Basic Terminology

The following is by no means meant as an exhaustive guide nor a strict translation to the terminology used in Shotokan Karate as the complexities will no doubt be studied later but may be of use to the beginner or novice as a starting point.

Hope it helps ...

Age uke                                      Rising Block
Aka                                              Red
Bunkai                                        Application
Chudan                                       Body Area
Dojo                                            Training Hall
Gedan Bari                                Downward Block
Gi                                                Karate Suit
Gohon Kumite                            Five Step Fighting
Ippon                                           Full Point
Jodan                                          Head Area
Kamae                                        Fighting Stance
Karate                                         Empty Hand
Kata                                            Set Form (sequence)
Keage                                         Snap
Kekomi                                       Thrust
Kiba Dachi                                  Straddle Stance
Kihon                                            Basics
Kokutsu Dachi                             Back Stance
Kumite                                          Fighting
Mae Geri                                      Front Kick
Mawashi Geri                              Roundhouse Kick
Obi                                                Belt
Rei                                                Bow
Sensei                                          Teacher
Shiai                                             Competition
Shiro                                             White
Shoto                                            Billowing Pine Trees
Shuto uke                                     Knife Hand Block
Soto ude uke                               Outside Block
Uchi Uke                                      Inside Block
Wazari                                          Half Point
Yoko Geri Keage                        Side Snap Kick
Yoko Geri Kekomi                      Side Thrust Kick
Zanshin                                        Awareness
Zenkutsu Dachi                           Front Stance

Basic Numbers

1 ichi
2 ni
3 san
4 shi
5 go
6 roku
7 shichi
8 hachi
9 ku
10 ju
 


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