Jodan Age-Uke

Jodan Age-Uke

by | Jan 28, 2016 | Blog, Karate Glossary, Karate Glossary "J"

What Does Jodan Age-Uke Mean? Jodan Age-Uke jo·dan·a·ge·u·ke \ˈjō-ˈdän\ˈȯ-ˈgā\ ü-ˈkā\ noun Definition: An upward or rising block used to deflect an attack to the upper part of the body. It can also receive an incoming attack and sweep it overhead while still keeping...
Heiko Dachi

Heiko Dachi

by | Jan 13, 2016 | Blog, Karate Glossary, Karate Glossary "H"

What Does Heiko Dachi Mean? Heiko Dachi hei·ko da·chi \ˈhā-ˈkō\ dä-ˈchē\ noun Definition: This is known as the “natural stance” in a kata where a karateka’s feet are approximately shoulder width apart and the other edges of their feet are parallel. View More Karate...
Bunkai

Bunkai

by | Dec 24, 2015 | Blog, Karate Glossary, Karate Glossary "B"

What Does Bunkai Mean? Bunkai bun·kai \ˈbün-ˈkī\ noun Definition: This refers to kata applications being used in a demonstration with real opponents. Bunkai is very useful, as it shows how each stance and movement in karate is used. View More Karate Glossary Terms:...
Kyokushin

Kyokushin

by | Nov 24, 2015 | Blog, Karate Glossary, Karate Glossary "K"

What Does Kyokushin Mean? Kyokushin ky·o·ku·shin \ˈkē-ō-ˈkü-ˈshin\ noun Definition: This is another form of karate that was founded by Masutatsu Oyama in 1964. It is a form of full contact, stand-up karate and has approximately 12 million practitioners worldwide. View...
Karate

Karate

by | Nov 16, 2015 | Blog, Karate Glossary, Karate Glossary "K"

What Does Karate Mean? Karate ka·ra·te \kə-ˈrä-tē\ noun Definition: Its literal meaning is “empty hand”, and it is a martial art originally developed in Okinawa’s Ryukyu Islands. It is known as a striking art where practitioners use knees, kicks, punches, and elbows;...
Kata

Kata

by | Nov 11, 2015 | Blog, Karate Glossary, Karate Glossary "K"

What Does Kata Mean? Kata ka·ta \ˈkȯ-ˈtä\ noun Definition: A sequence of movements that represent different defensive and offensive moves. Kata postures are based on idealized combat applications and should be practiced regularly by all students. View More Karate...
Kamae-Te

Kamae-Te

by | Nov 5, 2015 | Blog, Karate Glossary, Karate Glossary "K"

What Does Kamae-Te Mean? Kamae-Te ka·mae·te \ˈkȯ-ˈmā\ˈtā\ noun Definition: This should not be confused with the word kamae, which means posture. Kamae-te is an instruction given by a sensei to his students. For example, a sensei looking to get students to assume a...
Gi

Gi

by | Nov 1, 2015 | Blog, Karate Glossary, Karate Glossary "G"

What Does Gi Mean? Gi gi \gē\ noun Definition: The name for the traditional karate uniform. It has a similar origin to the judogi, the judo uniform, but the Gi is made from much lighter material. It is important to purchase a high-quality Gi, because an...
Dojo Kun

Dojo Kun

by | Oct 28, 2015 | Blog, Karate Glossary, Karate Glossary "D"

What Does Dojo Kun Mean? Dojo Kun do·jo·kun \ˈdō-(ˌ)jō\ ˈkən\ noun Definition: This is a set of guidelines all karate practitioners are expected to follow. Not only do these guidelines apply within the dojo, they also apply to everyday life. View More Karate Glossary...
Dan

Dan

by | Oct 26, 2015 | Blog, Karate Glossary, Karate Glossary "D"

What Does Dan Mean? Dan dan \ˈdan\ noun Definition: A ranking system used in modern Japanese martial arts such as karate. It was adopted in 1924 by Gichin Funakoshi, the founder of Shotokan Karate. Different-colored belts signify a student’s ranking, and the highest...
Bushido

Bushido

by | Oct 21, 2015 | Blog, Karate Glossary, Karate Glossary "B"

What Does Bushido Mean? Bushido bu·shi·do \ˈbu̇-shi-ˌdō\ noun Definition: A general martial arts term rather than being strictly a karate one. It is a Japanese word for the Samurai life and is loosely based on the concept of chivalry. Its literal meaning is “military...
Kendo

Kendo

by | Aug 1, 2014 | Blog, Karate Glossary, Karate Glossary "K"

What Does Kendo Mean? Kendo ken·do \ˈken-(ˌ)dō\ noun Definition: This is known as “the way of the sword” and involves the use of bamboo swords and protective armor. It has had a major influence on modern karate despite the fact that few karateka ever practice it. View...
Ushiro Geri

Ushiro Geri

by | Aug 1, 2014 | Blog, Karate Glossary, Karate Glossary "U"

What Does Ushiro Geri Mean? Ushiro Geri u·shi·ro ge·ri \ˈü-shē-rō\ ˈgā-rē\ noun Definition: A form of back kick said to be the most devastating kick in karate. Advanced karateka will use a spinning variation of this kick, and the end result can be an exceptionally...
Musubi-Dachi

Musubi-Dachi

by | Aug 1, 2014 | Blog, Karate Glossary, Karate Glossary "M"

What Does Musubi-Dachi Mean? Musubi-Dachi mu·su·bi·da·chi \ˈmü-sü-bē\ ˈdȯ-ˈchē\ noun Definition: This is deemed to be an informal stance where the heels are kept together and toes are open at a 45-degree angle. It is the most common stance when it comes to performing...