Glossary
Glossary
The following is a running glossary of Japanese terms you may find helpful. If you’d like to see something added, just ask.
Flashcards
I’ve put together a set of flashcards over on quizzlet.com. Use them to help you learn the vocabulary we use in class.
Blocking Techniques
The Japanese word for “block” is “uke” (which really means something closer to “receive.”)
| Japanese | English |
|---|---|
| age uke | rising block |
| gedan barai | downward block |
| soto uke (or soto ude uke) | outside block |
| uke | block. receive, or receiver |
Punching/Striking Techniques
The Japanese word for punch is “tsuki” (which really means “thrust”), but it often becomes “zuki” when it comes after another word. (e.g. oi zuki)
| Japanese | English |
|---|---|
| choku zuki | straight punch (typically in place) |
| oi zuki | lunge punch |
| tsuki | punch or thrust |
| uchi | strike |
Kicking & Other Leg Techniques
The Japanese word for “kick” is “keri”, which often becomes “geri” when it comes after another word. In fact “geri”, by itself, means something completely different.
| Japanese | English |
|---|---|
| keri | kick |
| mae geri keage | front snap kick |
Stances/Postures
The Japanese word for “stance” is “tachi”, which often becomes “dachi” when it comes after another word. (e.g. zenkutsu dachi) Likewise, the Japanese word for posture is “kamae”, which often becomes “gamae” when it comes after another word. (e.g. manji gamae)
| Japanese | English |
|---|---|
| tachi | stance |
| kamae | posture |
| kiba dachi | “horse riding” stance |
| kokutsu dachi | back stance |
| zenkutsu dachi | front stance |
Body Parts
These are parts or regions of the body.
| Japanese | English |
|---|---|
| ashi | leg |
| chudan | middle level (shoulders to waist) |
| gedan | lower level (waist down) |
| jodan | upper level (shoulders up) |
| ude | forearm |
Rank
These things have to do with rank.
| Japanese | English |
|---|---|
| dan | black belt rank |
| kyu | ranks below black belt |
| mudansha | someone without a black belt |
| yudansha | someone with a black belt |
Commands
These are commands you’ll hear in class, or as part of opening/closing class.
| Japanese | English |
|---|---|
| mokuso | meditate |
| naore | return to ready position (after kata) |
| otagai ni rei | bow to each other |
| rei | bow |
| seiretsu | line up |
| seiza | kneel down |
| sempai ni rei | bow to your seniors |
| sensei ni rei | bow to the instructor |
| shomen ni rei | bow to the front |
| yame | stop (but don’t relax) |
| yasume | relax |
“Other”
These things don’t really fit in elsewhere.
| Japanese | English |
|---|---|
| gi | uniform |
| kata | form or pattern |
| kiai | A short, sharp yell |
| kihon | basics or fundamentals |
| kumite | sparring |
| obi | belt |