Immovable Stance, also referred to as Fudo Dachi. In Sochin
Dachi the weight is evenly distributed over both legs. SOESHO-KAESHI-UDE: Palm assisted counter fore-arm. SOETE: Hand on or hand assisted. SOETE-MAE-EMPI-UCHI: Hand on or
hand assisted front elbow strike. SOETE-SOKUMEN-UKE: Hand assisted
side block. SOKKO: Top
of the foot. SOKUDO: Speed. SOKUMEN: Side or
flank. SOKUMEN-AWASE-UKE: Side combined block. SOKUMEN-EMPI-UCHI; Side combined
elbow strike. The opponent is pulled onto the strike. SOKUMEN-MOROTE-ZUKI: Side double
punch. SOKUMEN-SOETE-GEDAN-UCHI-UDE-UKE Side
hand assisted lower level inside fore-arm block. SOKUTEI: Sole of foot. SOKUTEI-MAWASHI-UKE: Sole (foot)
circular block. SOKUTEI-OSAE-UKE; Sole (foot)
pressing block. SOKUTO; Edge
of foot. The striking area in a side thrust or snap
kick. SOKUTO-GERI: Edge
of foot kick. Also called Ashi Gatana. SOKUTO-KAKE-UKE: Hooking foot
block. Using the edge of the foot. SOKUTO-OSAE-UKE: Foot edge
pressing block. SONU: Area
between the throat and top of the breastbone or sternum. SOTO: Outside, outer or
exterior. SOTO-(UDE)-UKE: Outside (forearm) block. SOTO-UDE-UKE: Outside forearm
block or sometimes called lower wrist block. SOTO-UKE: Outside block, a shortened version of Soto Ude
Uke. SOTO-YOKO-TE: Same
as Uchi Ude Uke. SOWAN: Both arms. SOWAN-UKE: Both arm
block. SUASHI: Bare foot. SUBERKOMI: Sliding
in. SUIHEI: Horizontal or level. SUIHEI-BO-DORI: Horizontal bo
grasp. SUKUI-UKE; Scooping
block. SUMI: Corner. SUNDOME: No contact, arresting a
technique. SUNE: Shin. SUNE-UKE; Shin block. Generally
used against a roundhouse kick. SURI; Sliding, as in Hiji Suri
Uke or elbow sliding block. SURI-ASHI; To slide your feet
along the floor. SUTEMI-WAZA; "Last chance" technique. SUWARI-WAZA; Techniques from a
sitting position. TACHI: A Japanese
long sword. Standing
or stance. Zenkutsu Tachi is the old term for Zenkutsu
Dachi.
TACHI-WAZA: Standing
techniques. TACHIKATA: Stances.
In some works you may see TachiKata as a general term for karate
stances. TAI: Body. TAI-SABAKI: Body movement,
shifting or evasion. TAIKYOKYU:First cause. The first Kata taught in Shotokan Karate.
Three Taikyo Kyu Kata were originally devised and all share a common line
of movement. Funakoshi noted that a beginner would take appropriately 40
seconds to complete and a higher grade some 5 seconds less. Taikyo Kyu 4,
5 and 6 are French inventions. Some say that Taikyoku Kata were originally
from the Goju-Ryu and as the name implies, consist of nine Kata.
Funakoshi made the statement;that if a student understood the
concepts of the Taikyoku Kata, then he should be able to understand the
idea that you begin with basics and return to basics. TAIMING-GA-OSOI: Not proper
timing. TAMESHIEARI: To test and to
break. Breaking (of wood, tiles, etc.). Trial by Wood. TANDEN: Centre of gravity, naval
area. TANIOTOSHI: To
push off a cliff. This is a form of shoulder throw where you step in to
your attacker so that your shoulder goes under your attackers same armpit
whilst holding on to his same arm. TAOSHI: Down. TATAMI: Floor
mat. TATE: Vertical. TATE-EMPI-UCHI: Vertical (or
upward) elbow strike. Also called Age Empi. TATE-NUKITE: Vertical spear hand, or vertical piercing
hand. TATE-SHUTO-OSAE: Vertical
knife hand press, used to push your attackers punching arm further round
than in just a block and therefore turning his body further away from
you. TATE-SHUTO-UKE: Vertical
knife hand block. TATE-URAKEN-UCHI: Vertical back
fist strike. TATE-ZUKI: Vertical
punch. A fist punch with the palm along a vertical
plane. TE: Hand. TE-TSUKAMI: Hand
grasp. TE-WAZA: Hand techniques. TE-NAGASHI-UKE: Hand sweeping
block. Usually called Nagashi Uke TE-OSAE-UKE: Hand pressing
block. Usually called Osae Uke. TEIJI-DACHI: A Stance with the
feet in a "T" shape. If called Migi Teiji Dachi then the right foot is
forward, and if termed Hidari Teiji Dachi then the left foot is
forwards. TEISHO: Palm
heel. The area at the base of the palm. TEISHO-BARAI: Palm heel
sweep. TEISHO-UCHI: Palm
heel strike. TEISHO-UKE; Palm heel block. TEKKI-SHODAN-/-NIDAN-/-SANDAN A
group of three Katas each performed from Kiba Dachi or horse riding
stance. TEKUBI-KAKE-UKE: Wrist hooking block. TEN-NO-KATA: A Kata created and
designed under the leadership and guidance of Funakoshi. It is a Kata
unique to the Shotokai. TENCHI: Heaven and earth.
"Tenchi Uke" is to simultaneously perform the same blocking technique,
one high and one low. TENDO: The crown of the head. TENSHI: Changing course. See
Hineri Tenshin. TENTO: The
space between the crown of the head and the forehead. TETSUI: Hammer fist or bottom
fist. TETSUI-HASAMI-UCHI: Bottom fist scissor strike. As seen in the Kata Bassai
Dai. TETSUI-UCHI: Bottom
fist strike or hammer fist strike. Also called Kentsui
Uchi. TO-DE: An
old Okinawan name for Karate, also see Okinawa-Te and
To-Te. TO-TE: To-te was an Okinawan form of Karate, also see To-De and
Okinawa-Te. TOBI: Jump
or jumping. TOBI-ASHI-BARAI: Jumping foot sweep. Used to clear the target area for Tobi
Ushiro geri. TOBI-GERI: Jumping
kick. TOBI-TETTSUI-UCHI: Jumping Bottom Fist Strike. The normal target area would
be the top of the head or the collarbone. TOBI-USHIRO-GERI: Jumping back
kick. TOBI-ZUKI: Jumping
punch. TOBIGOSHI: Jumping
over. TOBIKOMI-ZUKI: Jumping
front punch. TOKUI: Favourite.
I.e. Tokui Kata would be your favourite Kata. TOMOE: Stomach. TONFA: A farm tool developed into a weapon by the
Okinawans. TORA: Tiger.
The animal that represents Shotokan Karate. TOSHI; Fighting spirit. TSUBAMEGAESHI; V-turning
swallow. A throwing technique. TSUGI-ASHI: Following foot, a
method of moving where one foot follows the other, but never passes
it. TSUKAMI-UKE: Grasping
block. TSUKAMI-WAZA: Grasping
technique. A blocking technique by seizing the opponent's arm, leg or
weapon. TSUKAMI-YOSE: Grasping
and pulling. TSUKI: A
punch or thrust. Also referred to as Zuki. TSUKKOMI: Charging. TSUMASAKI: Tips of the
toes. TSUMASAKI-GERI: Kicking
using the tips of the toes to strike with. Only used to attack the soft
parts of the opponents body e.g. groin. TSUME: Nail, of the fingers or
toes. Used to cut across the opponent's eyes. TSURU: Crane, as in the bird. TSURU-ASHI-DACHI:Crane stance,
also referred to as Gankaku Dachi and Sagi Ashi Dachi. TSUYOI: Strong or
powerful. TUITE: Grappling
skills. UCHI: Strike or
striking.Inner
or interior. UCHI-(UDE)-UKE: Inside (Forearm) block. UCHI-DESHI: Number one student,
sometimes a live-in student or trainee. UCHI-KOMI: Striking
thrust. UCHI-MAWASHI-GERI:Inside roundhouse kick. UCHI-UKE: Inside block.
Generally used as a short version of Uchi Ude Uke. UCHI-YOKO-TE: Same as Soto Ude
Uke. UCHI-HACHIJI-DACHI: Inverted open leg stance, or inverted figure eight stance.
The feet are shoulder width apart but with the feet facing
inwards. UCHIJAKUZAWA: The
inner parts of the forearm where the pulse can be felt. Sometimes called
Miyakudokoro. UCHIKUROBUSHI: The inside of the ankle joint. UCHITE: Striking hand. UDE: Forearm. UDE-UKE; Forearm
block. UDEKANSETSU:Arm
joint. UKE: Block. Receive. UKE-GAE: Changing
blocks. UKE-KIME: Blocking
and finishing. UKEM: Breakfalling. UKEMI-WAZA; Breakfall
techniques. UKETE: Blocking
hand. UNKOKU; Rhythm and fluidity of movement. UNSOKU: Moving (leg movement). UNSU: Hands in the cloud. A
senior black belt Kata. URA: Reverse, rear, reverse side or back. URA-MAWASHI-GERI: Back or
reverse round house kick. URA-MIKAZUKI-GERI: Back or
reverse crescent kick. URA-WAZA: Reverse
techniques. URA-ZUKI: An
upper cut or close punch used at short distance. Sometimes called Staz
Zuki. URAKEN: Back fist. URAKEN-UCHI: Back fist strike.
This is an extremely fast technique although mechanically it is not as
powerful as some other hand techniques. URAKEN-UKE: Back fist
block. URAOMOTE: Both
sides, back and front. USHIRO: Back or rear. USHIRO-ASHI-BARAI: Rear leg
sweep. Sweeping an opponent's back leg. USHIRO-EMPI-UCHI: Striking to
the rear with the elbow. USHIRO-GERI: Back kick.
Delivered with the heel of the foot, the toes must point
down. USHIRO-KAKATO-GERI: Back heel kick. A good technique when in a "bearhug". The
target area would be your attackers shin bone. USHIRO-MAWASHI-EMPI-UCHI: Back roundhouse elbow strike. USHIRO-MAWASHI-GERI: Back round house kick. USHIRO-NI-ITE: Going
back. USHIRO-OSAE-KOMI: Best
described a "bear hug" from behind. USHIRO-SURI-ASHI: Rear sliding
leg. The movement of the rear leg to meet the front leg. UTO: The point at the base of
the nose between the eyes. WA: Circle or
ring. Peace.
WA-UKE: Circle block, where the path taken is a half-circle. At
the end of the block the hand is angled slightly to the
outside. WADO-RYU: Way
of peace school. A Japanese style of karate. WAKI: Side or flank. WAKIBARA:Side of the
chest. WAKIZASHI: The
shorter of two swords worn by the Samurai. WAN: Arm. WANKAN: A Shotokan Kata. "Kings Crown" WANSHU: An Okinawan Shorin Ryu Kata named after a Chinese
Master. WANSHUN: Top
of outside edge of upper arm. WASHI: Eagle. WASHIDE: Eagle hand. Formally
called Washi-te. WASHIDE-AGE-UCHI: Eagle hand
rising strike. WASHIDE-OTOSHI-UCHI: Eagle hand
dropping strike. WASHIDE-UCHI: Eagle hand strike WASHIDE-UKE:Eagle hand
block YAKO: The inside of the
upper thigh.
YAMA-UKE: Mountain
block. YAMA-ZUKI: Mountain
punch. A wide U-shaped dual punch. YAME: Finish or
stop. YASUME: Rest. An instruction to the students to relax, normally
following a long series of drills. YOBO: Face. YOI: Ready, in a state of
alertness. YOKO: Side
or lateral. YOKO-EMPI-UCHI: Side elbow strike. YOKO-GERI: Side
kick. YOKO-GERI-KEAGE: Side
snap kick. Also referred to as Yoko Keage. YOKO-GERI-KEKOMI: Side thrust kick. Also referred to as Yoko
Kekomi. YOKO-MAWASHI-EMPI-UCHI: Side
roundhouse elbow strike. Striking with the elbow to the
side. YOKO-TOBI-GERI: Side
jumping kick or flying side kick. YONHON-NUKITE: Four finger spear
hand. It is more commonly called Nukite. YORI-ASHI: Sliding the feet,
without legs crossing. YOSE: Pulling. YUBI: Finger or toe. YUBI-NO-KANSETSU; Knuckle. YUBISAKI: Fingertip. YUDANCHA: The collective name for all Dan grades
present. Black
belt holder (any rank). YUMI: Bow, as in archery. YUMI-ZUKI: Bow punch, or called
bow drawing punch. One hand pulls your opponent forward as you execute
the punch.
ZA: Seated or
kneeling.
ZA-REI: The traditional Japanese bow from the kneeling
position. ZANSHIN: Literally
"remaining mind or heart". Awareness of one's surroundings. Even after a
technique has been completed, one should remain in a balanced and aware
state. ZANSHIN-KAMAE: Awareness
posture. ZEMPO: Front or forward. ZEN-EMPI-UCHI: Front elbow
strike. Normally called Mae Empi Uchi. ZENKUTSU-DACHI: Forward stance
or front stance. The actual translation means front knee bent stance. The
most basic Karate stance. ZENSHIN: Forward or advance. Whole (entire)
body. ZENWAN: Forearm. ZOE:Supporting. ZORI: Japanese
slippers. ZUKAMI; An
alternative spelling of Tsukami meaning grasping. ZUKI: A different spelling of Tsuki. ZUNO: Head.
|