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Terminology
Karate
has its own unique terminology, mostly Japanese. You'll pick it up quickly in
class, but there are a few basic terms that can help you get started. People and Things
Karate-do (kah-rah-teh doh) Traditional Japanese art of self-defense
(karate) used in modern times to strengthen the body, mind, and spirit. Kara
means "empty", te is "hand", and do (with a long
"oh" sound) means "way". It is the "way of the empty
hand". Heiwa-do (hay-wah doh) The "way of peace and harmony" style
of traditional Japanese Wado-ryu karate, including certain influences from
Shotokan, Goju-ryu, and Shito-ryu karate as well as Aikido (locking, pinning,
throwing) and kobudo (traditional weapons). The name implies both
"stopping conflict" and "living in a peaceful and harmonious
way". Dojo (doh-joh) The place where you train. Usually refers to
the school building, but can any place where you practice karate. Dojocho (doh-joh-choh) The person in charge of all the dojo locations
in a region. Should be addressed as "Cho Sensei" (choh sen-say). Hanshi (hahn-shee) A professor of one's art, such as Heiwa-do. At
least rokudan (6th degree black belt) in rank, but also tested and certified
as a top technical expert. Equivalent to a doctorate (Ph.D.) in our education
system. Renshi (ren-shee) An instructor who is considered a technical
expert in one's art. At least yodan (4th degree black belt). Equivalent to a
master's degree in our education system. Sensei (sen-say) A senior instructor. Someone who teaches
others karate. Senpai (sen-pie) An assistant instructor or senior student.
Someone who helps the class and acts as an example. Can also be known as
Sempai. Shihan (shee-hahn) A teacher of instructors. The sensei's sensei.
Soke (soh-keh) The founder of an organization, art, or style
of karate-do. Hirano Kiyohisa Soke
is the founder of Gi (ghee) Karate uniform. Obi (oh-bee) Belt. Kihon (kee-hohn) Practicing basic techniques. Kata (kah-tah) A sequence of karate techniques performed
alone against imaginary opponents. Kumite (koo-mee-teh) Sparring, practicing techniques with a
partner. Actions and Commands
Seiza (say-zah) A formal sitting position. Also, the command
to sit in this position. It will be described in class. Mokuso (mohk-soh) Eyes closed in concentration, to minimize
distractions Yoi (yoh-ee) Ready to begin. Go to ready stance. Yame (yah-meh) Finish. Immediately return to ready stance. Kiai!
A kiai (kee-eye)
is a loud yell used to help you focus your energy. These are used throughout
karate practice, such as on certain moves in a kata, for example. Don't
be afraid to kiai!
Simply yell "A!" or "I!". A kiai comes from from deep in
the body, not from high in the throat, and focusing tension in the abdomen
muscles will help it sound and work correctly. Your kiai
is a manifestation of your spirit. Always kiai loud and strong! Osu!
Rhymes
with "dose" (the 'u' is virtually silent). This word is used often
and can mean "hello", "goodbye", "yes", "I
understand", and so on! There's
not a literal translation. It's simply a word that shows your spirit, so
always say it loud and clear! Counting
Most
counting in class is done in Japanese. Don't worry! There is a lot of
counting, so you'll learn it fast.
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