Rules & Terminology

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Basic Karate Dictionary

The following Japanese words are the basic ones used in the karate dojo.
You will find it easier to learn these terms if you listen closely during class
and use these terms when talking about karate.

Term Pronunciation Definition

Dojo

Hai

Hajime

Gi

Karate

Kata

Kihon

Kumite

Kiai

Mokuso

Osu

Otagai ni rei

Rei

Sensei ni rei

Sensei

Sempai

Shomeni-rei

Undo

Yoe

Yowaku

Yame

Yukkuri

doh-joh

hi

hah-jee-meh

gee

kah-ra-tay

kah-tah

kee-hone

koo-me-tay

kee-eye

maw-koo-so

oss

ah-tah-gani-ray

ray

sensay-knee-ray

sen-say

sem-p-eye

show-may-knee-ray

aan-do

yahee

ya-wah-kaa

yah-mey

yaa-kaa-ree

training hall

"yes" or "ok"

begin/start/go

uniform

empty hand

forms

basic techniques

sparring

yell/scream

meditation

traditional greeting

bow to each other

bow

bow to teacher

teacher

senior student

bow to flag

exercises/callisthenic

ready

move lightly

stop

move more slowly


Regions of the Body
Term Pronunciation Definition

Jodan

Chudan

Gedan

joe-don

chew-don

gay-don

face/neck/head

chest/side/back

below waist


Numbers
Number Pronunciation Number Pronunciation

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

Ichi

Ni

San

Shi

Go

Ro-ku

Shichi

Hachi

Kyu

Ju

echee

nee

san

she

go

row-koo

she-chee

ha-chee

keyoo

joo

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

Ju-ichi

Ju-ni

Ju-san

Ju-shi

Ju-go

Ju-roku

Ju-shichi

Ju-hachi

Ju-ku

Ni-ju

joo-echee

joo-nee

joo-san

joo-she

joo-go

joo-row-koo

joo-see-chee

joo-ha-chee

joo-koo

nee-joo


Glossary of Techniques
Term Definition

Age Uke

Gedan Barrai

Gyakuzuki

Kata

Kiba Dachi

Kihon

Kizami

Kokutsu Dachi

Maegeri

Maigeri Rengeri

Mawashigeri

Mawashigeri Rengeri

Nekko Ashi Dachi

Nukite

Oizuki

Sanbon Zuki

Shizentai

Shuto Uke

Soto Uke

Tate Uraken Uchi

Tsuki

Uke

Uchi Uke

Ushiro Geri

Yoko Enpi Uchi

Yoko Keage Geri

Yoko Kekomi Geri

Yoko Uraken Uchi

Zenkutsu Dachi

Rising Block

Downward Block

Reverse Punch

Form

Horse Stance

Basic Techniques

Lead Side

Back Stance

Front Kick

Double Front Kick

Round House Kick

Double Round House Kick

Cat Stance

Spear Hand Thrust (straight)

Lunge Punch

Triple Punch

Natural Stance

Knife Hand Block

Inward Block

Back Fist Strike (downward)

Punch

To Block

Outward Block

Back Kick

Elbow Strike (sideward)

Side Snap Kick

Side Thrust Kick

Back Fist Strike (sideward)

Forward Stance