Ryukyu Kenpo Kobujutsu
General Terms
Ashi waza:
Name given to all leg and foot techniques.
Ate waza:
“Smashing techniques.”
Atemi waza:
“Striking techniques.” Normally used in conjunction with grappling and
throwing techniques.
Bogu:
“Body armor.” (Men, Do, Kote).
Bogu kumite:
Kumite with body armor.
Bokken/Bokuto:
“Wooden sword.”
Budo:
“Martial way.” The Japanese character for “Bu” (martial) is
derived from characters meaning "stop" and (a weapon like a) "halberd." In
conjunction, then, “Bu” may have the connotation “to stop the
halberd.” In Karate, there is an assumption that the best way to prevent
violent conflict is to emphasize the cultivation of individual character.
Bugei:
“Martial arts”
Bunkai:
Study of applications and techniques in kata.
Bushi:
“Warrior.”
Bushido:
“Way of the warrior.”
Choku tsuki:
“Straight punch.”
Chudan:
“Mid-section.”
Dan:
“Level, Rank, or Degree.” Black Belt rank. Ranks under Black Belt are called
Kyu ranks.
Do:
1.) “Way/path.” The Japanese
character for Do is the same as the Chinese character for
Tao. In Karate, the
connotation is that of a way of
improving one's character through traditional training.
2.) “Chest protector.” In Ryukyu
Kenpo the Do is made of padded G.E. Lexan in a cloth
carrier.
3.) “Degree.” As in kyu ju do
= 90°.
Dojo:
Literally “place of the Way.” Also “place of enlightenment.” The place where we
practice Karate. Traditional etiquette prescribes bowing in the direction
of the designated front of the dojo (Shomen) whenever
entering or leaving the dojo.
Embusen:
Floor pattern of a kata.
Gasshuku:
Special training camp.
Gedan:
“Lower section.”
Gi (Embu gi) (Do gi) (Keiko gi) (Karate gi):
“Training uniform.” In most “traditional” Japanese and Okinawan Karate Dojo,
the Gi must be white and cotton (synthetics with cotton
allowed). In Lanten Ryukyu Kenpo Kobujutsu
the Gi is black, half sleeved, and hemmed at the bottom of the calf
muscle. Embu gi “Demonstration Uniform.”
Gojushiho:
“54 steps.”
Go no sen:
The tactic where one allows the opponent to attack first to open up targets for
counterattack.
Gyaku:
“Reverse.”
Gyakute:
The partner training where partner one attempts a joint lock, partner two
counters the lock and reverses the situation, attempting to lock partner one;
partner one counters the counter etc.…
Hai:
“Yes.”
Haisoku:
“Instep.”
Hanshi:
“Master.” “wise or sage-like”, hence the common translation of “master.”
Honorary title given to the highest Black Belts of an organization, signifying
their understanding of their art. Being an active Kyoshi is a
prerequisite to this title. In large organizations usually conferred at
Kudan or Judan. Normally a Hanshi is
over 55 years of age and
35 years as a black belt.
Harai waza:
“Sweeping techniques.”
Hidari:
“Left.” As opposed to right.
Hiji:
“Elbow.” Also called Empi.
Hiki te:
The retracting (pulling and twisting) arm during a technique. It gives the
balance of power to the forward moving technique. It can also be used as a
pulling technique after a grab, or a strike backward with the elbow.
Hiza:
“Knee.”
Hizagashira:
“Knee cap.”
Honbu dojo:
Central dojo of an organization. Hombu is the way Honbu
is pronounced
Ibuki:
“Breathing method.”
Inasu:
“Evasion of an on-coming attack.” By moving the body from the line of attack.
Irimi:
“To penetrate, to enter.” Usually describes moving inside the attack closer to
the opponent in defense.
Iyeh:
“No.”
Jiyu kumite:
Free Sparring.
Jodan:
“Upper Level.”
Kaisho:
“Open hand.” This refers to the type of blow which is delivered with the open
palm. It can also be used to describe other hand blows in which the fist is not
fully clenched.
Kakato:
“Heel.” Also En Sho.
Kakushi waza:
"Hidden techniques.”
Kamae:
“Posture, Stance, or Bearing.” With or without a weapon. Although Kamae
generally refers to a physical stance, there is an important parallel between
one's physical posture and one's psychological attitude. Assuming a strong
physical stance helps to promote the correlative adoption of a positive and
strong mental bearing in combat.
Kappo:
Techniques of resuscitating people who have succumbed to a shock to the nervous
system.
Karate:
“Empty hand.” When Karate was first introduced to Japan,
Japanese called it Tode. Hanashiro, Chomo changed the kanji to
the modern character of Kara to obscure the Chinese origins. The new kanji,
however, meant “Sky, Space” and not “Empty.” The original Okinawan was a dual
use word and could mean “Empty” or “Chinese.”
Karate do:
“The Way of Karate.” Implies not only the physical aspect of Karate, but also
the mental and social aspects of Karate.
Karateka:
A practitioner of Karate.
Kata:
“Form.” Prescribed pattern of movement, also “shoulder”.
Keiko:
1.) Training. The only secret to
success in Karate.
2.) Joined Fingertips.
Kekomi:
“Thrust Kick.” ( Literally, “Kick Into/Straight” ).
Kenpo:
“Fist Law.” A generic term to describe Okinawan fighting systems. Kempo is the
way Kenpo is pronounced.
Kensei:
The technique with silent Kiai. Related to meditation.
Kentsui:
“Hammer fist” also Tettsui.
Ki:
“Mind. Spirit. Energy. Vital-force.” (Chinese “Chi”) The
definitions presented here are very general. Ki is one word
that cannot be translated directly into any language.
Kiai:
A sound resulting from focusing all of one's internal and external energy into a
single movement. When audible Kiai are absent, one should
preserve the feeling at certain crucial points within the technique.
Manifestation of Ki.
Kihon:
(Something which is) “Fundamental.” Basic techniques.
Kime:
“Focus of power.”
Ki o tsuke:
“Attention”. Musubi dachi with open hands down both sides.
Kobo ichi:
The concept of “Attack-Defense Connection.”
Kobudo:
“Ancient Warrior Way.” Mostly used to describe modern Okinawan weapons’
training.
Kobujutsu:
“Ancient Warrior Arts.” Used to describe the highly effective feudal era
Okinawan training methods.
Kohai:
The younger in a Sempai – kohai relationship.
Kokoro:
"Spirit, Heart." In Japanese culture, the spirit dwells in the Heart.
Koken:
“Wrist Joint.”
Koshi:
“Ball of the foot.” Also Josokutei.
Koshin:
“Rearward.”
Kote:
“Protective gloves.” In Bogu Kumite the `Kote' are 10 to
12 oz. thumb tied professional boxing gloves.
Kun:
“Oath.” Pledge, motto.
Kyoshi:
“Knowledgeable person.” Usually this title is conferred at Rokudan
or Nanadan, depending on system. This status is prerequisite
before attaining the status as Hanshi. The most common practice
in the large organizations is for this to be at Nanadan (7th
dan).
Kyu:
“Grade”. Any rank below Shodan.
Kyusho jutsu:
“Vital Point Art.” The study of bodily weak points, physical reactions, and
their martial applications.
Kyusho waza:
“Vital Point techniques.”
Ma:
“Distance.” Between opponents.
Ma ai:
“Proper distancing or timing.” with respect to one's partner. Techniques always
vary according to circumstances. It is important to understand how differences
in initial position affect the timing and application of techniques.
Mae:
“Front.” Forward.
Mae ukemi:
“Front fall/roll.”
Makoto:
A feeling of absolute sincerity and total frankness, which requires a pure mind,
free from pressure of events.
Makiwara:
“Wrapped rice straw rope”, punching board for strengthening the wrist and
internal structure of the fist.
Matte:
“Wait.”
Meijin:
“Expert.”
Men:
“Head Protector.” Traditionally a padded steel mask specifically made for
Bogu kumite. Nowadays, Ryukyu Kenpo uses modern full
face covered boxing head gear.
Menkyo kaiden:
Certificate of full proficiency in a Japanese or Okinawan martial art.
Migi:
“Right.” As opposed to left.
Mokuso:
“Meditation.” Practice often begins or ends with a brief period of meditation.
The purpose of meditation is to clear one's mind and to develop cognitive
equanimity. Perhaps more importantly, meditation is an opportunity to become
aware of conditioned patterns of thought and behavior so that such patterns can
be modified, eliminated or more efficiently put to use.
Mushin:
“No Mind.” The mental state of being in which no thoughts intrude upon the act
of observing, allows the ability to react and adapt to the situation as it
develops.
Muudansha:
Students without black belt rank.
Nagasu:
“To flow like water.” Deflection of an on-coming attack, describes being carried
by a current in a stream, the attack is re-directed, sweeping just past.
Nage waza:
“Throwing techniques.”
Naihanchi:
Nai “inside, inner” refers
to standing with feet turned inward (pigeon toed). han or
fan "clawed foot” of a certain kind of animal. Bear's foot
(though not necessarily) being what comes to mind. Refers to animals who grip
the ground with their feet as they walk or stand. chi is “the
soil” or “foundation you walk upon”. Suggestive of someone standing upright with
knees slightly bent, toes gripping the ground (like a bear), feet turned
slightly inward. Suggestive but abstract, direct translation might not make
sense.
Nami gaeshi:
“Returning Wave.” Foot technique found in Naihanchi Shodan.
Noru:
“To ride, to carry.” or “to give a ride to”, you ride on the opponent's
attacking arm or leg; also. ride his hikite to break his rhythm; very
hard to defend against.
Okinawa:
The main island in the Ryukyu chain. Called “Uichinawa”
by the inhabitants it is where Ryukyu Kenpo and Karate developed.
Obi:
“Belt.” Ryukyu Kenpo follows the Tracy innovation in colored belts in the
Kyu grades: Yellow
(8th Kyu) Orange,
Purple,
Blue,
Green,
Brown (3rd Kyu), Black
(2nd to 1st Kyu). And the Ryukyu system in the
Dan ranking: Black, Shodan to
Rokudan (1st ½ inch silver stripe, 2nd
¾ inch silver stripe, 3rd 1½ inch
silver, 4th ½ inch gold, 5th ¾ inch gold, 6th
1½ inch gold); Red Nanadan
to Judan (7th ½ inch gold, 8th ¾ inch gold, 9-10th
1½ inch gold).
Oyo Waza:
Applications interpreted from techniques in Kata, deduced
according to a given condition. Most Tuite is.
Passai:
First character means "concerted military attack", a lot of soldiers, all at
once. Second character means “gate or pass”, a mountain pass or main opening to
something beyond. A common military idiom. Penetrating a battle line in a major
military encounter; large scale, the final battle, the culmination of all that
has come before.
Rei:
"Respect". A method of showing respect in Japanese culture is the bow. It is
proper for the junior person to bow lower than the senior person.
Reigi:
“Etiquette.” Also Reishiki.
Observance of proper etiquette at all times (but especially observance of proper
Dojo etiquette) is as much a part of one's training as the
practice of techniques. Observation of etiquette indicates one's sincerity,
one's willingness to learn, and one's recognition of the rights and interests of
others.
Rengokai:
Association of Associations.”
Renmei:
“Association.”
Renshi:
“A person who has mastered oneself.” This person is considered an expert
instructor. This status is prerequisite before attaining the status of
Kyoshi. Renshi “has a name”, is no longer one of the
many, so to speak. Usually given at Yondan to Rokudan,
depending on the system.
Renzoku waza:
“Combination techniques.”
Ryu:
Traditional system or school.
Ryukyu:
“Okinawa.” The Japanese pronunciation of the Chinese name “Liu Chiu”
also pronounced “Dyu Kyu” by the inhabitants of the island.
Refers to the island chain south-east of Japan.
Sempai:
The senior in a Kohai-Sempai relationship.
Sen no sen:
Attacking at the exact moment when the opponent attacks.
Sen sen no sen:
Attacking before the opponent attacks, preemptive attack.
Sensei:
“Teacher.” (lit. “one who as gone before”) It is usually considered proper to
address the instructor during practice as “Sensei” rather than
by his name. If the instructor is a permanent instructor for one's
Dojo or for an organization, it is proper to address him
as "Sensei" off the mat as well.
Shidoin:
“Assistant Instructor.” Formally recognized instructor who has not yet been
recognized as a Sensei.
Shihan:
“Teacher of teachers.” A formal title meaning, approximately, “master
instructor”. Awarded only at Yondan level and above in Ryukyu Kenpo.
Shizen tai:
“Natural position.”
Shomen:
Front or top of head. Also the designated front of a Dojo.
Suburito:
“Heavy wooden sword.” Used for strengthening the forearms and grip.
Tameshi wara:
“Breaking techniques.” Test of power by breaking.”
Tandoku renshu:
“Preparatory exercise.”
Teisho:
“Palm Heel.” Also Shotei.
Tenshin:
“Moving, shifting.”
Tome:
“Return to original position.”
Torite:
“Escape methods.” The Japanese pronunciation of the kanji for tuidi.
Tsukami waza:
“Catching technique.” A blocking technique by seizing the opponent's weapon,
arm, or leg. Used often for grappling techniques.
Tsuki:
“Punch or thrust.”
Tsumasaki:
“Tips of toes.”
Tuidi:
“Grab hand.” Okinawan karate grappling skills.
Uchi:
“Striking.”
Uchi deshi:
A live in student.
Uchi waza:
“Striking techniques.”
Ude:
“Forearm.”
Ukemi:
“Break falling.”
Ushiro:
“Back, rear, behind.”
Wa:
“Inner essence, being, calm.”
Wan:
“Arm.”
Wanto:
“Arm sword.”
Waza:
“Techniques.”
Waza ari:
Half point in a match.
Yame:
“Stop.”
Yasume:
“At ease.”
Yoi:
“Ready.”
Yoko:
“Side, horizontal.”
Yuudansha:
Holder of Dan grade who is accepted into a Yuudanshai.
Yuudanshai:
Fraternal Dan Association.
Zanshin:
Lit. “remaining mind/heart”. Even after a Karate technique has been
completed, one should remain in a balanced and aware state.
Zanshin thus connotes “following through” in a
technique, as well as preservation of one's awareness so that one is prepared to
respond to additional attacks.
Za rei:
The traditional Japanese bow from the kneeling position.
Zenshin:
“Forward.”
Zazen:
“Meditation.”
COUNTING TO 10 IN JAPANESE:
1.Ichi
2.Ni 3.San 4.Shi 5.Go
6.Roku 7.Shichi 8.Hachi 9.Kyu
or Ku 10.Ju or To