A

Abara
The ribs in the human body

Age
Rising movement. As in Age-uke (Rising block)

Age hiji ate
The rising elbow strike

Age tsuki
Rising punch. Example can be found in the kata ‘Empi’

Age Uchi
A striking technique that raises or elevates

Ago
The chin or Jaw area on the human body. The term Ago Uchi
is used to describe a strike to this area.

Aka
Red, or red competitor in competition karate

Akiresu ken
The achilles tendon, found on the lower leg of the human body.

Amado
The lower neck. This often a target area for certain strikes.

Antei
Balance and stability.

Ao
Blue. You may hear this quite often in karate competition. It refers to the competitor wearing the blue belt or gloves.

Ashi
Foot or leg

Ashi Barai
Foot sweep. This is a technique perfected to unbalance a competitor to disrupt his/her opponent’s Antei.

Ashi fumikae
To change legs

Ashi kubi
Ankle on the human body

Ashi no ura
The sole of the foot on the human body

Ashi sabaki
Foot movement, or footwork.

Ashi Waza
Foot techniques, such as Mae geri keage or mawashi geri

Ashi yubi
Toes on the human body. A target for certain self-defence techniques.

Ashibo kake uke
Leg hooking block

Ashikubi kake uke
Ankle hooking block

Atama
Head on the human body

Ate
Blow or a strike.

Atemi
This refers to the striking of vulnerable points of the body in order to achieve a desired affect. This can also refer to concentrated power.

Atemi Waza
Techniques targeted specifically for vulnerable points on the body

Ateru
Strike

Ato no kehanashi
A snapping kick using the back of the foot

B.

Barai
Sweep, or a sweeping action. Gedan Barai is a block that uses such a sweeping action.

Bassai Dai
‘To Storm A Fortress major’ Kata.

Bassai Sho
‘To Storm A Fortress minor’ Kata

Bitei

Coccyx, a vulnerable area of the spine often targeted in Atemi Waza

Bo

A long wooden stick, which is roughly six feet long. Bassai Sho, Jitte and Meikyo kata teach applications for defence against such weapons.

Bu

Is the prefix of ‘Budo’ (The Martial Way). Military.

Bubishi

An ancient artefact dealing with many matters in the Martial Arts such as Striking points and herbal recipes for ill health.

Budo

The Prefix ‘Bu’ translates to mean ‘To Stop A Spear’, the suffix ‘Do’ being ‘Way’. Many take this to mean ‘The Martial Way’, a manner by which to conduct yourself – With honour, courage and courtesy

Budo seishin

The martial spirit

Budo Ka

A student of the Budo teachings

Budo Kan

A Martial Arts training area or hall

Budo seishin

The scientific study of the Martial Arts

Buki

Weaponry. A ‘Bo’ would for example come under this category.

Bunkai

 A study of the techniques, and applications of the movements primarily in the study of kata.

Buryoku

Power that is internal

Bushido

‘The Way of the Warrior’

C

Cha
 
Brown, as in brown belt or 3rd Ku

Chakugan

To pay attention, or to concentration

Chibusa

The breast of the human body, a striking point for many karate techniques.

Chichi

Nipple on the human body, a striking point for many self-defence techniques and a vulnerable area to strike.

Chidori ashi

A stepping action involving one foot crossing over another

Chii kara

Internal power or Strength

Chika ma

Close range position from an opponent

Chikara

External strength or power

Chikayoru

To shorten the distance between yourself and an opponent

Chimei

A strike if performed correctly with maximum power would have the potential to kill the opponent.

Chinte

‘Strange Hands’ Kata

Choku

Straight, as in ‘Choku-tsuki’ or straight punch.

Choku-Tsuki

Choku (Straight) Tsuki (Punch)

Choku Sen

In a straight line, a direct route

Choshi

Rhythm

Choyaku hangeki

A counter attack which involves jumping

Chudan

The Middle level as in Chudan tsuki (middle level punch) E.g Chudan Barai, Chudan keri, Chudan uchi.

Chukitsu

A Vulnerable Atemi point found in the fold of the elbow

Chushin

The centre of your movements and your balance.

Chusoku

The ball of the foot. A striking surface as used in mae geri.

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.

E.

Embu
 
A demonstration of the Martial Spirit.

Embujo

A place where Martial Arts demonstrations are held.

Embusen

The performance line you follow when performing kata.

Empi

Elbow, the surface used to strike or block with, but also the name of the Kata ‘Empi’

Empi Uchi

The elbow strike as in ‘Age Empi’ (Rising elbow strike)

Empi ushiro ate

Elbow strike to the rear.

En sho

The heel of the foot of the human body

Enshin

The centre of a circle. In multi-group training, where attackers surround the defender, he is situated in the enshin or the centre.

Eri

Lapel or collar of your dogi

Erikubi

Nape of the neck of the human body

F.

Fudo
 
rooted or stable. Used as in ‘Fudo Dachi’, or immovable stance.

Fudo Dachi

Rooted stance, but many refer to this stance as Sochin Dachi

Fudo Shin

‘immovable mind’ a mental state of immovability

Fudo shisei

A position with your feet together.

Fuku Shin

Assistant Referee or judge

Fukubu

The abdomen area of the human body.

Fukushidoin

Assistant instructor

Fukuto

A striking point on the lower part of the leg on the human body

Fumi kiri

Cutting kick

Fumi komi

Stamping technique, aimed at many parts of the opponents body.

Fumi komi (shuto uke)

Stepping inward (knife hand block) The Fumi Komi represents the

suppressive nature of the step in movement

Fumi uchi

Techniques executed whilst you step forward

Fumidashi

An action involving one foot sliding forward

Fumikomu

To invade or step inside the opponents space, body etc

Fumu

To step, to move

Furi

To swing, as in a leg or an arm or even a weapon

Furi tsuki

Circular punch

Fusenhai

To lose through defeat

Fusensho

To win via default

Futaridori

To practice against more than one opponent

Futokoro

Chest on the human body

G.

Gaiwan
 
Outer forearm on the human body

Gan

Eye, a target for many strikes used in karate.

Ganchu

A vulnerable target area, located between the fifth and sixth rib

Gankaku

‘Crane on a rock’ Kata

Gankaku-dachi

Crane on a rock stance, where you take 100% of the weight onto the one
leg.

Ganmen

Face on the human body

Ganmen geri

Kick to the face

Gansei

Eyeball, which is a target perfect for many karate techniques.

Gedan

Lower level, located primarily from the waist downward, as in Gedan Barai

Gedan Barai

Lower level sweeping block

Gedan Uchi

Strikes targeted at the lower levels of the human body

Gedan ni oshidasu

Thrust downward

Gekon

A vulnerable area of the body located just below the lower lip on the face

Genshi

To be in tune with the attack, enough so that you can predict his next
movement

Geri

Kick

Geri Waza

Kicking techniques

Geta

Traditional wooden clogs, perfectly designed to strengthen the legs.

Gi

Karate uniform used in the dojo.

Go

The number five

Go no sen

This is a stretegical way of fighting. Here you allow the opponent to make
the first attack so as to create targets for you to counter attack.

Godan

fifth, or 5th dan black belt

Gohon Kumite

Here both partners attack at jodan and chudan levels five times, and the
defender retreats in time, counter attacking on the fifth block.

Gojushiho Dai

‘54 Steps Major’ Kata

Gojushiho Sho

‘54 Steps Minor’ Kata

Gokui

Hidden techniques that are often not taught to the average student

Goshi

Hips or pelvis

Guai shoko

Vulnerable striking point found on the back of the fist

Gyaku

Reverse, as in Gyaku-tsuki (reverse punch)

Gyaku-hanmi

Reverse half-front-facing position

H.

Haichi
 
Eight

Hachidan

8th dan black belt

Hachiji-dachi

open leg stance, feet positioned about one shoulder width apart, with feet pointed

slightly outward. This stance is also known as hachinoji dachi

Hachiju

Eighty

Hachinoji dachi

See Hachiji-dachi

Hai

Yes

Haishu-uke

Back of the hand block. Please note, this can also be used as a strike

Haisoku (geri)

Instep, and can also be used for a kick

Haito uchi

Ridge hand. This strike uses the opposite side of the hand to shuto-uchi, so it’s very

important to tuck the thumb inward

Haiwan (uke and uchi)

Upper part of the forearm, also referred to as back arm strike

Han

Half

Han heiko dachi

Like heiko dachi, just a little narrower. This can also be applied to the other stances.

Hana

Nose, a vulnerable striking target

Hando

Reactions

Hane age

To jump or spring. Many techniques use this to generate power in an upward direction

Hangetsu

‘Half Moon’ Kata

Hangetsu barai uke

Sweepin foot block, following a half moon path along the ground

Hangetsu dachi

Half moon stance, also referred to as hourglass stance.

Hangetsu tsuki

Half moon punch

Hanmi

This means half, and is also referred to as half-front facing position, the position taken

when for example blocking age-uke

Hanshi

A Master, a grade between 8th and 10th dan

Hansoku

A penalty in competition karate

Hansoku-chui

A penalty, where a point is awarded to your opponent

Hantai

Opposite

Hantei

Decision. A referee may call this when he desires a judgement from his judges.

Hara

The centre of your body, the centre of your gravity, the centre of your ki. The hara can be located two fingertips below the naval.

Haragei

The art of developing strength in the hara

Harai goshi

Hip sweep

Harai te

sweeping hand (for the purpose of blocking)

Harai waza

Sweeping techniques

Hasami tsuki

Scissors punch, hitting the opponent twice simultaneously.

Hasami uchi, uke

Scissors strike and block

Hazushi uke

Evading through ducking and dodging

Heian Kata

This is a series of kata, the first kata a beginner will learn and there are five in total

Heiko Dachi

Parallel stance

Heiko tsuki, uchi

Parallel punch or strike

Heisoku

Top of the foot, or instep

Heisoku dachi

Feet perfectly together, closed parallel stance

Henka waza

Variations of basic techniques used after oyo waza is applied

Hichu

Vulnerable striking point, what is commonly known as the Adams apple

Hidari

Left

Hiji

Elbow, can also be used to describe elbow strikes

Hiki ashi

Sliding backwards, this is a form of tai sabake

Hikite

The returning arm or pulling hand

Hiki wake

To draw in a karate competition

Hineri (uke)

Twist, or twisting block

Hiraken tsuki

fore-knuckle-fist straight punch

Hiraki

To twist the body as an evasive measure, preventing your opponents attack from hitting
you

Hira Uraken

Horizontal back fist

Hishiryo

To think without thinking, a mental state of absolute focus

Hitai

Forehead on the human body

Hittsui

Knee hammer

Hiza

Knee

Hiza age te

Rising knee strike

Hiza ate

Knee smashing strike

Hiza uke (soto and uchi)

Knee block

Honbu

Headquarters dojo

Hone

Bone(s) with in the human body

I.

Ibuki
 
A method of breathing, where you breath out strongly from the lower abdomen

Ibukuro

Stomach in the human body

Ichi

One

Ichibyoshi

In one breath

Iki

Breathing

Ikken

One fist or strike, often used in karate techniques

Ikken hissatsu

‘To Kill with one blow’

In ibuki

A method of internal breathing used by many

Ippon

One full point by Shobu-ippon rules, whereas it can also be actually
translated to mean one attack

Ippon ken (tsuki)

Fist position with one knuckle protruding, used for punching under certain

circumstances

Ippon kumite

One point scoring, usually for the intermediate student

Ippon nukite

Strike using just the one finger

Irimi

To enter, or a movement that moves you into an attack

J.

Ji’in
 
‘Temple ground’ Kata

Jikan

Time out

Jiku ashi

Pivot leg

Jion

A kata titled after the temple ‘Jion’

Jippon kumite

Ten step sparing

Jitte

‘Ten Hands’ Kata

Jiyu ippon

One step sparring

Jiyu kumite

Free sparing

Jiyu renshu

Free practice

Jo

Wooden weapon, roughly 4 feet long

Jodan

Upper level

Jodan uke, uchi, tsuki, geri

Head level block, strike, punch, kick

Josokutei

Ball of the foot

Ju

Ten

Ju dachi

Free stance

Ju kumite

Free sparring

Judan

10th dan black belt

Juji

Cross

Juji uke

X block

Jun kaiten

Regular rotation

Jun shizentai dachi

Quasi-natural stance

K.

Ka
 
Karate practicioner

Kachi

Winner in a tournament

Kaeshi waza

Counter technique

Kagato

Heel of the foot

Kagi (tsuki)

Hook, (punch)

Kagi uke

Hooking block

Kaiten

Rotation, or spinning actions

Kaiten nage

Cicular throw

Kakato

Heel of the foot

Kakato fumikomi

Stomping heel kick

Kakato geri

Heel kick

Kake dachi

Hook stance

Kake geri

Hook kick

Kakewake uke

Reverse wedge block

Kakiwake

Two handed block, helping you control the attacker if he grabs you

Kaku tsuki

Square punch

Kakushi waza

Hidden techniques

Kamae

Combative stance

Kan

School, as in ‘Shotokan’

Kancho

A title for Head Instructor

Kanku Dai

‘To view the sky Major’

Kanku Sho

‘To view the sky minor’

Kara

‘Empty’

Karada

Body

Karate

Empty hand

Karate-Do

The way of the empty hand

Karateka

A student of karate

Katawa guruma

Half-wheel throw

Kawa

Side

Kizami

To jab

Kizami tsuki

Jab punch

Keage

Snap, as in snapping kick

Keage geri

Snapping kick

Keiko

Chicken beak hand position

Keiko ken uchi

Phoenix eye fist strike

Keiko ken tsuki

Forefinger knuckle punch

Keimyaku iho

The study of pressure points

Keito

Chicken head strike

Kekomi

Thrust

Ken

Fist

Ken no sen

Seizing the initiative earlier

Kensetsu geri

Stamping kick

Keri

Kick

Ki

The energy of the universe

Kiai

Spirit meeting – a loud yell from the bottom of your lungs, not from your throat

Kiarasoi

Fighting spirit

Kiba dachi

Horse straddle stance

Kihon

Basics, the fundamentals of the art

Kihon ippon kumite

Basic one-step sparring

Kihon kata

Basic forms

Kime

The moment where all elements of your technique come together to make as much
power as possible

Kizami geri, tsuki

Front leading limb kick, punch

Kokutsu dachi

Back stance

Kyokyu

The power of breathing

Kosa (dachi, uke)

Crossed legged stance and crossed block

Koshi

Hip area

Koshi no Kaiten

Hip rotation

Koshi sabake

Hip movement

Kyu

Beginners and lower grades in karate

L.

No Records for L

M.

Ma
Space between yourself and your opponent

Ma ai

Distancing. But also a concept that considers timing, distance and space in your ability
to score

Mae

Front

Mae ashi geri

Front leg kick

Mae ashi kekomi

Front leg thrust

Mae empi uchi

Forward elbow strike

Mae geri

Front kick

Mae geri Haisoku

Front kick, using the instep as the

surface making contact with the target

Mae geri Kagato

Front snap kick using the heel

Mae geri keage

Front snap kick

Mae geri kekomi

Front thrust kick

Mae geri keoroshi

Front descending kick

Mae geri sokuto

Front kick using edge of the foot

Mae geri tsumasaki

Front kick using the toes

Mae hiji ate

Forward elbow strike

Mae tobi geri

Jumping front kick

Mae tsugi ashi

Forward sliding step

Mae ude heneri uke

Forearm twist block

Maeba

A position that is ready for kumite

Maeken tsuki

Jab punch

Maete

Jab

Mageru

Circle

Makiwara

Punching board or post

Makiwara renshu

Makiwara training

Manji uke

Double block, one gedan, the other performing a jodan uchi uke

Mawaru

To spin, rotate or turn

Mawashi

Roundhouse, or circular

Mawashi geri

Roundhouse kick, striking with either the instep (sokko) or ball of the foot (josokutei)

Mawashi uke, uchi, tsuki

Circular block, stike, punch

Meikyo

‘Polished Mirror’ Kata

Menkyo

Teachers certificate

Migi

Right

Mikazuki barai, geri

Cresent sweep, half moon kick

Mizu nagare kamae

‘Flowing water’ posture

Mochi

Grip

Morote uke, uchi

Double or augmented, block, strike

Morote sukui uke

Two handed scooping block

Morote tsuki

U punch

Mu

Nothingness, a mental approach to clear you mind so you don’t get distracted.

Mukyuu

A beginner who has attained no rank

Muna dori

A single handed grab of a lapel

Mune dori

double handed grab of a lapel

Munen mushin

An empty or clear mind

Mushin

An uncluttered mind, enabling you to adapt to any circumstance, since there is no

distraction.

Musubi dachi

Informal attention stance. Keep heels off the floor, with your toes pointing in opposing

45 degree angles.

N.

Nagaeshi uke
Sweeping block

Nagashi

Flowing

Nagashi tskui

Flowing punch

Nagashi uke

Sweeping open handed block

Nage

Throw

Nage waza

Throwing techniques

Naiwan

Inner side of the forearm

Naihanshi dachi

Similar to kiba dachi, with the knees turned in and down

Naike

A vulnerable point just below the inside ankle

Nakadaka ippon ken

Middle finger one knuckle fist

Nakadaka ippon ken tsuki

Middle finger single knuckle punch

Nakadaka ippon ken uchi

Middle finger knuckle fist strike

Nakadaka Ken

Middle finger knuckle fist

Nami ashi

inside leg block

Nami gaeshi

‘Returning wave’, using the sole of the foot to as a prevention against a leg sweep

Nanaju

70

Naore

Return to Yoi

Nidan

Second, 2nd dan black belt

Nidan geri

Double front snap kick

Nihon nukite

Two finger speak hand technique

Nijushiho

’24 steps’ Kata

Nippon

Japan

Nito Kin

Biceps

Nosonoso

Slowly

Nunchaku

A weapon with two batons held together by a chain in the middle connecting them

O.

O sensei
 
A title of respect for a founder of an art. In shotokan, it would be Gichin Funckoshi

Obi

Belt

Oi

Lunge

Oi (tsuki, geri uchi, uke etc)

Lunge punch, kick, strike, block etc

Oji waza

To anticipate your opponents attack but counter attack before his attack is complete

Okinawan Te

The original title of what we call Karate

Okuden

Secret teachings

Okuri ashi

Quick leg movements to cover a large distance quickly

Okuri ashi harai

Foot or ankle sweep

Oroshi

Downward strike or block

Oroshi tsuki, uke

Descending punch or block

Osae

To press or hold down.

Osae Komi waza

holding down techniques

Osae Uke

Pressing block

Oshi ateru

Strike

Osu

Greetings, and can also be taken to mean ‘Yes, I understand’

Otoshi

To drop or sweep

Otoshi empi, uke, tsuki

Dropping elbow, block, punch

Oyo

Study of techniques in kata, like bunkai but including the follow up techniques

Oyo Waza

Applications interpreted from techniques in kata, applied according to a given condition

P.

Pinan
 ‘Peace Gate’, a series of five Kata developed by Master Itosu. Developed into now what we call Heian series, although the order of practice is different

Q.

No records for Q

R.

Rei
To bow, which is an act of respect and courtesy.

Remnei

Association

Ren

Consecutive

Ren geri

Double front snap kick

Ren tsuki

Consecutive punches

Renoji dachi

L stance

Renraku waza

Combination techniques

Renzoku

Without count

Renzoku tsuki, geri etc

Continues punches, kicks

Renzuki

Alternate punching

Riken

Back fist

Roku

Six

Roku Dan

6th Dan

Rokuju

60

Rokyu

White belt

Ryoku

Power

Ryote mochi

Two handed grab

Ryu no shita no kamae

Dragon tongue fighting posture

Ryubi dachi

Dragon tail stance

Ryuha

School

S.

sabaki

shifting

sage uchi

a downward strike

sagi ashi dachi

"heron foot" one-legged or propped stance, also referred to as gankaku dachi or tsuru ashi dachi.

sagurite no kamae

"searching hands" (or shadow-hand) fighting posture or ready position

arresting a technique 2.5 cm/1 in. from the target, just before making contact

searching-hand (or shadow-hand) block

saho

left direction (side)

sai

an Okinawan three-pronged metal weapon that is shaped like the Greek letter ‘psi’ with the middle being much longer.

saijutsu

sai art

sakatsuchi

"to hammer upside down" throw

sakeru

to avoid

sakotsu

collar bone, clavicle

Sakugawa No Kon

ancient bo kata ("Sakugawa's bo kata")

sammai

concentration; absorption

sampai

a formal bow to a zen master, involves a seated bow until the forehead touches the floor, with the hands on the side facing palm up

samurai

one who serves

san

three

sanbon

three-step or point

sanbon kumite

three-step sparring; sparring match where the objective is to gain three points

sanbon shobu

three-point match, used in tournaments.

sanbon tsuki (zuki)

triple punch combination

Sanchin

"3 conflicts", kata, which emphasizes correct breathing

sanchin dachi

hour-glass ("pigeon-toed") stance

sandan

3rd Dan Black Belt

sandan kumite

three step, three level sparring

sando tsuki (zuki)

triple punch

sanju

thirty

sankaku

triangle

sankaku jime

triangular lock

sankaku tenshin

triangular movements

sankaku tobi

triangular jump

sankyo kote hinerisankajo

wrist twist in

sankyu

3rd kyu (often green belt) rank

sanren tsuki (zuki)

three consecutive punches

santo kin

triceps

sasae hiji ate

supported elbow smash

sasae tsurikomi ashi

lifting-pulling propping foot/ankle throw

sasae uke

supported forearm block

sashite

raising of the hand either to strike, grab, or block

sashite uke

rising hand block

sasoi

to lure; to draw someone or something closer to oneself

sayu barai uke

double lower side block

sayu tsuki (zuki)

double side punch

seienchin

"Walk Far To Conquer" kata

seigyo

control

seiho

an exercise that helps blood flow in the muscle tissue

seika tanden

a vital point used for resuscitation, located about 10 cm below the navel. considered to the source for ki generation and concentration

seiken

regular fist or fore-fist

seiken choku tsuki (zuki)

fore-fist straight punch

seiken tsuki (zuki)

fore-fist or straight (middle) thrust punch

seiken ude uke

forearm block

seiken waza

fist technique

seiki

genitals

seiryuto

"ox jaw hand" or bull strike. A hand technique delivered with the base of the shuto (knife hand).

seiryuto tsuki (zuki)

"ox jaw hand" punch

seiryuto uchi

ox jaw strike - edge of the hand near the wrist, most often employed against the collar bone

seiryuto uke

ox-jaw block

seishin

spirit or soul

seito

regular student. See deshi and uchi deshi

seiza

"correct" or formal sitting posture, on one’s knees, between the heels

seiza ho

moving into formal sitting position

semekata

attacking technique

sempai

senior (instructor), one's senior, the opposite of kohai,any student who takes a class or any black belt senior to the speaker; also, senpai

sen

initiative; to anticipate an attack

sen no sen

simultaneous initiative; to launch an attack at the same time as one's opponent

sen sen no sen

attacking before the opponent attacks; pre-emptive attack

senaka

back, spine

senpai

a senior student; also, sempai

senryaku

strategy

sensei

teacher, instructor, elder

senshin

concentration; undivided attention; singleness of purpose

sesan dachi

side facing straddle stance

setsuzoku

a connection between one's centre of mass (Hara) and the outer limits of the movement, or between one's own centre of mass and that of one's partner

shakkatsu denko

lumbar region, left and right sides of the ninth thoracic vertebrae; see ushiro denko

shakumyaku

a vital point on the wrist

shi te

"death hand" (a front defensive hand)

shi zuki

beak thrust

shiai

a match or a contest (tournament or competition event)

shiai geiko

tournament practice; the training sessions held before and leading up to a competition

shiaijo

tournament area; the area where matches are held in a tournament

shibari

from shibaru, to tie

shichi

seven; also, nana

shichidan

shidachi

the person performing a technique in a kata, the defender

shiden

historical tradition

shidoin

a formal title meaning, approximately, " assistant instructor"

shihan

master teacher or instructor

shihan dai

designated representative(s) of a shihan

shiho bunkai

application of the kata with attacks from all (four) directions

shiho wari

breaking boards on four sides to test power

shihon

four-finger

shihon nukite

four-finger spear hand strike

shihon zuki

four-finger thrust

shikaku

position relative to one's partner where it is difficult for them to (continue to) attack, and from which it is relatively easy to control their balance and movement

shiken

test; examination

shiko dachi

square or straddle leg stance - deep strengthening stance, two hip widths wide, with the toes pointing out to 45 degrees, weight distributed 50/50

shime waza

choking or strangling techniques; strangleholds or neck holds

shimei

an attack that, if uncontrolled, would have a lethal result

shimoseki

the lower part of a dojo, where the beginners and junior students sit or stand

shimoza

the lower ranked area of the dojo, on the opposite side from the shrine

shin gi tai

mind-technique-body

shin gi tai ichinyo

oneness of mind-technique-body

shin zen bi

truth, honesty and beauty

shinai

practice sword made of split bamboo

shindo

vibration

shinjitsu

reality

shinken

real sword; real fist; earnest

shinken shobu

"duel with live swords", the attitude of treating the practice session as though it were a life-or-death duel with live swords

shinto

concussion, shock, impact

shisei

posture

shita ago

a vital point on the lower jaw

shita tsuki (zuki)

lower punch; a strike to the lower abdomen

shizen

natural, nature

shizen no kamae

natural position - a ready position in an upright, comfortable, and natural attitude

shizen dachi no kamae

natural combative posture

shizen kumite

natural kumite

shizen tai

natural stance or position

shizen tai dachi

natural stance

sho

palm

sho tekubi

hand (and) wrist

shobu

sparring match

shodai

first generation; founder

shomen (choku) tsuki (zuki)

front (straight) punch

shomen ni rei

front

shomen uchi

an empty hand overhead strike to the front of the head with the blade of the hand

shomon

bow to the front

Shorei ryu

early Karate school developed around Naha

Shorin

"Pine forest" (Sino-Japanese pronunciation) of Shaolin

Shorin Ryu

the major style of Okinawan karate, developed from Shuri and Tomari, meaning "Pine Forest" school

shoshin

the spirit of the beginner

shoshinsha

a novice, a beginner

shotei

shotei ate

palm heel (smashing) strike

shotei oshi

palm heel push

shotei shita uke

palm heel lower block; a downward block with the palm of the hand

shotei sotogawa uke

palm heel outside block; a block with the palm of the hand from the outside

shotei uchi

palm heel strike

shotei uke

palm heel block

shoto

short sword

Shotokan

a style of Japanese Karate developed by Gichin Funakoshi, meaning "Pine Waves"

shu wan

palm arm

shuchu ryoku

concentration of power

shugo

line up

shuko

vital points located on the back of the hand, especially between the thumb and index finger and middle and ring fingers

shuri-te

"Shuri fist"; one of the three major early Okinawan styles, originating in shuri, the foundation of today’s Shorin Ryu style

shuto

"sword-hand" or "knife-edge" hand (little-finger side of palm)

shuto gedan barai

low knife hand block

shuto mawashi uchi

roundhouse sword hand strike

shuto soto mawashi

knife hand strike, outside inward

shuto uchi

knife-hand strike

shuto uchi mawashi

knife-hand strike, inside outward

shuto uke

knife-hand block

shuto waza

knife-hand technique

sochin dachi

diagonal straddle leg "immovable" stance, also known as fudo dachi

soda

vital point between shoulder blades

soin

vital point - just below the heads of the fourth fifth toes (metatarsals); also, kusagakure

sokko

instep of the foot

sokumen uke

side block

sokutei mawashi uke

crescent kick block with the sole of the foot

sokutei osae uke

pressing sole block

sokuto geri

foot-edge kick

sokuto keage

snap kick with foot edge

sokuto osae uke

pressing block with foot edge

sotai renshu

training with a partner

soto

exterior, external; outer; outside; outside-inward

soto gedan barai

outside downward sweeping block

soto hachiji shizentai dachi

open-leg natural stance

soto mawashi uke

roundhouse block, outside inward

soto ude uke

outside middle block (outside inward with bottom of wrist or forearm), formerly known as uchi yoko te

soto uke

block from outside inward with bottom of wrist or inside of forearm, also known as soto ude uke

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.

sotojakuzawa

vital point - wrist edge above pulse

sotoshakutaku

vital point - back surface of the wrist, space between ends of radius and ulna

sukashi waza

techniques performed without allowing the attacker to complete a grab or to initiate a strike

sukui

scooping

sukui nage

scooping throw

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, formerly known as sukui te

sun

unit of measure, about 2.5 cm/1 in.

T.

Tai
The body

Tai no sen

Seizing the initiative later

Tai Otoshi

Body dropping

Tai Sabake

Body movement

Tameshi wari

Test by wood – wood breaking

Tanden

See Hara

Tatai no sen

Seizing the initiative earlier and later

Tate tsuki, empi etc

Vertical punch, elbow strike etc

Te

Hand

Teiji dachi

T stance

Teisho uchi, uke etc

Palm heel hand position

Tekki Nidan

Horse riding kata 2

Tekki Sandan

Horse riding kata 3

Tekki Shodan

Horse riding kata 1

Tenkan

Pivot

Tenshin

Boy shifting

Tetsu geta

Iron clogs to strengthen the legs

Tettsui uchi, uke etc

Hammer fist hand position

Tobi geri

Jumping kick

Tobi nidan geri

Jumping double kick

Tobi yoko geri

Jumping side kick

Tomari Te

One of the three major early Okinawan styles

Tomoe shotei ate

Circular pal-heel smash

Tsukami uke

Grasping block

Tsukami

To grab

Tsuki, all variations

Punch

Tsumasaki

Tips of the toes

Tsuriai

Balance

U.

Uchi
Striking techniques, but also the word that refers to inside, like in uchi-uke (inside

block)

Uchi ashi barai

A leg sweep where the leg travels from the inside outward

Uchi ate

Strike

Uchi hachiji dachi

Like hachiji dachi, but with the feet turned slightly inward

Uchi jakuzawa

Vulnerable target area on the inside of the forearm

Uchi kurubushi

Vulnerable target on the inside of the ankle

Uchi mawashi geri

Inside roundhouse kick

Uchi te

Striking block

Ude

Arm of forearm, used in e.g soto-ude-ike (outside forearm block)

Ude uke

Forearm block

Uke

Block. Or someone who receives a technique

Uke Kaeshi

To block and counter

Uke tesuki

block punch

Ukemi

Break falling, break falls, the ability to fall and recover

Ukemi waza

Breakfall techniques

Uko

The nerve that travels along the side of the neck, perfect for targeting a

shuto-uchi at

Unsu

‘cloud hands’ Kata

Ura

Back, rear, or opposite, depending on its usage

Ura mawashi geri

Reverse roundhouse kick

Ura nage

Back throw

Ura tsuki

Close quarter upper cut punch

Uraken (uchi)

Back fist, strike

uraken yoko mawashi uchi

Horizontal back-fist strike

Ushiro

Backwards, rear

Ushiro-empi uchi

Rear elbow strike

Ushiro Geri (kekomi, keage)

Back kick (thrust, snap)

Ushiro goshi

Back hip throw

Ushiro kakato barai

Back heel sweep

Ushiro kehanashi

Back snap kick

Ushiro mawashi geri

back roundhouse kick

V.

No records for V

W.

Wado Ryu
A style with a name which translates to mean ‘Way Of Peace’

Waki

Side of the chest of the human body

Wan

Arm on the human body

Wanjun

Back of the upper arm on the human body

Wari uke

Split block

Wari uke tsuki

Split block punch

Washide

Eagle claw hand, also referred to as ‘Washide uchi’

Waza

The techniques of karate

Waza ari

Half a point, used in shobu-ippon competition

waza no kankyu

The speed used for each technique.

waza wo korosu

This is the principle of attacking the opponents attack rather than the

attacker himself. Promoting the true attitude of Karate-Do

X.

No Records for X

Y.

Yako
Vulnerable striking point on the upper thigh

yakusoku kumite

Pre-determined fighting between two opponents

Yama Gamae

Mountain posture

Yama tsuki

U Punch

Yame

Stop

Yoi

Ready or a position indicating your readiness

Yoi-dachi

Ready stance, a position of readiness

yoi no kisin

Prior to kumite or kata, you mentally prepare yourself for what is about to happen. This

is a preparation of the state of readiness

Yoko

To the side

Yoko Empi Uchi

Elbow strike that travels outward to the side of the body

Yoko Gake

Side hook, or this can also apply to side body drop

Yoko Geri

Kick that travels to the side of the body like yoko geri kekomi (thrust) or keage (snap)

Yoko mawashi empi uchi

Side round elbow strike

Yoko mawashi uchi

Horizontal strike

Yoko tobi geri

jumping, or flying side kick

Yoko tsuki, uchi, uke

Side punch, strike, block

Yondan

Fourth or 4th dan black belt

Yon ju

forty

Yori ashi

Sliding step, this is used to get closer to your opponent without stepping

Yubi

Finger

Yudansha

Black belt holder, any grade

Z.

Zanshin
A state of complete readiness, before, during and after the technique is completed. You are totally committed to the moment and always alert and attentive

Zazen

Sitting form of meditation

Zen

Applies to Buddhism, but also is a religious meditation

Zenwan

Forearm on the human body

Zenkutsu-dachi

Front stance, weight distribution being 60:40, with the front leg having most of the

weight.

Zuki

Alternative spelling of tsuki (punch)

zuki no kokoro

‘Mind like the moon’, a mental attitude that can be adopted in your karate training.

Counting

 
Ichi -- One
Ni -- Two
San -- Three
Shi -- Four
Go -- Five
Roku -- Six
Shichi -- Seven
Hachi -- Eight
Ku -- Nine
Ju -- Ten
 
Ni ju -- Twenty
San ju -- Thirty
Yon ju -- Fourty
Go ju -- Fifty
Roju ju -- Sixty
Nana ju -- Seventy
Hachi ju -- Eighty
Ku ju -- Ninety
Hiyaku ju -- One hundred

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