Learn Karate Terminology
Learn Karate Terminology
Essential Terms for Every Martial Artist.
Karate has a rich history, and its terminology reflects the traditions and philosophy of this martial art. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced student, understanding key Japanese terms will enhance your training and deepen your connection to the art.
This guide covers essential karate terminology, from basic stances and techniques to commands and etiquette used in the dojo.
Tips For Japanese Pronunciation
Japanese pronunciation follows consistent rules. Each vowel has a fixed sound: A as in “father,” I as in “machine,” U as in “flu,” E as in “bed,” and O as in “go.” The “R” sound is a mix of English “R” and “L,” and “TSU” includes a slight “T” sound. Long vowels are held slightly longer. Syllables are evenly pronounced without strong emphasis. Unlike English, Japanese does not have stress accents, so words are spoken with a relatively even tone.
Understanding these basics ensures accurate pronunciation of Japanese martial arts terms.
Dojo-Kun
The ultimate aim in the art of Karate, lies not in victory nor defeat, but in the perfection of the character of its participants.
Basic Dojo Terminology
Beginning and Ending a Class
At the start and end of each class, students follow a set sequence of commands to show respect and discipline. Here’s what to expect:
- Shugo (shoo-go) Line up facing the kamiza (front of the dojo) in rank order, with the highest-ranked student on the left.
- Kio-Tsuke (kee-oh tsoo-keh) Stand at attention with feet together and hands at your sides.
- Seiza (say-zah) Kneel into the formal sitting position.
- Mokuso (mohk-soh) Meditate to clear your mind and focus.
- Yame (yah-meh) End meditation.
- Shomen-Ni, Rei (shoh-men nee, ray) Bow toward the kamiza as a sign of respect.
- Sensei-Ni, Rei (sen-say nee, ray) Bow to the sensei (instructor).
- (Geidanshin-Ni, Rei) (gay-dahn-shin nee, ray) (Optional) Bow to other black belts in attendance.
Karate-Specific Terminology For The Body
Understanding the terminology for each part of the body used in karate is key to mastering techniques and improving your training experience. Whether you’re learning body positions, different types of strikes, or how to properly use your hands and feet, these terms will help you follow instructions with confidence.
- Torso Terms
- Chūdan (chew-dan) Middle level, chest area.
- Gedan (geh-dan) Lower area of the body.
- Hidari (hi-dah-ree) Left.
- Jōdan (joe-dan) Upper level, face area.
- Migi (mee-ghee) Right.
- Feet and Leg Terms
- Haisoku (high-sew-koo) Instep.
- Hiza (he-za) Knee.
- Kagato (ka-ga-toe) Heel.
- Koshi (ko-she) Ball of the foot.
- Sokutō (sew-koo-toe) Sword foot, outer edge of the foot.
- Types of Fists
- Hiraken (here-a-ken) Four-knuckle fist.
- Ippon-ken (ee-pohn-ken) One-knuckle fist.
- Kentsui / Tetsui (kent-soo-ee / tet-soo-ee) Hammerfist.
- Nakadaka-ken (nah-ka-dah-ka-ken) Middle finger knuckle fist.
- Seiken (say-ken) Forefist.
- Uraken (oo-ra-ken) Backfist.
- Types of Open Hands
- Haishu (high-shoe) Back hand.
- Haito (high-toe) Ridge hand.
- Kakutō (ka-koo-toe) Bent wrist.
- Nukite (new-kit-teh) Spear hand.
- Shutō (shoe-toe) Sword hand.
- Teishō (tay-sho) Heel of the palm.
- Washide (wah-she-deh) Eagle hand.
Karate Stances, Blocks, Strikes, and Kicks
Mastering Stances, Blocks, Strikes, and Kicks
Karate is built on precise movements that maximize power and efficiency. Understanding proper stances, blocking techniques, strikes, and kicks is essential for effective training. Below is a structured guide to fundamental karate stances and techniques, helping you develop strong, well-rounded skills.
- Stances
- Fudo-Dachi (foo-doh dah-chee) Rooted stance.
- Hangetsu-Dachi (hahn-get-sue dah-chee) Half-moon stance.
- Heisoku-Dachi (hay-soh-koo dah-chee) Informal stance, feet together.
- Kiba-Dachi (kee-bah dah-chee) Horse stance.
- Kokutsu-Dachi (koh-koo-tsoo dah-chee) Back stance.
- Musubi-Dachi (moo-soo-bee dah-chee) Informal stance, toes out.
- Neko-Ashi-Dachi (neh-koh ah-shee dah-chee) Cat foot stance.
- Renoji-Dachi (reh-no-jee dah-chee) "L" stance.
- Sanchin-Dachi (sahn-cheen dah-chee) Hourglass stance.
- Shiko-Dachi (shee-koh dah-chee) Square stance, sumo stance.
- Shizen-Tai (shee-zen tie) Ready position.
- Sochin-Dachi (soh-cheen dah-chee) (Alternate name for Fudo-Dachi).
- Teiji-Dachi (tay-jee dah-chee) "T" stance.
- Zenkutsu-Dachi (zen-koot-soo dah-chee) Front stance.
- Hand and Arm Techniques (Blocking)
- Age-Uke (ah-geh oo-keh) Upper block.
- Gedan-Barai (geh-dahn bah-rah-ee) Downward block.
- Seiryuto-Uke (say-ree-you-toh oo-keh) Heel of palm block.
- Shuto-Uke (shoo-toh oo-keh) Sword hand block.
- Soto-Uke (soh-toh oo-keh) Outside-in forearm block.
- Uchi-Uke (oo-chee oo-keh) Inside-out forearm block.
- Uke (oo-keh) General term for blocking.
- Punching and Attacking
- Age-Zuki (ah-geh zoo-kee) Rising punch.
- Gyakuzuki (gyah-koo zoo-kee) Reverse punch.
- Heiko-Zuki (hay-koh zoo-kee) Parallel punch.
- Kagi-Zuki (kah-gee zoo-kee) Hook punch.
- Kizami-Zuki (kee-zah-mee zoo-kee) Jab punch.
- Morote-Zuki (moh-roh-teh zoo-kee) Two-hand punch.
- Oi-Zuki (oy zoo-kee) Lunge punch.
- Tsuki (tsoo-kee) General term for punching.
- Yama-Zuki (yah-mah zoo-kee) Wide "U" punch.
- Elbow Strikes
- Empi-Uchi (em-pee oo-chee) Elbow strike.
- Hiji-Ate-Uchi (hee-jee ah-teh oo-chee) Elbow strike (alternate term).
- Mae-Hiji-Ate (mah-eh hee-jee ah-teh) Forward elbow strike.
- Otoshi-Hiji-Ate (oh-toh-shee hee-jee ah-teh) Downward elbow strike.
- Tate-Hiji-Ate (tah-teh hee-jee ah-teh) Upward elbow strike.
- Ushiro-Hiji-Ate (oo-shee-roh hee-jee ah-teh) Back elbow strike.
- Yoko-Hiji-Ate (yoh-koh hee-jee ah-teh) Side elbow strike.
- Foot and Leg Techniques (Kicking & Sweeping)
- Ashi-Barai (ah-shee bah-rah-ee) Foot sweep.
- Geri (geh-ree) General term for kicking.
- Mae-Geri (mah-eh geh-ree) Front kick.
- Keage (keh-ah-geh) Snap kick.
- Kekomi (keh-koh-mee) Thrust kick.
- Mawashi-Geri (mah-wah-shee geh-ree) Roundhouse kick.
- Tobi-Geri (toh-bee geh-ree) Jump kick.
- Ushiro-Geri (oo-shee-roh geh-ree) Back thrust kick.
- Yoko-Geri (yoh-koh geh-ree) Side kick.
- Keage (keh-ah-geh) Snap kick.
- Kekomi (keh-koh-mee) Thrust kick.
- Power Sources
- Vibration Generates power in a single technique while standing still.
- Rotation Uses body torque while standing or moving to enhance combination techniques.
- Upward Power Drives body weight up into a target for defensive or offensive techniques.
- Downward Power Uses body weight to drive downward into a target.
- Linear Movements Generates power by moving the body weight into a target.
Common Terms
General Terms To Know
- Budo (boo-doh) Martial Way or Path; a fighting discipline whose aim is to promote the spiritual development of its practitioners
- Do (doh) Literally means "the way" or "the path." In karate-dō, it represents the journey toward self-improvement and character perfection.
- Dojo (doh-joh) The training hall or room where karate practice takes place.
- Gi (gee) The traditional karate training uniform (karate-gi).
- Hajime (hah-jee-meh) Command to begin or start an exercise, drill, or match.
- Karate (kah-rah-teh) The Okinawan "Art of the Empty Hand," introduced to Japan in 1922.
- Karate-do (kah-rah-teh-doh) "The Way of the Empty Hand"—the modern term for the art of karate, emphasizing discipline and philosophy.
- Karate-ka (kah-rah-teh-kah) A practitioner of karate.
- Kata (kah-tah) Prearranged sequences of movements in which students demonstrate and practice techniques by simulating combat against imaginary opponents.
- Kiai (kee-eye) A sharp, powerful shout used during techniques to enhance focus, increase strength, and improve breathing control.
- Kime (kee-meh) Focus and precision—achieving maximum power and effectiveness by coordinating mind and body at the moment of impact.
- Kumite (koo-mee-teh) Sparring in karate. It is divided into two types:
- Kihon Kumite (kee-hon koo-mee-teh) Basic sparring:
- Kihon-Ippon Kumite (kee-hon ee-pohn koo-mee-teh) One attack, one defense from a basic stance.
- Sanbon Kumite (sahn-bohn koo-mee-teh) Three continuous attacks with corresponding defenses.
- Jiyu-Ippon Kumite (jee-you ee-pohn koo-mee-teh) One attack, one defense from a free-style stance.
- Jiyu-Kumite (jee-you koo-mee-teh) Free sparring, where movements are more fluid and less predetermined.
- Kime (kee-meh) Focus and precision—achieving maximum power and effectiveness by coordinating mind and body at the moment of impact.
- Makiwara (mah-kee-wah-rah) A padded striking board used for developing power, accuracy, and focus in punches and strikes.
- Mawatte (mah-wah-teh) Command to turn around during drills or movements.
- Sempai (sem-pie) A senior student in rank or experience within the dojo.
- Yame (yah-meh) Command to stop an action or drill.
- Yoi (yoh-ee) Command meaning ready—used to prepare students before beginning a technique or exercise.
- Zanshin (zahn-sheen) A state of total awareness, vigilance, and mental focus during and after executing a technique or defense.
Around the Dojo
- Osu (oh-ss) A versatile expression used in various dojo situations, including:
- Entering or leaving the dojo, accompanied by a standing bow (ritsu-rei) toward the kamiza.
- At the beginning and end of class during the kneeling bow (za-rei) under the instructor’s direction.
- Responding affirmatively to a question.
- Acknowledging an instructor’s direction to indicate understanding.
- Kamiza (kah-mee-zah) A prominent area in the dojo, often adorned with images of martial arts founders and philosophical calligraphy (gaku). It serves as the focal point for the kneeling bow (za-rei) at the beginning and end of class.
- Sensei (sen-say) Literally translates to "teacher," but typically refers to the chief instructor of the dojo, holding a dan rank. It is also used for visiting instructors of 4th dan or higher.
- Sempai (sem-pie) A senior student by rank or position within the dojo.
- Za-rei (kneeling bow) (zah-ray) Performed toward the kamiza and the instructor at the beginning and end of class.
- Ritsu-rei (standing bow) (ree-tsoo-ray) Done when entering or leaving the dojo, before and after training with a partner, and when greeting the dojo sensei.
- Note: These bows are gestures of respect and discipline, not religious or submissive acts.
Dan & Kyu Belt Names
Ranks indicating a student’s progress in martial arts, represented by belt colours.
- Kyu Ranks (Beginner to Advanced Student)
- 6th Kyu – White Belt
- 5th Kyu – Yellow Belt
- 4th Kyu – Orange Belt
- 3rd Kyu – Green Belt
- 2nd Kyu – Blue Belt
- 1st Kyu – Brown Belt
- Dan Ranks (Black Belt Levels)
- 1st to 5th Dan – Black Belt
- 6th to 8th Dan – Black Belt
- 9th to 10th Dan – Black Belt
- Note: 10th Dan is rare and traditionally reserved for the founding master of a style.
Schedule of Kata Movements
Kata are pre-arranged patterns of movements that embody the techniques and philosophies of karate.
- Taikyoku Series (Beginner Forms)
- Niju-shichi-ho (nee-joo shee-chee hoh) "27 Movements" (27 movements)
- Taikyoku-shodan (tie-kee-oh-koo sho-dahn) "First Cause" (20 movements)
- Taikyoku-nidan (tie-kee-oh-koo nee-dahn) "Second Cause" (20 movements)
- Taikyoku-sandan (tie-kee-oh-koo sahn-dahn) "Third Cause" (20 movements)
- Heian Series (Peace & Tranquility)
- Heian-shodan (hay-ahn sho-dahn) "Peace & Tranquility #1" (21 movements)
- Heian-nidan (hay-ahn nee-dahn) "Peace & Tranquility #2" (28 movements)
- Heian-sandan (hay-ahn sahn-dahn) "Peace & Tranquility #3" (21 movements)
- Heian-yondan (hay-ahn yohn-dahn) "Peace & Tranquility #4" (27 movements)
- Heian-godan (hay-ahn goh-dahn) "Peace & Tranquility #5" (23 movements)
- Intermediate & Advanced Kata
- Bassai-dai (bahs-sigh die) "To Penetrate a Fortress" (long sword) (42 movements)
- Kanku-dai (kahn-koo die) "To Look at the Sky" (major version, also called Kushanku) (65 movements)
- Jitte (jeet-teh) "10 Hands or 10 Techniques" (27 movements)
- Jion (jee-ohn)"A Buddhist Temple" (47 movements)
- Empi (em-pee) "To Fly Like a Swallow" (39 movements)
- Tekki Series (Iron Horse, also called Naihanchi)
- Tekki-shodan (teck-kee sho-dahn) "Iron Horse #1" (25 movements)
- Tekki-nidan (teck-kee nee-dahn) "Iron Horse #2" (24 movements)
- Tekki-sandan (teck-kee sahn-dahn) "Iron Horse #3" (33 movements)
- Advanced Kata
- Gankaku (gahn-kah-koo) "Crane on a Rock" (also called Chinto) (42 movements)
- Bassai-sho (bahs-sigh show) "To Penetrate a Fortress" (short sword) (27 movements)
- Kanku-sho (kahn-koo show) "To Look at the Sky" (minor version) (47 movements)
- Sochin (soh-cheen) "Preserve Peace" (also called Hakko) (40 movements)
- Chinte (chin-teh) "Extraordinary Hand" (also called Shoin) (33 movements)
- Hangetsu (hahn-get-sue) "Half Moon" (also called Seishan) (32 movements)
- Nijushiho (nee-joo-shee-hoh) "24 Steps" (also called Niseishi) (33 movements)
- Ji’in (jee-een) "Temple Grounds" (also called Shokyo) (35 movements)
- Unsu (oon-soo) "Cloud Hands" (48 movements)
- Gojushiho-dai (goh-joo-shee-hoh die) "54 Steps" (also called Useshi or Hotaku) (62 movements)
- Wankan (wahn-kahn) "Crown of a King" (also called Shiofu and Hito) (16 movements)
- Meikyo (mayk-yoh) "Mirror of the Soul" (also called Rohai) (34 movements)
- Gojushiho-sho (goh-joo-shee-hoh show) "54 Steps" (a transformation of Gojushiho-dai, 65 movements)
Note: These kata are not necessarily listed in the order they are learned. For grading requirements, refer to the B.C. Tsuruoka Karate Association’s “Mandatory Kata for Grading” sheet.