Kyokushin Karate Terminology: Essential Glossary for Students

Understanding terminology is central to training in Kyokushin. These words are used every class—to show respect, follow commands, and embody the spirit of the art. This glossary highlights key concepts, foundational commands, counting, etiquette phrases, and philosophical terms that define Kyokushin karate. New students should seek to memorize these terms.

1. Etiquette & Respect Terms

1. Rei (礼) — Bow; expression of respect and humility.

2. Shomen (正面) — Front of the dojo—symbolic focal point for the teachers that came before us, particularly “Sosai” Mas Oyama.

3. Shihan (師範) — A senior master instructor at or above 5th Dan black belt rank. Represents deep technical knowledge, decades of experience, and the responsibility to preserve and transmit authentic Kyokushin.

4. Kancho (館長) — Head of the karate organization; In WKO Shinkyokushinkai (新極真会), this would be Kancho Kenji Midori.

5. Sensei (先生) — Instructor; teacher.

6. Senpai (先輩) — Senior student.

7. Kōhai (後輩) — Junior student.

8. Shihan (師範) — Master instructor.

9. Seiza (正座) — Formal kneeling position.

10. Mokuso (黙想) — Meditation at start/end of class.

11. Onegaishimasu (お願いします) — “Please” / “I humbly request.” Said before training with a partner.

12. Arigatō gozaimashita (ありがとうございました) — “Thank you very much.” Said after completing partner work and at end of class.

2. Basic Class Commands

These are the core instructions heard in every Kyokushin class. The response for all commands should be a loud “OSU” to show that you understand and are paying attention.

1. Yoi (用意) — Get ready / prepare

2. Hajime (始め) — Begin / start

3. Yame (止め) — Stop

4. Yasume (休め) — Rest / stand at ease

5. Kiai (気合) — Shout loudly with your spirit/energy (ki)

6. Kiai irete (気合入れて) — Put spirit into it / add energy (instructor says this before the powerful strikes in kihon)

7. Seiretsu (整列) — Line up

8. Shomen ni rei (正面に礼) — Bow to the front

9. Sensei ni rei (先生に礼) — Bow to the instructor

10. Otagai ni rei (お互いに礼) — Bow to each other

11. Kamae (構え) — Posture/ base; essentially your stance prepared for fighting both physically and mentally

12. Kamae te (構えて) — Take your stance / get into guard

3. Counting in Japanese (1–10)

Used for repetitions, warm-ups, strikes, and conditioning.

1. Ichi (一)

2. Ni (二)

3. San (三)

4. Shi / Yon (四)

5. Go (五)

6. Roku (六)

7. Shichi / Nana (七)

8. Hachi (八)

9. Kyū (九)

10. Jū (十)

4. Stances (Dachi, 立ち)

• Zenkutsu-dachi (前屈立ち) – Front stance, 70% weight on forward leg

• Kiba-dachi (騎馬立ち) – Horse stance, 50-50 weight distribution

• Sanchin-dachi (三戦立ち) – Sanchin “three battles” or “three point” stance

• Fudō-dachi (不動立ち) – Immovable stance, 50-50 weight distribution, our default stance when “at attention”

• Yoi-dachi – “Ready stance” — Similar to Fudo-dachi but with joints slightly bent and ready to spring into action

• Kokutsu-dachi (後屈立ち) – Back stance, 70% weight on rear leg

• Neko-ashi-dachi (猫足立ち) – Cat stance, 90% weight on rear leg

5. Basic Terms for Striking

Fundamental Striking Terms

• Tsuki (突き) — Thrust / punch

• Uchi (打ち) — Strike (often using hand or arm)

Directional / Positional Terms

• Uchi (内) — Inside (as in uchi-uke, inside block)

• Soto (外) — Outside (as in soto-uke, outside block)

• Mae (前) — Front

• Yoko (横) — Side

• Ushiro (後ろ) — Back / rear

• Chūdan (中段) — Middle level

• Jōdan (上段) — Upper level

• Gedan (下段) — Lower level

Movement & Motion Terms

• Age (上げ) — Rising / upward

• Otoshi (落とし) — Dropping / downward

• Mawashi (回し) — Turning / circular / round

• Hiza (膝) — Knee

Kicking Terms (General)

• Hiza (膝) — Knee

• Geri / Keru (蹴り／蹴る) — Kick / to kick

• Keage (蹴上げ) — Rising motion

• Kekomi (蹴込み) — Thrust kick (driving motion)

6. Core Spirit & Concepts

1. Osu (押忍): A multi-purpose word meaning push, endure, and persevere. Used as greeting, acknowledgment, respect. Represents: determination, humility, and spirit under pressure.

2. Osu no Seishin (押忍の精神): “The Spirit of Osu.” The Kyokushin ideal of persevering through adversity—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

3. Dojo Kun (道場訓): The “Dojo Oath” recited at the end of class. Guides attitude, discipline, and moral conduct.

4. Seishin (精神) Spirit; the inner strength developed through training.

5. Kime (決め) Focus, decisive power at the end of a technique.

6. Bushidō (武士道) — “Way of the warrior”; principles of honor and discipline.

7. Zanshin (残心) — Lingering spirit; awareness after a technique; “relaxed awareness”

7. Dojo-Specific Phrases Students Will Hear Often

• “Osu!” (押忍) – Acknowledgment; used constantly.

• “Ganbatte!” (がんばって) – Do your best / keep fighting.

• “Fight-o” - Give it your all!

• “Shitsurei shimasu” (失礼します) – Excuse me (entering late, leaving early).

• “Hai!” (はい) – Yes!

In closing, learning these terms helps students train with confidence, respect, and deeper understanding. Kyokushin is not just physical techniques—it is a culture, a mindset, and a way of life grounded in tradition.