Tag - Japanese Language

Articles

What Is Karate-Do? Meaning of Karate Beyond “Empty Hand” Explained
Reading Time: 16 minutes Foundational Philosophy Article What Does Karate-Do (空手道) Literally Mean? The karate-do meaning extends far beyond the simple translation of “empty hand.”While accurate at a literal level, this phrase only hints at the philosophical and historical depth embedded within the term. Over many years of observing how karate evolves in the dojo […]
Osu-Understanding the True Meaning and History of  “Osu” (or "Oss") in Karate
Reading Time: 16 minutes This article is part of the Karate Knowledge Vault — a curated collection of standalone educational entries designed to inform, inspire, and deepen your understanding of karate, one insight at a time. If you’ve spent any time in a karate dojo, particularly outside of Okinawa – chances are you’ve heard the […]
Master how to Count in Japanese for Karate: Learn Numbers 1-10 with Pronunciation & Meaning
Reading Time: 16 minutes This article is part of the Karate Knowledge Vault — a curated collection of standalone educational entries designed to inform, inspire, and deepen your understanding of karate, one insight at a time. If you’ve ever stepped into a karate dojo, you’ve likely heard instructors counting in Japanese—”Ichi, Ni, San…”  Learning how […]
Romaji - A Bridge to Understanding Karate Terminology
Reading Time: 16 minutes What if mastering karate terminology was no longer hard? Romaji (pronounced with three syllables: roh-mah-jee) makes it easy for students to learn and remember karate terms. It uses the Latin alphabet to write Japanese words. This makes karate terms easier to understand. In this article, we’ll explore karate terminology. We’ll show […]
Speak the Language of Karate - Terminology Insights
Reading Time: 16 minutes Karate is more than just physical techniques—it carries a rich tradition of language and meaning. Understanding karate terminology helps deepen your connection to the art, whether you’re a beginner learning basic commands or an advanced practitioner refining your knowledge. This guide explores essential terms, their meanings, and how they shape karate […]
60 Essential Karate Terms (With Pronunciation & Meaning)
Reading Time: 16 minutes Introduction Understanding karate terminology is essential for anyone training in traditional karate.The language used in the dojo is more than a collection of Japanese words — it forms a shared vocabulary that allows practitioners to communicate clearly, train effectively, and connect with the art’s history and principles. This page presents 60 […]
What is Karate? - Discover the Meaning and Origins of Karate
Reading Time: 16 minutes Welcome to our exploration of karate which has been my passion for over 40 years. It is a fascinating martial art that originated in Japan in which I hold the rank of 6th Dan Black Belt issued by the Nippon Karate-Do Kai in Osaka. The complexity of karate has resulted in […]