A to L
AGE-EMPI UchI
Upward Elbow Strike. Sometimes called TATE EMPI UchI (Vertical Elbow Strike).
AGE tsUKI (ZUKI)
Rising Punch. Seen in the Kata EMPI
AGE UKE
Upper Rising Block.
AGO
Jaw, as in mouth.
AGE UKE GYAKU ASHI
Upper Rising Block, reverse Leg.
AI
Harmony.
AITE
Opponent or Partner.
ANTEI
Balance, Stability or Equilibrium.
ASHI
Foot or Leg.
ASHI ATE
Foot Strikes or Leg Strikes.
ASHI BARAI
Foot/Leg Sweep.
ASHIBO-KAKE UKE
Leg Hooking Block, in which the leg is raised to the side and swung in a circle to deflect an opponents side kick to the abdomen.
ASHI GATANA
Foot Sword, a Karate kick where the toes are turned up and the striking point is the outer edge of the foot.
ASHI HARAI
Foot or Leg Sweeping, another name for Ashi Barai.
ASHIKUBI-KAKE UKE
Ankle Hooking Block.
ASHI NO URA
It translates as foot reverse and is an alternative for Sole Of Foot.
ASHI SABAKI
Foot Work or Foot Movement.
ASHI WAZA
Name given to all leg and foot techniques, ASHI meaning either leg or foot and WAZA meaning TEchNIQUE.
ATAMA
Head, or top of the head.
ATE
Strike or Striking.
ATEMI
Body Strike or Striking.
ATEMI WAZA
Body Striking techniques.
ATE WAZA
Smashing Techniques.
ATO UchI
Delayed strike or feint.
ATTATE IRU
"Contact"
AWASE
Combined
AWASE UKE
Combined Block.
AWASE WAZA
Combined Techniques.
AWASE tsUKI
Combined Punch, or U Punch. Also referred to as MOROTE tsUKI.
AYUMI ASHI
Stepping Foot, a method of footwork, where the feet move alternatively one ahead of the other each sliding along the floor.
AYUMI DAchI
A stance found in ITOSU-KAI SHITO-RYU. It is a natural "Walking" stance with the weight over the centre.
BARAI
Sweep, sometimes seen as Harai.
BASSAI DAI / SHO
To penetrate a fortress. Two black belt kata's.
BO
Staff. A long stick used as a weapon (approximately 6 feet long).
BO UKE
Bo Block, a block against an attack from a Bow.
BO WAZA
Bo Techniques.
BUNKAI
Analysis, A study of the techniques and applications in KATA.
chINTE
Strange Hands. A higher grade Kata.
chOKU tsUKI
Straight Punch. Also known as Kara Tsuki
chUDAN
Mid-section or Mid-Level. If called prior to an attack it indicates that the attack will be to the stomach area. The student should still block what ever attack is thrown. This takes in to account that mistakes do happen.
chUDAN chOKU tsUKI
A straight punch to the mid-section of the opponent's body.
chUDAN NO KAMAE
Middle Level Posture, or Middle Level Guard.
chUDAN tsUKI
Middle Level Punch.
chUDAN-UDE UKE
Middle Level Forearm Block, blocking an attack to the mid-section.
chUDAN UKE
Middle Level Block.
COUNTING IN JAPANESE
1. Ichi
2. Ni
3. San
4. Shi
5. Go
6. Roku
7. Shichi
8. Hachi
9. Ku or Kyu
10. Ju
20. Niju
30. Sanju
40. Yonju
50. Goju
60. Rokuju
70. Nanaju
80. Hachiju
90. Kuju
100. Kyaku
DAchI
Stance or Position.
DAI
Minor or Lesser
DAN
Level, Rank or Degree. Black Belt rank. Ranks under Black Belt are called KYU ranks.
DAN-tsUKI
Consecutive punching (same hand)
DE
Advancing.
DEAI OSAE UKE
Pressing Block, Stepping in at the time
DEASHI BARAI
Advanced Foot Sweep. Sometimes seen as Deashi Harai.
DO (1)
Way/path. The Japanese character for "DO" is the same as the Chinese character for Tao (as in "Taoism"). In Karate, the connotation is that of a way of attaining enlightenment or a way of improving one's character through traditional training.
DO (2)
Torso or Trunk of Body.
DOJI
Simultaneous.
DOJI WAZA
Simultaneous Techniques.
DOJO
Literally "place of the Way." The place where we practice Karate. Traditional etiquette prescribes bowing in the direction of the designated front of the dojo (SHOMEN) whenever entering or leaving the dojo.
DORI
1./ Practice, but also means 2./ Hold as in Holding.
EmbUSEN
Performance Line, the Floor pattern of a given kata.
EMPI
(1) One the Black Belt level KATA, translated as "Flying Swallow".
(2) Elbow. Sometimes referred to as HIJI.
EMPI UchI
elbow strike (also called HIJI-ATE)
ENOY
Relax
EN-SHO
Round Heel, an alternative name for KAKATO
ERI
Lapel, as in the lapel on a Gi.
ERI tsUKAMI
Lapel Grab.
FUDO DAchI
Rooted Stance, Immovable Stance. Now also referred to as SOchIN DAchI but they are two separate stances. In Fudo Dachi the weight is more over the front ankle than in Sochin Dachi.
FUmikiRI GERI
Cutting Kick, using the edge/blade of the foot.
FUMIKOMI GERI
Stamping kick, usually applied to the knee, shin, or instep of an opponent.
FUMI WAZA
Stamping Techniques.
GAI WAN
Outer Arm, part of the forearm located on the side opposite the thumb.
GANKAKU
Crane on a Rock, a Kata from Shotokan Karate.
GANKAKU DAchI
Crane Stance, as used in the kata GANKAKU.
GEDAN
Lower Level or Lower Section. If called prior to an attack it indicates that the attack will be to the lower area of the body. The student should still block what ever attack is thrown. This takes in to account that mistakes do happen. .
GEDAN BARAI
Lower Level Sweep.
GEDAN BARAI UKE
Lower level Sweeping Block
GEDAN chOKU tsUKI
A punch to the lower section of the opponent's body, normally the groin.
GEDAN KAKE-UKE
Lower Level Hooking Block.
GEDAN SUKUI UKE
Lower Level Hooking Block, as seen in the Kata Bassai Dai.
GEDAN tsUKI
Lower Level Punch, usually directed at the groin area.
GEDAN UDE UKE
Lower Level Forearm Block.
GEDAN UKE
Lower Level.
GERI
Kick, sometimes also seen as being spelt as KERI.
GI (ghee)
Training costume.
GOHON KUMITE
Five step basic sparring. The attacker steps in five consecutive times with a striking technique with each step. The defender steps back five times, blocking each technique. After the fifth block, the defender executes a counter-strike and kiai's.
GO NO SEN
The tactic where one allows the opponent to attack first so to open up targets for counter attack.
GOJUSHIHO SHO / DAI
Fifty Four Steps. Two high grade Kata's performed over fifty four steps.
GOSHI (KOSHI)
In some books and translations KOSHI which means Hip, is spelt as GOSHI.
GYAKU
Reverse or Opposite.
GYAKU ASHI
Reverse Foot or Reverse Leg
GYAKU MAWASHI-EMPI UchI
Reverse Roundhouse Elbow Strike
GYAKU MAWASHI GERI
Reverse Round-house Kick.
GYAKU TE
Reverse Hand.
GYAKU tsUKI
Reverse Punch.
HAchIJI DAchI
Open Leg Stance. A natural stance, feet positioned about one shoulder width apart, with the toes pointed outward at 45 degree angles.
HAI
"Yes".
HAISHU
Backhand or Back of the hand.
HAISHU JUJI UKE
Backhand Cross Block.
HAISHU UchI
Back Hand Strike. A strike with the back of the hand where the hand and fingers are straight.
HAISHU UKE
Back Hand Block. A block using the back of the hand.
HAISOKU
Instep of the foot. The area at the base of the shin bone and the top of the foot.
HAITO
Ridge Hand. Thumb extended across the palm touching the base of the little finger and striking with the area just below the base of the index finger to the first joint of the thumb.
HAITO UchI
Ridge-hand Strike.
HAITO UKE
Ridge-hand Block.
HAI-WAN
Back Arm
HAI-WAN NAGASHI UKE
Back Arm Sweeping Block. Nagashi actually means FLOWING as in Nagashi Tsuki, or Flowing Punch as seen in the Kata Sochin but in this translation we say Sweeping.
HAJIME
Begin. A command given to start a given drill, Kata, or Kumite.
HANGEtsU
A Black Belt level Kata. Meaning Half Moon
HANGEtsU DAchI
"Half-Moon" Stance. Also known as WIDE HOURGLASS STANce
HAN
Half.
HANMI
Side-on, half front facing position
HAN ZENKUtsU DAchI
Half Front Stance, where the feet are only half the distance apart from the full stance.
HARA
Abdomen, means the same as Tandan.
HARAI
Sweep or Sweeping. Normally seen as BARAI
HARAI FUMIKOMI GERI
Sweeping Crescent Kick, as seen in the Kata Bassai Dai.
HARAI TE
Sweeping technique with the hand. Harai=Barai=Sweeping and Te=Hand.
HARAI WAZA
Sweeping techniques.
HASAMI tsUKI
Scissor Punch.
HEIAN
Peace or Tranquillity.
HEIKO DAchI
Parallel stance. A natural stance. Feet positioned about one shoulder width apart, with feet pointed straight forward.
HEIKO tsUKI
Parallel Punch (A double, simultaneous punch).
HEISOKU DAchI
An informal attention stance. Feet and toes are together and pointed straight forward.
HIDARI
Left or Left Side.
HIDARI JIGO TAI
Left defensive Posture, although TAI means body it translates better in this case as Posture.
HIDARI KAGI KAMAE
Left Hooking Stance/posture, as seen in the Kata Hiean Godan.
HIDARI NANEME NI YOKERU KOTO
Left diagonal evasion.
HIJI
Elbow, also known as Empi. HIJI is the older version. EMPI is now the most commonly used.
HIJI-ATE
elbow strike (also called EMPI-UchI).
HIJI ATEMI or HIJI ATE
Elbow Strikes.
HIJI-SURI UKE
Elbow Sliding Block.
HIJI UKE
Elbow Block, a blocking action using the elbow.
HIJI WAZA
Elbow Techniques.
HIKI-TE
The retracting (pulling and twisting) arm during a technique. It gives the balance of power to the forward moving technique. It can also be used as a pulling technique after a grab, or a strike backward with the elbow.
HIKI ASHI
Retracting Leg, pulling your front leg back so that it is level with what was the rear leg.
HINERI
Twist
HINERI TENSHIN
A move where you twist your wrist out of the grip of your opponent and at the same time change your course, Hineri=Twisting and Tenshin=Changing Course. As seen in the Kata Heian Sandan
HIRAKEN
Fore knuckle fist, as in a punch but with the knuckles extended. Some times referred to as Flat Fist or Level Fist. Also referred to as Hiraken Tsuki
HITOSASHI IPPON KEN
Forefinger Knuckle Fist, more commonly seen as IPPON KEN.
HIZA (strike)
Knee or Lap.
HIZAGASHIRA GERI (strike)
Knee Cap Kick.
HIZA GERI (strike)
Knee Kick.
HIZA UKE
Knee Block, A blocking action using the knee.
HIZA WAZA
Knee Techniques.
HOmbU DOJO
A term used to refer to the central dojo of an organisation.
HORAN NO KAMAE
"Egg in the Nest Ready Position." A "ready" position used in some KATA where the fist in covered by the other hand. Another way of explaining this position is that Empty Hand (karate) over comes Angry Fist.(A non-karate person). It is also called Wrapped Fist.
HUNGEtsU
Half Moon. A black belt kata mainly performed from Hungetsu Dachi. This kata is sometimes seen spelt as Hungestsu.
HUNGEtsU DAchI
Half Moon Stance.
IchI
One, but also means Position or Posture.
INASU
evasion of an on-coming attack through the course of removing the body from the line of attack.
IPPON KEN
One Knuckle Fist.
IPPON KUMITE
One step sparring.
IPPON NUKITE
One Finger Spear Hand. A stabbing action using the extended index finger. Normally aimed at the eye's or throat
IRIMI
to penetrate, to enter. Usually describes moving closer to the opponent than the attack as you close in defence.
JI-ON
Temple Grounds. A higher grade Kata
JITTE
Ten Hands. A higher grade Kata.
JIYU
Freedom (of movement etc.).
JIYU IPPON KUMITE
One step free sparring.
JIYU KUMITE / KAMAE
Free Sparring. / Free Sparring Posture
JO
Wooden staff about 4'-5' in length. The JO originated as a walking stick.
JODAN
Upper level. If called prior to an attack it indicates that the attack will be to the head area. The student should still block what ever attack is thrown. This takes in to account that mistakes do happen.
JODAN KAMAE or JODAN NO KAMAE
High Level Posture.
JODAN UKE
High Level Block.
JO tsUKAMI WAZA
Jo Grasping Techniques.
JO UKE
JO Block, A block against a Jo (a short stick, about walking stick length).
JO UKE WAZA
Jo Blocking Techniques. Used in the KATA BASSAI SHO.
JUJI UKE
X Block. Where the arms cross and block at the base of where they cross.
JUJI KAMAE
Cross Block Stance, as seen in the Kata Kanku Dai.
KAESHI
Counter, the countering of an opponents offensive action.
KAGI tsUKI
Hook Punch. Sometimes called 'Flowing Water Punch'.
KAISHO
Open hand. This refers to the type of blow which is delivered with the open palm. It can also be used to describe other hand blows in which the fist is not fully clenched or blocks with an open hand.
KAISHO KOSA UKE
Open Hand Cross Block.
KAKAE NAGE
Trapping Throw.
KAKAE TE UKE
Trapping Block
KAKATO
Heel (of the foot)
KAKATO GERI
Heel Kick or also known as Axe Kick, striking with the back of the heel of the foot.
KAKE
Hooking.
KAKE SHUTO UKE
Hooking Knife Hand Block.
KAKE UKE
Hooking Block.
KAKIWAKE UKE
REVERSE WEDGE BLOck. A two handed block used when an attacker attempts to grab the front chest area of the defender. Where the defender brings both of his arms up between the attackers arms and then pulls them apart. As seen in the Kata HEIAN YONDAN
KAKUSHI WAZA
"Hidden techniques."
KAKUTO
Bent Wrist
KAKUTO UchI
Bent Wrist Strike. Wrist joint strike. Also known as "KO UchI."
KAKUTO UKE
Bent Wrist Block. Wrist Joint Block. Also known as KO UKE.
KAMAE
A posture or stance either with or without a weapon. KAMAE may also connote proper distance (Ma-ai) with respect to one's partner. Although "KAMAE" generally refers to a physical stance, there is an important parallel in Karate between one's physical and one's psychological bearing. Adopting a strong physical stance helps to promote the correlative adoption of a strong psychological attitude. It is important to try so far as possible to maintain a positive and strong mental bearing in Karate. This is sometimes spelt GAMAE.
KAMAE-TE
A command given by the instructor for students to get into position.
KANKU DAI / SHO
Viewing The Sky. Two black belt kata's.
KANSEtsU
Against the joint. Also used to describe locking techniques against joints.
KAPPO
Techniques of resuscitating people who have succumbed to a shock to the nervous System. In some books this is seen as Katsu.
KARA
Empty
KARATE
"Empty Hand".
KARATE-DO
"The Way of the Empty Hand". This implies not only the physical aspect of Karate, but also the mental and social aspects of Karate.
KARATEKA
A practitioner of Karate.
KARATE NI SENTENASHI
A term which sums up the essence of the art, it means 'In Karate There Is No First Strike'.
KATA
1./ A "form" or prescribed pattern of movement fighting imaginary opponents. In SHOTOKAN KARATE there are a total of twenty seven.
KATA
2./ Shoulder.
KATAASHI DAchI
Kata Leg Stance, a general term for one leg stances used in Kata, this terminology is used by Hirokazu Kanazawa in his Kata books.
KEAGE
Snap Kick. (Literally, Kick upward).
KEIKO
(1) Training. The only secret to success in Karate.
(2) Joined Fingertips.
KEITO-UKE
Chicken Head Block.
KEKOMI
Thrust ( Literally, Kick Into/straight ).
KEMPO
"Fist Law." A generic term to describe fighting systems that uses the fist. In this regard, KARATE is also KEMPO.
KEN
Fist
KENSEI
The technique with silent KIAI. Related to meditation.
KENtsUI
Hammer Fist Also known as TETtsUI.
KENtsUI UchI (Or TETtsUI UchI)
Hammer Fist Strike.
KERI
Kick, mainly spelt GERI.
KERI WAZA
Kicking Techniques
KESA GERI
Diagonal Kick, aimed at the opponents side.
KI
Mind. Spirit. Energy. Vital-force. Intention. (Chinese "chi") The definitions presented here are very general. KI is one word that cannot be translated directly into any language.
KIAI
A shout delivered for the purpose of focusing all of one's energy into a single movement. Even when audible KIAI are absent, one should try to preserve the feeling of KIAI at certain crucial points within Karate techniques. Manifestation of KI (simultaneous union of spirit and expression of physical strength).
KIBA DAchI
Straddle Stance. Also known as HORSE RIDING STANce.
KIHON
Basic, (Something which is) fundamental. Basic techniques.
KIHON IPPON KUMITE
Basic one step sparring. The attacking student calls the attack. The defender blocks and counters the attack. All carried out in basics. Kihon Kumite would be Basic Sparring.
KIME
Focus of Power and concentration.
KIN GERI
Front Arch Kick. A kick to the groin using the instep.
KI-O-tsUKE
"Attention". Musubi Dachi with open hands down both sides.
KIRI
Repeated.
KIRI KAESHI
Repeated Counter, as used in the Kata Bassi-Dai.
KISHO IPPON KUMITE
Returning One Step Sparring. A calls the first attack against B and then attacks. B then steps back and blocks A's attack. B then returns stepping forwards and attacks A, A steps back and blocks and counters this attack.
KIZAMI tsUKI
Jabbing Punch.
KO BO IchI
The concept of "Attack-Defence Connection".
KOHAI
A student junior to oneself.
KOHO
Means either Back, Behind or Rear.
KOHO SHUTO GAMAE
Behind Knife Hand Posture, (as seen in the Kata Meikyo) KOHO describes where you have moved behind your attacker.
KOHO tsUKI AGE
Back or reverse Punch Rising, a rising punch coming vertically up under the opponents chin. As seen in the Kata Heian Godan.
KOKEN
Wrist joint or Bent Wrist.
KOKO
Tiger Mouth.
KOKO-UchI
Tiger Mouth Strike. A strike using the area between the thumb and index finger
KOKO-UKE
Tiger Mouth Block
KOKO HIZA KUZUSHI
Tiger Mouth Knee Take / Pull Down as seen in the Kata NIJUSHIHO.
KOKORO
"Spirit, Heart." In Japanese culture, the spirit dwells in the Heart.
KOKUtsU DAchI
Back Stance. A stance which has most of the weight to the back. The actual translation means Back Knee Bent Stance.
KOKYU
Method of Breathing
KOSA
Crossed.
KOSA DAchI
Crossed Stance referring to the feet. or Kosa Ashi Dachi.
KOSA UKE
Crossed Block, different to Ju-Ji Uke as the arms do not finish crossed. An example of Kosa Uke can be seen at the second block in Heian Sandan where the arms cross in front of the body and perform two separate blocks.
KOSHI
Ball of Foot, or hip.
KOSHI GAMAE
Hip Posture/stance. A stance where the fists are held one above the other against the hip.
KOSHIN
Rearward.
KOTE
Wrist, another translation for Wrist TE is on the end to signify that it id of the hand.
KOTE HODOKI WAZA
Wrist releasing techniques.
KO UchI
Wrist joint strike. Also known as KAKUTO UchI.
KO UKE
Crane Block or Arch Block. Same as KAKUTO UKE.
KUMADE
Bear Hand. Also means Rake or Fork
KUMADE UchI
Bear hand strike.
KUMITE
Fighting / Sparring
KUZUSHI
Breaking or Upsetting.
KYU
"Grade". Any rank below Shodan.
KYUSHO WAZA
Pressure Point techniques.
