{"id":1557,"date":"2026-08-19T17:17:48","date_gmt":"2026-08-19T17:17:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.karate-bgme.club\/?p=1557"},"modified":"2026-08-19T17:17:48","modified_gmt":"2026-08-19T17:17:48","slug":"japanese-dictionary-glossary-of-martial-terms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.karate-bgme.club\/index.php\/2026\/08\/19\/japanese-dictionary-glossary-of-martial-terms\/","title":{"rendered":"Japanese Dictionary \u2014 Glossary of Martial Terms"},"content":{"rendered":"

A<\/strong><\/p>\n

Age Tsuki<\/strong> \u2013 \u4e0a\u3052\u7a81\u304d \u2013 Rising punch.
\nAge Uke<\/strong> \u2013 \u4e0a\u3052\u53d7\u3051 \u2013 Rising block, from above.
\nArigat\u014d<\/strong> \u2013 \u3042\u308a\u304c\u3068\u3046 \u2013 “Thank you.” An expression of respect and gratitude.
\nArigat\u014d gozaimashita<\/strong> \u2013 \u3042\u308a\u304c\u3068\u3046\u3054\u3056\u3044\u307e\u3057\u305f \u2013 “Thank you for what you have taught me.” Said at the end of training.
\nAshi<\/strong> \u2013 \u8db3 \u2013 “Foot.” Used in techniques such as Ashi Barai (foot sweep).
\nAteji<\/strong> \u2013 \u5f53\u3066\u5b57 \u2013 Kanji assigned to a word for their sound rather than their meaning. The characters \u62bc\u5fcd for Osu are ateji.
\nAtemi<\/strong> \u2013 \u5f53\u3066\u8eab \u2013 A strike applied to vital points.
\nAyumi Ashi<\/strong> \u2013 \u6b69\u307f\u8db3 \u2013 Natural stepping movement, an ordinary walking step.<\/p>\n

B<\/strong><\/p>\n

Bud\u014d<\/strong> \u2013 \u6b66\u9053 \u2013 “The martial way.” The philosophy of the traditional martial arts.
\nBunkai<\/strong> \u2013 \u5206\u89e3 \u2013 The applied analysis of the techniques contained in a Kata.
\nBushid\u014d<\/strong> \u2013 \u6b66\u58eb\u9053 \u2013 “The way of the warrior.” A term rarely used before the Meiji era; the coherent system known today owes much to Nitobe Inaz\u014d’s book of 1900.<\/p>\n

C<\/strong><\/p>\n

Choku Tsuki<\/strong> \u2013 \u76f4\u7a81\u304d \u2013 Straight punch delivered from a standing position.
\nCh\u016bdan<\/strong> \u2013 \u4e2d\u6bb5 \u2013 Middle level, at the trunk.<\/p>\n

D<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dan<\/strong> \u2013 \u6bb5 \u2013 “Higher grade.” Black belt level.
\nD\u014d<\/strong> \u2013 \u9053 \u2013 “Path”, “way”, “discipline”. The central concept of the Japanese arts.
\nD\u014dgi<\/strong> \u2013 \u9053\u7740 \u2013 The traditional training uniform. Often shortened to Gi.
\nD\u014dj\u014d<\/strong> \u2013 \u9053\u5834 \u2013 “The place where the Way is practised.” The martial arts training space.
\nD\u014dj\u014d Kun<\/strong> \u2013 \u9053\u5834\u8a13 \u2013 The precepts, or code of conduct, of the Dojo.<\/p>\n

E<\/strong><\/p>\n

Empi \/ Enpi<\/strong> \u2013 \u733f\u81c2 \u2013 Elbow strike.
\nEns\u014d<\/strong> \u2013 \u5186\u76f8 \u2013 The circle drawn in a single brush stroke in Zen calligraphy; a symbol of completeness and of the moment.<\/p>\n

F<\/strong><\/p>\n

Fud\u014d Dachi<\/strong> \u2013 \u4e0d\u52d5\u7acb\u3061 \u2013 A firm, “immovable”, rooted stance.
\nFud\u014dshin<\/strong> \u2013 \u4e0d\u52d5\u5fc3 \u2013 “Immovable mind.” Composure that is not disturbed by circumstance.<\/p>\n

G<\/strong><\/p>\n

Gedan<\/strong> \u2013 \u4e0b\u6bb5 \u2013 Lower level, below the belt.
\nGedan Barai<\/strong> \u2013 \u4e0b\u6bb5\u6255\u3044 \u2013 Downward sweeping block.
\nGeri<\/strong> \u2013 \u8e74\u308a \u2013 Kick. Appears in compounds such as Mae Geri and Yoko Geri.
\nGi<\/strong> \u2013 \u7740 \u2013 The training uniform; the short form of D\u014dgi.
\nGo<\/strong> \u2013 \u4e94 \u2013 Five (5).
\nGyaku Tsuki<\/strong> \u2013 \u9006\u7a81\u304d \u2013 Reverse punch, delivered with the hand opposite the leading leg.<\/p>\n

H<\/strong><\/p>\n

Hachi<\/strong> \u2013 \u516b \u2013 Eight (8).
\nHachiji Dachi<\/strong> \u2013 \u516b\u5b57\u7acb\u3061 \u2013 Natural stance, feet shoulder-width apart, toes turned outward. (\u516b is the kanji for eight.)
\nHajime<\/strong> \u2013 \u59cb\u3081 \u2013 “Begin!” The official command in the Dojo.
\nHanshi<\/strong> \u2013 \u7bc4\u58eb \u2013 The highest traditional teaching title, above Ky\u014dshi.
\nHara<\/strong> \u2013 \u8179 \u2013 “The energetic centre of the body”, in the lower abdomen. Fundamental to breathing and stability.
\nHeih\u014d<\/strong> \u2013 \u5175\u6cd5 \u2013 Martial strategy.
\nHeij\u014dshin<\/strong> \u2013 \u5e73\u5e38\u5fc3 \u2013 “Everyday mind.” Remaining ordinary and steady under pressure.
\nHeik\u014d Dachi<\/strong> \u2013 \u5e73\u884c\u7acb\u3061 \u2013 Parallel stance.
\nHeisoku Dachi<\/strong> \u2013 \u9589\u8db3\u7acb\u3061 \u2013 Stance with the feet together.
\nHidari<\/strong> \u2013 \u5de6 \u2013 Left.
\nHiza<\/strong> \u2013 \u819d \u2013 Knee. Also a knee strike (Hiza Geri).
\nHokkai J\u014din<\/strong> \u2013 \u6cd5\u754c\u5b9a\u5370 \u2013 The hand position used in seated meditation: left hand over right, palms up, thumb tips lightly touching.<\/p>\n

I<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ibuki<\/strong> \u2013 \u606f\u5439 \u2013 A method of forced breathing under dynamic tension, specific to G\u014dj\u016b-ry\u016b and Kyokushin. Not a synonym for Kiai.
\nIchi<\/strong> \u2013 \u4e00 \u2013 One (1).
\nIchi-go ichi-e<\/strong> \u2013 \u4e00\u671f\u4e00\u4f1a \u2013 “One meeting, one chance.” The value of a moment that will not return.
\nIkken Hissatsu<\/strong> \u2013 \u4e00\u62f3\u5fc5\u6bba \u2013 “One fist, certain destruction.” The ideal of the decisive single blow.<\/p>\n

J<\/strong><\/p>\n

J\u014ddan<\/strong> \u2013 \u4e0a\u6bb5 \u2013 Upper level, at the head and neck.
\nJ\u016b<\/strong> \u2013 \u5341 \u2013 Ten (10).<\/p>\n

K<\/strong><\/p>\n

Kaizen<\/strong> \u2013 \u6539\u5584 \u2013 “Continuous improvement.” Progress through small, steady steps.
\nKamaete<\/strong> \u2013 \u69cb\u3048\u3066 \u2013 “Take your guard” \/ “assume the fighting position”.
\nKanch\u014d<\/strong> \u2013 \u9928\u9577 \u2013 The head of a school or organisation.
\nKarate-d\u014d<\/strong> \u2013 \u7a7a\u624b\u9053 \u2013 “The way of the empty hand.” A martial art practised without weapons.
\nKata<\/strong> \u2013 \u578b \u2013 “Form”, “pattern”. A codified sequence of techniques.
\nKiai<\/strong> \u2013 \u6c17\u5408 \u2013 A shout of energy, synchronised with the exhalation. Literally “the meeting of spirit”.
\nKiba Dachi<\/strong> \u2013 \u9a0e\u99ac\u7acb\u3061 \u2013 The horse-riding stance.
\nKihon<\/strong> \u2013 \u57fa\u672c \u2013 “Fundamental techniques.” The basis of correct execution.
\nKime<\/strong> \u2013 \u6c7a\u3081 \u2013 “Decision.” The concentration of energy within a fraction of a second.
\nKiritsu<\/strong> \u2013 \u8d77\u7acb \u2013 “Stand up.” The command to rise from Seiza.
\nKizami Tsuki<\/strong> \u2013 \u523b\u307f\u7a81\u304d \u2013 Quick jab, delivered with the leading hand.
\nK\u014dhai<\/strong> \u2013 \u5f8c\u8f29 \u2013 A more recent practitioner; a junior.
\nK\u014dkutsu Dachi<\/strong> \u2013 \u5f8c\u5c48\u7acb\u3061 \u2013 Back stance, with the weight on the rear leg.
\nKoshi<\/strong> \u2013 \u8170 \u2013 The hips. The source of power in most techniques.
\nKy\u016b<\/strong> \u2013 \u7d1a \u2013 Student grade, held before the black belt.
\nKy\u014dshi<\/strong> \u2013 \u6559\u58eb \u2013 A senior teaching title, above Renshi.<\/p>\n

L<\/strong><\/p>\n

Lom Pran<\/strong> \u2013 In the Thai tradition, the “wind of life” said to flow along the sen lines.<\/p>\n

M<\/strong><\/p>\n

Maai<\/strong> \u2013 \u9593\u5408\u3044 \u2013 The correct distance between practitioners.
\nMae<\/strong> \u2013 \u524d \u2013 Front, forward.
\nMae Geri<\/strong> \u2013 \u524d\u8e74\u308a \u2013 Front kick.
\nMawashi Geri<\/strong> \u2013 \u56de\u3057\u8e74\u308a \u2013 Roundhouse kick.
\nMawatte<\/strong> \u2013 \u56de\u3063\u3066 \u2013 “Turn around.”
\nMigi<\/strong> \u2013 \u53f3 \u2013 Right.
\nMokuso<\/strong> \u2013 \u9ed9\u60f3 \u2013 “Silent meditation.” A moment of centring before and after training.
\nMokuso Yame<\/strong> \u2013 \u9ed9\u60f3\u6b62\u3081 \u2013 “End of meditation \/ open your eyes.”
\nMushin<\/strong> \u2013 \u7121\u5fc3 \u2013 “Mind without thought”, free of ego and hesitation; free, spontaneous action.
\nMusubi Dachi<\/strong> \u2013 \u7d50\u3073\u7acb\u3061 \u2013 Stance with the heels together and the toes apart, forming a V.<\/p>\n

N<\/strong><\/p>\n

Naore<\/strong> \u2013 \u76f4\u308c \u2013 “Return to the starting position.”
\nNana \/ Shichi<\/strong> \u2013 \u4e03 \u2013 Seven (7).
\nNeko Ashi Dachi<\/strong> \u2013 \u732b\u8db3\u7acb\u3061 \u2013 “Cat stance”, with the weight on the rear leg.
\nNi<\/strong> \u2013 \u4e8c \u2013 Two (2).
\nNogare<\/strong> \u2013 \u9003\u308c \u2013 The soft counterpart of Ibuki: quiet, controlled breathing.
\nNuad Boran<\/strong> \u2013 “Ancient massage.” The traditional Thai bodywork practised along the sen lines.<\/p>\n

O<\/strong><\/p>\n

Oi Tsuki<\/strong> \u2013 \u8ffd\u3044\u7a81\u304d \u2013 Lunge punch, delivered while stepping forward.
\nOnegaishimasu<\/strong> \u2013 \u304a\u9858\u3044\u3057\u307e\u3059 \u2013 “Please teach me.” Said at the beginning of training or of a partner exercise.
\nOsu \/ Oss<\/strong> \u2013 \u62bc\u5fcd \u2013 Martial greeting. A compound of \u62bc (oshi, “to push”) and \u5fcd (shinobu, “to endure”). The characters are ateji; the philosophical reading came after the word.
\nOtagai<\/strong> \u2013 \u304a\u4e92\u3044 \u2013 “Mutual”, one towards another.
\nOtagai ni Rei<\/strong> \u2013 \u304a\u4e92\u3044\u306b\u793c \u2013 “Bow to one another.” The mutual bow between practitioners.<\/p>\n

R<\/strong><\/p>\n

Rei<\/strong> \u2013 \u793c \u2013 “Respect”, “salutation”. The fundamental gesture of the martial arts.
\nReishiki<\/strong> \u2013 \u793c\u5f0f \u2013 Dojo etiquette; the whole body of formal conduct.
\nRenshi<\/strong> \u2013 \u932c\u58eb \u2013 The first of the traditional teaching titles.
\nRitsurei<\/strong> \u2013 \u7acb\u793c \u2013 The standing bow.
\nRoku<\/strong> \u2013 \u516d \u2013 Six (6).
\nRuesi Dat Ton<\/strong> \u2013 \u0e24\u0e45\u0e29\u0e35\u0e14\u0e31\u0e14\u0e15\u0e19 \u2013 “The hermit’s self-stretching.” The Thai system of assisted stretches led by the breath.<\/p>\n

S<\/strong><\/p>\n

San<\/strong> \u2013 \u4e09 \u2013 Three (3).
\nSanbon Tsuki<\/strong> \u2013 \u4e09\u672c\u7a81\u304d \u2013 Three successive punches.
\nSeishin<\/strong> \u2013 \u7cbe\u795e \u2013 Spirit, mind, inner disposition.
\nSeiza<\/strong> \u2013 \u6b63\u5ea7 \u2013 The formal kneeling position, sitting on the heels.
\nSempai<\/strong> \u2013 \u5148\u8f29 \u2013 A practitioner of greater experience; a senior.
\nSen (Sib Sen)<\/strong> \u2013 In the Thai tradition, the ten principal energy lines along which Nuad Boran is worked.
\nSensei<\/strong> \u2013 \u5148\u751f \u2013 “One who has gone before.” Instructor, mentor.
\nSensei ni Rei<\/strong> \u2013 \u5148\u751f\u306b\u793c \u2013 “Bow to the instructor.”
\nShi \/ Yon<\/strong> \u2013 \u56db \u2013 Four (4).
\nShihan<\/strong> \u2013 \u5e2b\u7bc4 \u2013 “Master teacher.” A title given to senior instructors.
\nSh\u014dmen<\/strong> \u2013 \u6b63\u9762 \u2013 “The place of honour”, the front of the Dojo.
\nSh\u014dmen ni Rei<\/strong> \u2013 \u6b63\u9762\u306b\u793c \u2013 “Bow to the front.” The bow towards the line of transmission.
\nShoshin<\/strong> \u2013 \u521d\u5fc3 \u2013 “Beginner’s mind.” The openness of one who does not assume he already knows.
\nSh\u014dt\u014d<\/strong> \u2013 \u677e\u6fe4 \u2013 “Pine waves.” Gichin Funakoshi’s pen name, from which Shotokan takes its name.
\nShuto Uke<\/strong> \u2013 \u624b\u5200\u53d7\u3051 \u2013 Knife-hand block, using the edge of the palm.
\nSoto Uke<\/strong> \u2013 \u5916\u53d7\u3051 \u2013 Block from the outside.
\nSuri Ashi<\/strong> \u2013 \u647a\u308a\u8db3 \u2013 Sliding step.
\nSusokukan<\/strong> \u2013 \u6570\u606f\u89b3 \u2013 The counting of breaths, from one to ten, used in Zen meditation.<\/p>\n

T<\/strong><\/p>\n

Tai Chi \/ Taiji<\/strong> \u2013 \u592a\u6975 \u2013 Chinese internal art, based on slow, continuous movement and controlled breathing.
\nTanden<\/strong> \u2013 \u4e39\u7530 \u2013 “The centre of internal energy”, close to Hara; used in abdominal breathing.
\nTe<\/strong> \u2013 \u624b \u2013 Hand.
\nTora no Maki<\/strong> \u2013 \u864e\u306e\u5dfb \u2013 “The tiger scroll.” The definitive manual of an art. The origin of the Shotokan tiger.
\nTsugi Ashi<\/strong> \u2013 \u7d99\u304e\u8db3 \u2013 Approaching step.
\nTsuki<\/strong> \u2013 \u7a81\u304d \u2013 Punch. Appears in compounds such as Oi Tsuki and Gyaku Tsuki.<\/p>\n

U<\/strong><\/p>\n

Uchi Uke<\/strong> \u2013 \u5185\u53d7\u3051 \u2013 Block from the inside.
\nUde<\/strong> \u2013 \u8155 \u2013 Arm.
\nUke<\/strong> \u2013 \u53d7\u3051 \u2013 Block; also the partner who receives a technique.
\nUshiro<\/strong> \u2013 \u5f8c\u308d \u2013 Back, rearward.
\nUshiro Geri<\/strong> \u2013 \u5f8c\u308d\u8e74\u308a \u2013 Back kick.<\/p>\n

W<\/strong><\/p>\n

Wa<\/strong> \u2013 \u548c \u2013 Harmony. One of the founding values of Japanese culture.
\nWai Khru<\/strong> \u2013 \u0e44\u0e2b\u0e27\u0e49\u0e04\u0e23\u0e39 \u2013 The Thai gesture of gratitude to one’s teachers, performed before a session.<\/p>\n

Y<\/strong><\/p>\n

Yame<\/strong> \u2013 \u6b62\u3081 \u2013 “Stop.”
\nYoi<\/strong> \u2013 \u7528\u610f \u2013 “Ready.”
\nYoko<\/strong> \u2013 \u6a2a \u2013 Side, lateral.
\nYoko Geri<\/strong> \u2013 \u6a2a\u8e74\u308a \u2013 Side kick.
\nYori Ashi<\/strong> \u2013 \u5bc4\u308a\u8db3 \u2013 Short sliding side step.<\/p>\n

Z<\/strong><\/p>\n

Zanshin<\/strong> \u2013 \u6b8b\u5fc3 \u2013 “The remaining spirit.” Continuous attention and presence after a technique has ended.
\nZarei<\/strong> \u2013 \u5ea7\u793c \u2013 The bow performed from Seiza, palms on the floor before the knees.
\nZazen<\/strong> \u2013 \u5ea7\u7985 \u2013 Seated Zen meditation, the source of the Dojo’s Mokuso.
\nZenkutsu Dachi<\/strong> \u2013 \u524d\u5c48\u7acb\u3061 \u2013 Front stance, with the leading knee bent.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

A Age Tsuki \u2013 \u4e0a\u3052\u7a81\u304d \u2013 Rising punch. Age Uke \u2013 \u4e0a\u3052\u53d7\u3051 \u2013 Rising block, from above. Arigat\u014d \u2013 \u3042\u308a\u304c\u3068\u3046 \u2013 “Thank you.” An expression of respect and gratitude. Arigat\u014d gozaimashita \u2013 \u3042\u308a\u304c\u3068\u3046\u3054\u3056\u3044\u307e\u3057\u305f \u2013 “Thank you for what you have taught me.” Said at the end of training. Ashi \u2013 \u8db3 \u2013 “Foot.” Used inContinue reading “Japanese Dictionary \u2014 Glossary of Martial Terms”<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[22],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1557","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-blog-english-version","entry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.karate-bgme.club\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1557","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.karate-bgme.club\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.karate-bgme.club\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.karate-bgme.club\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.karate-bgme.club\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1557"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.karate-bgme.club\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1557\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1558,"href":"https:\/\/www.karate-bgme.club\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1557\/revisions\/1558"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.karate-bgme.club\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1557"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.karate-bgme.club\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1557"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.karate-bgme.club\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1557"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}