This page introduces commonly used Japanese terms in Shotokan Karate, particularly as used within the Japan Karate Association (JKA). These terms are used daily in the dojo and form an essential part of karate training and etiquette.
Karate – Empty hand
JKA – Japan Karate Association
Dojo – Training hall
Gi – Karate uniform
Sensei – Instructor
Sempai – One’s senior
Rei – Salutation / bow / thanks
Often referred to as “the word of words”, Oss can mean:
Thank you
Please
I understand
Sorry
A general greeting
Sensei ni rei – Salutation to the instructor
Otagai ni rei – Salutation to each other
Mawatte – Turn
Kiai – Shout
Yoi – Prepare / ready
Yame – Stop
Hajime – Start / begin
Naore – Recover / return to normal
| Number | Japanese |
|---|---|
| 1 | Ichi |
| 2 | Ni |
| 3 | San |
| 4 | Shi |
| 5 | Go |
| 6 | Roku |
| 7 | Shichi |
| 8 | Hachi |
| 9 | Ku |
| 10 | Ju |
Kihon – Basic techniques
Kata – Forms (set sequences)
Kumite – Sparring
Jodan – Upper level (face area)
Chudan – Middle level (chest & stomach)
Gedan – Lower level (below the belt)
Hidari – Left
Migi – Right
Mae – Forward
Yoko – Sideways
Ushiro – Backwards
Shomen – Square, facing forward
Hanmi – Half body (45°)
Gyaku hanmi – Reverse half body
Heisoku dachi – Feet together stance
Musubi dachi – Heels together, toes out (used for bowing)
Heiko dachi – Parallel stance
Zenkutsu dachi – Front stance
Kokutsu dachi – Back stance
Kiba dachi – Horse / straddle stance
Fudo / Sochin dachi – Immovable stance
Kosa dachi – Cross-legged stance
Re no ji dachi – “L” stance
Tei no ji dachi – “T” stance
Oi zuki – Lunge punch
Gyaku zuki – Reverse punch
Kizami zuki – Jab punch
Choku zuki – Straight punch
Tate zuki – Vertical punch
Ura zuki – Uppercut / reverse punch
Kage zuki – Hook punch
Teisho zuki – Palm-heel strike
Uraken uchi – Backfist strike
Gedan barai – Downward block
Age uke – Rising block
Soto uke – Outside-to-inside forearm block
Uchi uke – Inside-to-outside forearm block
Shuto uke – Knife-hand block
Kakiwake uke – Pushing aside / wedge block
Juji uke – X-block
Mae geri – Front kick
Yoko geri – Side kick
Kekomi – Thrusting version
Keage – Snapping version
Mawashi geri – Roundhouse kick
Ushiro geri – Back kick
Hiza geri – Knee strike
Mikazuki geri – Crescent kick
Suri ashi – Sliding step
Yori ashi – Shifting slide
Tai sabaki – Body evasion / pivot
Kirikae – Switch step / change back