This page contains a comprehensive glossary of Japanese terminology used in judo, jujitsu and other martial arts. Japanese is considered by many to be the “International language of judo” and it’s a good idea to have a working knowledge of the terminology used in judo and jujitsu. The people who originally developed the Japanese martial arts were, in fact, Japanese and they thought and conveyed their ideas in the Japanese language. It’s important to understand Japanese terminology as accurately as possible in order to understand the theories, concepts and The people who originally developed the Japanese martial arts were, in fact, Japanese and they thought and conveyed their ideas in the Japanese language. It’s important to understand Japanese terminology as accurately as possible in order to understand the theories, concepts and technical ideas used in the martial arts.
WELCOME TO RITORU TATSU FREESTYLE JUDO ACADEMY & CLUB KEMPTON PARK,
JUDO, KURASH, JUJITSU
It is important to understand the Japanese terminology and phrases as thoroughly and accurately as possible in order to understand the concepts, theories and technical ideas used in the martial arts.
The people who originally developed the Japanese martial arts were, in fact, Japanese and they obviously thought and conveyed their ideas in the Japanese language. To better understand why something is done the way it is, or why a technique is named what it is, it is essential to have an accurate understanding of the Japanese words and phrases that describe the techniques, theories, skills and philosophies in the martial disciplines. This doesn’t mean you have to speak the language fluently, or adopt the customs of Japan, but it does mean that you should understand the words used in the martial arts as accurately and objectively as possible. If you don’t understand what is being said, you won’t understand why it is being said.
In many combat sports, such as boxing or wrestling, the language of the culture that initially developed them has not been retained as extensively as in the Japanese martial arts. In some cases, however, these activities have, indeed, retained some of the phrases used by the people who initially developed them. The sport of fencing uses French terminology in some cases, for instance. Also, some wrestling skills retain the French names they originally had. Being in the par terre position is known to just about every wrestler. Other sports have retained some of the language of the cultures that invented them as well. The sport of baseball is enormously popular in Japan and the Japanese have adopted words and phrases from English to describe various things associated with that sport.
Part of what makes a sport, job or activity interesting is the unique “language” each has. The use of terminology is not limited to martial arts or sports. When two machinists, for instance, get together they most surely sprinkle their conversation with many words and phrases that would perplex the rest of us. Also, how many times have we had to ask our doctor to explain some medical condition “in language that I can understand?” The martial arts are no different. We have our own common language, and if you practice one of the martial arts initially developed in Japan, you know the common use of Japanese terminology is something we do every time we get on the mat.
A BASIC GUIDE TO THE PRONUNCIATION OF JAPANESE WORDS
Here are some basic guidelines to follow when pronouncing the Japanese words used in the martial arts.
An important thing to know that, sometimes, a word or phrase’s first letter is changed if it is used as the second word in a phrase or name. An example would be:
The “k” in katame (to secure, hold or lock, make strong, to guard and commonly used to describe holds or submission techniques) is changed to “g” when used in the phrase kesa gatame. When used as the first word in a name such as katame waza, the “k” is retained.
Another example is the word harai (sweeping, to clear away and commonly used to describe the sweeping action of the leg in throwing techniques). When used as the first word in a name such as harai goshi, the “h” is retained, but if the word is not used as the initial word in a name or phrase such as okuri ashi barai, the “h” has been changed to a “b.”
Another one (of many examples that could be given) is the word shime (to squeeze), commonly used to describe choking or strangling techniques). When used in the phrase shime waza, the “s” is used. The “s” hardens to a “j” when the word is used as a secondary word in a name or phrase to be jime. These are common examples of this grammar rule usually seen in the terminology used in the martial arts.
Phonetic Pronunciation of Words
Aiis pronounced “eye” (as in aikido)
Eiis pronounced as a long “a” (as in keiko)
Ais pronounced “ah” (as in nage)
Aeis pronounced “eye” (as in sasae)
Iis pronounced as a long “e” (as in uki)
Eis pronounced “eh” (as in tate)
Ois pronounced as a long “o” (as in soto)
Uis pronounced as a long “u” (as in uke)
Uiis pronounced “ooee” (as in sukui)
Ryis pronounced as an “r” and roll your tongue (as in ryo)
Gis always a hard “g” (as in go)
TERMINOLOGY FOR DIRECTIONS
This is a brief list of the terminology for the directions a technique may go to, or how the bodies of the participants are in relation to each other.
Age Up, to elevate or raise
Hidari Left
Mae Forward
Migi Right
Omote Front, to face something, face up
Otoshi To drop
Shita Down
Taoshi To throw something down
Ura The rear or back of something
Ushiro Opposite of the front, rear or behind
Yoko Across, crosswise, from side to side, sideways
PARTS OF THE BODY
The names of the parts of the body are useful in many respects in the study of the martial arts. While not all body parts are listed, the most commonly used words are.
Abara The side of the chest
Abara-bone Ribs
Ago, Agoto Jaw
Ashi Leg or foot
Ashikubi Ankle
Ashi no ubi Toes
Ashi no yubi Toes
Atama Head
Chusoku Ball of foot
Dokko Mastoid Process
Ha Teeth
Haiso Instep of foot
Haito Inner edge of hand
Hana Nose
Hara Trunk of body (doh or do also means trunk of body)
Hichu Adam’s Apple of throat
Hiji Elbow
Hiza Knee
Hizagashira Knee cap
Hone Bone
Jinchu Philtrum (under nose, upper lip)
Kachikake Chin
Kansetsu A joint of the body
Kao Face
Kakato Heel of foot
Kakuto Top of bent wrist (as in kakuto uchi)
Kasumi Temples
Kata Shoulder
Ken Knuckle
Kin Testicles
Kobushi Fist
Koshi Hip
Kote Forearm
Kubi Neck
Kuchi Mouth
Kurubushi Ankle
Mata The crotch of the legs, a fork (as in a fork in the road). Used in the throw, uchi mata.
Me Eyes
Mi Person (a person’s body)
Mimi Ear
Momo Thigh
Mune Chest
Nodo Throat
Oshiri Buttocks (also called Shiri)
Senaka, sena Back
Seoi To carry over the back
Senaka, Sena Back
Seiken forefist
Shute Palm of hand
Shuto Ulnar edge of hand
Suigetsu Solar Plexus
Tai Body
Te Hand
Teisoku Arch of foot
Tekubi Wrist
Tettsui Edge of fist (“hammer fist”)
Ude Arm
Uto Nasion (bridge of nose)
Yubi Finger (Oya-yubi Thumb)
Waki Side of the body (armpit area)
COUNTING AND NUMBERS
Learning to count in Japanese is useful, as many instructors and students count off the repetitions of an exercise or drill during practice. 1 – Ichi
2 – Ni
3 – San
4 – Shi (or Yon)
5 – Go
6 – Roku
7 – Shichi (or Nana)
8 – Hachi
9 – Ku
10 – Ju
11 – Ju-ichi
20 – Ni-ju (21 Ni-ju-ichi, 22 Ni-ju-ni, etc.)
30 – San-ju
40 – Yon-ju
50 – Go-ju
60 – Roku-ju
70 – Shichi-ju
80 – Hachi-ju
90 – Ku-ju
100 – Hiyaku
ALPHABETICAL GLOSSARY
This glossary of words, phrases and terminology is comprehensive, but it may not contain all the specific information you, the reader, may wish to see. In this case, it is recommended that you make use of the references listed in the back of this handbook or in other reference material. However, every attempt has been made to include as many words and phrases as possible that are used in the study and practice of Japanese martial arts.
- A -
Ai - Exclaim (As in kiai, or spirit shout or spirit exclamation)
Ai - To agree, mutual (Used only in compound words such as aikido.) Also means harmony or to join.
Aiki- Blending of intrinsic human spirit in a harmonious way. (As used in aikido or aikijutsu.)
Aite - Partner or opponent
Agaki- To move the legs as a tortoise when on the back (as in fighting off the back in groundfighting)
Anza, Agura- Sitting in an informal position
Age- To elevate or raise
Agi - Jaw
Ashi - Foot or leg
Ashi no yubi- Toes
Atama- Head
Ate- To strike
Atemi - To strike a person
Ayumi ashi- The method of footwork in judo and jujutsu. Ayumi means to walk and ashi means the foot.
Awase- To combine (As in awase waza, or combining of two techniques)
- B -
Bo- Long wooden staff
Bogu- Protective equipment for kendo
Bokken- Wooden sword
Bu- Martial, military
Budo- Martial or military way or philosophy
Bugei- Martial or military skill. More inclusive term than bujutsu or bujitsu Referred to the martial arts prior to the Meiji era in 1868. Bujutsu- Martial skill or martial technique
Buke- The military class of people in Japan before the Meiji era in 1868
Bushido- “Way of the warrior” A code of conduct for the warrior class developed by Soko Yamaga (1622-85).
Bushi- Warrior (Samurai is the generic name for all men privileged to wear 2 swords. A military class of people before the Meiji era in 1868.) Butokuden- Established in the 1890s as a training center for the leading teachers of martial arts in Japan.
Butsukari- Repetitive drill for developing skill in throwing. Means to “strike hurriedly” (similar to uchikomi) Butsu (Utsu) To strike against something
Bakuro- A jockey (As in bakuro jime, the “rodeo ride” position in groundfighting)
- C -
Chiisai- Small
Chikara- Strong, the use of force
Chu- Middle (as in chudan uke.)
Chui- caution (used in contests.)
Chuo- The center
- D -
Daito-ryu jujutsu a system of jujitsu emphasizing techniques similar to yawara and other hand arts and emphasizing “aiki.” Daito-ryu is one of the systems studied by Morihei Uyeshiba before his founding of aikido.
Dan- Grade, step (As in shodan.)
Danzan- The Japanese name for the Hawaiian Islands and is another name (Danzan-ryu) for Kodenkan Jujitsu, founded by Henry Seishiro Okazaki.
Daki- To hug, to hold in the arms
Dashi- To lead out, bring out, cause to go out
De- To proceed, or to go out, to advance (As in de ashi barai.)
Den- Tradition, legend (As in Kodenkan Jujitsu.)
Do- Way, philosophy, doctrine, reason, principle, virtue (Used only in compound words.) Similar to “michi” which means road, way, or the right way or course of conduct.
Dogi- Practice suit (Also called judogi.) the word “gi” is never used alone and only as the second part of a name or word.
Dojo- Commonly called a practice hall, but actually a place (jo) of meditation. Literal translation is “philosophy place.”
Dojo Kun- Rules of the dojo
Dojime- Scissors hold. Literally means “body squeeze.”
Dosa- Action
- E -
Edo- The ancient name for Tokyo until the Maiji era in 1868.
Eri- Lapel or collar of a jacket
Empi - Elbow
- F -
Furyu- Manners or customs handed down from past generations Fusegi - Defense
Fuseru- To reverse
Fusen- Default (as in fusen gachi-win by default.)
- G -
Gachi (Kachi)- To win, be victorious
Gakko - Educational institution
Gari (Kari)- To reap (As in o soto gari.)
Ge- Lower (as in gedan uke.)
Gei- Art, science, technical application or method applied in martial arts. (As in bugei.) Genki Engery
Geta - Traditional wooden shoes worn in Japan.
Gi - To dress, a garment (Always used as suffix as in judogi or jujitsugi.)
Gi- Technical (in a practical sense), a deed
Go- Hard (As in goju-ryu karate.)
Gokyo no Waza - The five classifications of techniques originally devised by the Kodokan in 1905. This is the first standardized form of instruction for throwing techniques.
Goshin jutsu - Self-defense art
Goshinho- Methods of self-defense
Gyaku - Reverse
- H-
Ha- Wing (As in kata ha jime.)
Hada-gi- A garment worn next to the skin (See “gi” above.)
Hadaka- Naked, bare (As in hadaka jime.)
Hadakari- To straddle
Hadashi - Bare-footed
Hagai- The wings of a bird (used to describe the hold “full nelson”) in jujitsu. As in hagai jime.
Hajime- To start (Used as a referee’s command in contests.)
Hajiki- To jerk, to snap, to cause to move with a sudden spring Hakama- The loose trousers worn by the samurai and now used in some martial arts.
Hane- To spring or bounce (The judo throw hane goshi.)
Hando no Kuzushi- Reaction forms of unbalancing. This implies how the opponent reacts to the attacker’s diversionary attack.
Hantei- The referee’s call for a decision in a contest. Literally means judgment.
Hansoku- Violation of the rules in a contest
Happo- Eight sides or directions (as in happo no kuzushi or 8 directions of unbalancing developed in Kodokan judo.)
Hando no kuzushi- Reaction forms of unbalancing. This implies how the opponent reacts to the attacker’s diversionary attack.
Harai- Sweeping, to sweep or clear away
Hairi kata- Method of entry. The actual fitting in of the body for a throwing technique varies with the specific technique. Fitting the application of the throw to the situation.
Hara- The belly, often believed to be the center of the “ki.”
Haragi- The concept of the pursuit of a goal with total commitment. Hara kiri- Also called seppuku. The method of committing ritual suicide in fuedal Japan when dishonored. Used by the samurai class and others. Literally means “belly cutting.”
Hasami - To hold between 2 other things (as in hasami jime)
Haya- Fast, quick, swift
Haya ashi - Swift-footed
Henka - Variation of the basic application
Hikkomi - To draw into (As in hikkomi gaeshi.)
Hiku or hiki- To pull or draw, to stretch
Hikite- Pulling hand
Hiku- Pull
Hikiwake- A draw in a contest. To pull apart (as in two men fighting.) Hishigi - To crush (As in ude hishigi juji gatame.)
Hiza- The knee
Ho- Side, region, place
Ho- Rule, law, usage, doctrine (As in goshin-ho.)
Ho- A gun
Hojutsu - The art of shooting
Hon (Kihon)- Original, fundamental, basic
Honbu- The principle dojo is a system of martial arts.
Hontai- Basic posture
- I -
Ichiban- “Number one”, the best
Ippon- Literally means “once settled” and is the phrase used by a referee in a contest to signify one contestant has defeated his opponent with a skillful technique. Also used in the name of the throw “ippon seoi nage.” The prefix “ip” indicates anything that is one, once or single. Thus, the name ippon seoi nage implies throwing an opponent over the back at one point (ippon).
Ippon shobu- A match decided on the basis of one point
Irimi- Entering (As in irimi nage in aikido of jujutsu.)
Itami- To cause pain, injure or hurt
Itai- “Ouch”
Itsutsu - Five (As in itsusu no kata or forms of five.)
- J -
Jigoku- Hell (As in jigoku jime.)
Jikan- Referee’s call in a contest denoting time is over.
Judoka- One who practice judo, a student of judo
Ji ta kyo ei- One of Jigoro Kano’s maxims for kodokan judo which means “by helping, improving, yourself, everybody-the community benefits” . Sei ryoku zen yo The second of Jigoro Kano’s principles of kodokan judo which means “best use of energy”.
Jigotai- Defensive posture
Jiyu kumite- Free sparring
Jiyu renshu- Free practice
Jo - Stick (As in jodo.)
Jogai- A phrase denoting “out of bounds” in a contest.
Joseki- The upper area of a dojo where the higher ranked practitioners and instructors sit.
Ju - The concept of “ju” is to be flexible, pliable, yielding or adaptive. It summarizes the philosophy of judo and jujutsu in which functional strength, flexibility and adaptability is emphasized, both physically and mentally. “Ju” also is the number 10.
Judo- (See explanation earlier in this text.)
Juji- To cross (As in juji jime.)
Ju no Ai- The principle or doctrine of the concept of ju.
Junin gake- 10-man takedown where one contestant takes on a line of 10 opponents (also used is a gonin gake, or 5-man takedown)
Jujutsu, jujitsu - (See explanation earlier in this text.)
Junbiundo- Warming up exercises
Juken- A short sword or bayonet
Juku- Private school
Jutsu, jitsu- Skill, art, technique
-K-
Kaho The form of training used in jujutsu where there is no free grappling or sparring. Training using kata, or pre-arranged formal exercises, exclusively.
Kai - Association
Kaiten - Rotation
Kami- Upper, elevated
Kamijo- Upper place The area in a dojo where the sensei or dignitaries sit.
Kan- House, hall or school
Kan- Intuitive learning (usually as opposed to ri, or rational learning).
Kan geiko- Winter training
Kani- Crab (As in kani basami.)
Kappo, Katsu- Method of resuscitation kappo literally means “method of life” as opposed to sappo or “method of killing.” Kappo was used in many traditional jujutsu systems especially when students were choked out or injured in training.
Katai- Hard, stiff
Katame- To secure, make strong or firm, to guard
Kagame, kagami- To bend
Kakage- To lift up, hoist
Kakari, kari- To hook, hooked to, hung up, suspended
Kakari geiko- A form of randori where a student is required to take on consecutive opponents in a specified time limit.
Kaku- Corner
Kake - To hook, or to attack
Kamae- Combative stance or posture
Kami- Upper, above or upper in rank or place (As in kami shiho gatame.) Also the word for a Shinto diety.
Karami- To coil, wind around, twine
Kari- To cut or reap (As in o soto gari.)
Kata- Shoulder (As in kata gatame.)
Kata - Single
Kata (型 or 形, literally: “form”) Form (As in nage no kata.) A kata is a pre-arranged drill or exercise used for training purposes. There are 7 core Kata (forms) in Kodokan Judo.
1-Nage no Kata-the form of throwing. This was the first kata that Prof. Jigoro Kano developed to privide structured learning in his new Kodokan. This is an exercise with 15 throwing techniques.
2-Katame no Kata-form of grappling. This, along with the Nage no Kata, form the “Randori no Kata” where the techniques of “sport” judo are emphasized. This kata is an exercise on the groundfighting of Kodokan Judo.
3-Ju no Kata-the form of “gentleness” or “yielding” that is often taught to women in Kodokan Judo.
4-Koshiki no Kata-the form of antiquity. This is an exercise that comes directly from Kito-ryu Jujutsu.
5-Kime no Kata-form of decision. This is a self-defense kata directly taken from older forms of jujutsu.
6-Goshin Jutsu-the form of self-defense art and is another self-defense form but is newer in formation that the Kime no Kata.
7-Itsutsu no Kata-the form of “five” that is the most philosophical in nature of all the Kodokan Judo forms.
Katate- Single hand (As opposed to morote, or ryote, or double hands.)
Katsugi- To carry on the shoulders
Kawazu gake- Leg entwining. A throwing technique illegal in contest judo.
Keiko- To practice, exercise (in order to learn), to drill. Kempo (Kenpo) The modern Japanese adaptation of Chinese chuan fa, meaning “fist way” and is a popular system of self-defense.
Kendo- Sword way, the modern form of kenjutus or sword art.
Kengi- Sword technique
Kengo- A strong swordsman
Ken ken- A phrase meaning “hop hop.” The hopping action taken sometimes when throwing an opponent (as in ken ken uchi mata). Kenshusei - Special research student (at the Kodokan Judo Institute) Kesa- A scarf worn around the neck (as in kesa gatame).
Keri - To kick
Ki - Vital force, internal energy, spirit, heart
Kiai- A shout used to show spirit, often used when executing a technique. Similar to the shout, grunt or noise made by weightlifters or other when performing hard physical demands on the body. A good translation might be “spirit shout.”
Kihon (Hon)- Fundamentals
Kihon renshu- Fundamental practice
Kime- To make sure, to settle, to decide. The follow through in a technique. Also as in the formal exercise “kime no kata” or form of decision.
Kiken gachi- Win by injury (kiken make-loss by injury)
Ko- Minor, small (As in ko uchi gari.)
Kodansha- A holder of the rank of godan (5th grade) or above Kodokan- Means “school to learn the way” and is the name Jigoro Kano chose to describe his system of jujutsu in 1882. Although the name had been used by another jujutsu system earlier, the name was not widely known and Kano believed it to best describe his martial discipline. The Kodokan is also the building in Japan, located in Tokyo, which is the successor to Kano’s first “Kodokan” in 1882. The Kodokan is considered the “headquarters of judo”, at least traditionally, by most judo practitioners.
Kaeshi- Counter (as in kaeshi waza)
Kogi judo- The study of judo in a “wide sense” as originally defined by Jigoro Kano, the founder of Kodokan Judo, where ethical training is emphasized in preference to simply winning contests.
Kyogi judo- The practice of judo in the “narrow sense” as defined by Jigoro Kano where contest ability is emphasized over the total study of Kodokan Judo.
Kohai- A jujior member in a dojo. One’s junior in the sempai-kohai system. A younger man.
Komi- To put into (Mostly used affixed to the verb as in osaekomi.) Kokoro- Mind, spirit, mentality
Koryu- Older systems of jujutsu, or the “traditional” systems, especially those before the Meiji era in 1868.
Koshi - Hip
Koshiki- Ancient, the past
Kosen- As in kosen judo, a method of judo where newaza is emphasized over throwing techniques. Kosen judo was popular among the universities in Japan before World War II, but lost its following after the war when Kodokan Judo was reorganized. Kosen judo is still practiced in a few universities in Japan.
Kowaza- A minor technique.
Kubi- Neck Kubiri To strangle or choke.
Kuchi- Mouth (As in kuchi waza, meaning “mouth technique.” Not a flattering term and refers to someone who talks a better game than he actually does.)
Kuden- The oral teachings of a school
Kumi kata- To be linked together as a pair. Often referred to as the basic grip used in judo and jujitsu. The use of the word “kata” in this phrase indicates something as a pair.
Kumi-ai- Linked together, hold each other as wrestlers
Kumi- To grapple as a wrestler (Kumi-uchi is a name of a form of combat before the name jujutsu came into use.)
Kumi- To intertwine
Kumite - Sparring, as in karate. Literally means “intertwining hands.” Kumite Refers to sparring in a striking context and randori refers to free practice in a grappling sense.
Kun- Rules of the dojo usually written on hanging wall scrolls. Kuruma- Wheel (As in hiza guruma.)
Kuzure - Modified
Kubi- Neck
Kubiri - To strangle or choke
Kuzushi- To unbalance or upset
Kyu- A level in ranking (as in ikkyu) indicating student status before attaining “dan” rank.
Kyudo- “Archery way”, the modern budo form of kyujutsu, or archery skill.
Kyokai- Aport association.
Kiyo or kyo- means “sport diversion” and kai means “association.” Kyusho- Pressure points
-M-
Ma- Space, distance
Ma ai- Distance between opponents
Mae - Front
Maitta - Phrase meaning “I surender” and used when the recipient can’t show submission by tapping.
Mannaka- Center
Make- To lose
Makura- Pillow (As in makura kesa gatame.)
Mage- To bend
Maki- To wrap
Makikomi- To wrap around, winding (as in soto makikomi.) Makiwara- A striking board used in karate training
Mata- Inside the crotch of the legs, a split (as in a fork in the road and used in uchi mata.)
Mate, Matte- Wait
Mawashi- To turn, spin or circulate, to turn as a wheel, to wrap around something. A mawashi is also the loin covering of sumo wrestlers.
Meijin- Master
Mi- Person (As in ukemi.)
Michi- Way or philosophy
Mojin- Disciple
Momi- To make violent actions as in a contest.
Momi-ai- To contend or struggle together as wrestlers.
Momo- Thigh
Mondo- Question and answer period where the sensei instructs the pupils. This is often held at the conclusion of practice.
Morote- Both hands (as in morote gari). Moro means both. Mudansha- Having no grade. An ungraded person in the belt rank system
Mukashi- Ancient times
Mune- Chest
- N -
Nage- To throw or propel
Nagekomi- Throwing practice
Nami- Common, usual (As in nami juji jime.)
Nafudakake- A name board displayed in a dojo showing members’ names and seniority.
Ne- To lay down, to recline (As in newaza.)
Newaza- “Grappling.” The phase of judo or jujitsu training where groundfighting is emphasized and is a commonly used phrase in judo. The phase literally means “reclining techniques”.
No- Of (As in nage no kata.)
Nogare kata- Escape forms
Nori- To ride
Nihon- Nippon Japan
Nukite- Spear or straight hand (As in a thrust in karate.)
- O -
O- Major, great, big (As in o uchi gari.)
O Sensei- Means “venerable teacher.” The founder of aikido, Morihei Uyeshiba is probably the most famous person to have the title of “O Sensei.”
Obi- Belt or sash around the waist
Ohkiku- To make a very large motion.
Oizuki - Front thrust (As in karate.)
Okii- Big, large
Okuden- Secret teachings. Each jujutsu system had “secret teachings” which were revealed to a student after having gone through rigorous training and acceptance into the system’s higher levels of learning. Such a thing is the oku no kata, or forms of secrets, used in the Kodenkan sytem of jujitsu founded in 1924 in Hawaii.
Omote- Front, to face something
Okuri - To slide, to send after quickly (As in okuri ashi barai.)
Oroshi- Descending
Osae- Immobilize, to press upon or against, to retrain, keep down (As in osae waza.)
Osaekomi- To apply an immobilization (As in osaekomi waza.)
Osoi- Slow
Osu- Push
Oshi- To push or shove
Otoshi - To drop, to let fall (as in tai otoshi). To entrap
Owaza - Major technique
- R -
Randori- “Free practice.” The form of practice initially developed by Jigoro Kano where the students would use their skills in a free training situation. Opposite of kata (form or structured training) where there is little, if any, option in the training. Prof. Kano studied Kito-ryu jujutsu where “ran o toru” was used as a training form. Ran o toru means “freedom of action” and gave the students the ability to practice freely and initiate their own skills. Ran means freedom and dori implies reason, doctrine, right principles. Randori implies freedom of reasoning or choice in this application of the phrase.
Rei- To bow
Reigisaho- Dojo etiquette
Ri- Reason, the natural laws (Ri is the method of training which emphasizes rational learning as opposed to kan, or intuitive learning in the martial disciplines.)
Ritsurei- Standing bow
Renmei- Federation
Renraku- A series (in order) (As in ranraku waza.)
Renshi- Student, brethren
Renshu- To drill or exercises
Renzoku- To continue without interruption (As in renzoku waza.) Ryote- Both hands (as in ryote jime). Ryo means both.
Ryu, Ryuha - Means “stream” but is interpreted to mean a system or school of training, thought or philosophy (As in Kito-ryu jujutsu.)
- S -
Sankaku, Sangaku- Triangle, 3 angles or corners (As in sangaku jime.)
Sasae- To block (As in sasae tsurikomi ashi.)
Seoi- To carry over the back (As in seoi nage.)
Se - The back
Sei- Means essential quality of anything, natural (as in seibu, or essentials of anything martial). Also means strength or vigor.
Seiken- Fore fist
Seiza- Sitting in a formal position.
Sempai- A senior member in a dojo.
Sen- Initiative in applying mental, physical or technical ability to gain advantage over an opponent. Sen sen no sen Superior initiative where one attacks the opponent before he has a chance to attack. Taking the initiative away from the opponent.
Sensei- Teacher. A polite term for addressing a scholar or physician. Often used as we use the word “coach” in western culture.
Senchu- Champion
Shiai- A single combat as a trial of skill Also refers to a competition or tournament. Different types of shiai are:
Kachinuki shiai-winner stays out contest
Kohaku shiai-red and white contest
Koten shiai-big point contest
Kaikyo shiai-rank contest where athletes of same rank compete against each other
Shinkyu shiai-kyu promotional contest
Soatari shiai-round-robin contest
Tentori shiai-single-elimination contest
Tsukinami shiai-monthly developmental contest
Shiai jo - Contest area
Shigaku- The “blind spot.” (Actually means “dead corner.”)
Shihan- Master teacher (In classical bugei training, the reliance on teaching a group or class as is done today was not widely done. A shihan worked closely with a monjin, or disciple, and instructed him in all aspects of the martial discipline in which the shihan specialized.) Shimoseki, Shimoza- Lower area of dojo where the lower ranked students sit.
Shiho- Four corners (As in yoko shiho gatame.)
Shime- To squeeze (As in shime waza.)
Shimpan- A referee
Shin - Sincere, truth, faith, real, genuine, mental application of being sincere (As in Shingitai.)
Shinai - Practice sword in kendo made of bamboo
Shingitai- The system of self-defense organized by John Saylor based on the Shingitai philosophy of training. The phrase Shingitai implies the coordinated use of shin (sincere mental application), gi (realistic technical application) and tai (the physical application stressing the importance of physical fitness).
Shintai - Advancing and retreating, refers to footwork in judo and jujitsu. Also means body movement.
Shiri- Buttocks
Shisei- Posture
Shita- Down
Shizen hontai- Natural basic posture
Sho- Initial, the first in a series (As in shodan)
Shodan- Initial grade, or 1st grade black belt
Shoshin- Novice, beginner
Shobu- A contest
Shochu geiko- Summer training
Shugyo- Austere training. The cultivation of virtue. Samurai would go on a “shugyo” similar to medieval knights going on a quest to test their martial skills and learn from experience.
Shumatsuundo- Cooling off exercises
Shuto- The ulnar edge, or knife-edge, of the hand
Sode- The sleeve
Sogai- Compound (As in sogai gachi, or a compound win in contest judo.)
Sore made- “That is all.” The phrase used by referee to signal end of contest. Sore means “that, that is, that will do.” Made means “as far as (it goes)”.
Sono mama- “Do not move.” A phrase said by referee in a contest when the situation is necessary, as in a possible injury or to judge a hold.
Soke- Founder of a ryuha or system of martial training.
Sotai renshu - Practicing with a partner
Soto- Outer, outside (As in o soto gari.)
Sumi- Corner (as in sumi gaeshi.)
Sukashi - An evasive action taken against opponent’s attack.
Sukoshi - A little
Sute- To throw away.
Sutemi- To throw the body away. Used in sutemi waza, or a classification of throws where the attacker throws his own body to the ground to throw his opponent.
Sukui- To scoop (As in sukui nage.)
Sute geiko- “Throw down practice.” Training where a more skillful partner offers no resistance and gives advice to the less-experienced partner who performs the technique.
Suwari - Kneeling on both knees (As in suwari seoi nage, or the knee-drop “shoulder” throw)
- T -
Tabi- Repetitions
Tachi- To stand, standing (As in tachi waza.)
Tachiai- Ready stance
Tai - Body
Taiho jitsu- Body skill or art The martial art used by Japanese police agencies.
Taiko- A ceremonial drum used in a dojo calling the training session to start.
Taisabaki- Body management, body movement
Taiso- Exercises
Taoshi - To throw down, push a man over, to throw down anything standing
Tatami- A mat
Tandoku renshu- Solo exercise or practice
Tani - Valley (As in tani otoshi.)
Tate- Height or length, a row from top to bottom, vertical
Te- Hand
Teisoku- Arch of the foot
Tekubi - Wrist
Tesabaki- Hand movement, management or manipulation
Tettsui - Bottom edge of the fist (The “hammer punch” in karate.)
Tobi- To jump.
Tobi watare means to jump across, tobi komi means to jump or spring into.
Tomoe - A figure in Japanese that resembles a circle, thus the name for the throw “tomoe nage.” There is no English word for the tomoe figure, but the closest translation is “circle.”
Tomodachi- Friend
Tokui- Proficient (As in tokui waza, or favorite or best technique.) Toketa- The referee’s command that a hold is broken or ended. Literally means to be untied or ended.
Tori - Means to take. The person who performs the technique. Tsubame- A swallow-flight bird (As in tsubame gaeshi.)
Tsugi ashi- Follow-foot movement, a form of footwork Tsuki To thrust
Tsumasaki - The ball of the foot
Tsuri - To suspend, pull up
Tsurikomi- “Pull into.” The act of lifting and pulling into the body (As in tsurikomi goshi.)
Tsuri te- Pulling hand
Tsuyoi- Strong
- U -
Uchi- Inner, inside (As in o uchi gari.)
Uchikomi- Repetitive fitting-in exercise or drill (similar to butsukari). Literally means to “shoot or strike into.” Uchideshi “Inside student.” A live-in student working directly with a sensei.
Unbo - Exercises, calisthenics
Uke- To receive. The receiver in a technique.
Uke - Blocking a punch or kick
Uki - Floating (As in uki otoshi.)
Uye- Up
Ukemi - Breakfalls Literally means as in the mat “receiving the person”. A concept developed by Prof. Jigoro Kano. Before Kano, there was no systematic method of teaching students to fall safely, if any falling skills were taught at all.
Ushiro ukemi- Back fall (Also called koho ukemi.)
Yoko ukemi- Side fall (Also called sokohu ukemi.)
Mae ukemi- Front fall (Also called zenpo ukemi.)
Zenpo kaiten Front rolling fall
Uki- Floating (As in uki otoshi.)
Ura - Rear, the back of something
Ushiro- Rear, the back or something, behind something
Uwagi - The training jacket, an overcoat
Utsuri- Changing, to change (As in utsuri goshi.)
- W -
Wa- Harmony, peace (As in Wado-ryu karate.)
Wari- To split
Waki - Side of the chest
Wake, wakare- To divide or separate (As in yoko wakare.)
Wana - Trap, snare
Waza - Technique, trick
Waza-ari - “Almost a technique” (A score in contest judo where the person performing the technique almost completes it enough to score the ippon, of full point.)
- Y -
Yama- Mountain (As in yama arashi, or mountain storm.)
Yame- Stop
Yakusoku geiko - Pre-arranged practice A form of randori where the attacker throws and his partner offers no resistance.
Yoi- The command to “get ready.”
Yoko- Across, crosswise, from side to side, sideways
Yoshi- Continue
Yoten- Key points in a technique or teaching a subject.
Yowai, Yowari- Weak, not strong
Yudansha- One who is graded, a holder of the black belt rank. Yudanshakai- Black belt association
Yusei gachi- A win by superiority.
- Z -
Zarei- A seated, formal bow
Zanshin- Alertness
Zen- Virtue, goodness
Zori - Sandals made of straw
Zubon- The pants in a dogi or judogi.
