Glossary of terms

Karate is international in nature, and traditional karate is taught using Japanese terms for the most part.  Some of these terms have no literal equivalent in the English language, so use caution when using this glossary.  If in doubt about any term, please refer to a club instructor.       

Age Rising as in Age-Uke (upper rising block).

Ago Chin or jaw, as used in Ago-Mai-Geri, which is a kick to the jaw using the ball of the foot, or in Ago-Uchi - a strike to the Jaw.

Ashi Foot or lower leg as used in Ashi-Barai - a leg sweep.

Budo The way of karate practice.  The word "Budo" is the translation of characters used in the Japanese language.  "Bu" means military, or related to the military, or martial.  "Do" means path, way or method.  Budo thus refers to Japanese fighting systems which emphasize "do" - personal, ethical and spiritual development as the ultimate goal of training.

Chest Protector Optional protective equipment that may be used by women and girls in competition. 

Chudan Mid-section of the body.  For example a punch to the mid-level (typically aimed at the solar plexus) is described as Chudan-Zuki.

Chusoku Ball of foot as used in Chusoku-Mawashi-Geri - a roundhouse kick contacting the target with the ball of the foot.

Dachi Stance.  

Dan Black belt grade. 

Dojo The place where karate training is undertaken.  English translation is "the place of training in the way".  

Dojo Fees  Payment for the lesson paid to the club secretary (or nominated deputy) before a lesson starts.

EKGB English Karate Governing Board.  The functions of this organisation were taken over by Karate England on its formation in 2005.  At that time the EKGB ceased to exist.  Karate England has now been superceded by  The English Karate Federation.  

The English Karate Federation is recognised as the official governing body for English Karate by both the British Karate Federation and World Karate Federation

Enpi Elbow. 

Ganmen Face.

Gedan Lower body (anything below the belt). As in Gedan-Zuki, or punch to the lower body. 

Gedan-Barai Downward block (more accurately `low-level sweep').

Geri Kick.

Grade Progress is karate is measured by a formal grading process before a panel of instructors.  Kyu grades are represented by coloured belts from red through to brown as shown below.  

8^th Kyu through to 5^th Kyu are awarded by a panel of club instructors.  For 4^th Kyu and above, students are assessed by a panel of senior Ishinryu instructors, including sensei Ticky Donovan.  Grades above 3^rd Dan Black Belt are awarded for services and contribution to Ishinryu karate and do not require a formal grading.

Gum Shield Protective equipment that is compulsory in competition and advised for sparring in the club.  Best ones are custom fitted by your dentist for an exact fit.  However, a general gum-shield can be purchased from some sports shops and pharmacies - these must be prepared in hot water before initial fitting to ensure a good fit.  

Gyaku-Zuki or reverse punch.  `Reverse' denotes the reversal of leads of the arm and the leg, that is, the punch is delivered from the side of the body which is not leading. 

Haisoku Instep of the foot, as used in Haisoku-Mawashi-Geri - a roundhouse kick contacting the target with the instep.

Haishu Back of hand.

Haito 'Ridge hand' or 'Inner knife hand'.  This refers to using the side of the hand above the thumb to strike as used in Jodan-Haito-Uchi (Inner knife-hand strike to the head).

Hajime Begin.  Used to direct students to commence training, or in competition, to instruct fighters to begin.

Hand Pads Protective equipment that is compulsory in competition and for sparring in the club.  English Karate Federation approved hand-pads are compulsory. 

Heiko-Dachi Parallel-leg stance; feet less than shoulder-width apart and parallel arms relaxed, hands in fists.

Heisoku-Dachi Formal attention stance: heels and big toes touching.

Hidari Left (as in left-hand).  Normally used in description of stances.

Hijji Elbow.  As used in Chudan-Hijji-Ate (elbow strike to mid-section) or Age-Hijji-Ate (Raising elbow strike).  

Hira Half open fist. As used in Hira-Ken-Chudan (half open fist to middle level).  For Hira the fist is not fully folded so that the second set of finger-knuckles make impact rather than the first set of knuckles (as in a usual fist). 

Hiza Knee - as in Hiza-Ganmen-Geri, or knee kick to the face.

Hizo Spleen - as in using the spleen (in the lower abdomen) as a target.

Ippon-Ken One knuckle punch.  In this strike the middle knuckle of the fist stands proud of the other fingers thus providing a smaller point of impact and therefore concentrating more force into a smaller striking area.

Ippon kumite One-step sparring.  Pre-prepared defense and counter attack against an attack.  

Ishinryu The school of karate originated by Sensei Ticky Donovan (OBE) in 1973.  Translates literally as “all of one heart”.

Ishinryu association badges The karate Gi must display two association badges - one on each side of the chest.  The Circular badge is worn on the right side.   

Jodan Upper level (typically aimed at the head) as in Jodan-Mae-Geri, which is a front kick aimed at the head, or in Jodan-Uke which is an upper block. 

Juji-Gedan-Bari Lower block.

Juniors Students under the age of sixteen.

Karate England  was the unified governing body that represented the interests of Karate in the UK between 2005 and 2007.  Karate England was associated with Sport England and was formed in late 2005 to replace older governing bodies, such as the EKGB. 

Karate Way of the empty hand.

Karate Gi The traditional clothing in which karate training is conducted.

Karateka “student”  A karateka is a person who studies and practices the art of karate.

Kata  Kata is a series of defensive and offensive techniques followed in a set sequence of moves. The purpose of Kata is to develop the skills of power, balance, focus, coordination and technique.   It is believed that Kata were first developed as an aid to remembering and teaching karate techniques in an age before literacy was widespread.  The literal translation of Kata is 'form'.           

Ke-Age Straight leg kick.

Kensetsu Joint - as used in Kensetsu-Geri, or kick to the knee joint.

Kiai Kiai is the name given to the explosive shout used in karate.  Its primary purpose is to expel air when attacking or receiving an attack - this serves to maximize the force as well offering some protection from injury.  A good kiai also serves to intimidate an adversary.  The sound that is made is of secondary importance, but is usually a short sharp vowel sound such as 'a' or 'e'. 

Kiba-Dachi `Horse riding' stance - feet two shoulder-widths apart and parallel with toes facing forward.  Knees bent.

Kihon Basic techniques or ' fundamentals' (the practice of stances, blows, blocks, etc).

Kime Focus (literal translation is `decision' or `commitment') and describes the concentrated focus that is essential to delivering an effective karate technique.  Kime is one of the criteria for scoring a technique in competition karate.

Kin-Geri Groin kick.

Kizami-Zuki Front Hand punch.

Kumite Sparring or free fighting.

Kyu student. `Kyu grades' are pre-black-belt grades represented by a coloured belt (see Grade).

Mae-Gedan-Bari Forward lower sweeping block - starting point for the blocking arm is with the fist to the opposite shoulder.

Mae-Geri Front kick.

Mawashi Roundhouse - as used in Mawashi-Geri (roundhouse kick) and Mawashi-Uchi (roundhouse strike).

Mawatte Turn around. Normally used to mean `face the opposite direction'.

Migi Right (as in right-hand). Normally used in description of stances.

Morote Augmented (or supported) as in Morote-Uke where the blocking arm is supported by the other arm, or in Morote-Zuki which is a two handed punch. 

Mukuso Literal translation is 'meditation'.  In practice, it is used to command a class to close their eyes (for example, before the start of certain Katas).

Musubi-Dachi Stance with heels touching and feet making a 'V' shape - gap between the toes should be equal to two fist widths with the knuckles facing forward.  Arms should be straight with hands against each side of the body.  One application of this stance is to deliver a standing bow at the start and end of each lesson.  

Nekoashi-Dachi Cat stance (literally `cat foot stance').  In this stance 90% of the body weight is carried by the back leg. 

Nidan Second Dan black belt grade.

Nihon-Nukite Two finger spear hand strike.

Oi- Zuki Step or lunge punch.  Technically you can't deliver Oi-Zuki while stationary.  The term does not describe the way the punch is thrown using the arm, but the fact that you are in pursuit (Oi) of your opponent. 

Organized Competitions or tournaments are held on a regular basis in the UK.  Some are restricted to a particular style - for example the Ishinryu championships are held annually towards the end of the year.  There are also open competitions where a mix of karate styles may compete.  Competitors are split into categories dependant on age, grade, and size to ensure a fair match.  Both Kata and Kumite are represented in most competitions.  

Osu Difficult to translate accurately, this term is often used to mean `yes' or `okay' to signify understanding.  It is a respectful way to reply to an instructor when a response is called for.  Usually pronounced as 'Ouss' (rhyming with 'puss').  

Oyayubi-Ken Thumb of knuckle fist.  Describes a strike delivered to the side of the head using the knuckle of the thumb as the contact point, with the thumb being wedged into the side of the hand for support.

Pinan Basic Kata.  There are five basic katas in the Ishinryu style; 

(1) Pinan-Sono-Ichi, (2) Pinan-Sono-Ni, (3) Pinan-Sono-San, (4) Pinan-Sono-Yon, and (5) Pinan-Sono-Go.

Protective Gear  Protective equipment that is compulsory in competition and advised for sparring in the club includes English Karate Federation approved hand pads and gum shield.  Optional items include shin guards (without instep) and chest protectors for females.  No other protective gear is approved for use within the club. 

Rei Command to bow.  May be from a kneeling position (see Seiza) or from a standing position - either way this must be a deep bow from the waist.

Ryu School.

Sanbon Kumite Three-step sparring.  Pre-prepared defense and counter attack against an attack.  

Sandan Third Dan black belt grade.

Seiken 'Fore- fist'.  Since most hand strikes are with the fore-fist, this term is used infrequently.

Seiza The basic kneeling position used at the beginning and the end of a karate class and is associated with bowing in respect for teachers and senior students.  In this posture the knees are bent 180 degrees with the calves tucked under the thighs so you sit on your heels, toes pointed.

Senpai Term of respect for a Senior Student.

Senpai-Nee-Rei  Translation is "bow to the senior students" and is announced at the start of each training session.  This initial bow is to show respect for the senior students who will be assisting in running the class.  

Senpai-Nee-Domo-Arigato-Gozaimashita-Rei Translation is "thanks to the Senior Students" and is announced at the end of each training session.  This final bow is to give thanks to the senior students who have assisted during the class.  'Rei' is the command to bow.

Sensei  Term of respect for a senior instructor - the most common translation is 'Teacher'.  The Japanese character "sen" means "ahead of" or "before" so Sensei may also be translated as "one who is ahead or before" in the sense of their experience and understanding.  

Sensei-Nee-Rei Translation is "bow to the instructor" and is announced at the start of each training session.  This initial bow is to show respect for the instructor(s) who will take the class.  

Sensei-Nee-Domo-Arigato-Gozaimashita-Rei Translation is "thanks to the Instructor" and is announced at the end of each training session.  This final bow is to give thanks to the instructor(s) who have taken the class.  'Rei' is the command to bow.

Shin Pads Optional protective equipment for sparring and competition.  Must not cover the instep. 

Shita-Zuki Short rising punch.

Shodan - Initial Black belt grade otherwise referred to as a first Dan.  Literal translation is 'first' as in first black belt.     

Shuto Knife hand - using the side of the open-hand to strike (on the little finger side).  

Shuto-Mawashi-Uke Roundhouse block.

Soto-Uke Blocking from the outside in. 

Sokuto Knife edge of  foot - used when striking with the side of the foot as in Yoko-Geri. 

Shotei `Palm heel' - the palm of the hand when the fingers are drawn back as used in Shotei-Uchi.

Taikyoku Introductory Katas.  There are three introductory Ishinryu Katas:

(1) Taikyoku-Sono-Ich, (2) Kette-Taikyoku-Sono-Ni, and (3) Taikyoku-Sono-San. 

Taisoku Inner edge of foot.

Te Hand.

Tetta-Zuki Half Twist punch.  Similar to Chudan-Zuki, but with the fist making contact when half turned  (i.e. making contact with the thumb side of the fist uppermost) 

Tettsui Using the fist as a hammer as in Tettsui-Uchi (hammer fist strike) or Tettsui-Komi-Kami (hammer fist strike to side of head).  

Trial Lesson The first lesson at Woodlane Dojo is free.   This allows a potential student to judge if karate training is for him (or her).  It also allows the instructors to assess a student's suitability for further training.

Uchi-Uke Blocking from inside out. 

Uke Block (strict translation is `reception'). This Japanese term reinforces the idea that the defender should receive (catch, absorb) the attack rather than intercept it with brute force, which is what `block' might imply.  The word `Uke' may be accompanied by a word that denotes the direction or style of the block (e.g. Uchi-Uke - inside block) or the target area that is being defended (e.g. Jodan-Uke - high-level block).

Uraken or `back fist'.  As used in Uraken-Ganmen-Uchi which is a strike delivered to the face with the back of the fist rather than the knuckles and forefingers.

Ushiro-Geri Back Kick.

Ushiro-Mawashi-Geri Reverse roundhouse Kick.

Yamei Stop. 

Yoko Side - as in Yoko-Geri which is a side kick with `thrusting' action. 

Zenkutsu-Dachi Front stance with legs shoulder-width apart side-to-side, and two shoulder widths front-to-back.  Front leg bent so that knee is approximately over toes of the front foot.  Back leg is held straight and locked.

Zuki Punch - as in Chudan-Zuki which is a punch to the mid-section of the body.