Aoinagi Karate

The Whole Aoinagi Glossary Being Too Many Words

age (ah-gay)

rising, moving upward

age empi uchi (ah-gay M-P oo-chee)

rising elbow strike

age te (ah-gay the

) Rising hands. This is to cover the eyes much the same as in our "yoi."

age uke (ah-gay oo-kay)

rising or up block

ai (eye)

to concentrate

aikido (eye-key-doh)

a Japanese martial art which uses an opponents momentum against himself

ainoko (eye-noh-koe)

a person with mixed ancestors, usually a mother from Okinawan stock and a father from European stock. This term was not particularly respectful, at least to the Japanese who often used it. Most ainoko came from Itoman.

ainuke (eye-new-kay)

simultaneous strikes with simultaneous blocks or avoidance; endless missing of techniques

aiuchi (eye-uu-chee)

simultaneous strikes; mutual slaying (see ainuke)

aiumi (eye-yume-me

) a step or pace

aiumiashi (eye-yume-me-ah-she)

the normal stepping forward or backward done in a cresent-shaped manner

aka (ah-kah)

the color red

Amaterasu (ah-mah-tear-ah-sue)

the legendary sun goddess who founded Japan and gave birth to the royal line still holding the office in Japan

Annam ()

an old name for Vietnam as were Namviet and French Indochina (which included sections of Cambodia and Laos too).

aoi (ah-oh-ee)

the color blue

Aoinagi (ah-oh-ee-naw-ghee)

the name of our system; the name means "green willow tree." It may also be written Aoyagi, Aoinage or Seiryu (believe it or not). Aoi, Sei = Green; Nagi, Yagi, Ryu = willow or willow tree

Arakaki Ankichi (are-ah-kah-key an-key-chee)

Sensei Arakaki Ankichi was Sensei Richard Kim's first karate instructor back in 1927. Sensei Arakaki was a student of Yabu Kentsu.

Arakaki no kon (ah-rah-kah-key)

an Okinawan bo kata developed by Arakaki Seisho in the 1880s.

Arakaki Seisho (are-ah-kah-key)

an Okinawan karate master who learned from Bushi Matsumura

Araki Ryu (ah-raw-key)

A system of martial arts which included many empty-hand methods developed by Araki Mujinsai mataemon Monamoto (1584-1637)

arigato (ah-rhee-ga-toe)

thank you (semi polite)

ashi (ah-she)

foot or leg

ashi barai (ah-she bah-rye)

foot sweeps

ashi orishiku (ah-shee oh-rhee-she-koo)

Leg kneeling position (see fuko gamae). Migi is the right leg down; hidari is the left leg down.

ashikubi (ah-she-koo-bee)

ankle

ashiwaza (ah-she-wah-zah)

foot techniques; in judo these are foot sweeps, etc; in karate these are ways of moving and turning using the feet

asoko (ah-sew-ko)

over there

atama (ah-tah-mah)

The head

ategeiko (ah-teh-gay-ko)

striking practice; a training method where one person continuously strikes at the other in rapid succession of techniques

atemi waza (ah-tem-ee wah-zah)

techniques for striking vital targets

ato (ah-toe)

backwards, usually used in a command to move backwards using a technique instead of forward using the technique (compare to mae)

ato no saki ()

see "go no sen"

awase shuto age uke (ahh-wah-say)

a block with the wrists "tied together" (found in the kata Kosokun)

awase uke (ah-wah-say)

a block with the wrists "tied" together

bankokuchoki (ban-ko-kew-cho-key)

a metal ring used as a concealed weapon

banzai (bahn-zai)

many lives!, hurrah!, charge!

barai (bar-eye

) sweeping

Bassai (bah-sigh)

To Penetrate a Fortress: see also Passai or Patsai (Okinawan names for this kata)

batto-jutsu (bah-toe)

a form of sword-drawing, iaido

bersilat (bur-see-lot)

The Malayan weaponless fighting system. It was heavily influenced by Indian and Chinese fighting systems. When translated bersilat means self-defense but it has an interesting legend that besilat was the name of the woman founder of this art. It is said that Bersilat was living in Sumatra in 1511 when she had a series of dreams which taught her this art. The art later was taken to Malaya. The association with a woman founder has led to Malaysian weddings often having demonstrations of Bersilat "kata." There is a public form of Bersilat (silat pulat) and a secretive private combative form (silat buah).

Biographies of the High Priests () (654AD)

written by a Buddhist priest named Tao-hsuan. This text discusses the life and times of Bodhidarma Daruma

biwa (bee-wah)

1) a guitar-like instrument, 2) a lake in central Honshu, Japan

bo (boh)

a six foot long fighting stick; also called kon, rokushakubo

Bodhidharma (boh-hid-dar-mah)

Daruma, To-ma, Ma-to, the 28 patriach of buddhism after Sakyamuni (the historic Buddha) and the 1st partriach of Zen Buddhism in China. He took Dhyana (Chan, Zen) teachings from India to China in 520 AD. He is the legendary founder of Shaolin wushu. Although Daruma was first to introduce Zen into China his teachings were far to difficult and strenuous for the average person to grasp let alone appreciate. Another man came later by the name of Hui-neng who made Zen understandable for the Chinese mind and is truly the Father of Zen in China.

bojutsu (boh-jew-tzoo)

art of using the staff

bokken (boh-ken

) wooden sword

Bokuden, Tsukahara (1490-1571)

(bow-koo-den) A samurai who studied under his father at the Kashima Shrine. Undefeated in 39 battles but he was more interested in self-reflection the concept of mutekatsu of Zen master Takuan (1573-1645) (Note: Lake Biwa Incident)

bonsho (bawn-show)

a huge bell hung in shoro (bell towers) in Shinto monasteries, the striking of which is associated with striking against evil.

Boxer Rebellion ()

A revolution in 1900 which involved many Chinese martial artists in an effort to oust foreign intervention in China's government. It was a devastating defeat for China and left many Chinese martial arts schools extinct. See I Ho Ch'uan.

bu (boo)

military, martial

Bubishi (boo-bee-she)

Chinese book (wu pei chih) on military tactics discussed by the famous karate masters Miyagi Chojun, Higashionna Kanryo and Mabuni Kenwa

budo (boo-doe)

the martial way of life ("do" denotes self-development as opposed to "jutsu" which denotes technical proficiency in combat alone)

budo jiten (ghee-ten)

a budo dictionary (you are looking at one now)

bugei (boo-gay)

old style martial arts (pre 1600's)

bujutsu (boo-jew-tsuu)

martial techniques; the technical knowledge of a form of combat.

buke (boo-kay)

samurai family (See kuge)

Buke Sho-Hatto (show-hat-toe)

Rules for maritla Families living daily life

bunkai (bune-ka-ee)

the application of the movements of kata against an opponent sometimes done as a competition in tournaments

busen (boo-sen)

military college

bushi (boo-she)

a warrior; lit. war-person; see shugyosha, samurai

Bushi no Nasaki ()

“the tenderness of a warrior”, mercy and gentleness that balances militarism

bushido (boo-she-dough)

the way of the warrior; a code of ethics and etiquette that guides the martial artist in his/her effort to lead a respectable life

bushi-no ichi-gon ()

“the word of a samurai”

butokuden (boo-toh-ku-den

) headquarters of the Dai Nippon Butokukai

Butokukai (boo-toh-ku-ka-ee)

the Japanese martial arts organization; lit. military virtue organization (See Dai Nippon Butokukai, Zen Bei Butokukai)

Carnation Eyebrow Rebels ()

The first Chinese anti-government revolutionaries using martial arts as a means to overthrow a government. They were so successful that they spurned the development of a long list of Chinese Secret Societies aimed at political revolutions (White Lotus Society, Three Incense Sticks, The Rationalist Society, The Eight Diagrams).

cha no iro (chah)

the color brown

Ch'an ()

the Mandarin Chinese way of saying Zen.

Chang-Tsu (Chang-sue)

(369?-286 BC) A Chinese philosopher who makes a strong appeal for individual spiritual freedom so that he can rise above the mundane. chanoyu (cha-noh-yoh) the tea ceremony

Chao Hsu Lai (che-oww)

Sifu Chao was Sensei Richard Kim's first Shorinjiryu Kenpo instructor in 1935. He was a Taoist priest who taught in Shanghai, China where Mr. Kim went to study.

Chatan Yara (cha-tahn yah-rah)

There are no less than three famous karate masters of the name Chatan Yara, which means Yara from Chatan province Okinawa. The eldest of these was born about 1680 and studied with Wong Chung-Yoh of Foochow Harbor, Fukien Province China. He taught his sons the karate they were to become famous for. Some versions place an even more elder Chatan Yara during the early years of 1600s. He is famed as being the creator of the first really unique Okinawan karate kata mysteriously called "Seisan" or "13." The mystery revolved around the fact that only the elite few students learned what the "13" stood for.

Chatan Yara no kon ()

an Okinawan bo kata developed in the early 1700s by Chatan Yara.

Ch'en Yuan-pin () (1587-1671)

a Chinese ceramic master who was taken to Japan to teach ceramics to the Daimyo at Owari Province. During his stay in Japan he taught several ronin a form of ch-uan fa that he had learned in China. Ch'en is credited with having introduced striking techniques to the Japanese as an art-form in 1638.

chi (chee)

the breath, vital force or spirit (ki, prana)

chi kung (chee-gung)

chinese art of internal energy

Chiba Shusaku (chee-bah shoe-saw-kew) (1794-1855)

Founder of Hokushin Itto Ryu. It is very competition oriented considering it originated during the later Tokugawa Regime. It is founded on kumi-tachi or mixing blades as a form of sparring

chikudon (chee-koo-dohn)

an imperial warrior position in Okinawa. It is a retained postions (samurai) with a "salary." It is just below satonushi.

chikujojutsu (chee-koo-joe-jew-tsoo)

the science of fortification

Chin Gempei (1587-1674) (chin gehm-pay)

AKA Ch'en Yuan-pin. He is accredited with giving an important impetus to the technical aspects of Japanese ju-jutsu. It is interesting that he was born in China and later migrated into Japan during the Edo Period. He taught three ronin who later developed their own styles: Fukuno Shichiroemon, Isogai Jirozaemon and Miura Yojiemon.

Chinatown ()

The west coast of the United States has numerous Chinatowns. Most famous is in San Francisco. These local communities of Chinese descendants were forced into restricted areas of the community for mutual protection in the late 1800s. The first reference to a Chinatown in San Francisco was in the newspaper in 1853. At this time the Chinese had formed a community because of language and cultural differences. They bound together at first for sharing similar beliefs and language and to help each other move into American culture. But they were barred from moving into the culture by prejudice which developed in the 1870s as the Chinese competed for jobs along side the occidental American. In the 1880s Chinatown became very defensive. The Chinese became the targets of every form of violent crime known to exist. T'angs (gangs) of fighters developed and offered the Chinese populace "protection" against the occidentals but were far more frequently the cause of crime in Chinatown. The situation became desperate by 1882. Chinen (Chee-nen)

An Okinawan weapon master in Yamane Ryu. He developed many of the bo kata used today; Shiu-Shi no kon, Shirotaru no kon, Yonegawa no kon. Chinen taught many masters in kobudo and karate. These include Oshiro Choki and Yabiku Moden

Chinen Shichanaka (chee-nen she-chee-nah-kah`)

An Okinawan master of weapons. He learned from Sueishi. And developed the Chinen Shichanaka no kon kata.

Chinen Shichanaka no kon ()

An Okinawan bo kata developed by Chinen Shichanaka after years of study under the master Sueishi.

Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 ()

After the gold rush in California subsided and the cross-America railroad had been built there were many Chinese looking for employment. They were in competition with occidentally descended Americans. The occidental population grew prejudiced towards the Chinese as they had become prejudiced towards the African. The prejudice led to the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 where no Chinese could enter any territory of the United States and become a citizen. It later evolved (1904) into total exclusion of Chinese even as laborers.

Chinese Physical Culture Association ()

This association was founded in Honolulu, Hawaii in 1922. It promoted ch'uan-fa and had several instructors teach their arts (exclusively to Chinese descendants at first). The Hawaiians could not pronounce ch'uan-fa. They called it kung-fu, an easier name to pronounce and a name which has become popular in America.

Ch'ing Dynasty () (1644-1912 AD)

--This is a Period when Mongols ruled China and required the native Chinese to wear the Queue as a sign of subservience to them. Most of the Chinese people hated this Period and felt the ruling class to be the enemy. Many secret societies of martial artists formed to rebel against the tyranny during this Period.

Chin-ling ()

The meeting place of Bodhidharma Daruma and the Emperor Wu. It is now found under the name of Nanking, China.

Chintei (chin-tay)

1) The power to press down of a younger woman. 2) Extraordinary hands or incredible hand; invisible hand

Chiru Yonamine (chee-rue yoh-nah-mee-neh)

a remarkable Okinawan bushi-family woman with extraordinary skill as a fighter. She is probably responsible for making her husband great (Bushi Matsumura) and for passing to us the three major all-women's karate kata (Chintoshi, etc).

Chito Ryu (chee-toe rue)

style of karate founded by Dr. Chitose

Chomo Hanagi (cho-moe hah-nah-ghee)

the first person to use the term empty-hand (karate) rather than T'ang-hand (karate). This was in 1906 and he wrote it in his book Karate Soshu Hen. This change was not standard until 1937 when an association of karate masters accepted the empty-hand characters.

choshin (cho-sheen)

a sycophant, who steals his master’s affection by obsequiousness

chotto (cho-toe)

just a minute, wait; a more polite way is "chotto matte kudasai"

chotto matte kudasai (mah-tay koo-dah-sa-ee)

one moment please

Cho-Un no kon ()

an Okinawan bo kata whose name means "butterfly-cloud"

Chow, William ()

Chow is an enigma. He received his shodan from Dr. James Mitose in 1946. By 1949 he had started his own branch school at the Nuuanu YMCA. By 1972 Chow had taught Edmund Parker his style of kempo-karate, a term he seems to have taken from Chojun Miyagi. chu (chew) middle

Chu Hsii () (1130-1200)

A Sung Dyansty philosopher who developed the philosophy called Tei-Sho (Shu-Shi in Japanese). This philosophy was built on humanism in the sense that it valued human relationships rather than devine law. The Bafuku followed this branch of neo-confucianism as a favorite for hundreds of years.

ch'uan (chew-ahn)

fist or boxing

Ch'uan fa (chew-ahn fah)

way of the fist, Chinese precursor of karate

ch'uan fa ()

the Mandarin way of saying kempo.

chudan (chew-dawn)

middle (as in the level of a punch)

chudan gamae ()

middle guard position

Ch'ueh Yuan shang-jen ()

a Chinese martial artist probably from Honan province who expanded Bodhidharma Daruma's eighteen hands of Lohan to seventy-two hands of Lohan just a few decades after Daruma made the form. It is probable that this man holds the true responsibility for turning the Shaolin Temple into a military arts academy. Daruma was most interested in Zen meditation and exercise. Yuan was more interested in military offense and defense.

chui (chew-ee)

a warning given at a tournament for breaking a rule (see hansoku)

dachi (dah-chee)

stance

dai (die)

large, larger, greater

Dai Nippon Butokukai (die-knee-pone boo-tok-ku-ka-ee)

The Greater Japanese Military Virtue Organization

daidairo (dah-ee-dah-ee-row)

the color orange

Daidoji Yuzan (die-doh-ghee you-zahn)

Wrote the Budo shoshin-shu, a martial arts primer in 1686. He emphasized the ethical code of the warrior.

Daidojo Yuzan (Die-doh-joh You-zahn)

wrote the Budo Shoshin-Shu (Martial Ways Primer) in 1686. It is an ethical code of the warriors of his day

daimyo (dah-me-yo)

a landed overlord in feudal Japan

daisho (die-show)

a pair (big and small); a pair of swords

daito (die-toe)

sword, wooden sword, katana

Daito Ryu (die-toe rue)

a style of armed and unarmed martial arts dating from the Heian period in Japanese history. It was founded by Minamoto Yoshimitsu who passed it down through 16 generations of the Takeda family to Yoshida Kotaro

damashi (dah-mah-she)

raw fighting spirit

dan (dahn)

a step (on a flight of stairs) a level or grade or degree (of black belt)

danna ()

patron

Daruma (dahr-uum-ah)

see bodhidharma

deshi (deh-she)

disciple, student

dhyana ()

The Sanskrit way of saying Zen.

djuroes (jew-rows)

the Indonesian equavalent of karate kata. See langkas.

do (doe)

This is a cut used in kendo, naginata and other weapon arts. It is aimed at the midsection of the opponent and comes from a side-sweeping action.

do (doe)

the fifth stage of the menkyo system. Another term for 'enlightenment.'

do (doe)

the way; art practiced as a way of life (Chinese = Tao)

do (doe)

torso, waist, chest protector in kendo

Dogen (doe-ghen)

the founder of Soto Zen in 1228

dogu (doe-goo)

The armor of modern kendo, naginata and other martial arts.

dojo (dough-joe)

the training hall, place-of-the-way

dojo kun (dough-joe koon)

dojo precepts

domo (doe-moe)

thanks, sorry; this is a familiar form of thank you; for comparison see arigato

domo arigato (ah-rhee-gah-toe)

thank you very much; this is a very polite form of thank you

domo arigato gozaimasu (goh-zah-ee-mah-su)

you very much for what you have done

dozo (doe-zoh)

please, do this

dozo (doh-zoh)

a brief way of saying please

dozukuri (doe-zoo-koo-rhee)

This is a concept in kyudo where the body is placed squarely on support afforded by legs.

embu (M-boo)

a prearranged 45-65 second skit for competition

embusen (M-boo-sen)

the line of force between opponents; the performance line of a kata

Empi (M-pee)

"Flying Swallow" kata

empi uchi (M-pee oo-chee)

elbow strikes (see hiji ate): there are five; age, yoko, mawashi, ura, otoshi

empi uke ()

elbow block

en (N)

circle

en uke ()

circle block, also known as cho uke

ensho ensho (enn-show)

back of the heel; (see kagato)

escrima (es-cree-mah)

a Philippine weapon system where two short sticks are used (see kali)

Feng, Gia-Fu ()

A Tai Chi instructor in Big Sur, CA who taught the value of physical movement and meditation-in-action. Feng was also the translator of the Tao Te Ching into English along with a co-author Jane Engleish.

fudo (fuu-doh)

immovable

fudo dachi (foo-dough)

immovable stance. Named after the Japanese god of Fudomyoo. This stance is used by sumo wrestlers. It is similar to a shiko dachi with toes turned all the way out to the sides.

fudo myo (fuu-doh me-yoh)

a buddhist divinity of immovability and fire

fudoshin (foo-doh-sheen)

immovable mind. This is the ability to meet any situation with composure. No Panic.

Fuji San ()

famous Mount Fuji in Japan

Fujiwara Sadaie (fuji-wah-rah sah-dah-ee-eh)

(1162-1241) Japanese poet who wrote the yugen or" ten forms". He was also known as Teika.

Fujiwara Toshinari (Fuji-wahr-ah Toe-she-nah-rhee)

(1114-1204)-Japanese poet of moderate renown. Also known as Shunzei.

Fukien Coast (foo-key-N)

This is a part of China's coastline far to the east and bordering on the China Sea. It was a point of much trade between Okinawa and China during the feudal period (after 1600AD). Many great martial artists lived along the Fukien Coast. They taught the visiting Okinawans many techniques and sometimes the deeper meaning of their arts.

fuko gamae (foo-ko ga-mah-ee)

a stance with one knee on the ground

fukuro shinai ()

a mock sword covered with leather or cloth

fumikomi geri (foo-mee-koh-mee)

stomping type kicks (mae, ushiro, uchi, soto)

Funakoshi Gichen (foo-nah-koe-shi) (1869-1957)

--Sensei Gichen Funakoshi is the most famous karate instructors in the world. He at 55 years old began teaching karate in Japan at the insistence of Jigoro Kano (the creator of the sport of judo). Funakoshi created (although he would deny it) shotokan karate. Funakoshi's karate name was "shoto" from which the name shotokan comes. The name means "the school of the calligrapher."

furoba (foo-row-bah)

the neighborhood bathouse often with a laundry

furoshiki (foo-roe-she-key)

a cloth used by Japanese and Okinawan people to transport various goods. At Aoinagi Karate we use furoshiki to wrap up our belts for protection and transportation.

fusen-gachi (foo-sen gah-chee)

victory by default

fusuma (foo-sue-mah)

sliding doors

gaijin (gah-ee-gene)

a foreigner in Japan

gakko (gah-ko)

school

Gankaku (gahn-kaw-koo)

kata formerly known as Chinto; it means "Crane Standing on a Rock"; lit. Crane Rock

gassho (gah-show)

bow or salutation done with hands together in prayer position

gasshuku (ga-shoe-koo)

extracurricular training outside the dojo

gedan (gay-dawn)

lower as in a punch to the lower abdomen

gedan barai (bah-rye)

low sweeping

gedan kamae (kah-my)

low guard position

gedan morote uke (moh-roh-the)

low reinforced block

gedan tsuki (tzoo-key)

low punch; also pronounced gadanzuki

gedan ude uke (uu-day)

low forearm block

genjutsushi (gehn-jew-tsoo-she)

“a master of illusion technique”

genkan (genn-kahn)

entrance hall

geri (gehr-rhee)

kicking technique, kick (see keri)

getsu (geht-tzoo)

the moon

gi (ghee)

the uniform of karate training

Ginowan Donchi (Ghee-no-whan Doen-chee)

This man was a top bo weapon student of Karate Sakugawa.

giri (ghee-ree)

obligation, duty

gishi (ghee-she)

“a man of rectitude”, an honourable title bestowed on those who had mastered the art of rectitude.

go (go)

five; hard

go no sen ()

a developmental martial skill which means after-comes-before; also called "ato no saki"; as your opponent begins his attack you catch him off guard and strike him first

Go Rin No Sho ()

Miyamoto Mushashi's "Book of Five Rings", written in the last weeks of his life in 1645 while he lived in a cave; it is a book of strategy

godan ()

a fifth degree black belt; the fifth in a series

gohon kumite (go-hone)

This is five-step sparring. Each partner takes five steps and attacks or defends.

Goju Ryu (goh-jew rue)

one of four styles of karate; this style was created by Miyagi Chojun

Gojushiho (goh-jew-she-hoe)

54, an advanced gyo kata

gokyu (goh-key-uu)

first green belt; 5th kyu

gomen nasai (goh-men-nah-sah-ee)

excuse me

Goshinjitsu (goh-shin-jit-t'sue)

a style of karate; lit. self defense

guai bun (guu-ai-boo-nn)

external bearing that many students have at the beginning of their training in martial arts.

guruma (goo-rue-mah)

wheel

guruma geri ()

wheel kick

gyaku (ghee-ya-ku)

reverse, usually referring to a body position

gyaku mikazuki geri (mee-kah-zoo-key)

reverse crescent kick

gyaku shuto (ghee-ah-koo shu-toe)

reverse chop

gyaku zenkutsu dachi ()

reverse front stance

gyakuzuki (gyaku tsuki) (ghee-ya-ku-zoo-key)

--reverse punch (left hand when right foot forward)

gyo (ghee-yoh)

training; the first license in the menkyo system

gyosha (ghee-yoh-shaw)

a trainee

ha (hah)

leaf, branch, often used to signify a branch of an organization, i.e., Aoinagi-ha is a branch of the style Shito-ryu

hachi (ha-chee)

eight

hachi maki (mah-key)

headband; worn mostly by Goju-ryu practitioners; signifies the student is ready to work hard

hachidan (ha-chee-dahn)

eighth degree black belt; eighth in a series

hachikyu (ha-chee-key-uu)

high blue belt; 8th kyu

Hachiman (ha-chee-mahn)

The shinto religion's god of War

Hagakure (ha-gah-kur-re)

a book of stories and lessons about ancient martial arts training

hai (ha'yee)

yes, correct

haiku (ha-ee-ku)

a form of Japanese poetry 3 lines of 5-7-5 syllables often used in samurai life

haishu (ha-ee-shoe)

back of the hand

haishu uchi ()

back of the hand strike

haishu uke ()

back of the hand block while the hand is open

haito (ha-ee-toe)

ridge hand

hajime (ha-gee-meh)

a command to begin

hakama (haw-kaw-maw)

koolats worn at times, its like a baggy pair of pants which look like a skirt

hakuda (hah-koo-dah)

a Japanese term used to refer to Chinese type martial arts forms. It actually means "to beat by hand."

Hamahiga (hah-mah-hee-gah)

An island in the north of Okinawa famous for its weapons forms on the bo, sai and tonfa.

Hamahiga (hah-mah-hee-gah)

An island in the Okinawan chain famous for its many weapon kata

han (hahn)

half

hanamachi (hah-nah-mah-chee)

group, selection

Hangetsu (hahn-geht-tzoo)

A kata meaning Half-Moon; same kata as Seisan

hangetsu dachi ()

a half-moon stance; is like a wide sanchin dachi. It is used in the kata Seisan.

hanko: (hahn-koe)

personal seals, often made of ivory, with which a Japanese would sign all of their letters or documents.

hanshi (hahn-she)

master instructor, honorary title given at or after hachidan

hanshi dai ()

the heir apparent of a school; headmaster of a school (ryu)

hansoku (hahn-so-koo)

a violation or foul; usually indicates expulsion from a match at a tournament (see chui)

hantei (hahn-tay)

a judge or his judgement at a tournament

hara (hah-rah)

the belly or abdomen

haragei (hah-rah-gay)

The art of working from the ki or energy stored in the hara (belly or center of gravity of the body).

hasami (hah-sah-me)

scissors

Hashi ()

a man who unified Okinawa in 1429 as a kingdom. At first the areas of the islands were divided into Hokuzan (north), Chuzan (middle) and Nanzan (south). Hashi renamed these arease Kunigami, Nakagami and Shimajiri. Hashi wisely emphasized trade because Okinawa had no natural resouces. He took his able bodied seamen and sailed to China, Phillippines, Indonesia, Korea, Japan and anywhere else his ships could reach. Hashi's foresight led to the establishment of no less than 44 embassies around south-east Asia between 1432 and 1570.

hashi (hah-she)

chopsticks

hasso (hah-so)

An engagement position for fighting used by a variety of Japanese martial arts, i.e., kendo, naginata, kobudo.

hasso gamae

(hah-sew gah-my) holding a weapon up by one's shoulder

hatamoto

(hah-tah-moh-toe) during the Edo period, a samurai falling under the direct command of the Shogun

hatamoto

(hah-tah-moe-toe) These were fighting men of low social standing in war. The term translates to bannermen because they often carried banners into war.

Hawaii Karate Congress ()

An organization created to promote karate as a sport in Hawaii and to promote goodwill among practitioners of the sport. This organization was created by Paul Yamaguchi, Carlton Shimomi, Mitsugi Kobayashi, George Miyasaki and Kenneth Murakami in 1961. In 1959 these same men created the Hawaii Karate Association.

Hawaii Karate Seinin Kai ()

The first organization ever to allow occidentals to study karate. In 1933 this organization was formed in Honolulu, Hawaii by Zuiho Mutsu, Kamesuke Higaonna and Thomas Miyashiro. It lasted until 1936 when Thomas Miyashiro retired.

Hayashi Razan (hah-yah-she Rah-zahn) (1583-1657)

A little known philosopher who rivaled Wang Yang Ming philosophy.

Hayashizaki Jinsuke ()

A controversial kenjutsu expert of the early Tokugawa Period who is attributed with creating a sword-drawing syle called batto-jutsu (iai-jutsu). The name of his style was Junpaku Den.

Heian (hay-ahn)

Heian Kata is Pinan Kata; Japanese name for Okinawan word Pinan; means Peaceful-Peaceful

Heian Period () (794-1184 AD)

a period in Japanese history. The current city of Kyoto was then called Heian (peaceful-peaceful).

Heian Period (hey-ahn) (794-1185)

a period in Japanese history which encompassed the expansion of the islands into Japanese control, the regencies of the Fujiwara and intense cultural refinement modelled on Chinese influence.

heiho (heh-hoe)

strategy

heiho (hey-hoe)

A term which Ittosai applied to his Itto Ryu Heiho. Kenjutsu meant killing to Ittosai so he applied this term to his style in hopes that people would learn not to kill and to use his sword techniques only to protect.

heiko dachi (heh-koe)

shoulder stance with the feet parallel

heiko tsuki ()

parallel punch with both hands simultaneously

heimin (hey-min)

commoners, persons of no official rank or privilege

heisoku (hey-sew-khoo)

1) instep of the foot. 2) a stance with toes and heels together

heisoku dachi (heh-soh-ku)

a stance where the toes and heels are close together as when standing at attention

henka (hen-kah)

change

Henshuho (hen-shoe-hoe)

a specific set of 22 prearranged defenses usually performed with an opponent

here (her-rey)

an Okinawan dialect word for hooligan

hidari (hee-dar-ee)

left (as opposed to right)

higashi (hee-gah-she)

east

Higashionna Kanryo ()

Okinawan karate master of Naha-te karate

hiji ate (hee-gee ah-tay)

another way to say empi uchi (elbow strikes)

hikiwake (hee-key-wah-kay)

Draw in a tournament match

hiragana (hee-rah-gah-nah)

This is a 55 phonetic set used in Japanese to write native Japanese words that the kanji is not known.

hiraken (here-ah-ken)

back fist technique (see uraken)

hirakiashi (here-ah-key-ah-she)

side stepping

Hito kata san nen ()

"One kata-three years" A saying made famous by Funakoshi Gichin; indicates the benefit of training a long time on one kata

hiza (he-zah)

knee

hiza geri ()

knee kick

hojutsu (hoe-jew-tsoo)

the science of firearms

hokke-kyo ()

the Japanese word for the Lotus Sutra

Hokushin Itto Ryu ()

Developed by Chiba Shusaku (1794-1855) this style of swordsmanship is based on kumi-tachi or sparring and competition.

hombu (home-boo)

headquarters of an organization, school

hondo (hone-doh)

main hall of a temple

Hongyo-kyo ()

an ancient Indian Buddhist sutra in which Prince Nanda and Devadatta fight using techniques assumed to be the forerunner of ch'uan-fa and karate

honto (hone-toe)

Truth, fact. Often used as a question "Honto?" meaning is that right or is that true.

hsiang ch'a hsiang p'u ()

an ancient Indian fighting art with deep roots in Buddhism. Mendicant monks were taught and used this form of fighting long before China had martial arts.

Huang-ti ()

The mythical-legendary Yellow Emperor of China who lived 5000 years ago. Some sources of Chinese martial arts history claim that martial arts developed during the reign of this man.

Hui-neng () (637-713 AD)

A Chinese monk who took the difficult abstract ideas of Zen as taught in China at the time and aligned them with Taoism so that the Chinese mind could relate to Zen. His influence on Zen in Chinese culture should not be minimized.

hyaku (hee-yah-koo)

hundred; fast

hyaku hachi ()

108; the name of an advanced kata; also known as peichurin, suparumpei

hyodo (he-oh-doe)

1. Martial methods 2. Military ways (in-depth application of Inyo to military goals): A moral doctrine of the Mugai Ryu founded by Tsuji Getten Sakemochi (1650-1729) in 1695.

I Ho Ch'uan ()

The "Righteous and harmonious Fists" of the Boxer Rebellion. These were a branch of the "Eight Diagrams Society." Both of these organizations were strongly anti-western forces in the Boxer Rebellion.

iai (ee-eye)

literally, to exist together usually connoting the existance of a bushi and his sword

iai goshi (eee-eye goh-she)

theis is a crouching position used in the way of the sword. It is found in certain advanced karate kata. Sometimes called fuko-gamae in karate.

iaido (ee-eye-doh)

the art or way of drawing the sword

iai-jutsu (ee-eye-jew-tsu)

the technique of drawing a sword from its scabbard

ichi (ee-chee)

one

ichiban (ee-chee-bahn)

the best, number one

ichi-go, ichi-e ()

a dojo maxim that teaches everytime is the only time, everytime is the last time; do your best now

I-ching (ee-ching)

The Book of Changes; an ancient chinese classic of numerology; attributed to Kung-fu-tsu (Confucius) by some people but this is improbable

Iie (ee-ee-eh)

no

ikebana (ee-kay-bahn-ah)

the art of flower arranging

ikkajo (ee-kah-joe)

the first technique of daito ryu

Ikken Hissatsu ()

To kill with one blow

ikkyu (ee-key-uu)

the highest mudansha grade; a high brown belt; 1st kyu

India ()

The subcontinent of India was probably one of the earliest places where karate-like art was developed. Classical references are in the Lotus Sutra, the Hongyo-kyo, the vajramushti and the dance called nata.

inyo (eeN-yo)

contrast especially in art, such as fast and slow are contrast in the art of karate; the active and receptive principles of nature symbolized by Yin-Yang ideology

ippon (ee-pone)

one; one point given in a tournament for a very good technique

ippon ken ()

one raised-knuckle strike

ippon kumite (koo-me-the)

one step sparring

ippon seioinage ()

one arm over the shouder throw in judo techniques

ippon shobu (show-boo)

one point match

isagiyoi (ee-sah-ghee-yoh-ee)

(see isagiyoku)

isagiyoi (ee-sah-ghee-yoh-ee)

'The pure clean spirit' of a martial artist. Cleaning up 'ordinary reality' so as to allow growth beyond the karate-ka's previous life-style, ie, nutrition, exercise, rest, recreation, intrinsic value and etc.

Iso Mataemon (d 1862) ()

Founded Tenjin Shin'yo Ryu. This ryu was based primarily on unarmed combat with many atemi waza. Hence it is much like karate from Okinawa.

issei (ee-say)

The first generation Japanese. As an example a person born in Japan moves to California. This person is an issei. This person's children are nisei. This person's grandchildren are sansei.

isshin (ee-she-N)

oneness of concentration, un-disturbed attention; lit. one heart

Itadakimasu (ee-tah-dah-key-mass)

I humbly accept; a statement made by the head of the table at supper before eating any food

Ito Kagehisa (1560-1653) ()

Founded Itto Ryu, a sword style based on the use of only one sword. His martial arts name was Ittosai, one-sword-man.

Itoman (ee-toe-mahn)

a provence in southern Okinawa. The men of this province were often killed at sea by typhoons off the southern tip of the islands. European men who came to Okinawa found many available women, some with ready-made familes. Often they married producing a special group of people with mixed ancestors in Itoman.

Itoman Bunkichi (boon-key-chee)

an "ainoko" from Itoman Province, Okinawa whose history is clouded by a fact that records of him were destroyed by both World War II and racial prejudice. He was probably a very powerful martial artist of the highest calibre. No one really knows. All that remains of his history is more folklore than supportable fact. One such folklore which may have more truth than fiction is that Bunkichi created an ancient version of the kata Annanku Itosu Yasutsune (ee-toe-sue yah-sue-tzoo-neh) an Okinawan karate master (1830-1915). Itosu learned from the great Bushi Matsumura starting in 1846. In 1905 Itosu demonstrated the power of karate to the Japanese by defeating one of their great judoka. At the time Itosu was 75 years old! Itosu taught Mabuni Kenwa of Shito-Ryu, Funakoshi Gichen of Shotokan and others

Itto Ryu ()

A one-sword style of kenjutsu developed by Ito Kagehisa (1560-1653). It is based on the kiri-otoshi or cutting down technique.

Ittosai ()

the martial arts name of the master Ito Kagehisa. He founded Itto Ryu based on fighting with only one sword.

Iwa no mi (ee-wah no me)

a body like a rock, physically powerful and undefeatable

Izasa Choiisaai Ienao (1386-1488) ()

The founder of one of the earliest martail traditions in Japan, Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto Ryu. The extreme moral convictions of this man led him to leave the service of Yoshimasa's bafuku, retire from public life and become a monk at Katori shrine, hence the name of the ryu.

Jade Emperor ()

A mythical Taoist deity said to have inspired the Boxer Rebellion of 1900.

Japanese Exclusion Act ()

This act passed by the United States Congress in 1924 excluded all Japanese and Okinawan migrations into America and American protectorate lands. It effectively halted Japanese from entering Hawaii. The reason for the passage of this act was to protect Hawaii. The Japanese family units were such good farmers that they out-produced the local occidental farms per acre. The competition was eliminated by exclusion of more Japanese families.

jigotai (gee-goh-tah-ee)

a resistance or strongly defensive stance usually used in judo shiai especially by beginners

jikan (ghee-can)

the time especially at a tournament when the time has run out

Jikishin Ryu (gee-key-sheen)

An unarmed form of martial arts in Japan created by Terada Kan'emon. He insisted that his form of martial arts was different than jujutsu. He called in 'Ran' for freedom and 'Ran o Toru' for to take freedom.

jiku ashi (ghee-kew ah-she)

pivot leg

jimbaori (jim-bah-oh-rhee)

a war surcoat

jin (gin)

benevolence

jinja (gheen-jah)

shinto shrines

Jion (ghee-own)

1) Name of a kata about respect for father, maleness, manhood, men, the Yang Principle or to he who does favor towards you. 2) Temple Bells: Temple Bell's Sound or temple bells. 3) Buddhist temple name; Gratitude for the Bhudda

jiten (gee-ten)

dictionary

jitsu (gee-tsu [like chew with ts sound])

calm concentration

Jitte (ghee-tay)

1) A kata about respect for karate. 2) Ten hands

jo (joe)

a four foot long fighting stick

jodan (joe-dawn)

high (in direction), upward

jodan kamae (joe-dawn kah-mah-ee)

This is a engagement postion for fighting used in a number of weapons systems. It is done by holding the weapon above the head with both hands raised. This is generally considered a safe engagement postion.

jodan uke (joe-dawn ou-key)

up block

jogai (joe-guy)

outside of the ring

ju (jew)

ten; soft or gentle

judo ()

an olympic sport of throwing and mat work, lit. gentle way

juikkyu (jew-ee-key-uu)

white belt; 11th kyu but usually not considered a kyu at all

jujutsu (jew-jew-sue)

A group of Japanese martial arts emphasizing kumi-tachi or grappling techniques. It was probably started early in the Edo Period to meet the changing times and needs of the community. Often called the 'soft' or 'gentle' techniques.

jukendo ()

A Taiwanese boxing style. It means soft-fist way.

jukyu (jew-key-uu)

orange belt; 10th kyu

jutsu (jew-tzoo)

technique or techniques

jutte (jew-tay)

This is a short forked metal weapon. It was carried by many to protect themselves during their sojourns.

jyu-kumite (jew-koo-me-the)

Free sparring as in a tournament

kabuki (kah-boo-key)

A style of play where the actors perform very exagerated, ritualized movements. Originated during Tokugawa Era being greatly influenced by the commoners.

kabukimono ()

Edo warriors who degenerated into street fighting, robbery and knavery in order to stay alive when the wars stopped.

kabuto (kah-boo-toex)

helmet

kachi (kah-chee)

winner, victory

kagato (kaw-gaw-toe)

heel of the foot

kagato geri ()

heel kick, back kick (see ushiro geri)

kage tsuki (kah-gay)

cross body punch

kahatriya ()

this is a term used to denote the warrior class in India. It was from this class that Bohidharma Daruma was born.

kai (kah'ii)

1) organization, i.e., butoku kai; 2)an oar as used on small boats which are sometimes used as makeshift weapons

kaiden (ka'ee-den)

the deep intuitive secrets of a master which are learned only by years of experience, and can only be taught by similar experience

kaishaku (kah-ee-shaw-koo)

the assistant to the samurai who is committing ritual suicide; his duty to crouch at his left side and watch the samurai’s face and decapitate the samurai before he should dishonour himself with a sound or grimace of pain

kaishu ()

open-handed techniques such as chops, nukite. (Compare to taiso.)

kakare geiko (kah-kar-eh gay-ko)

lit. cutting practice (see ategeiko)

kakemono (kah-kay-moe-noh)

hanging scrolls, which may be either paintings or ideograms, used for decorative purposes

kakete (kah-keh-the)

a hook or trapping block

kakete uke nagashi (nah-gah-she)

a hooking sweep block as in Henshuho 20

kakiwake uke (kah-key-wah-kay)

separation block where both hands pry an opponent's grip loose as he grabs your shoulders

kakushi (kah-koo-she)

concealed weapons

kakuto uke (kah-koo-toe)

bent wrist or chicken-head block

kali (kah-lee)

a Philippine fighting system which uses two short sticks called escrima

kama (kah-mah)

a weapon like a sickle usualy used in pairs

kamae (kah-ma-ee)

combative engagement postures; originally for expression of fighting skill but later used as symbols of religious, intellectual, social and even artistic engagement

kamaete (kah-mah-ee-the)

a command to assume a fighting position

Kamakura Period (kah-mah-koo-rah) (1185-1336)

A period in Japanese history marked by the formation of the early bafuku.

kami (kah-mee)

1) God. 2) gods. 3)invisible maturity marked by miyabi in a martial artist (or other artist)

kamikaze (kah-me-kah-zeh)

divine wind (named from a typhoon that destroyed the Mongol invasion in 1284); a Japanese suicide pilot in the Second World War

kamiza (kah-mee-zah)

This is a special area of the dojo with a subtle gentleness and refinement in it. It opposes the stark austerity of the training floor. Within the dojo it is the ying within the yang, the soft within the hard, the female within the male, the deity within the flesh.

kan (kahn)

intuition, intuitive part of life; having had so much experience that one can flow through a situation acting on deeply learned lessons and a minimum of thinking. As an example, a well-practiced aotomobile driver applies the brakes without any thought immediately as he/she sees a child run in front of the car. A well-trained martial artist reacts on the same intuitive level when she is attacked.

Kan ken futatsu no koto ()

The eye and heart both see in danger; a samurai saying that you do not need your eyes to see danger but only your heart.

kana (kah-nah)

Phonetic script developed by the Japanese in the 9th century. There are two syllabaries, hiragana and katakana. Each has 46 kana. Hiragana is used to write verb inflections, pronouns and particles. Katakana is used (today) to write down foreign words. ‘The Tales of Genji”, the world’s first novel, was written in kana.

Kaneho (kah-neh-ho)

Sensei Kaneho was Sensei Richard Kim's first judo sensei starting back in 1926.

kangeiko (khan-gay-koe)

Early morning practice, literally "cold practive."

kanji (kahn-gee)

This is the writing in Japan of Chinese characters. There are other systems in use in Japan also: See Hiragana, Katagana, Romaji.

kan-ken (kahn-ken)

This is the combination of two words; Kan is intuition; Ken is sight. Together the samurai used these words to indicate the seeing and understanding of the inner self through experience. Lack of kan-ken was a catastrophy for it indicated a lack of experience and intuition (surely leading to defeat).

Kanku (kahn-kuu)

the name of a kata which we usually call Kosokun or even Kushanku. The meaning of the name varies but Kanku means "To View the Sky"

Kano Jigoro (kahn-no gee-gore-oh)

founder of modern judo

kansetsu geri ()

kick against a joint

kansetsu waza (kahn-set-tzoo-wah-zah)

joint locking techniques

karate (kah-rah-the)

Okinawan/Japanese empty hand martial art, derived from the ancient tode of Okinawa

karate ka ()

practitioner of karate

karate ni sente nashi ()

a philosophical tenet that there is no advantage in the first strike in a fight

karate-do ()

The path of karate (empty-handed self-defense)

karyukai (car-you-kah-ee)

"flower and willow world", the world of the geisha

kashi (kah-she)

oak or oak tree

kashiki-bo (kah-she-key)

This is a bo made of red or white oak

Kashima Shinto Ryu (kah-she-mah)

A kenjutsu tradition which developed around the Kashima Shrine in the early 1600s. It is closely associated with the Katori Shrine. Tsukahara Bokuden was trained at the Kashima Shrine in this ryu.

Kashima Shrine (kah-she-ma)

A shrine that has a long tradition in martial arts: since the 1400s. Bokkuden was trained at this shrine.

kashiwagi-bo (kah-she-wah-ghee)

This is a bo made from Mongolian oak, a reportedly very strong wood

kata (kaw-taw)

1) prearranged art forms of karate designed to train karateka mentally and physically for life and death battles; 2) the shoulder of the body

katakana (kah-tah-kah-nah)

This is a 55 phonetic set used in Japanese to write foreign words that the kanji is not known.

kataki-uchi (kah-tah-key)

A vendetta against a person or family

kataki-uchi (kah-tah-key-uu-chee)

samurai institution of redress

katana (kah-tan-ah)

a long samurai sword

Katori Shinto Ryu ()

See under full name: Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto Ryu. The oldest Japanese martial tradition.

Katori Shrine (kah-tore-ee)

A shrine in Chiba prefecture which has been associated with martial arts since the early 1400s.

katsu (kah-tzoo)

a martial arts technique which involves the reviving of a fallen opponent. It is a "cure" for the technique used to disable the opponent. It is frequently seen in traditional karate tournaments when one of the contestants has been injured.

Katte, kubuto o o-shime yo! (ka-bu-to oh oh she-me)

After victory tighten your helmet cords!

kawa (kah-wah)

river

kawa no kokoro (kah-wah no koh-koh-roe)

a mind like the river, ever flowing onward; continuity; un-stopable

kaze (kah-zeh)

wind

keagi (kay-ah-ghee)

snapping kicks (see kekomi)

keiko (kay-ee-ko)

practice, usually a set of techniques done with a partner

keikoku (kay-ee-koe-khoo)

A warning given in a tournament for breach of rules.

kekomi (kay-ko-me)

thrusting type kicks (see keagi)

kempo (kehm-poe)

"the way of the fist." This is generally regarded as a Chinese form of self-defense similar to karate

kempo karate ()

these are a set of karate-like fighting schools which are popular in Hawaii. They emphasize sets of yakusoku kumite and jyu-kumite. They often claim Choki Motobu as the originator of kempo karate.

ken ()

1) fist, 2) sword

ken ()

a "prefecture", the official administrative unit of Japan

ken fat ()

the Cantonese way of saying kempo, or ch'uan fa

Ken no me wa yowaku; kan no me watsuyoi ()

The sight of the eyes is weak; but the sight of intuition is strong. A samurai statement used to indicate that awareness and adaptability in danger lies more in experience and intuition than in what the person sees with his eyes.

Ken Shu Kan (ken-shoe-kahn)

This is the name of Sensei Jamese Miyaji's dojo in Waipahu, Hawaii. It means "fist, foot, school." It is one of the Butokukai affiliated dojo and has been in existence since 1957.

Ken wa me de miru; kan wa kokoro ()

The eyes have ordinary sight; the hearts sees. A samurai saying that the intuition is more likely to see danger than the eyes.

kendo (ken-doh)

Japanese sport of swordsmanship

kenjutsu (ken-jew-tsoo)

sword techniques

kenpo (ken-poe)

fist method, the Japanese pronunciation of chuan fa

kensei (ken-say)

the name of a kata; sword-life; fist-life

kenshi (ken-shee)

an expert swordsman

kensho (ken-show)

sudden enlightenment

keri waza (kay-rhee wah-zah)

kicking techniques

khilap (key-lahp)

a Java kun-tow style of unarmed combat from Djakarta

ki (key)

internal spirit, life-force, breath

Ki kara saru no ochiru ()

"Even monkeys fall out of trees." Or everyone makes mistakes, it is only natural.

kiai (key-eye)

1. the yell of karate, a shout delivered for the purpose of focusing all of one's energy into a single moment
2. integration; simultaneous union of spirit, mind and body into one integral unit.
3. lit. to concentrate spirit

kiba dachi (key-bah)

male horse-riding stance, horse stance (feet straight forward)

kihon (key-hone)

the basics of karate

kiku (key-koo)

the chrysanthemum (the royal flower of Japan)

Kim, Sensei Richard ()

the chief instructor and head of all the Zen Bei Butokukai schools such as the Aoinagi.

kime (key-may)

focus (of a strike on a target); moment of impact where the summation of all physical and mental forces occurs

kimochi (key-moh-chee)

feeling; lit. to have spirit; the use of emotional expression, usually in kata, to deliver ki.

kimono (key-moh-noh)

Japanese robe

kin geri ()

a kick to the groin

Kinjo, Akio ()

The man who took Jukendo from Taiwan to Okinawa. He studied Goju-ryu from Higa and Jukendo from Kinryu on Taiwan.

Kinryu ()

The founder of Jukendo. He was born in Taiwan of two wealthy parents who were martial artists in their own rights. He studied many styles of external and internal ch'uan fa before he synthesized Jukendo. His knowledge of medicine was vital in knowing the human body and how to apply effective strikes and throws. He is also known as Tung Chin-tsan. Kinryu means Golden Dragon.

kiri (key-ree)

to cut

kita (key-tah)

north

Kito Ryu (key-toe)

An unarmed/armed combat first developed for fighting wars before the Tokugawa Era. This ryu's unarmed techniques became the basis of modern Kodokan Judo although in very diluted fashion.

kizami tsuki ()

jab (short sided-oi zuki)

koan (koo-ahn)

An intuitive mind-twister with a question and answer. In karate kata some physical means of answering is often the only correct answer. The koan in martial arts are generally left to the severely training bushi.

Kobayashi, Mitsugi ()

A karate-ka who reintroduced Goju-ryu into Hawaii. Kobayashi studied under the master Higa of Okinawa. Kobayashi was one of the founders of the Hawaii Karate Congress in 1961.

kobudo (koe-boo-doh)

the ancient Okinawan weapons such as the bo, sai, tonfa, nunchaku

kodachi (ko-dah-chee)

short sword

koden (koh-deh-n)

a small amount of money traditionally given to a family mourning the loss of a family member

Kodokan (koe-doe-kahn)

The administrative and training organization of judo in the Olympics.

kogusoku (koe-gew-sew-koo)

grappling in minimal armor

kohai (koe-high)

a person who has been training a shorter time than you; younger brother, younger sister (see sempai)

koko ()

here

koko (koh-koh)

tiger mouth, a throat strike hitting with the web between the thumb and the index finger

kokoro (koe-koe-roe)

spirit, heart, mind (see shin)

kokutsu dachi ()

back stance

kokyu (ko-key'uu)

the breath

kon (kone)

another word for bo or fighting stick

konban wa (kone-bahn wah)

good evening/night

kongorishiki (cone-gore-ee-she-key)

A Japanese word for statues guarding the gate intrances to Buddhist temples. Often these statues demonstrate good karate stances. The original icons probably came from India where they were known as nio Bodhisattvas

konnichi wa (kone-ni-chee wah)

good morning, good day

kontak (cohn-tahk)

a West Java kun-tow style of unarmed combat emphasizing nerve center targets

kosa dachi (koh-sah)

cross-leg stance (kusure=female horse riding stance)

koshi (koe-she)

the ball of the foot is also called the koshi

koshi (koh-she)

hips

koshi no mawari (mah-war-ee)

A form of grappling where the opponent is subdued with a piece of rope during the encounter.

Kotaro Yoshida (koh-tar-oh)

Sensei Yoshida Kotaro was Sensei Richard Kim's primary instructor in Japan before World War II. Sensei Kotaro studied Daito-Ryu aikijutsu from the famous Takeda Sokaku.

kote (koe-the)

protective gloves in weapons training. Can also mean to strike at the forearm.

kote (koh-the)

wrist

kote gaeshi (gah-eh-she)

a wrist lock and throw

kowami (koe-wham-ee)

severe physical exercise (usually of the bushi but may well be the gyo-sha as well)

kris ()

a knife used in Malayan and Indomesian martial arts as a weapon.

ku ()

nine

kudan (kuu-dan)

a 9th dan (also kyudan)

kuge (koo-gay)

aristocratic family in ancient Japan (See buke)

kukyu (koo-key'uu)

first blue belt (9th kyu)

kumade (ku-mah-day)

bear claw strike (with the palm of the hand fingers bent inward)

Kumemura (koo-may-mure-ah)

This is a village near Naha, Okinawa, where Chinese emissaries from the Fukien coast of China had settled. These families, often called the 36 families after their early progenitors, were carefully selected by the Emperor of China for their jobs. Many of the Kumemura families knew and later taught the Okinawan people martial arts.

kumi-tachi (koo-me tah-chee)

A competitive form of sword fighting developed by Chiba Shusaku (1794-1855) in the style of Hokushin Itto Ryu.

kumite (ku-me-teh)

sparring, lit. mixing of hands

kumi-uchi (kew-me-uu-chee)

Grappling techniques developed for in-close fighting especially when in light or no armor. It developed middle to late Tokugawa Era due to masters realizing that the social context of war was gone and the new context was in crime.

kung-fu ()

a termed used for Chinese martial arts by Americans. The more proper term is wushu

kun-tow ()

This term is used to denote a modified Chinese chuan-fa when it is practiced outside of China, especially in Indonesia and Malaya.

kuro (kuu-roe)

black

kuro obi ()

black belt

Kuroshio ()

The black current. This is a sub-tropical current which sweeps from the Philippines north-eastwardly every March to September. It creates typhoons (Pacific hurricanes) and makes travel to and from Okinawa dangerous during this time.

Kushanku (koo-shawn-koo)

A Chinese martial arts master who visited Okinawa as an emissary in the 1750s. He lived in the Chinese section known as Kumemura. After a brief but withered attack by Karate Sakugawa at the Izumizaki bridge Kushanku offered to teach Sakugawa the important lessons of martial arts. Sakugawa studied with Kushanku for many years both before and after the death of his sensei Takahara in 1756.

kusure (koo-sue-reh)

a variation from normal

kusurikama (ku-sue-rhee-kah-mah)

a weapon best described as a chain and sickle

kuzushi (ku-zoo-she)

to set up a momentum when beginning a throw of your opponent, to break the balance of an opponent in a throwing technique

Kwannon (ku'wa-nohn)

the oriental legendary goddess of mercy

Kyan Chotoku (key-ahn cho-toe-ku)

Shorin ryu karate master and student of Matsumura, Itosu and Yabu Kentsu. He believed in the inexorable order of the universe and the need for people to follow that order through the observance of law. He learned karate in Shuri but operated his dojo in Katena. He was a master of kicking techniques, jumping and the kata Seisan

Kyokushinkai (key-oh-ku-shin-ka'ee)

Oyama Masutatsu's karate organization

kyoo (key-yo)

confusion as opposed to jitsu (calm concentration)

Kyo-ré (kyoo-rei)

“empty form”, to sacrifice truth for the sake of politeness

kyoshi (key-yo-she)

honorary title given at about the 7th dan or above level depending on contributions to the art

kyu (key-you)

an under black belt (mudansha) grade

kyucho (key-uu-choe)

the senior mudansha in a dojo

kyudan (key'uu-dahn)

ninth degree black belt

kyudo (key-uu-doh)

the Japanese art of archery

langkas (lang-kass)

The Indonesian equivalent of karate kata. It lacks the forceful kime of Okinawan karate kata. (similar term is djuroes in Indonesian).

Leong, Robert (lee-own)

Mr. Robert Leong is a long-time student of Sensei Richard Kim. He lives in Sacramento.

li (lee)

reason or principle especially underlying some action

Li ()

A Shensi Province martial artist who, along with Ch'ueh, expanded Bodhidharma Daruma's Eighteen Hands of Lohan to 170 and divided the form into dragon, tiger, snake and crane sections. Historically, these two men are reputed to have given moral principles as underlying themes to the Lohan form as well as catagories of animal imitations.

Liang dynasty ()

The Chinese dynasty in power from 502-557 AD. The Eperor Wu of this dynasty met with Bodhidharma Daruma and learned Zen.

Lotus Sutra ()

Called Hokke-kyo in Japanese and Saddharma Pundarika in Sanskrit. This sutra has had profound effect on the people of Nepal and Tibet.

ma ai (mah-eye)

critical distance

Mabuni Kenwa (mah-boo-knee ken-wah)

founder of Shito Ryu karate

Macabe (mah-kaw-bee)

Macabe was known as "bird-man" Macabe because he was so quick and light during his movements. He was one of the "three-musketeers" of the later 1700s. He studied under the great Karate Sakugawa.

machi-yakko (mah-chee-yah-koe)

These were the town gangs of killers during the early Tokugawa Era. They were unemployed townsmen who banned together to rob, kill, maim and steal in local towns. They were rogues.

mae (mah-ee)

front; correct distance

mae (mah-ee)

front; mae ni is in front of

mae empi uchi (mah-ee m-pee oo-chee) front elbow strike

mae geri ()

front kick

mae keagi geri ()

front snap kick

mae kekomi geri ()

front thrust kick

mae tobi geri (toe-be)

flying front kick

makikomi (mah-key-ko-me)

a wrapping, to wrap; a throw in judo and aikido

makiwara (mah-key-wa-rah)

a training device as a pole in the ground with a straw stiking surface

makoto (mah-koe-toe)

1. This is a 'pure' mind or a 'stainless' mind. It is undisturbed by external nonessentials. 2. It also translates to 'sincerity.' 3. It is also enlightenment by hard work.

Maniwa Nen Ryu (mah-knee-wah nehn-rew)

This is a pre-Edo period martial art with the sword. It was mollified in the Tokugawa Era to an art of peaceful living. It has yet another name; kempo. Do not confuse this kempo with the empty-handed karate-like kempo frequently found in America.

manji uke (mahn-ghee)

The term some sensei use for our washi-uke (eagle block) where one arm is high and the other is low on a 180 degree angle.

massugu (mah-sue-goo)

straight ahead

matanuki (mah-tah-new-key)

the practice of piercing one’s own thigh with a sword or some other sharp object as a demonstration of courage

mato (mah-toe)

target

mato uke ()

target block

Matsumoto (mah-sue-moh-toe)

Matsumoto was a generalist karate practitioner who studied under the great Karate Sakugawa. He was one of the "three-musketeers" of the later 1700s. Matsumoto received Karate Sakugawa's menkyokaiden.

Matsumura Sokon (mah-tsu-mur-ra

) karate master in Shuri, Okinawa; founder of Shorin Ryu and developer of the Gojushiho system

Matsumura Sokon (mah-tzoo-moo-rah) (1795-d)

an Okinawan karate master of great renown. He is responsble for systematizing karate and developing a number of karate kata; Rohai, Matsukaze, Bassai and perhaps a precursor to Useishi (Gojushiho). He learned from Karate Sakugawa for three years starting about 1812.

Matsumura Sokon (mah-tsoo-moo-rah)

an Okinawan karate master of considerable renown. He is responsible for the development of the gojushiho system used today at Aoinagi Karate. Matsumura was given the title of bushi by the Okinawan emperor after a display of tremendous bravery and cunning. Some of the karate kata that are attributed to Matsumura include Matsukaze, Rohai, Bassai and a very early version of Useishi (Gojushiho). He trained under Karate Sakugawa.

Matsumura Yonamine (mah-tzoo-moo-rah yoh-nah-mee-neh)

the married name of Chiru Yonamine. She married Bushi Matsumura who she taught many great lessons to during their lives together.

mawashi (mah-wah-she)

a rotation, round, roundhouse

mawashi empi uchi (mah-wah-she)

round elbow strike

mawashi geri ()

roundhouse kick

mawashi kagato geri (kah-gah-toe)

spinning back kick

mawashi ushiro geri (ou-shee-roe)

spinning back kick

mawatte (mah-wah-tay)

a command to turn around

meijin (may-gene)

A master of martial arts. One who has mushin, the state of no-mindness, deeply developed intuition and has achieved self-mastery in the art beyond physical prowess.

men ()

face or head; to strike to the head; head protector padding

menkyo (men-key-yo)

license; a series of training licenses leading towards mastership in martial arts (see gyo, shugyo, sensei, sozosha, shihan)

menkyo kaiden (ka-ee-den)

a license usually given only once in a sensei's lifetime indicating that a student has learned the major secrets of the sensei

men-moku (men-moh-kew)

countenance, face value, appearance

metsubi dachi (met-tzoo-be)

natural stance used when bowing. The heels are together and the toe of the foot apart about six inches (15cm)

michi (mee-chee)

the road, the way or the path. It connotes harmony and peace rather than a rough road.

Middle Kingdom ()

a term used by China to describe itself for thousands of years. China was north of tropical Siam and south of the barbaric sub-arctic Mongols, hence it was the Middle Kingdom.

midori (mee-door-rhee)

the color green

migi (me-ghee)

right (as opposed to left)

migwha (meeg-wah)

a nickname for Kyan Chotoku. The word is Okinawan dialect and refers to the appearance of the eyes.

mikazuki (me-kah-zoo-key)

crescent moon, lit. half-moon

mikazuki geri (me-kah-zoo-key geh-rhee)

cresent kick, lit. half-moon kick

mikomi (me-comb-me)

A kyudo term wher true aim is attained just prior to release of the arrow.

minami (mee-nah-mee)

south

minangkabau (me-nang-kah-bau)

a Sumatran kun-tow style of unarmed combat

Ming Dynasty () (1368-1644)

This period of Chinese history influenced the development of Okinawan karate tremendously. The bo (kon) became an Okinawan art during this period.

mitama (mee-tah-mah)

the spirits of certain deities

Mitose, James () (1916-)

Dr. Mitose was born in Hawaii and is a direct descendant of the family responsible for Kosho-ryu. He studied his ancestral art from 1920-1936 in Kyushu, Japan. He then returned to Hawaii. On December 8, 1941 he enlisted to serve his country and soon began teaching fighting techniques to Americans who would face the Japanese soldiers on the battlefield. His famous five shodan students were; Thomas Young, William Chow, Paul Yamaguchi, Arthur Keawe, and Edward Bobby Lowe.

miyabi (mee-yah-bee)

the elegance of a martial artists behavior; refinement

Miyagi Chojun (mee-yah-ghee choe-yun)

One of karate's greatest masters. He created the system of Goju-Ryu karate after studying Pakua in China for years. Miyagi popularized the concept of inner strength (ki) in karate but was not the first to introduce such a concept to the Okinawans. Chatan Yara was the first responsible for that innovation. Miyagi visited the Hawaiian Islands to teach karate in 1934. He remained for eight months then returned to Okinawa.

Miyaji, James (me-yah-ji)

Botokukai Sensei in Waipahu, Hawaii; see Ken Shu Kan

Miyamoto Musashi (me-yah-mo-toe moo-saw-she) (1582-1645)

master swordsman and samurai in the 17th century; writer of the Go Rin No Sho (Book of Five Rings)

Miyasaki, George ()

A karate-ka who reintroduced Goju-ryu into Hawaii. Studied under one of the few bonefide judan in karate-do, Kanki Izumikawa, while in Kawasaki City, Japan. Miyasaki was one of the founders of the Hawaii Karate Congress in 1961.

Miyashiro, Thomas ()

This man was the son of an Okinawan immigrant to Hawaii. He studied karate with Yabu Kentsu in 1927 and was instrumental in both bringing Zuiho Mutsu and Kamesuke Higaonna to Hawaii in 1933 and in getting them to open a dojo to teach karate. The three formed the Hawaii Karate Seinin Kai.

Miyazato (me-yah-zah-toe)

An Okinawan weapon master who studied in China. His kata retained a strong Chinese influence.

mizu (me-zoo)

water

mizu no kokoro ()

a mind like water, a mental state where the mind is like the surface of a calm body of water-absorbing everything-reflecting everything-attached to nothing

moichido (moh-e-chee-dough)

lit. one more time; please do it again

mokuso (moe-koo-sew)

meditation, usually done before or after regular training.

mon (mone, rhyme with bone)

family crest (symbol) of the samurai

morote (moh-roh-tay)

with both hands

morote tsuki ()

simultaneous two handed punch to face and groin

morote uke ()

a reinforced block

moto no ichi (moe-toe-no-ee-chee)

a command to return to your original position during a karate match

Motobu Choki (moe-toe-boo)

Motobu was a famous Okinawan karate master. He was independently wealthy by heritage and dedicated his entire life to martial arts. He led a rather rough life and liked a good fight. Unlike many other masters he did not leave a great following of students. Motobu was invited to Hawaii in 1932 but at immigration he was sent back for unknown reasons. It is commonly believed that his history as a brawler led customs officers to brand him as undesirable.

Motoda (moe-toe-dah)

a student of Yabu Kentsu

mu (moo)

nothing, empty emptiness of mind; not like in mental retardation but like in a highly spiritual intuition

mudansha (moo-dawn-shaw)

a karate training person who has not yet attained a black belt or shodan

muga mushin (moo-gah moo-sheen)

the state where selfishness has been removed from the individual and she blends with the world around her like fog fills the air

Mugai Ryu (moo-guy)

A spiritual disciplin based on the drawing of a sword, however, there is a very violent aspect of the practice of Mugai Ryu called tachi-uchi. It is much like free sparring with swords. Tsuji Getten Sakemochi (1650-1729) founded this ryu in 1695.

mukai ni (moo-kah-ee)

opposite

Murakami, Kenneth ()

A karate-ka who reintroduced Goju-ryu into Hawaii. Studied under one of the few bonefide judan in karate-do, Kanki Izumikawa, while in Kawasaki City, Japan. Murakami was one of the founders of the Hawaii Karate Congress in 1961.

murasaki (moo-rah-sah-key)

the color purple

mushashugyo (moo-shaw-shoe-ghee-yoh)

To go from one place to another training in what ever comes along in life and at far-away dojo.

mushin (moo-she-n)

mind unencumbered by thought; mind of no-mind. Mu means "nothing;" Shin means "mind." This is not as in mental retardation but as in lack of desire, fear or thought.

Muso Jikiden Ryu (moo-sew gee-key-den)

A method of grappling in armor and fighting with the short sword. Style founded by Izasa Choiisai Ienao.

Muso Shinden Ryu (moo-sew)

A quick draw sword style (batto) developed by Hayashizaki Jinsuke during the Edo Period

muzukashi (moo-zoo-ka-she)

difficult, "this is difficult"

myo (me-yoh)

mystery, mysterious

na (nah)

“name” as in your reputation

nagamaki (nah-gah-mah-key)

A long bladed naginata or halberg

Nagao Ryu (nah-gah-oh)

This is a combination art developed in the early Edo Period by Nagao Kemmotsu. He took it from Itto Ryu and Yagyu Shinkage Ryu. He then combined the swordsmanship and jujutsu in a from called taijutsu (body art) and called it Nagao Ryu.

nagashi (nah-gah-she)

sweep, sweeping, flow

nagashi uke ()

sweeping block

nagashi uke kakete (kah-keh-the)

sweeping block capturing with the other hand; lit sweep-block-hook

nage (nah-gay)

a throw of an opponent as in judo

nagewaza (nah-gay wah-zah)

throwing techniques

naginata (nah-ghee-naw-tah)

halberd; for three-hundred years the Japanese women's traditional weapon

Naha (nah-ha)

port city of Okinawa and major center of karate

naha te (nah-ha tay)

style of karate founded by Higashionna Kanryo and practiced in the city of Naha, Okinawa; precursor to Goju Ryu

naichi (nah-ee-chee)

an old term used by the Japanese (from one of the four main islands of Japan) to indicate their own superiority over those from other islands such as Okinawa.

naiwan (nah-ee-wan)

The back of the arm

naka (nah-kah)

inside as opposed to outside

naka uke (nah-ka oo-kay)

in block

nakadaka ippon ken (nah-ka-dah-ka ee-pone ken)

fist with the middle knuckle extended

Nakaima (nah-ka-ee-mah)

a student of Yabu Kentsu

Nakaima, Kenchu ()

Learned the precursor to Ryuei-ryu from his father Norisato Nakaima. Kenchu taught only one person in his life, his son Kenko. He extracted a promise of secrecy from his son called a Heppan (blood oath).

Nakaima, Kenko ()

Learned the precursor to Ryuei-ryu from his father Kenchu Nakaima. He kept the family secret hidden until 1971 when he felt that secrecy was no longer appropriate. He opened a dojo near Nago, Okinawa in that year. The Okinawan masters thought Nakaima and his recently named Ryuei-ryu was a hoax until they saw Nakaima demonstrate the art. He was accepted as a bonafide karate master. In addition to his family art Nakaima studied under Yabu Kentsu.

Nakaima, Norisato () (1850-1927)

Nakaima was born in Kumemura, Okinawa and went to Fuchow, China to be educated. He is said to have learned from the famous but enigmatic RuRuKo. He took the percursor of Ryuei-ryu back to Okinawa where he taught his son Kenchu.

Nakanhari (nah-kahn-hah-rhee)

An Okinawan bo master who had very specialized techniques not often used in modern kobudo.

Nakanishi Chuta (nah-kahn-ee-shi)

Developed the Nakanishi-ha Itto Ryu but more importantly was responsible for making early mock-swords that were safe for dojo practice (shinai).

namiashi (nah-me-ah-shi)

a block, kick or sweep with the foot, done by raising the foot towards the groin; lit. wave foot

nanadan (naw-naw-dahn)

seventh dan (shichidan)

naname (naw-naw-meh)

diagonal

naore (nah-or-ray)

a command in a tournament to return to the original position

narande (nah-rhan-day)

Line up in any order even disregarding rank, menkyo, etc.

nata ()

This is an Indian dance which has many similarities to martial arts kata, and may well be martial arts rather than dance.

Nei Chia ()

The internal schools of Chinese martial arts. They all date from Sung Dynasty or later: 1--Wu Tang P'ai 2--Tai Chi Chuan 3--Pakua or Pagua 4--Hsing-ii Chuan 5--Tzu Jan men 6--Liu He Pa Fa

nekoashi dachi (neh-koe-ahh-she)

cat (foot) stance

nesshin (neh-sheen)

This is best translated as 'fire in the heart.' It is a part of the life of the bushi where she is engulfed in the spiritual forging of wild-fire in her (positive) life-experiences and little else counts. Her fire spreads to others.

netsuke (neh-tsoo-kay)

small carvings, usually in ivory, made during the Edo period (1603-1868). Commonly fastened to kimonos as decorations and good luck charms.

ni ()

two

nidan (knee-dahn)

second in a series, second degree black belt

nidan geri ()

flying double kicks

nigon (knee-gone)

a “double tongue”, someone who has lied or betrayed their word

Nihon (knee-hone, rhyme with bone)

Japan; also said Nippon

nihon nukite (knee-hone new-key-the)

two finger thrust

Nihonjin (knee-hone-gee-n)

a Japanese person

Nijyushiho (knee-jew-she-hoe)

Twenty-four stars/little stars/hours/steps This is a kata about living and dying in the NOW!

nikajo (knee-kah-joe)

the second set of techniques in Daito Ryu

nikkyu (knee-key'uu

) middle brown belt; 2nd kyu

Nio Bodhisattva ()

these are the guardian deities seen at the gates to many Japanese Buddhist temples. They usually appear in one of several fighting kamae common to martial arts. It is from these statues that the name of nio-dachi appears. The nio-dachi has another name called the gyaku zenkutsu dachi but Sensei Kim prefers nio-dachi in deference to the statues using such a stance.

nio dachi ()

gyaku zenkutsu dachi. This name is taken from the statues (Nio Bodhisattva) used to protect the entrances to Japanese Buddhist Temples. The Nio Bodhisattva occasionally are seen in this stance.

Nippon (knee-pone; rhyme with bone)

the proper name for Japan; lit. sun-source; the land of the rising sun

nisei (knee-say)

The second generation out of Japan. See issei.

nishi (knee-she)

west

Nishimura Mitsuya (knee-shee-muu-rah)

the president of Shihan-Gakko (a teacher's college) in 1903. Nishimura was instrumental in hiring a karate master to teach karate to grade school children. He chose the then famous Itosu Yatsusune. Itosu only taught at the grade school once per week leaving Funakoshi or, later, Yabu Kentsu to teach daily. The program spread to Okinawan high schools in 1903 due to Nishimura.

Nishioka, Walter ()

A Hawaiian Shorin-ryu expert. He opened the Goshinkai karate School in July 1957.

noh (no)

a stylelized dramatic Japanese play, often tragic, perfected during the fifteenth century.

nukite (new-key-tay)

finger-tip strike, spear hand (ippon, nihon, sambon, yonhon, gohon = the number of fingers straight during the strike)

nunchaku (noon-chaw-kuu)

a weapon of two short sticks tied together by a flexible chain or rope (some call these numchuks)

nyunanshin (new-nahn-she-n)

a pliable spirit, lack of resistance to the lesson or teacher. Softheartedness, a flexibility of living which aids experiential growth.

obi (oh-be)

the belt of the uniform

odachi (oh-dah-chee)

A long sword

Oguri Ryu (oh-ghoo-ee)

This is a ryu founded in 1616 by Oguri Niemon. It based some of its teachings on wajutsu (techniques for peace).

ohayo gozaimasu (oh-high-yo go-zah-ee-mah-su)

"good morning"

Ohshima, Tsutomu ()

A JKA shotokan practitioner who opened the first karate dojo in Los Angeles in 1956.

Ohtsukare (oh-su-kar-eh) (Ohtsukare sama deshita)

"Well done, good training everybody. I appreciate and recognize your efforts and thank you for all the positive energy and spirit you put in your training (tiredness well deserved and very healthy!). Good bye, and I am looking forward to seeing you again!"

oizuki (oitsuki) (oh-ee-zoo-key)

jab or lunge punch (right hand when right foot forward)

oji (oh-gee)

the defensive person or people in practice (see shikaki)

oji waza (oh--gee wah-zah)

defensive techniques

Okinawa (oh-key-nah-wah)

An island south of Japan and east of China where karate-do developed over the last 400 years. It was hardly ever in contact with the rest of the world until May 1945 when it became the site of one of the most bloody battles in World War II. Okinawa literally means "rope in the offing," which refers to the string of Ryukyu Islands extending from Japan to Taiwan a distance of 700 miles and which includes 140 islands. So, Okinawa is both a string of islands and one particular island in that string.

okiya (oh-key-yah)

a geisha house

Okuda (oh-koo-dah)

Okuda was known as "iron-fist" Okuda because he had developed a tremendous tettsui strike. He was a student of Karate Sakugawa in the late 1700s.

okuden (oh-koo-den)

secret principles of a ryu

okuriashi (oh-koo-rhee-ah-she)

a movement forward or backwards where the stance becomes longer then shorter

omedeto gozaimasu (oh-meh-deh-toe go-za-ee-ma-su)

"congratulations!"

onegaishimasu (oh-nay-gah-ee-she-mah-su)

"I humbly request a lesson"; "Oss" is considered a contraction of this term

oni (oh-knee)

a demon

onsen (own-senn)

hot springs

Opium Wars ()

These were a series of wars fought between the British (and other world powere) and the Chinese. The first was in 1839. The reasons were economic exploitation by the British and the cost was destruction of Chinese society so that by 1900 China had ceased to exist except in name only.

osae (oh-saw-ee)

press, push

osae uke ()

pressing block

o-sensei ()

a high ranking Sensei

Oshima-Kuryu (oh-she-ma koo-rhee-u)

This is a villain who at the turn of the 19th century used to rob poor people of their clothes as they took the roads in the countryside around Shuri, Okinawa. The police failed to apprehend Oshima. The people called on the great Sakugawa to do their police work. He sent his three best students sequentially to subdue Oshima. What happened can be read in The Weaponless Warriors page 23.

Oshiro Choki (oh-she-roe cho-key)

An Okinawan karate master who learned weapons from Chinen.

oss ()

a peculiar karate term used to enliven spirit

otagai ni, rei (oh-tah-gah-ee knee ray)

a command to "Bow to each other"

otoshi (oh-toe-shee)

a drop

otoshi empi uchi (oh-toe-she M-P oo-chee)

descending elbow strike

otoshi shuto uchi ()

descending chop strike

otoshi tsuki (Oh-toe-shee)

dropping punch (found in the kata Rohai)

Oyake Akahachi (oh-yah-kay ah-kah-hah-chee)

A bo master who was a legend in his own time. He came from Yaeyama Island, Okinawa and developed the Akahachi no gyaku bo.

oyasumi (oh-yah-sue-me)

relax, rest

oyasumi nasai (nah-sah-ee)

way of saying "good night"

oyayubi uchi (oh-yah-you-be)

thumb strike

pakua (pah-qua)

an internal style of Chinese martial arts; lit. eight trigrams

Parker, Edmund ()

Received his shodan from William Chow. In 1954 Parker opened a dojo in Provo, Utah while he studied at Brigham Young University. In 1956 Parker moved to Pasadena where he opened another kempo-karate dojo. During his career Parker taught many students including movie stars like Elvis Presley.

Passai (paw-saw-ee)

old Okinawan name for the kata Bassai

Patsai (Pot-saw-ee)

old Okinawan name for the kata Bassai

peichin (pay-chee-n)

an Okinawan honorific title bestowed on a samurai for distinguished service

pentjak ()

an Indonesian figting art; see pukulan

Pinan (Pee-nahn)

a kata meaning "peaceful, peaceful."; Heian in Japanese

Pingan (ping-ahn)

old name for Pinan

Prajnatara ()

The Buddhist priest responsible for teaching religion to Bohidarma Daruma. He also changed the name of his disciple from Bodhitara to Bodhidharma.

pukulan ()

An Indonesian fighting art. Also known as pentjak, silat and kun-tow. All of these are unarmed combat styles usually stylistically different from one village to another with high degrees of secrecy so that one village does not know the way another village would fight.

randori (rahn-door-ee)

free style practice in judo and jujutsu

Records of the Lo-yang Temple () (547AD)

This book is the earliest record of Daruma. It was written by Yang Hsuan-chih

Records of the Transmission of the Lamp () (1004AD)

a book written by a Priest Tao-yuan.

rei (ray)

a bow, a bend at the waist; respect

ren tsuki (rhen-tzoo-key)

double punch

ren-chi-shin (rehn-chee-sheen)

“a sense of shame”, any infringement on a samurai’s honour

renoji dachi (ren-oh-ji dah-chee)

an "L" shaped stance

renshi (rehn-shee)

an honorific certificate given to high ranking Sensei

rokkyu (row-kyuu)

high purple belt, 6th kyu

roku (row-koo)

six

rokudan (row-koo-dahn)

the sixth in a series; sixth degree black belt

rokushakubo (row-koo-shaw-koo-bow)

a six feet long fighting stick

romaji (roh-mah-gee)

This is the use in Japan of our alphabet. It is not commonly used but it is occasionally.

ronin (roe-nin)

a masterless samurai

ryokan (rhee-oh-kahn)

a Japanese inn.

ryowan uchi uke (rhee-oh-wahn)

double inside block (found in the katas Jion and Bassai-Sho)

ryu (rue)

a style of an art, a method of teaching important lessons of an art

Ryuei-ryu ()

A derivative form of Pakua and Shaolin Temple fighting introduced by Naikaima Pechin in about 1875. It is little known even in Okinawa. This style remained secret until 1971! Even in Okinawa the karate masters had never heard of it until Kenko Nakaima announced the end of its secrecy.

Ryukyu (rhee-uu-kyu)

Okinawa; lit. "rope in the offing"

Ryukyu Islands (rue-cue)

These are the many small islands just south of Japan proper. We call them the Okinawan Islands today. Since 1972 they have been a part of Japan proper but their history is one of being torn between China and Japan. They are sometimes referred to as Loo Choo Islands as well.

Ryukyu kempo ()

old name for Okinawan karate; kem = fist; po = way

sabaki (sah-bah-key)

body shifting

sabi (sah-bee)

simplicity; life without complexity

sagiashi dachi (sah-ghee-ah-she)

crane (foot) stance

sai (saw-ee)

an iron weapon about 18 inches long usually used in pairs

saifa (sah-ee-fah)

a type of shugyo task of the saifa class (life, limb or honor dependent); lit. ultimate limit; one of the kata

saiha ()

a type of shugyo task of the saifa class (high importance)

saikai (sah-ee-kah-ee)

a type of shugyo task of the saifa class (totally experiential)

Sakihana (sah-key-ha-nah)

a student of Yabu Kentsu

Sakugawa (sah-koo-gah-wah) (1733-1815)

Sakugawa is one of karate's greatest masters. He learned karate from Takahara Peichin and the famous Chinese martial artist by the name of Kushanku. Although Sakugawa taught the great masters Macabe, Matsumora and Okuda his real fame comes from teaching Matsumura Sokon.

Sakugawa no kon ()

a famous and popular bo kata made by the great master of karate Sakugawa

sakura (sah-ku-rah)

cherry tree, cherry blossom; symbol of the samurai life

samurai (sahmm-uhr-eye)

lit. one who serves; a fierce warrior of feudal Japan

san (sahn)

three

san tsuki (sahn-tzoo-key)

punch; see also sanbon zuki

sanbon kumite (sah-nn-bone)

three step sparring

sanbon zuki (zoo-key)

triple punch, usually one high, one middle, one low

sanchin dachi (sah-n-che-n)

hourglass stance, triple pressure stance

sandan (sah-n-dah-n)

third in a series; third degree black belt

sankajo (sah-n-kah-joe)

the third technique of Daito Ryu

satonushi (sah-toe-new-she)

an Okinawan military position just above chikudon. It is a retained position with a "salary."

satori (sah-tore-ee)

a state of having life's burdens lightened, enlightenment

Satsuma (sah-tsu-mah)

A clan of warriors from the southern most of the main islands of Japan, Kyushu. They were not always the most well-behaved individuals.

Satsuma Venture ()

When Tokugawa Ieyasu took over Japan in 1603 he had to deal with the great Satsuma family of Kyushu. They were rebellious and powerful. Tokugawa sent them on a venture to "conquer" the Okinawan people who had failed to send aid to Japan in 1592 in the Japanese war against China. A ban on all weapons was issued by Iehisa Shimazu in 1610. This had profound effect on the development of unarmed combat techniques in Okinawa.

Satto () an Okinawan King (c 1372)

who expressed allegiance to the Ming Emperor of China, Emperor Hung Wu-ti. This intensified Chinese/Okinawan cultural exchange. In addition, a permanent Okinawan community was established in the Chinese capital of Ch'uan-chou during the Ming Period (1368-1644).

saya ate (sah-yah ah-tay)

The saya is the scabbard. Ate is to hit. If a samurai hit another samurai with the saya he insulted the man.

sayonara (sah-yoh-nah-rah)

"good bye"

seiken (say-ee-ken)

fist

seiken tsuki (say-ee-ken tzoo-key)

straight punch

seiretsu (say-rets)

the line up order; command to go to line up order

seiryuto uke (say-rhee-uu-toe)

ox-jaw block

seishi o choetsu (say-she oh choe-et-sue)

transcending any thought of life or death

seishin tanren (say-sheen tahn-rhen)

spiritual forging requiring martial discipline

seishin tanren (say-sheen)

Spiritual forging a bushi goes through in training

seiza (say-ee-zah)

formal seated position sitting on your heels

Sekiguchi Ryu (say-key-goo-chee)

This is a grappling method based on Sumo. It was devised by Sekiguchi Minamoto no Sanechika (1647-1711) at about the same time that Sumo was in ascendancy.

semeriwaza (seh-mehr-ee-wa-zah)

attacking techniques; old term for shikakiwaza

sempai (sem-pie)

a person who has been training longer than you; older brother or older sister (see kohai)

sen (seyn)

before; ability to block and counter; impenetrability in fighting

sen no sen (sen no sen)

before comes before, seizing the initiative just as an opponent thinks about attacking (also known as saki no saki)

sengoku jidai ()

the "age of wars" in Japan.

senjojutsu (sen-joe-jew-tsoo)

the science of field deployment

sensei (sen-say)

teacher, doctor, professor; third license in the menkyo system

sensei ni rei ()

bow to the teacher

seoinage (say-oh-ee-nah-gay)

A shoulder throw in judo. There are several varieties; morote and ippon.

seppuku (sep-pu-ku)

ritual suicide; hara kiri

serak (sear-awk)

a West Java pentjak-silat characterised by lightneing speed in deadly attacks. The practitioned usually allows the opponent to maneuver in close and then counterattacks with blinding speed.

Sesoku no kon (say-sew-koo)

an Okinawan bo kata

shakuhachi (shaw-ku-hah-chee)

a type of flute

Shang Dynasty () (1766-1122BC)

The second dynasty of China. The first was the Hsia; the third the Chin. It was a period where writing was developed by inscribing on human bone. Reportedly a very savage dyanasty.

Shaolin Temple ()

A temple where Bodhidharma Daruma first introduced Indian fighting techniques to develop the stamina of the monks. It is located in Honan Province. Many other Shaolin Temples exist throughout China but the original one was in Honan Province.

shi (she)

four (be careful also means pain, death)

shiai (she-eye)

a contest, tournament

shiai-jo ()

the sparring ring for a tournament

shiatsu (she-ot-tsu)

a form of massage applying accupunture principles

shibumi (she-boo-me)

restrained elegance

shichi (she-chee)

seven

shichidan (she-chee-dahn)

the seventh in a series; seventh degree black belt

shichikyu (she-chee-key-uu)

first purple belt; 7th kyu

shih pa lo han sho ()

The "kata" introduced by Bodhidharma Daruma at the Shaolin Temple to give exercise to the monks. It translates as the "eighteen hands of Lohan." It is probable that the original "kata" was really "sixteen hands of Lohan" but that the Chinese added two hands sometime later in history.

shihan (she-han)

mastership, completion; fifth license in the menkyo system

shiho ()

four corners or directions

shihon nukite uchi (shee-hone new-key-the)

four finger spear hand strike; basically the same as the gohon finger spear hand where all five fingers are used. (found at near beginning of Pinan Sandan)

shihonage (she-oh-nah-ghee)

a Daito Ryu throw called "four corner throw"

shikaki (she-kaw-key)

the offensive person or people in practice (see oji)

shikakiwaza (she-kah-key-wah-zah)

offensive techniques

shiko dachi (she-ko)

strattle stance (knees deeply bent, feet slightly outward)

Shimabukuro Eizo (she-mah-boo-koo-ro eh-zoe)

an Okinawan karate master who studied under Kyan Chotoku

shime (she-may)

a neck choke

shimewaza (she-may-wah-zah)

choking techniques

Shimomi, Carlton ()

Studied Shorin-ryu in Fukuoka, Japan. In 1956 he reintroduced pure karate into Hawaii for the first time since 1936. He formed the Shorin-ryu Karate Club on Oahu. Shimomi was one of the founders of the Hawaii Karate Congress in 1961.

shin (sheen)

the mind or the heart where intuition lies. Also said as kokoro in Japanese (hsin in Chinese).

shinai (she-nah-ee)

a bamboo sword used in kendo

shindin (sheen-dihn)

a particular area of the dojo reserved for beauty, simplicity and reverence

Shingon (she-n-go-n)

an esoteric school of Buddhism in Japan

Shinkage Ryu (shin-kah-gay)

Kamiizumi Ise no Kami Fujiwara no Hidetsuna (1508-1578) founded this martial tradition. His belief was that the sword was the 'law of the land.'

Shinto (she-n-toe)

An indigenous religion of Japan which is animistic. Shinto practitioners believe in gods for every animate or inanimate object.

shiro (she-roe)

white (noun)

shiroi (she-ro-ee)

white (adjective)

Shiroma (she-roe-mah)

A famous martial artist of Hamahiga, Okinawa who was defeated in battle by Chatan Yara. Yara used the early morning sunlight to defeat Shiroma without killing him. Later Shiroma became a student of Chatan Yara's.

shiro-naka (nah-kah)

black belt with a white stripe on the inside

shiro-soto (soe-toe)

black belt with a white stripe on the outside

Shirotaru no kon (she-roe-tah-roe)

This is a famous staff kata meaning "the white barrel." It was developed by Chinen

Shirotaru no kon (she-roe-tah-ru)

an Okinawan bo kata whose name means "the white barrel." It was developed by Chinen of Yamane Ryu

shita ni ()

below

Shito-ryu (she-toe rue)

style of karate founded by Mabuni Kenwa

Shiu-she no kon (she-uu-she)

An Okinawan bo kata made by Chinen of Yamane Ryu

Shiu-shi no kon (she-uu-she)

This is a famous bo kata developed by Chinen.

shizentai (she-zen-tah-ee)

any of a number of natural non-offensive looking stances

sho (show) lesser of two.

Often kata are divided into two sections called the sho or smaller and the dai or greater

Sho Iku (show ee-kuu)

an Okinawan king at about 1845. Within a few years Sho Iku was taken custody by Japan and Sho Tai became king of Okinawa. It was customary during this time period for Japan to capture the king of Okinawa so that Japan kept control of Okinawa.

Sho Ko (show-koe)

a weak Okinawan king who was on the throne at the time of Matsumura's life. He pitted Matsumura against a bull in a bullfight for which Matsumura psychologically won over the bull by operant conditioning. The king awarded Matsumura the title of "Bushi Matsumura" because the bull ran away form Matsumura in the ring.

Sho Tai (show tie)

an Okinawan king who followed Sho Iku in about 1850 while Sho Iku was held hostage in Japan.

shobu (show-boo)

A contest. It may be for one point (ippon shobu), two points (nippon shobu), three points (sanbone shobu) or sometimes as many as five points (gohon shobu).

shobu (show-boo)

an official contest

shobu ippon (ee-pone)

a one point contest

shodan (show-dahn)

the first in a series; first degree black belt

shodan-ho ()

conditional black belt (usually conditional because of age)

shogatsu (show-gah-tsoo)

the new year

Shogun (show-gune)

the military dictator of ancient Japan

shomen (show-men)

the front of the dojo

shomen ni, rei ()

a command to "face the front and bow."

Shorei Ryu (show-ray rue)

another name for Naha-te a style which uses in-close fighting techniques and pronounced breathing

Shorin Ryu ()

a method of karate which includes Shuri te and Tomari te whose origins are more from Honan than Fukien provence in China

Shorinji (show-rin-ji)

Japanese pronunciation of Chinese word Shaolin (young forest temple); shorin = young forest; ji = temple

Shorinji Ryu (rue)

style practiced by Sensei Richard Kim

shoro (show-roh)

a bell tower on a temple grounds

shoshin (show-she-n)

beginner's mind

Shotetsu (show-tehh-sue) (1381-1459)

A poet who modified the Yugen of Taika to include that the suggestiveness must express or expose the heart of humans.

shoto (show-toe)

short sword or dirk of the Japanese warrior often paired with a katana; also called wakizashi

shoto (show-toe)

calligraphy; also the pen/karate name of Gichen Funakoshi

Shotokan (show-toe-kahn)

a Japanese style of karate originated by Funakoshi Gichen whose karate name was Shoto

shugyo (shoe-ghee-yoh)

severe training; the training of a samurai; the second license in the menkyo system

shugyosha (shoe-ghee-yoh-shaw)

severe trainee; see bushi, samurai

shuhaku (shoe-hah-kew)

A term the Japanese use to denote Chinese martial arts. It literally means "to beat by hand."

Shunzei (shuun-zeh) (1114-1204)

Japanese poet also known as Fujiwara Toshinari

Shuri (shoe-ri)

the old capital of Okinawa

Shuri te (shoe-rhee the)

the type of karate that originated from around Shuri, Okinawa; see Shorin Ryu

shuriken (shu-ri-ken)

sharp bladed round or star shaped weapons used for throwing

shuto uchi (shoe-toe)

chop strike, sword-hand strike

shuto uke (shoe-toe uu-kay)

chop block

Siam ()

The old name for Thailand (which probably included parts of Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos too).

silat ()

an Indonesian figting art; see pukulan

sjatung (shan-tung)

a Java kun-tow style of unarmed combat from around Djakarta.

Sochin (sew-chee-n)

This is a kata which was originally developed as the way an old man fights using strategy rather than brute force. It was created by Arakaki Seisho in the 1880s. There are two very distinct variations. Arakaki Sochin which was developed by Arakaki Seisho in the 1880s and Shotokan Sochin which was develped by Gichen Funakoshi in the 1920-30s.

sochin dachi (sew-chee-n)

a fighting stance little different from a front stance except that the back leg is bent

soetji hati (juit-jee-hot-ee)

a central Java kun-tow style of unarmed combat

soko ()

there

sokuto (so-koo-toe)

the lateral side of the foot used in a side kick

soto (so-toe)

outside as opposed to inside

soto hachiji dachi ()

toes out shoulder stance

soto ude uke (sew-toe)

This is a term that some sensei use for gedan barai uke. It contrasts with gedan ude uke so they prefer this term.

soto uke

(out block)

sozosha (so-zoh-shaw)

artist, creator; the fourth license in the menkyo system

Sueishi (sue-eh-ee-she)

A famous master of the bo. He created the Cho-Un no kon kata. He taught Chinen Shichanaka who was his servant before becoming his student.

Sueishi no kon (sue-eh-ee-shee)

an Okinawan bo kata

Sueyoshi no kon (sue-eh-yoh-shee)

an popular Okinawan bo kata

Sugandha ()

A king in southern India in the late 400s AD. His third son was the legendary Bohidarma Daruma. He was king of the area called Conjeevernam (Kancheepuram) which was a Buddhist province just south of Madras, India.

sugi ashi (sue-ghee ah-she)

see tsugi ashi

Sui Dynasty () (580-618 AD)

During this dynasty the Chinese made the first planned contact with Okinawa. The emperor Yang Chien in 608 sent men looking for the "Land of Happy Immortals." They found Okinawa but no land of happy immortals.

Sui Shu ()

a dynastic history of the Sui Dynasty rulers. Its interest to martial artists is that it refers to the "Eastern Barbarians" showing that contact had been established between China and Okinawa before the Tang (618-906 AD)

suki (sue-key)

a gap in concentration; see kyoo

sukin shippu (sue-kin she-poo)

body contact

sukui uke (sue-koo-ee)

Scooping block as in Bassai Dai

sumo (sue-moh)

This is a grappling sport with a long history. It was first used in defense, then during the Edo Period it developed into a professional sport. It is still used as a sport with contestants weighing in at 350 pounds.

sun dome (sun doh-may)

Stopping a blow just prior to contact. Non-contact.

Sung Dynasty ()

The Chinese dynasties in power from 420-479 AD and/or 1127-1279 AD.

sunyata ()

the sanskrit way of pronouncing "kara" of karate. When kara was accepted as the proper ideogram for karate in 1936 the council knew and accepted the Buddhist association of sunyata with the term kara. Most of the council was Buddhist and so this association did not bother them. The fact that the council made this decision in Japan in 1936 does not make karate Buddhist as some Christians have feared. Some thoughts are common to Buddhism and to karate but they are not related more than sharing a few similar philosophical tenets. Buddhism is a religion; karate is an art. Sunyata means "empty", "emptiness", "void". In its ancient metaphysical concept sunyata holds that all basic principles of life emanate from within an infinite and pristine God, and that man holds no power separately, hence the "empty". (In my way of thinking, this can hardly be contrary to any Christian belief.)

sutemi (sue-teh-me)

sacrifice

sutemi waza (sue-teh-me wah-zah)

sacrifice technique

tachi uchi (tah-chee)

a kind of sparring with swords developed in Mugai Ryu in the 1600s.

Tachibana (tah-chee-bah-nah)

Sensei Tachibana was one of Sensei Richard Kim's early karate instructor as early as 1933. Tachibana taught karate in Honolulu.

Tai Chi Chuan (tie-chee-chew-an)

grand ultimate fist, an internal martial art of China

taijutsu (tie-jew-tsuu)

this is a body technique often translated as body art.

Taikyoku (tie-kyoo-koo)

first cause; the name of one of the basic kata

taiotoshi (tie-oh-toe-she)

a body drop type of throw in judo

Taira Shinken (tah-ee-rah)

a student of Yabu Kentsu

taisabaki (tie-sah-bah-key)

body shifting

taiso ()

closed fist techniques such as punches, tettsui. (Compare to kaishu.) Taiso literally means progenitor and refers to the Tang Dynasty, the association of which is buried in long-forgotten history.

Takahara Peichin (tah-kah-har-ah pay-cheen) (died 1762 as an old man)

This man is an enigma of the world. He was a genius holding teaching assignments at Adama Village Zen Monastery in astronomy, cartography, mathematics and Zen. In addition, on the sly, he taught karate. He is probably the true creator of the Kanku (to view the sky) series of kata although some believe that a Chinese immigrant by the name of Kushanku created and taught the kata in Okinawa. At anyrate do not underestimate this man. He appears in numerous places in Okinawan history, including the mapping of the western coast of Japan and the reconstruction of the empire of LooChoo after devastating destruction in 1742.

Takenouchi Ryu (tah-kay-noh-uu-chee)

A ryu developed in the sixteenth centruy featruing grappling (kogusoku or koshi no mawari); Later torite was added to the ryu (torite is restraining an opponent)

Takuan (tah-koo-ahn)

A great Zen master (1573-1645) at the Katori and Kashima shrines. His philosophical teachings affected most all of the greats in Japanese martial arts. His teachings greatly influenced Shinkage Ryu.

tamashiwara (tah-mah-she-wah-rah)

to test ones spirit as in boardbreaking

tanbo (tahn-bow)

a short stick weapon

tanden (tahn-den)

the center of the body; the center of gravity of the body; a point located in the middle of the lower abdomen just deep to where the karate belt knot ties

T'ang Dynasty () (618-906AD)

This was a great Chinese dynasty which influenced Japan in many ways. It was the dynasty from which the to (t'ang) in tode was taken.

tao (dah-oh)

a Chinese word meaning the way; do or michi in Japanese

tare (tar-eh)

a groin protector used in kendo. Women wear it also.

tatami (tah-tah-mee)

a straw mat. These are used in traditional dojo where falling to the ground is a part of training.

tate-hiza (tah-tay hee-zah)

This is a kneeling posture where the karate-ka is on one knee and the other leg has the foot on the floor. It is the same as fuko-gamae.

tatte (tah-the)

a command to stand up

tattezuki (tah-teh-zoo-key)

a vertical fist punch

Tawata (tah-wah-da)

an Okinawan karate master who learned from Matsumura Sokon

te ()

In 1629 the martial artists still alive after the Satsuma Venture secretly met. They worked out an unarmed means of defense against the Satsuma samurai. In this rudimentary form the new art was called "te" and was a blend of the previously existing tode and imported chuan-fa from China. Needless to say, these martial arts schools and all others on Okinawa had to remain extremely secretive.

te (deh)

an old term for Okinawan karate; also means hand. Te developed its own fighting style depending on its needs (see Satsuma Venture): It has been stated that te came about in the following manner: --closed fist techniques (taiso)--from Okinawa --nukite--from Taiwan --other open handed techniques (kaishu)--from mainland China --kicks--from southeast Asia

teakiyari (the-ah-key-yah-rhee)

a middle ranked samurai

teiji dachi (teh-ee-gee-dah-chee)

the "T" stance

teisho (teh-ee-show)

palm heel strike

Tei-Sho, Shu-Shi (shoe-she)

The neo-confucian philosophy developed by Chu Hsii which was based on humanism. This humanism was a based on human relationships rather than devine laws. It was the favorite Confucianism of the Bafuku Confucianists.

tekkan-zu (tay-kan zoo)

a metal ring used as a concealed weapon.

Tekki (teh-key)

a kata whose older more formal name is Naihashi

tekubi (tay-khoo-bee)

wrist

Tenjin Shin'yo Ryu (ten-geen sheen-yoh)

A weaponless martial art of Japan with atemi. It was developed in the 1800s by Iso Mataemon (d. 1862) out of Yoshin Ryu and Shin no Shinto Ryu.

tenkan (tehn-khan)

to reverse direction, to turn

Tenno (ten-noh)

emperor

Tenshin (tehn-sheen)

a kata also known as Tensho

Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto Ryu (ten-sheen)

This is Japan's oldest martial tradition. It was founded by Izasa Ienai (1386-1488) AKA Choiisai Ienao.

tessen (tess-en)

an iron fan

tetsu (teht-t'sue)

iron

tetsubo (teht-sue-bow)

an iron training bo

tettsui (teht-sue-ee)

an iron fist strike, a bottom fist strike

tewaza (teh-wah-zah)

hand techniques (usually referring to judo throwing techniques but may be fist striking techniques also)

Thai Kick Boxing ()

A pugilisic sport practiced in Thailand. The opponents wear boxing gloves but may kick to the head and chest without padding on their feet. Some say this sport developed from Chinese Chuan-fa. It is a brutal and often bloody sport not meant for the light of heart.

thirty-six families ()

In 1393 a Chinese Imperial gift to Okinawa included 36 families who were skilled artisans and martial artists.

tji bandar (chi bahn-daar)

A comon West Java Indonesian fighting art which has been designed for women who are wearing tight sarong. The stances are high and narrow with small steps with the feet.

tji kalong (chi kah-long)

the bat style of West Java pentjak-silat

tji mandih (chi mahn-dee)

a West Java pentjak-silat style characterised by fluid body movements

tji matjan (chi maht-jan)

the tiger style of West Java pentjak-silat

tji monjet (chi moan-yet)

the ape-style pentjak-silat of West Java

tji oelar (chi owe-lahr)

the snake style of West Java pentjak-silat

tobi geri (toe-bee) flying kicks (of various kinds; yoko, mae, nidan)

tode (toe-day)

an older term for Okinawan karate meaning fighting hand of the Tang dynasty

todome (toe-doe-mee)

finishing blow

Toei (To-eh-ee)

Okinawan pronunciation of the word Kumemura, a village in Okinawa just out of Naha.

Tokaido (toe-ka-ii-doh)

an ancient road between Kyoto and Tokyo

tokonoma (toe-ko-no-mah)

an alcove in the dojo where softness (ju) is shown by statues, flowers, paintings, incense, etc.

Tomari-te (toe-mar-ee-the)

a style of karate which developed in the city of Tomari and which blend Naha te and Shuri te

tomaru (toe-mar-uu)

a dangerous situation where you allow your mind to stop on something unimportant while you are trying to do something more important

tomoenage (toh-moh-nah-ghee)

one of the sacrifice throws where offense falls on his back and puts foot in defense's stomach throwing him over his body

Tomoyose (toe-moh-yoh-say)

a Naha-te practitioner of considerable renown. He was defeated at the ude kake shi by Itosu.

tonari ni (toe-nah-rhee)

next to

tonfa (tone-faw)

a wooden weapon usually used in pairs

torii (toe-rhee)

arched gates to Shinto shrines, often identified by the west with Japan. They divide the shrine, the purified place, from the unpurified place, which is the outside world.

torite (toe-rhee-the)

A set of tactics for restraining an assailant developed by Takenouchi Kaganosuke during the Edo period.

Toyama (toe-yah-mah)

an Okinawan weapon master who created Toyama no kon. He learned karate under Yabu Kentsu. Toyama developed an entire school of bo jutsu but it is very rarely learned or taught. There is one very rare tonfa kata which bears his name, Toyama tonfa.

Trias, Robert ()

The founder of the United States Karate Association (USKA).

Ts'ao fu-T'ien ()

The leader of the Boxer Rebellion in China in 1900. He stated that he had been given an order by the Jade Emperor to remove the Western Barbarians from China. Along with such a command came the promise of invincibility. Not unlike the Indian Dance in America of only a few decades before, the Boxers believed they were protected by secret shields against enemy bullets. Many died in vain and glorious beliefs that they had special protection. The similarity to the Indian Dance in America should be noted for in both cases false beliefs led to utter destruction of thousands of people by gunfire.

tsuba (tzoo-bah)

The handguard on a sword between the handle and the blade

tsugiashi (tzoo-ghee-ah-she)

skipping forward or backwards

tsuifuku (tsoo-ee-foo-koo)

seppuku (ritual suicide) of a retainer at the time of his master’s death

Tsuji Getten Sakemochi (1650-1729)

(tzoo-gee sah-kay-moh-chee) The founder of Mugai Ryu (1695) which has pugilisim, spiritual development, traditions associted with Chinese classics and Zen.

Tsukahara Bokudan () (1490-1571)

An expert swordsman and warrior who taught that the essence of martial arts was a growing from within and development of one's spiritual power.

tsukami uke (tzoo-kah-me)

grasping block (found in the katas Bassai-Dai and Jion)

Tsuken Hantaka (tzoo-ken han-tah-kah)

An Okinawan weapon master who studied in Yaeyama Island, Okinawa.

Tsukenshitahaku (tsue-ken-she-tah-hah-koo)

A place in Okinawa famous for its sai kata.

tsuki (tzoo-key)

punch

tsuki no kokoro (tzoo-key no koe-koe-roe)

a mind like the moon; the moon shines its light on everything evenly without distortion

tsuki uke (tzoo-key oo-kay)

a punch that serves simultaneously as a block

tsukuri (t'sue-koo-rhee)

moving your body to take advantage of the momentum of your opponent's body motion

tsumasaki (tzoo-mah-sah-key)

The tips of the toes

tsuyu (tsoo-you)

the rainy season in Japan, from mid -June to mid-July

tuifa (too-ee-faw)

a wooden weapon usually used in pairs (same as tonfa)

uchi (u-chee)

strike, usually a round action strike

uchi hachiji dachi ()

strong feeling shoulder stance (toes pointed inward)

uchideshi (oo-chee deh-shee)

in old days selected severe training students would live on the compound of their sensei. This type of severe training was called uchideshi as were those who undertook it.

uchi-majiri uchi-majiri ()

a brawl or melee

ude (uu-deh)

the forearm

ude kake shi (oo-day kah-kay shee)

a huge rock in front of Yamagataya in the city of Naha. It is known as the challenge rock. If a person put his hand on the rock any martial artist in the neighborhood would challenge him to a contest then-and-there. Itosu used this rock to challenge Tomoyose, a great Naha-te practitioner, in an effort to show that the martial artists of Shuri were awesome opponents.

ue ni (ooh-eh knee)

above

Uehara (uu-eh-har-rah)

an Okinawan karate master of great renown. He ran a wood carving craftsman as a trade. He challenged Bushi Matsumura to a contest, at which Matsumura defeated him without a single blow being thrown.

uji (oo-gee)

the original clans of Japan

uke (u-kay)

blocking technique

ukemi (u-kay-me)

the art of falling

ukewaza (u-kay-wah-zah)

blocking techniques

ume (oo-meh)

plum

undoo (oon-doh)

moving basics

ura (u-rah)

back

ura empi uchi ()

backwards elbow strike

ura tsuki (u-rah t-sue-key)

in close punch

uraken (u-rah-ken)

backfist technique (see hiraken)

Urasoe no kon (uu-rah-sew-eh)

an Okinawan bo kata

Urban, Peter (ehr-bahn)

An early student of Sensei Richard Kim's. Urban lives in New York and was the founder of the American Goju Karate. He wrote a book called "The Karate Dojo" for which he became one of the earliest writers about karate in America.

urishi (uu-rhee-she)

and authentic lacquer used to finish fine Japanese furniture and dolls

ushiro (u-she-row)

back, towards the back

ushiro geri ()

back kick (see kagato geri)

ushiro ni ()

behind

uso (uu-sew)

falsehood

wa (wa)

peace

wabi (wah-bee

) rusticity; the living of life remote from civilization, without all the societal props and conveniences we get so used to: cars, dishwashers, telephones, etc. that are non-essential to human life. See H.D. Thoreau as a proponent of wabi and sabi

Wai Chia ()

These are the external styles of Chuan-fa. There are eight catagories; 1--Shaolin, 2--Hung Ch-uan, 3--T'au T'ei Yu T'an T'ui, 4--Hon Ch'uan, 4--Erh-lang Men, 5--Fan Ch'uan, 6--Ch'a Ch'uan, 7--Mi Tsung Yi, 8--Pa Ch'uan. Tang Dynasty: Shaolin Chuan-fa Sung Period (1127-1279): Hung Ch'uan, T'au T'ei Ming Dynasty (1368-1644): Hon Ch'uan, Erh-lang men, Fan Ch'uan, Ch'a Ch'uan Ch'ing Period (1644-1911): Mi Tsung Yi, Pa Ch'uan

wajutsu (wah-jew-tzoo)

gentle techniques (predecessor to judo)

wakarimasu (wah-car-ii-mah-s)

a statment meaning "I understand." The opposite "I don't understand is wakarimasen

wako (wah-koe)

pirate. The western shore of Japan was inhabited by many pirates.

wan ()

The arm

Wang Yang Ming () (…1472…)

This man was a Chinese rival of the confucianism accepted by the Japanes bafuku. His philosophy was called Oyomei and included that knowledge comes from personal teachings which aim at intuition and moral sense rather than intellect. He also believed in the physical endeavor for the "control of the mind." This philosophy included the need for self-discipline where the individual must learn to assert himself in ways that lead to self-development. He had a passion for the martial arts.

Wansu (wahn-sue)

an Okinawan name for the kata we call Empi

washide uchi (wah-shee-day)

eagle beak strike

waza (wah-zah)

This is a Japanese term for 'a combination technique.' It is often used with a partner in a yakusoku kumite.

wazari (wah-zah-rhee)

a half point given in a tournament for a fairly good technique (see ippon)

White Lotus Society ()

A Chinese martial arts secret society which revolted against the Mongol rule of the Manchu Dynasty (1644-1911).

Wong Ark-Yuey ()

A master of ch-uan fa who first opened his doors to all races. He did this in Los Angeles' Old Chinatown in 1964. His dojo was called the Wah Que Chinese Kung-fu Studio and emphasized Kung-fu as a health exercise.

Wu ()

The Liang Dynasty emperor (502-557 AD) who met with Bodhidharma Daruma to learn Zen.

wushu (woo-shoe)

the Chinese term for martial arts

wuwei (woo-way)

noninterference. The Taoist view that it is best to allow the universe to function as the universe does without our physical interference in its flow and destiny. It would take volumes to explain this essoteric concept. Suffice it to say that wuwei is an accepting of the flow of life and of all things in the universe. It is not nihilism in that nihilism has hopelessness but wuwei retains hope.

Yabiku Moden (yah-bee-kuu moe-den)

an Okinawan karate expert who learned weapons from Chinen

Yabu Kentsu (yah-boo ken-t'sue)

a top student of Itosu Yasutsune (although Yabu studied in Matsumura's dojo under Itosu). He fought in the Sino-Japanese War reaching the rank of Lieutenant. He perfected his karate technique during this war. When he taught back in Okinawa he became known as "the Sargent." Yabu Kentsu was one of the very early "public school" teachers of karate. Yabu Kentsu went to Hawai in April 1927 and was the first karate master to teach openly in Hawaii. One of his first pupils was a young boy who we now know as Sensei Richard Kim. Yabu Kentsu was in Hawaii for only five months before returning to his home in Okinawa. The importance of his visit was that it brought together the hidden-behind-the-scenes karate enthusiasts who had never thought of teaching their arts openly.

yabusami (yah-boo-sah-me)

the art of archery from horsebacck

Yaeyama (yah-eh-yama-ah)

An island in Okinawa where many weapon kata developed

Yagyu Shingan Ryu (yah-ghee-you)

This ryu represents a clear-cut shift in emphasis from weapons to empty-hand techniques. It was originated in Pre-Edo times by Ushu Tatewaki as a weapons ryu but later developed into empty-hand techniques.

Yagyu Shinkage Ryu (yah-ghee-you)

This is a sword ryu with decidedly Zen influence and major philosophical backing including munen (no reflection) and muso (no thought).

Yagyu Tajima no Kami (Yah-gwew Tah-gee-mah) (1527-1606)

An expert swordsman and Zen master. He is written about in Daisetsu Suzuki's book "Zen and Japanese Culture."

Yagyu Tajima no Kami (1527-1606) (yah-ghee-you tah-jee-mah)

A great swordsman of his day. He developed in spiritual areas of the art that once taught were to influence Japanese martial arts forever.

yakko (yah-koe)

Lower rank or hatamoto kabukimono who were often merciless killers at the beginning of the Tokugawa Era. (see machi-yako)

yakusoku kumite (yah-koo-sew-koo)

This is prearranged sparring where one or both of the partners have 'promised' to do certain techniques. Yakusoku is the Japanese word for 'promise.'

yama (yah-mah) mountain

Yamaga Soko (1622-85) (yah-mah-gah)

This man was one of Japan's 'Three Great Ronin.' He taught Oishi Kuranosuke the leader in the famous 'Fourty-Seven Ronin' episode

Yamaguchi Gogen (yah-mah-goo-chi)

A famous Goju-Ryu karate master who studied directly under Chojun Miyagi. He was known as "Cat" Yamaguchi and was the head of the Dai Nippon Butokukai's karate division for years.

Yamaguchi, Paul ()

Learned from Dr. James Mitose. Yamaguchi was one of the founders of both the Hawaii Karate Association (1959) and the Hawaii Karate Congress (1961)

Yamato (yah-mah-to)

an old name for Japan which means east-mountain

Yamato Damashi ()

the soul of Japan. Japanese national pride.

Yamato damashi ()

the Japanese spirit, especially when referring to national pride or fighting

yame (yah-meh)

a command to stop what you are doing

Yang Chien ()

Chinese emperor during the Sui Dynasty who first referred to all of the islands between Japan and the Philippines as Loo Choo. He sent men looking for the Land of Happy Immortals amd they found Okinawa, a poor string of islands with no immortals.

yari (yah-rhee)

a spear with a straight point

yarijutsu ()

the art of spear fighting

yasume (yah-sue-me)

relax, rest; can be used as a command to take a rest during training. A more polite way is o-yasume.

Yasuzato (Yah-sue-zah-toe)

an Okinawan karate master who learned from Bushi Matsumura

yawara ()

an early form of jujutsu which was originally empty-handed. Today many styles of yawara use a short stick which has taken the name yawara itself.

yawara-ge (yah-wah-rah gay)

"peace-maker" is a style of unarmed combat aimed at not killing the opponent

yawara-gi (yah-wah-rah ghee)

One hundred techniques of Choiisai Ienao and another hundred with sword of Hasegawa Eshin in the Muso Jikiden Ryu. These are techniques of meekness…not meant to destory or kill but to restrain.

Yellow Peril ()

This is the ultimate of prejudice expressed in the United States following the great California gold rush of 1849. Chinese workers were brought in as indentured servants to do work the miners didn't want to waste their time on and to form the work force for the first railroad across America. Once the railroad was completed (1869) the masses of Chinese represented a peril to the American worker. Hatred and prejudice erupted in what was known as the Yellow Peril. This prejudice led to the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 out of fear that the West Coast of America was endangered of becoming Sinitic.

yin (yheen)

the receptive-passive principle of nature in yin-yang

yo (yoh)

the expressive-active principle of nature in in-yo

yoi (yoh-ee)

ready, prepared condition

yoko (yoh-koh)

side

yoko empi uchi ()

side elbow strike

yoko geri (yoh-koh)

side kick (kekomi/keagi also applies to yoko geri)

yoko tobi geri (yoh-ko-toe-bee-gay-rhee)

flying side kick

yokomen (yoh-ko-men)

side of the head

yokomen uchi ()

a strike to the side of the head

yondan (yohn-dahn)

fourth degree black belt; fourth in a series

Yonegawa no kon (yoh-neh-gah-wah)

a famous okinawan bo kata developed by Chinen of Yamane Ryu

yonkyu (yohn-key-uu)

high green belt; 4th kyu

yoriashi (yoe-rhee-ah-she)

Sliding the feet. A karate ashiwaza.

Yoshida Kotaro (yoh-she-dah ko-tar-row)

a student of Takeda Sogaku and teacher of Sensei Richard Kim

Young, Thomas ()

Young attained his black belt from Dr. James Mitose in Kosho-Ryu Shorinji Kempo. When Mitose left Hawaii for the mainland USA Young took over Mitose's dojo, the Official Self-Defense Club.

yu (you)

courage

yubi (you-bee)

finger

yudansha (you-dahn-shaw)

a person who has earned a black belt (see mudansha)

yugamae (you-gah-mah-ee)

preparedness, especially as in Annanko

yugen (you-ghen)

1. mysterious skills and secrets of the master which have come from his direct experience and spiritual discipline
2. the power of expression varying between subtle suggestion and explicit statement used by the master.
3. The ten forms of Teika; suggestiveness, charm, dynamic stillness, gentleness, tranquillity, serenity, irregularity, assymetry, no-mind (Zen), no action (Tao). These subtle suggestions aim at expressing something inexpressible, i.e., yugen.

yuka (you-kaw)

floor

yuka geri ()

floor kicks

yuka kagato geri ()

back kick from the floor

yuka mawashi geri ()

round kick from the floor

yumitori (you-me-tore-rhee)

archer

yumitori uke ()

archer block

zaibatsu (zah-ee-bah-tsoo)

huge industrial conglomerates which fueled the Japanese military machine in World War II, and subsequently were broken up by American occupation forces.

zanshin (zahn-sheen)

perfect finish, the complete physical and emotional overwhelming of an opponent

zazen (zah-zen)

seated meditation

Zen (zehn)

an oriental philosophy which heavily influenced the samurai of Japan in the thirteenth century

Zen Bei Butokukai (zen bay boo-toh-ku-kah-ee)

the Greater American Military Virtue Organization headed by Sensei Richard Kim

zenkutsu dachi (zen-koo-tzoo)

front stance, bow-and-arrow stance

Zuiho Mutsu (zoo-eee-hoe moo-tsue)

An Okinawan karate master who was invited to visit Hawaii in 1933 along with Kamesuke Higaonna. The two, along with Thomas Miyashiro, opened the first successful martial arts school to teach to occidentals as well as orientals. The dojo was located at the First methodist Church on Beretania Street, Honolulu, Hawaii. It was a huge success. The three went on to form the Hawaii Karate Seinin Kai.