Basic Terminology (D)

Dachi
Stance, as in zenkutsu-dachi (front stance)

Dai
Large or major. Can be found in for example Bassai Dai.

Dan
Black belt level, as in Dan grade. Also can be referred to as degree.

Dan Tsuki
Repeated punching

Danchu
The sternum on the human body

Danryoku
Flexibility, required to make many karate techniques work well.

De ashi barai
Forward foot sweep

Deai osae
A suppressive and smothering attack.

Deai osae uke
A suppressive and smothering block

Denko
The abdominal region of the human body

Denzook
No count, as in kata training, an instructor may say this to tell you he will not be counting.

Do
The way. As in ‘Karate-Do’ The way of the empty hand. Or Bu-Do, or
Aiki-Do. The philosophy of following the ‘Way’ is to achieve
enlightenment through study of the art to improve one’s personality.

Do kyaku
Moving leg

Do kyo
The education of the ‘Way’

Do gi
A suite you where during your training

Dojo
Translated to mean ‘Place of the way’, this is a place where you train in your Martial Art.

Dojo Kun
These are maxims recited at the end of the class

Dokko
A striking and pressure point in the hollow below the ears and behind the jaw

Dori
To grab

Doshu
A Master of the way, an individual who has achieved enlightenment.