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Kyokushin-Kai Karate Course

Kyokushin Kanji and it's Meaning

 the representation (using Chinese characters) of the word kyokushinkai, which is the name of the ryu or style.

Translated kyoku means ultimate, shin means truth or reality and kai means to join or associate. This concept has less to do with the western meaning of truth and is more in keeping with the bushido (warrior) concept of discovering the nature of ones true character when put to the test.

One of the goals of kyokushin is to strengthen and improve character by challenging oneself through rigorous training.

 

 

What is KANKU and It's Meaning 

Kanku mark means universal, international, power and balance of strength. The 5 spaces represent five continents: Africa, Asia, America, Australia, and South Pole. World is one. 

The finger tips (end points) represent the high’s and low’s of our training (when we win a fight, or when we lose a fight).

The sides represent our wrists and the strength of our training. Our training keeps us humble when life is good, and helps us get through the times when life is bad.

The circle around the outside represents the continuity of life (for every beginning there is an end).

One of the goals of Kyokushinkai is world peace. It also represents Kyokushin world-wide effect.

 

THE MEANING OF OSU - The meaning of Osu is simple . It is the combination of the two words; Osu and Shinobu . Oshi meaning "push" and Shinobu meaning "to endure" . Osu then, in turm means "to push". Endurance is an important factor in Kyokushin and the use of Osu enforces this . However, this may be the literal meaning of the word, but it is used as a means of communication in practices . Osu is used frequently in Kyokushin . It's used instead of "yes" or "I understand", making it an easy and efficient way for the students and instructors to keep their lessons flowing properly, without having to stop every few minutes to make sure everybody understands what is being asked of them . Every instruction or question therefor, is answered using this term .  Osu is also used as a greeting . Osu Is expected when entering a room, or approaching someone . Techniques are usually accompanied by the students shouting "Osu" . In using this as their Kai [ shout ], they signify that they are pushing themselves with each technique theuy do, pushing themselves to work harder and build spirit within the class, Kyokushin tests your ability of your mind, and body . The spirit in the word "Osu" then allows the class to unite as one and support one another . "Osu" brings together the determination, patience, respect and will that is required in Kyokushin . Without any of this, the class wouldn't work together, and be as successful as they are known to be . "Osu" not only helps them personally get through the demand of Kyokushin, but helps others around them to work harder and to achieve what they know they can achieve . The slight push of the Kai [ shouts ] sum up the meaning and purpose of "Osu" .

 

KYOKUSHIN SPIRIT

"The heart of our karate is real fighting.
There can be no proof without real fighting.
Without proof there is no trust.
Without trust there is no respect.
This is a definition in the world of Martial Arts."

 

 

THE ELEVEN MOTOS OF MASS OYAMA'S 

• The Martial Way begins and ends with courtesy. Therefore, be properly and genuinely courteous at all times.
• Following the Martial Way is like scaling a cliff - continue upwards without rest. It demands absolute and unfaltering devotion to the task at hand.
• Strive to seize the initiative in all things, all the time guarding against actions stemming from selfish animosity or thoughtlessness.
• Even for the Martial Artist, the place of money cannot be ignored. Yet one should be careful never to become attached to it.
• The Martial Way is centered in posture. Strive to maintain correct posture at all times.
• The Martial Way begins with one thousand days and is mastered after ten thousand days of training.
• In the Martial Arts, introspection begets wisdom. Always see contemplation on your action as an opportunity to improve.
• The nature and purpose of the Martial Way is universal. All selfish desires should be roasted in the tempering fires of hard training.
• The Martial Arts begins with a point and end in a circle. Straight lines stem from this principle.
• The true essence of the Martial Way can only be realized through experience. Knowing this, learn never to fear its demands.
• Always remember: In the Martial Arts the rewards of a confident and Grateful heart are truly abundant.

 

 

DOJO KUN  ( Dojo Oath ) 

We will train our hearts and bodies for a firm unshaking spirit.

We will pursue the true meaning of the Martial Way so that in time our senses may be alert.

With true vigor, we will seek to cultivate a spirit of self denial.

We will observe the rules of courtesy, respect our superiors, and refrain from violence.

We will follow our religous principles and never forget the true virtue of humility.

We will look upwards to wisdom and strength, not seeking other desires.

All our lives, through the discipline of Karate, we will seek to fulfill the true meaning of the Kyokushin Way.

This Dojo Oath was written by Sosai Oyama, with the assistance of Eiji Yoshikawa, author of Musashi, the 
book of the life and exploits of Japan’s greatest warrior, Miyamoto Musashi. In Japan, Mas Oyama was 
often referred to as the Miyamoto Musashi of the Twentieth Century, and it was from Yoshikawa’s famous 
novel that Sosai gained much inspiration for his secluded mountain training.

Hitotsu, ware ware wa, shinshin o renmashi, kak-ko fubatsu no shingi o kiwameru koto.
Hitotsu, ware ware wa, bu no shinzui o kiwame, ki ni hasshi, kan ni bin naru koto.
Hitotsu, ware ware wa, shitsujitsu goken o mot-te, jiko no seishin o kanyo suru koto.
Hitotsu, ware ware wa, reisetsu o omonji, sobo no furumai o tsutsushimu koto.
Hitotsu, ware ware wa, shinbutsu o totobi, kenjo no bitoku o wasurezaru koto.
Hitotsu, ware ware wa, chisei to tairyoku to o kojo sase, koto ni nozonde ayamatazaru 
koto.
Hitotsu, ware ware wa, shogai no shugyo o karate no michi ni tsuji, Kyokushin no michi 
o mat-to suru koto.
This is the Dojo Oath in Japanese. Once you have learnt it in English, try to memorise it in Japanese, 
reciting it with vigour and deliberation to fully appreciate the strength in its intonation.

 

LIST  OF  TECHNIQUES 

This is a list of the techniques, practiced in Kyokushin kaikan.

Dachi (stances)

• Heiko dachi (parallel open stance)
• Haisoku dachi (closed feet stance)
• Kakeashi dachi (hooked stance)
• Kamae dachi (fighting stance)
• Kiba dachi (riding stance)
• Kokutsu dachi (backward leaning stance)
• Moroashi dachi (two foot stance)
• Musubi dachi (open feet stance)
• Nekoashi dachi (cat stance)
• Shiko dachi (sumo stance)
• Shizen dachi (natural stance)
• Sanchin dachi (hourglass stance/three wars stance)
• Tsuruashi dachi (crane stance)
• Uchihachiji dachi (pigeon toe stance/inside eight character stance)
• Yoi dachi (ready stance)
• Zenkutsu dachi (front bent leg stance/forward leaning stance)

Tsuki (strikes)

• Jun tsuki (strike straight off shoulder)
• Morote tsuki (punch with both hands)
• Ago uchi (chin strike.Jab)
• Gyaku tsuki (reverse lunge punch. Cross punch)
• Kagi tsuki (rip to pit of stomach. Hook punch to body)
• Oi tsuki (lunge punch)
• Shita tsuki (uppercut to the body)
• Age tsuki (uppercut to the head)
• Mawashi uchi (Hook punch)
• Tate tsuki (vertical fist punch)
• Age hiji ate (rising elbow strike)
• Hiji ate (elbow strike)
• Mae hiji ate (front elbow strike)
• Oroshi hiji ate (downwards elbow strike)
• Ushiro hiji ate (backwards elbow strike)
• Uraken ganmen uchi (backfist strike to front)
• Uraken hizo uchi (backfist strike to spleen)
• Uraken mawashi uchi (backfist circular strike to the head)
• Uraken oroshi ganmen uchi (backfist downwards strike)
• Uraken sayu ganmen uchi (backfist strike to side)
• Uraken shomen uchi (backfist strike to the face)
• Shuto hizo uchi (knife-hand strike to spleen)
• Shuto jodan uchi uchi (inside knife-hand to neck)
• Shuto sakotsu uchi (knife-hand strike to clavicle)
• Shuto sakotsu uchikomi (driving knife-hand to sternum)
• Shuto yoko ganmen uchi (knife-hand strike to head)
• Tettsui hizo uchi (bottom fist strike to spleen)
• Tettsui komekami (bottom fist strike to head)
• Tettsui oroshi ganmen uchi (bottom fist strike downwards to head)
• Tettsui yoko uchi (bottom fist strike to side)
• Ippon nukite (single finger spearhand strike)(Thumb reinforces index finger)
• Nihon nukite (two finger spearhand strike)
• Yohon nukite (four finger spearhand strike)

Geri (kicks)

• Age kakato ushiro geri (rising heel backwards kick)
• Ago jodan geri (high kick to chin)
• Mae Hiza geri (front knee kick)
• Hiza ganmen geri (upward knee kick to face)
• Mawashi hiza geri (circular knee kick)
• Jodan uchi haisoku geri
• Kakato geri (heel kick)
• Kake geri (hooking kick)
• Kansetsu geri (joint kick)
• Kin geri (snap kick to groin)
• Mae geri (front kick)
• Mawashi geri (roundhouse kick)
• Oroshi soto kakato geri (downwards outside heel kick
• Oroshi uchi kakato geri (downwards inside heel kick)
• Ushiro geri (backwards kick)
• Ushiro mawashi geri (reverse roundhouse kick)
• Yoko geri (side kick)
• Tobi mae geri (jumping front kick)
• Tobi mawashi geri (jumping roundhouse kick)
• Tobi nidan geri (jumping double kick)
• Tobi ushiro geri (jumping backwards kick)
• Tobi yoko geri (jumping side kick)
• Tobi kake geri (jumping reverse kick)
• Tobi hiza geri (jumping knee kick)
• Mae keage (front stretch kick)
• Uchi mawashi keage (inside roundhouse stretch kick)
• Soto mawashi keage (outside roundhouse stretch kick)
• Yoko keage (side stretch kick)

Uke (blocks)

• Chudan soto uke (middle outside block)
• Chudan uchi uke (middle inside block)
• Gedan barai (low sweep block)
• Haito uchi uke (inner block with reverse knife-hand)
• Jodan uke (upper block)
• Koken uke (block with wrist top)
• Mae gedan barai (low sweep block)
• Mawashi uke (roundhouse block with palm heel)
• Morote chudan uchi uke (middle inside block with both hands)
• Osae uke (press down block)
• Shuto mawashi uke (roundhouse block with knife-hand)

Ashi Uke (leg blocks)

Note. Except for Mae sune uke, these are usually practiced unnamed.

• Mae Sune Uke (Front shin block)
• Sune Naka Uke (outward shin block)
• Sune Soto Uke (inward shin block)
• Mae Hiza Uke (front knee block)
• Hiza Naka Uke(outward knee block)
• Hiza Soto Uke (inward knee block)
• Mae Kaji Uke (front upper-leg block)
• Kaji Naka Uke (outward upper-leg block)
• Kaji Soto Uke (inward upper-leg block)
• Teisoku Soto Mawashi Uke (inside roundhouse foot block)
• Heisoku Uchi Mawashi Uke (outside roundhouse foot block)
• Kakato Mae Ashi Uke (Heel frontkick block)
• Mae Geri Ashi Dome (front stop kick)
• Yoko Geri Ashi Dome (side stop kick)

 

 

KIHON TERMINOLOGY 

Kyokushin Karate Terminology - KIHON (Basic Techniques)

MIGI-SANCHIN-DACHI.................(Right Foot Forward Hour-Glass Stance, Toes Pointing In)
  SEIKEN-CHUDAN-TSUKI............(Fore Fist Middle Thrust)
  SEIKEN-JYODAN-TSUKI............(Fore Fist Upper Thrust)
  SEIKEN-AGO-TSUKI...............(Fore Fist Strike to Chin)
  URAKEN-SHO-MENUCHI.............(Back Fist Strike to Face)
  URAKEN-SAYU-UCHI...............(Left-Right, Back Fist Strike to Face)
  URAKEN-HIZO-UCHI...............(Left-Right, Back Fist Strike to Kidney Area)
  URAKEN-MAWASHI-UCHI............(Back Fist Strike to Face)

HIDARI-SANCHIN-DACHI...............(Left Foot Forward Hour-Glass Stance, Toes Pointing In)
  JYODAN-UKE.....................(Upper Block)
  CHUDAN-SOTO-UKE................(Middle Outside to Inside Block)
  CHUDAN-UCHI-UKE................(Middle Inside to Outside Block)
  GEDAN-BARAI....................(Lower Parry)
  CHUDAN-UCHI-UKE-GEDAN-BARAI....(Middle Inside to Outside Block, Lower Parry)

KIBA-DACHI (Horseback Stance, Feet Parallel)
  URAKEN-SHITA-TSUKI.............(Invert Fist Low Thrust)
  HIJI-ATE.......................(Upper Elbow Strike)
  HIJI-UCHIOROSHI................(Descending Elbow Strike)
  HIJI-AGO-UCHI..................(Rising Elbow Strike)

HEIKO-DACHI (Parallel Open Stance)
  SYUTO-YOKO-GANMEN-UCHI.........(Knife-Hand Strike to Face and Temple)
  SYUTO-SAKOTSU-UCHIOROSHI.......(Knife-Hand Strike to Collarbone)
  SYOTO-SAKOTSU-UCHIKOMI.........(Straight Knife-Hand Strike to Collarbone)
  SYOTO-HIZO-UCHI................(Knife-Hand Strike to Collarbone)
  HAITO-MAWASHI-UCHI.............(Inner Knife-Hand Roundhouse Strike)
  JYODAN-SYOTEI-UCHI.............(Palm Heel Strike to Upper)
  NUKITE.........................(Spear Hand)

HIDARI-ZENKUTSU-DACHI (Left Forward Stance, Left Foot Forward Front Stance)
  MAE-KEAGE......................(Front Straight Leg Kick)
  UCHI-MAWASHI-GERI..............(Inside Crescent Kick)
  SOTO-MAWASHI-GERI..............(Outside Crescent Kick)
  HIZA-GERI......................(Knee Kick)
  KIN-GERI.......................(Groin Kick)
  MAE-GIRI.......................(Front Snap Kick)
  MAWASHI-GERI...................(Roundhouse Kick)
  YOKO-KEAGE.....................(Knife-Foot Side Straight Leg High Kick)
  YOKO-GERI......................(Knife-Foot Side Snap Kick)
  KANSETSU-GERI..................(Knife Foot Side Snap Kick to Knee Joint)
  USHIRO-GERI....................(Back Straight Snap Kick)

 

Karate Terminology

The Japanese terms are used in all Karate dojos all over the world. Here are the meanings of the common terms:

DAN: Black-belt grades.

DOJO: word used for the place of practice of martial arts.

GI (gee): The Karate uniform. In Shotokan Karate a white, cotton gi is worn.

HIKI-TE (hee-kee-tay): The retracting arm of a punching, blocking, or striking technique. Helps rotate the hips and maintain the stable and precise delivery of the technique.

KARATE: “Empty Hand".

KARATEKA: The practitioner of Karate.

KATA: Prescribed sequences of techniques performed with specific rhythm and timing

KI (kee): Mind. Spirit. Energy.

KIAI (kee-ai): A short, loud shout accompanying a sharp, strong technique. Helps release air from the lungs and relax the upper body so that the technique is more effective. Also helps focus mental energy and display spirit.

KIHON (kee-hon): Basic techniques.

KIME (kee-may): Focus of power.

KOHAI (ko-hai): A student junior to oneself.

KYU (kee-u): Grades 8 to 1 - all color belts. Any grade below a black belt.

OBI (o-bee): The Karate belt.

OSU (Oss): Indicates respect, acknowledgement, willingness and readiness to follow.

SEIZA: A proper sitting position used for the formal opening and closing of the class, and whenever the instructor asks students to sit on the side to watch a demonstration of techniques or kata.

SENSEI (sen-say): A teacher. A term reserved for the chief instructor of the dojo, and other high-ranking members.

SEMPAI (sem-pai): A senior student

SHIHAN (shee-han): A formal title meaning master instructor or teacher of teachers. Very few people in the world have achieved this ranking.

SHOMEN (show-men): The designated front wall of a Dojo. Often the place where the picture of our founder, Gichin Funakoshi and flags are displayed.

REI (ray): Bow. A sign of respect, trust, and appreciation. May be done while standing, or while kneeling such as at the beginning and end of each class.

Shomen-ni-Rei: bow to the front of the dojo

Sensei-ni-Rei: bow to the teacher

Otagai-ni-Rei: bow to each other

VARIOUS COMMANDS:

YAME (ya-may): Return to starting position (typically hachiji-dachi)

HAJIME (hajee-may): Begin

KAMAE: Get into position, prepare.

MOKUSO: Close the eyes and meditate.

MATTE (ma-tay): Wait.

MAWATE (mawa-tay): Turn into position

YOI (yoh-ee): Ready (both mentally and physically)

YAME (ya-may): Stop

KAMAITE : Ready Hands

COUNTING in Japanese:

One: ichi (i-chi)
Two: ni (ni)
Three: san (sa-n)
Four: shi (shi) / yon (yon)
Five: go (go)
Six: roku (ro-ku)
Seven: shichi (shi-chi)
Eight: hachi (ha-chi)
Nine: ku (ku)
Ten: ju (ju-u)


WAZA (Techniques):

Tsuki (tsu-kee) or zuki (zoo-kee): punching

Uke (ou-kay): blocking

Uchi (oo-chee): strike

Keri (ke-ree) or geri (ge-ree): kicking



TARGET AREAS on opponent's body:

Jodan (joh-dan): upper level, includes face, neck, and head area

Chudan (choo-dan): middle level, includes the chest, side chest and back area

Gedan (gay-dan): lower level, the lower trunk area

HIDARI: left

MIGI: right

GYAKU: reverse

AKA: red

SHIRO: white

YOKO: Side.

MAE: front

ZENSHIN: Forward.

USHIRO: back

KEKOMI: thrust

KEAGE: snap


BODY PARTS:

EMPI (em-pee): elbow

HIZA (hee-zah): knee

KAISHO (kay-sho): open hand, such as in shuto-uke

KENTSUI (ken-tschuee): hammer fist (also known as TETTSUI)

SOKUTO (sokoo-toh): edge of foot, such as in side thrust kick

URAKEN (oo-raken): back of fist

SHUTO (shoo-to): outer surface of hand alongside the small finger

HAITO (haee-to): inner surface of hand alongside the thumb


PUNCHES:

JODAN TSUKI: upper level punch

CHUDAN TSUKI: middle level punch

GEDAN TSUKI: lower level punch

CHOKU TSUKI: straight punch

GYAKU TSUKI: reverse punch

KAGI ZUKI: hook punch

HASAMI TSUKI: scissor punch

KIZAMI ZUKI: jab

MAWASHI ZUKI: roundhouse punch

MOROTE ZUKI: U-Punch with both fists simultaneously

TATE ZUKI: punch with fist along vertical plane

URA ZUKI: upper cut punch at close range

YAMA ZUKI: mountain Punch, a U-punch, resembles the character for mountain, thus the name.


BLOCKS:

AGE UKE (ah-gay oo-kay): rising block

UCHI UKE: inside-out block

SOTO UKE: outside block

GEDAN BARAI: lower level block

SHUTO UKE: knife hand block

MOROTE UKE: reinforced (augmented) block

JUJI UKE (joo-jee): X block

KAKIWAKE UKE: X block

MANJI UKE: double block with one arm in gedan barai and the other in uchi uke.


STRIKES:

EMPI UCHI: elbow strike

HAITO UCHI: ridge-hand strike

KENTSUI UCHI: (Or TETTSUI UCHI) hammer fist strike

MAE EMPI: forward elbow strike

MAWASHI EMPI UCHI: roundhouse (circular) elbow strike

OTOSHI EMPI UCHI: dropping elbow strike

TATE EMPI UCHI: rising elbow strike

TATE URAKEN UCHI: vertical back-fist strike

USHIRO EMPI UCHI: elbow strike aiming behind own body

YOKO MAWASHI EMPI UCHI: side elbow strike

NUKITE: stabbing using the extended index finger or both the index and the middle fingers


KICKS:

ASHI BARAI: Foot Sweep

GERI (kicks)

MAE GERI KEAGE: front snap kick

MAE GERI KEKOMI: front thrust kick.

MAE ASHI GERI: front kick with the front leg (KIZAMI GERI)

MAWASHI GERI: roundhouse kick

GYAKU MAWASHI GERI: reverse roundhouse kick

USHIRO MAWASHI GERI: inside-out roundhouse kick

HIZA GERI (hee-za): knee kick

MIKAZUKI GERI (meeka-zooki): crescent kick

TOBI GERI (to-bee): jumping kick

USHIRO GERI (oo-shee-ro): back kick

YOKO GERI KEAGE: side snap kick

YOKO GERI KEKOMI: side thrust kick

YOKO TOBI GERI: flying side kick

FUMIKOMI: stomping kick


STANCES:

DACHI (da-chee): stances

HACHIJI DACHI (ha-chee-jee): natural stance, feet about one shoulder width apart, toes pointing slightly outward

HEISOKU DACHI: informal attention stance. Feet together, toes pointing straight forward

ZENKUTSU DACHI (zen-koo-tsoo): front stance

KIBA DACHI (kee-ba): horse stance

KOKUTSU DACHI (ko-koo-tsoo): back stance

FUDO DACHI (foo-do): immovable stance, a cross between front and back stance (SOCHIN DACHI)

SANCHIN DACHI (san-cheen): hour-glass stance

HANGETSU DACHI (han-gay-tsoo): "half-moon" stance

GANKAKU DACHI (gan-ka-koo): crane stance

KOSA DACHI: crossed-leg stance

SHIKO DACHI (shee-ko): square stance


KUMITE (koumi-tay) Sparring:

GOHON KUMITE: five step basic sparring

SANBON KUMITE: three step basic sparring

IPPON KUMITE: one step basic sparring

JIYU IPPON KUMITE: one step free sparring (semi-free sparring)

JUI KUMITE: free sparing


STRATEGIES:

GO NO SEN: allow the opponent to attack first so as to open up targets for counterattack

INASU: avoid an on-coming attack by removing your body from the line of attack

SEN NO SEN: attack at the exact moment that the opponent attacks

SEN SEN NO SEN: attack before the opponent attacks

TAI SABAKI: shift to remove your body from the line of attack