30 terms covering Japanese karate terminology, philosophy, techniques, rank, etiquette, and dojo culture — with romaji, English translations, and usage notes.
30 TERMS · 6 CATEGORIES
30 terms
空手
KarateEmpty Hand
The martial art itself. Kara (empty) + Te (hand). Modern kanji replaces old Tang dynasty character.
Core
道場
DojoTraining Hall
The place of the way. Any space designated for martial arts practice. Requires formal etiquette on entry.
Dojo
先生
SenseiTeacher / One Who Has Come Before
Honorific for an instructor. Literally "one who was born before" — implying experience and wisdom.
Rank
礼
ReiBow / Respect
The formal bow used at the beginning and end of training, when entering the dojo, and greeting a sensei.
Etiquette
気合
KiaiSpirit Shout
The sharp exhalation accompanying a technique. Focuses energy, startles opponent, and marks completion.
Technique
型
KataForm / Pattern
A choreographed sequence against imaginary opponents. Contains the preserved fighting application of each style.
Core
組手
KumiteSparring
Literally "grappling hands". Free or controlled combat between two practitioners. Many forms exist.
Core
基本
KihonBasics
Fundamental techniques drilled in isolation. The foundation that supports kata and kumite. Never outgrown.
Core
気
KiLife Force / Energy
The vital energy that animates the body and powers techniques. Related to Chinese concept of qi/chi.
Philosophy
残心
ZanshinRemaining Mind
Sustained awareness after a technique. The body is relaxed but the mind remains alert to the opponent.
Philosophy
無心
MushinNo-Mind
A state of mental clarity free from thought or ego. Allows pure instinctive response in combat.
Philosophy
逆突き
Gyaku-zukiReverse Punch
Rear-hand punch. Crossing the centreline with hip rotation. Most common scoring technique in kumite.
Technique
刻み突き
Kizami-zukiJab Punch
Lead-hand punch. Shorter range, faster than gyaku-zuki. Used to open combinations and set up counters.
Technique
回し蹴り
Mawashi-geriRoundhouse Kick
Circular kick to head (jodan) or body (chudan). Highest-scoring kick in sanctioned competition.
Technique
前蹴り
Mae-geriFront Kick
Straight front kick using the ball of the foot. Fundamental kihon kick. Used for distance management.
Technique
道場訓
Dojo-kunDojo Oath
The five principles recited at the end of training. Codified by the founder of Shotokan. Central to the Shotokan lineage.
Philosophy
正拳突き
Seiken-zukiStraight Punch
The basic punch using the two large knuckles of a clenched fist. Foundation of all karate striking.
Technique
当て身
AtemiStrike to Vital Points
Striking to vulnerable anatomical points. Central in self-defence application of kata bunkai.
Technique
段
DanBlack Belt Degree
The black belt ranking system. 1st Dan (Shodan) through 10th Dan (Judan). Each requires years of practice.
Rank
級
KyuColoured Belt Grade
Pre-black belt ranking system. Typically 8 or 10 kyu levels counting down from highest (8th/10th) to 1st kyu.
Rank
受け
UkeBlock / Receive
A blocking or deflecting technique. Uke also means "receiver" — one who receives training.
Technique
立ち方
Tachi-kataStance
The foundational postures from which all techniques originate. Correct stance determines power and balance.
Technique
武道
BudoMartial Way
The path of martial arts — emphasising character development and the ethical use of martial skill.
Philosophy
分解
BunkaiKata Application Analysis
The practical combat applications hidden within kata sequences. Studied at intermediate and advanced levels.
Core
組手道場
Kumite dojoSparring Hall
A training space designated specifically for kumite practice. Sometimes separated from kata training areas.
Dojo
先手
SenteFirst Move / Initiative
Taking initiative. A classical maxim holds "karate ni sente nashi" — no first attack. Counter-striking is the foundation.
Philosophy
押忍
OsuAcknowledgement / Respect
Multi-purpose expression of respect, acknowledgement of instruction, and shared effort. Universal in many styles.
Etiquette
精神
SeishinSpirit / Mind
The mental and spiritual dimension of training. Karate is as much a discipline of seishin as of the body.
Philosophy
古武道
KobudoAncient Weapons Arts
Traditional Okinawan weapons practice. Bo, nunchaku, sai, tonfa, kama. Often practised alongside karate.
Core
型試合
Kata shiaiKata Competition
Competitive performance of kata before judges. Scored on technique, power, speed, and demonstration of bunkai.