Japanese Terms
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  • Dogi: Uniform
  • Obi: Belt
  • Dojo: Karate School
  • Osu: Greeting, or term of respect, used as, "yes", or, "I understand"
  • Sempai: Beginner instructor. Signifies the end of prilimanary training.
  • Sensei: Instructor. Indicates, "those who have experienced it before."
  • Shihan: Senior Instructor. Shihans have demonstrated life long interest and dedication to Karate.
  • Hai: Yes
  • Hajime: Begin
  • Kata: Form
  • Kihon: Basics
  • Kumite: Sparring
  • Mawatte: Turn around
  • Mokuso: Meditation. Begins and ends class.
  • Naore: Return to start
  • Rei: Bow
  • Seiza: Kneeling position
  • Tsuki: Punch
  • Uchi: Strike
  • Yame: Stop
  • Yasume: Relax
  • Yoi: Ready
    1-10
  • Ichi
  • Ni
  • San
  • Chi
  • Go
  • Roku
  • Shichi
  • Hachi
  • Ku
  • Ju
  • Mea: Front
  • Ushiro: Back
  • Migi: Right
  • Hidari: Left
  • Naname: Diagonnaly
  • Shomen: Front
  • Sayu: Side
  • Jodan: Upper level
  • Chudan: Middle level
  • Gedan: Lower level


All terms brought to you by Methuen Karate.com