Karate- Glos­sary

Direction of movement upwards, e.g., Age-Uke (upward block).

Blocking technique where the forearm is guided from bottom to top — protects the head (Jodan).

General term for foot or leg. In technique names often used as a suffix (e.g., Mawashi-Geri = roundhouse kick).

The practical application of a kata: every movement is analyzed with a partner. What lies hidden in the form sequence becomes tangible here.

The code of honour of the Japanese warrior caste. Values such as loyalty, honour, discipline, and duty — the moral foundation of karate.

Attack or block height at a medium level (chest to abdomen). Counterparts: Jodan (upper) and Gedan (lower).

Body stance in karate. Well-known stances: Zenkutsu-Dachi (front stance), Kiba-Dachi (horse stance), Sanchin-Dachi (three-point stance).

Black belt rank. The 1st Dan marks the beginning of mastery, not the end. Dan grades up to the 10th Dan follow.

Literally 'place of the way'. The room where karate is practiced, not a sports hall, but a place of character building.

The guiding principles of Kyokushin, passed down by Sosai Oyama. The commonly used Kyokushin Dojo Kun today consists of seven points. Each line starts with Hitotsu (the first), as all are equally important. Earlier or other karate traditions may have different numbers of guiding principles. Source: masutatsuoyama.com/kyokushin_dojokun.htm.

Elbow strike or blow. One of the most powerful close-combat techniques in Kyokushin.

Attack or block height at a lower level (below the belt line). Counterparts: Jodan (upper) and Chudan (middle).

Kicking technique. Important forms: Mae-Geri (front snap kick), Mawashi-Geri (roundhouse kick), Yoko-Geri (side kick), Ushiro-Geri (back kick).

The traditional white karate-dogi. In Kyokushin, often made of reinforced fabric, as full-contact puts a strain on the suit.

Technique with the side that is not in the front. In Gyaku-Zuki, the fist of the rear side strikes.

Referee or Sensei command to start an exercise or a fight.

Command for a referee decision after a draw in Kumite.

Directional indicator in technique names. Hidari-Mae-Geri = left front kick.

Alternative term for elbow. Hiji-Ate = elbow strike.

Basic techniques in forward motion. Standing becomes walking — Kihon becomes controlled, dynamic fighting.

In Kumite, a full point that can decide the fight. Also: Ippon-Kumite = one-step sparring.

Jiyu-Kumite = free sparring without pre-arranged techniques. The highest level of partner sparring before tournament Kumite.

Attack or block height at the upper level (face, head). Counterparts: Chudan (middle) and Gedan (lower).

In contrast to 'Do' (way), Jutsu stands for practical combat application. Karate-Jutsu = martial art, Karate-Do = the way of character formation.

Fighting stance before starting a technique or Kumite. The body is ready, the mind is focused.

Chinese characters used in Japanese. Each Karate term has a Kanji that carries its meaning.

Set sequence of techniques against imaginary opponents. Trains coordination, breathing, rhythm, and concentration. One of the three pillars of Karate.

Kick performed with a whipping motion — fast and snapping back. Counterpart: Kekomi (thrust kick).

Kick performed with pressure into the opponent — powerful and penetrating. Counterpart: Keage (snap kick).

The basis of all Karate techniques: stances, strikes, blocks, kicks. If you cannot stand, you cannot fight, which is why everything begins with Kihon.

The moment of maximum concentration and power at the end of a technique. Kime is what makes a technique effective; not the movement, but the conclusion.

Fighting with a partner. In Kyokushin: full contact to the body without protective gear. One of the three pillars of Karate.

Belt grades below the black belt, descending from 10th Kyu (white) to 1st Kyu (brown). Each Kyu shows what you are allowed to practice.

Directional indicator. Mae-Geri = straight front kick, Mae-Uke = forward-directed block.

Circular movement. Mawashi-Geri = roundhouse kick, Mawashi-Zuki = hook punch.

Directional indicator in technique names. Migi-Mae-Geri = right front kick.

Command for meditation at the beginning and end of training. Eyes closed, mind calmed — the transition from everyday life to the Dojo.

The colored belt that indicates the grade of a karateka. In Kyokushin, the color does not show what you have mastered, but what you are allowed to practice.

Straight punch with the side that is in front, while the back foot follows — the classic attack in Kihon.

Combines patience (Osu) and strength (Shin). In Kyokushin, the universal affirmation: 'I accept the challenge without complaining.' One word, one attitude.

The bow — acknowledgment of the Dojo, the partner, and the Sensei. Karate begins with respect and ends with respect.

Chaining several techniques in a flow. Renraku connects Kihon into real fighting dynamics.

Bowing while standing, usually when entering or leaving the Dojo as well as at the beginning and end of training.

One of the most important Kata in Kyokushin. Trains tension, breathing, and stance stability. Sanchin-Dachi is the associated narrow, powerful stance.

Traditional Japanese way of sitting on the heels. Starting position for Mokuso (meditation) and formal bowing (Za-Rei).

Literally 'one born before'. Title for the teacher, not just a rank, but a responsibility. At Shinzen Dojo: Sensei Anh Son Le.

Advanced student who helps beginners (Kohai). The Senpai-Kohai relationship structures learning in the Dojo.

Technique with the little finger edge of the hand. Shuto-Uke = sword-hand block, Shuto-Uchi = sword-hand strike.

Directional indicator. Soto-Uke = block from outside to inside. Counterpart: Uchi (inside).

Breaking boards or bricks with a technique. Proves that a technique has impact power — not a show, but consequence.

The traditional Japanese mat on which training takes place. In the Dojo, the defined area for training.

Straight punch. Important forms: Oizuki (lunge), Gyakuzuki (reverse), Morotzuki (double-handed).

Double meaning: 1. Direction from inside (Uchi-Uke = block from inside). 2. Striking technique (Uraken-Uchi = backfist strike).

Defensive technique. Important forms: Age-Uke (upper), Soto-Uke (outside), Uchi-Uke (inside), Gedan-Barai (lower).

Strike with the back of the fist. Fast and from a rotation — often used in Kumite.

Directional indicator. Ushiro-Geri = back kick, one of the most powerful kicking techniques in Kyokushin.

Yakusoku-Kumite = agreed combat: Attack and defense are agreed upon in advance. The preliminary stage to free kumite.

Command to stop an exercise or a fight. The counterpart to Hajime (start).

Directional instruction. Yoko-Geri = side kick, one of the most important kicking techniques in Kyokushin.

Formal bow from Seiza (kneeling sitting position). The highest expression of respect in the dojo.

The state of sustained awareness after a technique. Do not slacken, do not triumph — remain ready. A core concept of Karate.

The most common stance in Karate: one foot in front, 70% of the weight on the front leg. Gives every technique stability and reach.