Japanese Karate Terminology – Shotokan Karate Dojo

Japanese Karate Terminology Guide

A clear, beginner‑friendly glossary of Japanese Shotokan terms used in our JKA‑style dojo in Flackwell Heath, based on the traditions passed down from Master Funakoshi and Sensei Enoeda.

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Our instructors were graded by the JKA/KUGB under the late Sensei Enoeda, 9th Dan — continuing the standards and principles he taught.

How to Use This Guide

This page explains the most common Japanese terms you will hear in class: stances, blocks, strikes, kicks, commands, and dojo etiquette. Students gradually learn Japanese terms such as Rei (bow), Oss, Sensei, Sempai, Kohai, Gi, Obi, Shomen, Seiza, Mokuso, Kiai, Yoi, Hajime, and Yame. These terms preserve tradition and ensure clarity.

General Dojo Terms

  • Karate — Empty hand
  • Karate‑do — The way of the empty hand
  • Shotokan — “Shoto’s house”, founded by Master Funakoshi
  • Dojo — Training hall
  • Sensei — Instructor / teacher
  • Sempai — Senior student
  • Kohai — Junior student
  • Gi — Training uniform
  • Obi — Belt
  • Kyu — Beginner grades
  • Dan — Black belt grades

Numbers (For Counting)

  • Ichi — 1
  • Ni — 2
  • San — 3
  • Shi / Yon — 4
  • Go — 5
  • Roku — 6
  • Shichi / Nana — 7
  • Hachi — 8
  • Kyu — 9
  • Ju — 10

Stances (Dachi)

  • Hachiji Dachi — Natural stance, feet shoulder‑width
  • Zenkutsu Dachi — Front stance
  • Kokutsu Dachi — Back stance
  • Kiba Dachi — Horse stance
  • Fudo Dachi — Rooted / immovable stance
  • Neko Ashi Dachi — Cat stance

Blocks (Uke)

  • Gedan Barai — Downward sweeping block
  • Age Uke — Rising block
  • Soto Uke — Outside block
  • Uchi Uke — Inside block
  • Shuto Uke — Knife‑hand block

Punches & Strikes (Zuki / Uchi)

  • Oi Zuki — Stepping / lunge punch
  • Gyaku Zuki — Reverse punch
  • Kizami Zuki — Jab punch
  • Tate Zuki — Vertical punch
  • Uraken Uchi — Back‑fist strike
  • Shuto Uchi — Knife‑hand strike
  • Empi Uchi — Elbow strike

Kicks (Geri)

  • Mae Geri — Front kick
  • Yoko Geri — Side kick
  • Mawashi Geri — Roundhouse kick
  • Ushiro Geri — Back kick
  • Hiza Geri — Knee strike

Training Commands

  • Rei — Bow
  • Oss — Respectful acknowledgement / spirit
  • Yoi — Ready position
  • Hajime — Begin
  • Yame — Stop
  • Mokuso — Meditation
  • Mokuso Yame — Finish meditation
  • Kiai — Spirit shout

Training Types

  • Kihon — Basics / fundamental techniques
  • Kata — Forms / patterns
  • Kumite — Sparring
  • Jiyu Kumite — Free sparring
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Flackwell Heath Community Centre
High Wycombe • HP10 9BN

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We provide traditional Shotokan Karate classes for children and adults across High Wycombe and the surrounding areas.

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