BASIC GLOSSARY

These are some Japanese words that are frequently used at World Kanreikai Karate schools.

Anza: Sitting position, relaxed, cross-legged with straight back

Dan: Black belt qualification level

Dogi: Karate uniform (also called Gi)

Dojo: Room where martial arts are being practiced; martial arts school

Hajime: Start

Hanshi: Grand Master

Hidari: Left

Hikite: Movement with a shout (Kiai)

Ibuki: Breathing out technique (a long exhalation followed by a short expiration)

Kamaete: Starting position

Karate: Empty hand; Japanese martial art practiced with bare hands and feet

Karateka: Karate practitioner

Kata: Imaginary fight

Kiai: Shout to concentrate power (power explosion)

Kihon Waza: Basic techniques

Kohai: Junior student relative to one’s qualification level (Kyu)

Kumite: Fight

Kyu: Qualification level (from White belt to Black tip)

Mawate: Turn

Migi: Right

Mokuso: Meditation

Naore: Return to starting position

Nida: Second Dan

Obi: Belt

Otagai: Student

Rei: Salute

Sanda: Third Dan

Seiza: Kneeling position, fists tight on hips, straight back (for salute and meditation)

Senpai: Senior student relative to one’s qualification level (Kyu); Black belt karateka

Sensei: Teacher in charge of the dojo

Shihan: Master

Shodan: First Dan

Tatami: Training mat

Yamei: Stop

Yoi: Ready

Yondan: Fourth Dan

Numbers:

Ichi: 1

Ni: 2

San: 3

Chi (Yon): 4

Go: 5

Roku: 6

Sishi: 7

Hachi: 8

Ku: 9

Ju: 10

Niju: 20

Sanju: 30

Yonju: 40

Goju: 50

Kyaku: 100