COUNTING IN JAPANESE
ICHI -- ONE NI -- TWO SAN --THREE
SHI -- FOUR GO -- FIVE ROKU -- SIX
SHICHI -- SEVEN HACHI -- EIGHT KU -- NINE
JU -- TEN
Higher numbers (11-99) are created by adding lower numbers together: 11 = Ju+Ichi, 12 = Ju+Ni, etc. and 20 Ni+Ju, 30 = San + Ju, etc.
Japanese Martial Arts language
The most difficult part of learning a martial art in a traditional dojo is learning to listen to and understand the Japanese words that are spoken. The Japanese commands are necessary to the proper induction of a student into the art. Historically it is necessary, as some commands cannot be put into English without a lengthy explanation. Often times the words that are used in the dojo are not commonly found in everyday use. The term OSU!!! Is one of the best examples it is a contraction of the word or phrase ouso which generally means I understand and will obey. This term was adopted from the military and used in the karate dojo, the term is not commonly found in Iaido, Kobudo, jujitsu, or judo. Some karate dojo also do not use this term, and in those dojo “hai so desu” is used most often to indicate compliance with requests or orders
Since we are in America, we should explain in English, and command in Japanese. In this way we may retain the flavor of Japan Karate do with the added benefit of presenting the material to be studied in the student’s native language.
Parts of the Body
Atama -- Head, Top of Head Kin -- Groin
Hiza -- Knee Ashi -- Foot
Hiji -- Elbow Hirate -- Fist
Haisoku -- Instep Kote --Forearm
Te -- Hand Teisoku --Foot arch
Sokuto -- Foot blade Shotei -- Palm Heel
Haishu -- Back of hand Kakato -- Heel
Chusoku -- Ball of foot Koken -- Wrist
Shuto -- Knife hand Haito -- Inner Shuto
Directions of Blocking and Striking
Jodan -- High Chudan --Middle
Gedan -- Low Migi -- Right
Hidari -- Left Ushiro -- Back
Mae -- Front Yoko -- Side
Age -- Rising Mawashi --Round
Han -- 45o angle
Stances
Shiko Dachi -- Horse Stance Yoi Dachi -- Ready Stance
Tsuri Ashi Dachi --Crane Stance Neko Ashi Dachi -- Cat Stance
Zenkutsu Dachi -- Front Stance
Kokutsu Dachi -- Back Stance
Sanshin Dachi --Hourglass Stance