Here is a general list of common terms used in Martial Arts, Karate
Japanese Numbers & Counting
1 – One – Ichi Shodan – Ipponme
2 – Two – Ni Nidan Nihonme
3 – Three – San Sandan Sanbonme
4 – Four – Shi Yodan Yonhonme
5 – Five – Go Godan Gohonme
6 – Six – Roku Rokdan Ropponme
7 – Seven – Shichi Schichidan Nanahonme
8 – Eight – Hachi Hachidan Happonme
9 – Nine – Ku Kudan Kyuhonme
10 – Ten – Ju Judan Jipponme
Counting beyond 10 in Japanese.
14 is TEN (plus) FOUR JU CHI
36 is THREE (times) TEN (plus) SIX SAN JU ROKU
A to Z of Karate Terminology
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 (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.
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 techniques 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.
DANI Lever, 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.
EKKU A Wooden oar used by the Okinawans which was improvised as a weapon.
EMBUSEN Floor pattern of a given kata.
EMPI (1) One the Black Belt level KATA, translated as “The Flight of a Sparrow”. (2) 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-barai, performed by Sensei Harada 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 JKR and in most other traditional Japanese and Okinawan Karate Dojo, the GI must be white and cotton (Synthetics with Cotton allowed).
GO NO SEN The tactic where one allows the opponent to attack first so to open up targets for counterattack.
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.
HACHIJI DACHI A natural stance, feet positioned about one shoulder width apart, with feet pointed slightly outward.
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 Black Belt level 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 the opponent.
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 the Shinpa 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.
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.
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. Sensei Harada performing irimi on a yoko-geri attack
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 CHUI “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.
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 index 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.
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 Straddle 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.
KUATSU The method of resuscitating a person who has lost consciousness due to strangulation or shock.
KUMADE Bear hand.
KUMITE Kumite or sparring is a way of practicing karate techniques with a partner. There are two primary types of kumite: pre-arranged (yakusoku), and free (ju). We focus primarily on yakusoku which is divided into four classifications: basic one-step sparring, three-step sparring, five-step sparring, and semi-free one-step sparring. Although our school does not emphasize sport karate, sparring is an important aspect of our training in the development of technique, attitude, coordination, distance, and judgement.
KYOSHI “knowledgeable person,” and usually this title is conferred at rokudan or shichidan, depending on system. I think the most 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.
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 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).
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.
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.
OBI A belt.
OI-ZUKI Lunge Punch. (Jun-zuki)
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.
SEIRYUTO Bull Strike. A hand technique.
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.
SHINKO-KATA These are the basic techniques which accompany each kata. They consist of blocks, parries, strikes, kicks, punches, etc. which make up the moves of karate. The longer a student trains, the more complex and demanding the shiko-katas become.
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.
SAWARA WAS Techniques from a sitting position.
TAMING GA OPS “Not proper timing”
TAI SAKAE 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
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 maintenance 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.
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.
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 ARI “Half point”
YAMA ZUKI Mountain Punch. A wide U-shaped dual punch.
YASUMI Rest. A term used by the instructor to have the students relax, normally following a long series of drills.
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 Striking with the elbow to the side.
YOKO TOBI GERI Flying Side Kick.
YOWAI “Weak Focus”
YUDANSHA Black belt holder (any rank).
ZANSHIN Lit. “remaining mind/heart.” Even after a Karate technique has been completed, one should remain in a balanced and aware state. ZANSHIN thus connotes “following through” in a technique, as well as preservation of one’s awareness so that one is prepared to respond to additional attacks.
ZA-REI The traditional Japanese bow from the kneeling position.
ZENKUTSU DACHI Forward Stance.
ZORI Japanese slippers