This page has been designed to be the ultimate Kyokushin Karate Glossary. Kyokushin Karate uses a large vocabulary of Japanese terms covering etiquette, training methods, techniques, stances, kata, kumite, ranking, competition, and the philosophy of budo. Many of these words are heard in virtually every Kyokushin dojo in the world, while others appear primarily in grading syllabi, advanced training, kata, or tournament competition.

Because Kyokushin has developed into numerous organizations since the death of founder Sosai Mas Oyama, terminology, spelling, pronunciation, and romanization can vary somewhat between organizations and countries. Terms such as senpai/sempai, mawatte/mawate, and tsuki/zuki may therefore appear differently while referring to essentially the same Japanese terminology.

This glossary uses terminology familiar within Kyokushin and the spelling conventions used elsewhere on this website. Where another spelling is commonly encountered, it is explained rather than silently substituted.

Core Kyokushin and Budo Terms

Budo — 武道
“Martial way.” A martial discipline concerned not only with fighting technique but also character, discipline, etiquette, perseverance, and personal development.

Bujutsu — 武術
“Martial techniques” or “martial arts.” Generally refers more directly to methods of combat than the broader philosophical concept expressed by budo.

Bushido — 武士道
“The way of the warrior.” The ethical and cultural ideals historically associated with Japan’s warrior class.

Deshi — 弟子
Student, pupil, or disciple.

Do — 道
Way, path, or discipline. The same character appears in budo, karate-do, judo, kendo, and many other Japanese arts.

Dogi — 道着
Training uniform. Often shortened in English-speaking martial arts to gi. A karate uniform may more specifically be called karate-gi — 空手着.

Dojo — 道場
Literally “place of the Way.” A training hall or place where a martial discipline is practiced.

Dojo Kun — 道場訓
The precepts or training-hall oath. The Kyokushin Dojo Kun consists of seven statements concerning training, character, respect, self-control, humility, wisdom, and lifelong dedication to karate.

Honbu — 本部
Headquarters or main office. Honbu Dojo refers to an organization’s headquarters dojo.

Karate — 空手
“Empty hand.”

Karate-do — 空手道
“The Way of the Empty Hand.”

Karateka — 空手家
A practitioner of karate.

Keiko — 稽古
Practice or training.

Kyokushin — 極真
“Ultimate Truth.” Kyoku (極) conveys the idea of extreme, ultimate, or highest, while Shin (真) means truth or reality.

Kyokushinkai — 極真会
“Association of Ultimate Truth.”

Kyokushinkaikan — 極真会館
The fuller organizational name historically associated with Mas Oyama’s Kyokushin organization.

Obi — 帯
Belt.

Osu — 押忍
The characteristic greeting and acknowledgment used throughout Kyokushin. Depending on context it may function as hello, yes, understood, thank you, excuse me, or an expression of determination and respect.

Within Kyokushin, the concept of Osu no Seishin — 押忍の精神, the “Spirit of Osu,” is closely associated with patience, perseverance, respect, and the willingness to continue despite difficulty.

Reigi — 礼儀
Etiquette, courtesy, and proper conduct.

Reisetsu — 礼節
Respectful behavior, propriety, and courtesy. The concept appears directly in the Kyokushin Dojo Kun.

Renmei — 連盟
Federation or league.

Seishin — 精神
Spirit, mind, mentality, or attitude.

Shugyo — 修行
Serious disciplined training undertaken for personal development.

Waza — 技
Technique.

Titles, Seniority, and Rank

The use of titles is not completely uniform among Kyokushin organizations. Terms such as sensei, shihan, and senpai describe teaching or seniority relationships in Japanese, while individual organizations may also associate particular titles with specific dan grades.

Kyu — 級
A grade below black belt.

Dan — 段
A black-belt grade or degree.

Mukyu — 無級
Ungraded; a student who has not yet received a kyu grade.

Shodan — 初段
First-degree black belt. Literally “beginning degree.”

Nidan — 二段
Second-degree black belt.

Sandan — 三段
Third-degree black belt.

Yondan — 四段
Fourth-degree black belt.

Godan — 五段
Fifth-degree black belt.

Rokudan — 六段
Sixth-degree black belt.

Nanadan / Shichidan — 七段
Seventh-degree black belt.

Hachidan — 八段
Eighth-degree black belt.

Kudan — 九段
Ninth-degree black belt.

Judan — 十段
Tenth-degree black belt.

Senpai — 先輩
A senior student or senior member. Often written sempai in Western karate material because the n sound before p may be heard closer to an m.

Kohai — 後輩
A junior student or member relative to another practitioner.

Sensei — 先生
Teacher or instructor. Literally someone who has “gone before.”

Shihan — 師範
Senior or master instructor; a title indicating substantial teaching authority and experience.

Shihan-dai — 師範代
Deputy or assistant to a Shihan; literally one who acts in place of the Shihan.

Hanshi — 範士
A senior teaching title meaning approximately “exemplary teacher” or “model instructor.” Its use varies significantly among organizations.

Kancho — 館長
Director or head of an organization, institution, or training hall.

Kaicho — 会長
President or chairman of an association.

Sosai — 総裁
President, director-general, or supreme director. Within Kyokushin the title is particularly associated with founder Masutatsu Oyama.

Dojocho — 道場長
Head of a dojo.

Shibucho — 支部長
Branch chief.

Shibu — 支部
Branch or regional division.

Uchi-deshi — 内弟子
Live-in or residential disciple who trains closely under an instructor.

Shinsa — 審査
Examination, evaluation, or grading.

Shokyu Shinsa — 昇級審査
Kyu promotion examination.

Shodan Shinsa / Shodan Examination — 初段審査
Examination for first-degree black belt.

Dan Promotion — 昇段
Advancement in dan grade.

Dojo Etiquette and Commands

Many Japanese words in a Kyokushin dojo are heard as complete commands or polite phrases rather than isolated vocabulary. Exact wording varies somewhat among instructors, countries, and organizations, but the following expressions are commonly encountered in training.

Arigato Gozaimashita — ありがとうございました
“Thank you very much,” referring to something that has been completed. Commonly used after training or partner practice.

Hajime — 始め
Begin.

Hantai — 反対
Opposite side; change to the other side.

Kamae — 構え
Guard, posture, or fighting position.

Kamaete — 構えて
Assume the guard or ready position.

Kiai — 気合
A focused expression of spirit, energy, breath, and intent, frequently expressed through a strong shout.

Kiai Irete — 気合入れて
“With kiai” or “put spirit into it.”

Ki o Tsuke — 気を付け
Attention. Frequently written in Western karate material as kio tsuke.

Kotai — 交代
Change or rotate. Often used when partners exchange roles.

Kudasai — ください
“Please.” Used to make a request or instruction more polite. It is commonly attached to another verb or action phrase.

Mawatte — 回って
Turn. Frequently written mawate in Western Kyokushin syllabi.

Mokuso — 黙想
Silent meditation or contemplation, usually performed in seiza at the beginning or end of training.

Mokuso Yame — 黙想、止め
End meditation.

Mugorei — 無号令
Without count or command. Training performed continuously rather than one movement at a time on the instructor’s count.

Naore — 直れ
Return to the original or neutral position.

Onegaishimasu — お願いします
A polite expression approximately meaning “please,” “I request it,” or “I ask this of you.” Commonly exchanged before partner practice and used as part of other polite requests.

Otagai ni Rei — お互いに礼
Bow to one another.

Rei — 礼
Bow; respect; salutation.

Seiretsu — 整列
Line up.

Seiza — 正座
Formal kneeling sitting posture.

Sensei ni Rei — 先生に礼
Bow to the instructor.

Senpai ni Rei — 先輩に礼
Bow to the senior student.

Shihan ni Rei — 師範に礼
Bow to the Shihan.

Shinzen ni Rei — 神前に礼
Bow toward the shrine or place of spiritual respect. Usage varies between dojos and organizations.

Shomen — 正面
The front or place of honor in the dojo.

Shomen ni Rei — 正面に礼
Bow to the front.

Sosai ni Rei — 総裁に礼
Bow in respect to Sosai Oyama.

Tatte — 立って
Stand or stand up. The form is commonly heard as part of a fuller polite instruction.

Tatte Kudasai — 立ってください
“Please stand up.” A polite instruction commonly used when asking students to rise from seiza, kneeling, or another seated position.

Yame — 止め
Stop.

Yasume — 休め
Rest or stand at ease.

Yoi — 用意
Ready; prepare.

Direction, Height, Position, and Movement

These words appear repeatedly in Japanese technique names. Understanding them makes much of Kyokushin terminology easier to interpret.

Age — 上げ
Rising or upward.

Chudan — 中段
Middle level, generally the torso.

Gedan — 下段
Lower level.

Ganmen — 顔面
Face.

Gyaku — 逆
Reverse or opposite.

Hidari — 左
Left.

Hikite — 引き手
The withdrawing or pulling hand.

Jodan — 上段
Upper level, generally the head and neck region.

Kake — 掛け
Hooking or catching.

Mae — 前
Front or forward.

Mawashi — 回し / 廻し
Circular, turning, or round.

Migi — 右
Right.

Morote — 諸手 / 双手
Both hands or two-handed.

Oi — 追い
Pursuing or advancing.

Omote — 表
Front, outer, or surface side.

Oroshi — 下ろし
Descending or downward.

Soto — 外
Outside or outward.

Uchi — 内
Inside or inward.

Ura — 裏
Reverse, back, or opposite side.

Ushiro — 後ろ
Rear or backward.

Yoko — 横
Side.

Juji — 十字
Cross-shaped.

Target Areas and Anatomical Terms

Ago — 顎
Jaw or chin.

Ganmen — 顔面
Face.

Hiza — 膝
Knee.

Jinchu — 人中
Philtrum, the area between the nose and upper lip.

Kinteki — 金的
Groin or testicles; a vital target.

Komekami — こめかみ
Temple of the head.

Kyusho — 急所
Vital point or vulnerable area.

Sakotsu — 鎖骨
Collarbone.

Suigetsu — 水月
Solar plexus.

Tanden — 丹田
The lower abdominal center, traditionally associated with balance, breathing, posture, and power generation.

Hand and Arm Striking Surfaces

Empi — 猿臂
Elbow. A traditional martial-arts term. Hiji — 肘 is the ordinary Japanese word for elbow.

Haito — 背刀
Ridge hand; the thumb side of the open hand.

Haishu — 背手
Back of the hand.

Hiji — 肘
Elbow.

Koken — 孤拳 / 弧拳
Bent-wrist striking surface.

Kyokushin material commonly uses 孤拳, while 弧拳 is also encountered in broader Japanese karate terminology. The wrist area may be used for striking or receiving techniques.

Kote — 小手 / 前腕
Wrist or forearm area depending on context.

Nukite — 貫手
Spear hand; striking with the fingertips.

Seiken — 正拳
Forefist; the primary punching surface formed by the first two knuckles.

Shotei — 掌底
Palm heel.

Shuto — 手刀
Knife hand; the little-finger edge of the open hand.

Tateken — 縦拳
Vertical fist.

Tettsui — 鉄槌
Hammer fist; literally “iron hammer.”

Uraken — 裏拳
Back fist.

Zenwan — 前腕
Forearm.

Foot and Leg Striking Surfaces

Chusoku — 中足
Ball of the foot; the primary striking surface for many front kicks.

Haisoku — 背足
Instep.

Kakato — 踵
Heel.

Hiza — 膝
Knee.

Sokuto — 足刀
Knife edge or outside edge of the foot.

Sune — 脛
Shin.

Teisoku — 底足
Sole or arch area of the foot.

Stances — Tachi / Dachi (立ち)

The Japanese word related to standing is tachi, but in compound stance names it commonly becomes dachi.

Fudo Dachi — 不動立ち
“Immovable stance.” A stable natural stance used extensively in Kyokushin.

Hachiji Dachi — 八字立ち
Natural stance with the toes angled outward, resembling the Japanese character 八.

Heiko Dachi — 平行立ち
Parallel stance.

Heisoku Dachi — 閉足立ち
Feet-together stance.

Kiba Dachi — 騎馬立ち
Horse-riding stance.

Kokutsu Dachi — 後屈立ち
Back-weighted stance or back stance.

Kumite Dachi — 組手立ち
Fighting stance used for kumite.

Musubi Dachi — 結び立ち
Heels together with toes turned outward.

Nekoashi Dachi — 猫足立ち
Cat-foot stance, with most of the weight supported by the rear leg.

Sanchin Dachi — 三戦立ち
Sanchin stance; a strong inward-tension stance associated with structure, breathing, stability, and close-range power.

Tsuruashi Dachi — 鶴足立ち
Crane-leg stance; a one-legged balancing stance.

Uchi Hachiji Dachi — 内八字立ち
Inward-eight stance with the toes angled inward.

Zenkutsu Dachi — 前屈立ち
Forward stance or front stance.

Han Zenkutsu Dachi — 半前屈立ち
Half forward stance.

Han Kiba Dachi — 半騎馬立ち
Half horse stance.

Punches and Hand Strikes

Tsuki or Zuki?

Tsuki — 突き means thrust or punch.

When the word appears as the second part of a compound in Japanese, its initial consonant may become voiced, which is why spellings such as gyaku-zuki and oi-zuki are commonly encountered in karate literature.

Many Kyokushin instructors and English-language syllabi, however, retain tsuki, and this glossary uses tsuki consistently to match the terminology used elsewhere on this website.

Both forms will therefore be encountered in karate literature:

Gyaku Tsuki / Gyaku-zuki — 逆突き

Oi Tsuki / Oi-zuki — 追い突き

They refer to the same techniques.

Punching Techniques

Choku Tsuki — 直突き
Straight punch.

Gyaku Tsuki — 逆突き
Reverse punch, generally delivered with the hand opposite the forward leg.

Kagi Tsuki — 鍵突き
Hook punch.

Mawashi Tsuki — 回し突き
Round or circular punch.

Morote Tsuki — 双手突き
Two-handed or simultaneous double punch.

Oi Tsuki — 追い突き
Advancing or lunge punch, typically performed with the arm on the same side as the advancing leg.

Shita Tsuki — 下突き
Short upward or body punch frequently used at close range in Kyokushin kumite.

Tate Tsuki — 縦突き
Vertical-fist punch.

Age Tsuki — 上げ突き
Rising punch.

Enkei Gyaku Tsuki — 円形逆突き
Circular reverse punch, a characteristic Kyokushin basic technique incorporating circular receiving movement followed by the reverse punch.

Seiken Ago Uchi — 正拳顎打ち
Forefist strike to the jaw or chin.

Uraken Shomen Uchi — 裏拳正面打ち
Back-fist strike to the front of the face.

Uraken Sayu Uchi — 裏拳左右打ち
Back-fist strikes to the left and right.

Uraken Mawashi Uchi — 裏拳廻し打ち
Circular back-fist strike.

Tettsui Uchi — 鉄槌打ち
Hammer-fist strike.

Shuto Ganmen Uchi — 手刀顔面打ち
Knife-hand strike to the face.

Shuto Sakotsu Uchi — 手刀鎖骨打ち
Knife-hand strike to the collarbone.

Shuto Sakotsu Uchikomi — 手刀鎖骨打ち込み
Driving knife-hand strike to the collarbone.

Shuto Uchi Uchi — 手刀内打ち
Inward knife-hand strike.

Empi Uchi / Hiji Ate — 猿臂打ち / 肘当て
Elbow strike.

Blocks and Defensive Techniques — Uke (受け)

Uke — 受け literally conveys receiving and is commonly translated in karate as block or defensive technique.

The term can also refer to the person who receives a technique during partner practice. In many paired drills, the uke initiates the attack so that the partner can practice the appropriate defensive movement and counterattack.

The underlying idea of “receiving” is therefore broader than simply stopping an attack.

Jodan Uke — 上段受け
Upper-level rising block.

Chudan Soto Uke — 中段外受け
Middle-level outside receiving block.

Chudan Uchi Uke — 中段内受け
Middle-level inside receiving block.

Gedan Barai — 下段払い
Lower sweeping block.

Uchi Uke Gedan Barai — 内受け下段払い
Combined inside block and lower sweep.

Juji Uke — 十字受け
Cross block.

Kake Uke — 掛け受け
Hooking block or receiving technique.

Koken Uke — 孤拳受け
Bent-wrist receiving or blocking technique.

Morote Uke — 双手受け
Two-handed block.

Mawashi Uke — 廻し受け
Circular block.

Shotei Uke — 掌底受け
Palm-heel receiving or blocking technique.

Shuto Mawashi Uke — 手刀廻し受け
Circular knife-hand receiving technique prominent in Kyokushin kihon, ido geiko, and kata.

Osae Uke — 押さえ受け
Pressing or controlling block.

Kicks — Geri (蹴り)

The standalone Japanese word is keri, but it commonly becomes geri when combined with another word.

Ago Geri — 顎蹴り
Kick directed toward the chin or jaw.

Gedan Mawashi Geri — 下段廻し蹴り
Low roundhouse kick, one of the defining weapons of Kyokushin knockdown fighting.

Chudan Mawashi Geri — 中段廻し蹴り
Middle-level roundhouse kick.

Jodan Mawashi Geri — 上段廻し蹴り
High roundhouse kick.

Hiza Geri — 膝蹴り
Knee strike.

Hiza Ganmen Geri — 膝顔面蹴り
Knee strike directed toward the face.

Kakato Geri — 踵蹴り
Heel kick.

Kakato Otoshi Geri — 踵落とし蹴り
Descending heel-drop or axe kick.

Kansetsu Geri — 関節蹴り
Joint kick.

Kin Geri / Kinteki Geri — 金的蹴り
Groin kick.

Mae Geri — 前蹴り
Front kick.

Mae Keage — 前蹴上げ
Front rising kick, frequently used as a basic-training and flexibility movement.

Mawashi Geri — 廻し蹴り / 回し蹴り
Roundhouse kick.

Mikazuki Geri — 三日月蹴り
Crescent kick.

Soto Mawashi Geri — 外廻し蹴り
Outside circular or crescent kick.

Uchi Mawashi Geri — 内廻し蹴り
Inside circular or crescent kick.

Ushiro Geri — 後ろ蹴り
Back kick.

Ushiro Mawashi Geri — 後ろ廻し蹴り
Spinning back roundhouse or spinning heel-type kick.

Yoko Geri — 横蹴り
Side kick.

Yoko Keage — 横蹴上げ
Side rising kick.

Yoko Kekomi — 横蹴込み
Side thrust kick.

Tobi Geri — 飛び蹴り
Jumping kick.

Tobi Mae Geri — 飛び前蹴り
Jumping front kick.

Tobi Ushiro Mawashi Geri — 飛び後ろ廻し蹴り
Jumping spinning back roundhouse kick.

Nidan Geri — 二段蹴り
Double or two-level jumping kick.

Do Mawashi Kaiten Geri — 胴廻し回転蹴り
Rolling or wheel-type spinning kick in which the body rotates through the attack.

Training Methods and Technical Concepts

Bunkai — 分解
Analysis or breakdown of a kata. In karate, generally refers to examining the meaning and possible applications of kata movements.

Goshin Jutsu — 護身術
Self-defense techniques.

Ido Geiko — 移動稽古
Moving basics. Techniques are practiced while advancing, retreating, turning, or changing stance.

Jissen — 実戦
Actual combat or practical fighting.

Kata — 型
A prescribed sequence of movements combining technique, stance, direction, breathing, timing, balance, and power.

Kihon — 基本
Basics or fundamentals.

Kihon Geiko — 基本稽古
Basic training involving repeated practice of fundamental punches, strikes, blocks, kicks, and other techniques.

Kihon Waza — 基本技
Basic techniques.

Kime — 決め
Focus or decisive concentration of technique, structure, intent, and power.

Kumite — 組手
Fighting, sparring, or paired combat practice.

Maai — 間合い
Combative distance, spacing, interval, and timing between opponents.

Makiwara — 巻藁
Traditional striking post used for developing technique and impact.

Mitt Geiko — ミット稽古
Pad or mitt training.

Mushin — 無心
“No mind.” A state in which action occurs without hesitation or distracting conscious thought.

Oyo — 応用
Application or adaptation of technique.

Renraku — 連絡
Linking or combination of techniques. Renraku Waza refers to connected combinations.

Renzoku — 連続
Continuous or successive; techniques performed consecutively.

Sabaki — 捌き
Management, handling, evasion, or repositioning.

Tai Sabaki — 体捌き
Body movement or body management used to change angle, evade force, improve position, and create opportunities for counterattack.

Tameshiwari — 試割り
Breaking test. Traditionally performed using boards or other materials to demonstrate technique, focus, power, and commitment.

Uchikomi — 打ち込み
Repeated entry or striking practice; repetitive drilling of a movement or technique.

Zanshin — 残心
“Remaining mind.” Continued awareness, readiness, and control after completing a technique.

Hokyo Undo — 補強運動
Supplementary strengthening and conditioning exercises.

Kumite Terms

Ippon Kumite — 一本組手
One-step prearranged sparring.

Sanbon Kumite — 三本組手
Three-step prearranged sparring.

Yakusoku Kumite — 約束組手
Prearranged or agreed sparring drill.

Jiyu Kumite — 自由組手
Free sparring.

Jissen Kumite — 実戦組手
Practical or full-contact fighting.

Renzoku Kumite — 連続組手
Continuous or consecutive kumite, often involving multiple opponents one after another.

Hyakunin Kumite — 百人組手
“100-man kumite.” One of Kyokushin’s most famous tests of fighting spirit and endurance, in which a karateka completes one hundred consecutive kumite bouts.

Knockdown Kumite
The full-contact competition format most strongly associated internationally with Kyokushin. Traditional knockdown rules allow full-power body punches and kicks while prohibiting hand and elbow strikes to the opponent’s face or head.

Breathing and Internal Training

Ibuki — 息吹
Kyokushin’s forceful tension-breathing method, coordinating breathing with muscular tension, posture, and focus.

Kokyu — 呼吸
Breathing or respiration.

Kokyu-ho — 呼吸法
Breathing method.

Nogare — 逃れ
A more relaxed controlled breathing method, contrasting with the forceful tension of Ibuki.

Nogare no Kokyu — 逃れの呼吸
Nogare breathing.

Nogare no Kokyu Omote — 逃れの呼吸・表
Front or primary form of Nogare breathing.

Nogare no Kokyu Ura — 逃れの呼吸・裏
Reverse or alternate form of Nogare breathing.

Tanden — 丹田
The lower abdominal center used as a reference for balance, posture, breathing, and power generation.

Competition and Referee Terminology

Rules differ somewhat between Kyokushin organizations, but the following terms are widely used in knockdown competition.

Aka — 赤
Red; the red competitor.

Shiro — 白
White; the white competitor.

Shinpan — 審判
Referee, judge, or officiating.

Shushin — 主審
Center referee.

Fukushin — 副審
Corner or assistant judge.

Ippon — 一本
Full point. In Kyokushin knockdown competition, an ippon produces an immediate victory.

Waza-ari — 技有り
A scoring technique that falls short of an immediate ippon.

Awasete Ippon — 合わせ一本 / 合わせて一本
Combined ippon. Two waza-ari equal awasete ippon, ending the match in victory for the competitor who accumulated the two scores.

Hantei — 判定
Decision or judgment by the officials.

Hantei Onegaishimasu — 判定お願いします
“Decision, please” or “Judges, please give your decision.” Used by the center referee when requesting the judges’ decision at the end of a bout or extension.

Hikiwake — 引き分け
Draw.

Hansoku — 反則
Foul or prohibited act.

Chui — 注意
Warning or caution.

Genten — 減点
Penalty or point deduction.

Jogai — 場外
Outside the competition area.

Shikkaku — 失格
Disqualification.

Enchosen / Encho-sen — 延長戦
Extension or overtime round.

Fusen-sho — 不戦勝
Win by default or walkover.

Mitomezu — 認めず
Not recognized; no score.

Miezu — 見えず
“Not seen.” Used when an official did not have a clear view of the action and cannot make a determination.

Kata and Kata Terminology

Kata — 型 means form or pattern. Kata preserves structured sequences of techniques, movement, breathing, balance, timing, power, and combative principles.

The history and interpretation of Kyokushin kata are covered in greater detail on the dedicated Kyokushin Kata: Names, Meanings, and History page. The glossary below provides the basic meaning and context of the principal kata names.

Embusen — 演武線

The performance line or floor pattern followed during a kata.

Kata no San Yoso — 型の三要素

“The three elements of kata.”

Kyokushin traditionally emphasizes:

Chikara no Kyojaku — 力の強弱
Variation of strength or power.

Waza no Kankyu — 技の緩急
Variation of speed and tempo.

Iki no Chosei — 息の調整
Control or adjustment of breathing.

Taikyoku — 太極

Often translated as “First Cause” or “Grand Ultimate.”

The same characters are associated with the Chinese concept Taiji, commonly known in the West through the term Tai Chi.

The three basic Kyokushin forms are:

• Taikyoku Sono Ichi
• Taikyoku Sono Ni
• Taikyoku Sono San

The Taikyoku forms introduce fundamental stances, movement, turns, blocks, punches, direction changes, and embusen.

Although simple enough for beginners, the name reflects the idea that fundamental principles remain important even at advanced levels.

Sokugi Taikyoku — 足技太極

“Foot-technique Taikyoku.”

A series of basic forms emphasizing kicking techniques while following a Taikyoku-type structure.

Pinan — 平安

Usually translated as “peace and tranquility,” “peaceful mind,” or “peace and safety.”

Kyokushin practices five Pinan kata:

• Pinan Sono Ichi
• Pinan Sono Ni
• Pinan Sono San
• Pinan Sono Yon
• Pinan Sono Go

They develop increasingly complex combinations, stances, turns, coordination, and technical transitions.

Some Kyokushin organizations also practice Ura versions in which turning movements and direction are altered.

Sanchin — 三戦

Literally “Three Battles.”

Sanchin is an old kata associated with the southern Chinese and Okinawan traditions that contributed to Goju-ryu and, through that influence, to Kyokushin.

The “three battles” have been interpreted in a number of ways, commonly involving the integration of body, mind, breathing, and spirit. Interpretations vary between traditions.

Sanchin emphasizes stance, tension, structure, breathing, stability, and close-range power.

Gekisai Dai — 撃砕大

Gekisai conveys the idea of attacking, smashing, or crushing, while Dai (大) means large, great, or major.

Gekisai Dai may therefore be rendered approximately as “Major Attack and Smash” or “Great Crushing Attack.”

It comes through the Goju-ryu side of Kyokushin’s technical heritage and emphasizes strong fundamental technique with more circular movement than the northern-derived kata.

Gekisai Sho — 撃砕小

The companion to Gekisai Dai.

Sho (小) means small, lesser, or minor, giving the approximate meaning “Minor Attack and Smash” or “Lesser Crushing Attack.”

Gekisai Sho develops the principles introduced in Gekisai Dai with additional movement and technical complexity.

Yantsu — 安三

An old kata whose origin and exact name meaning are not completely clear.

It is commonly translated in Kyokushin literature as “Keep Pure” or interpreted as expressing purity of principle or purpose, although the historical etymology is uncertain.

Tsuki no Kata — 突きの型

Literally “Punching Kata” or “Form of Punches.”

As its name suggests, the kata places particular emphasis on punching techniques, stance, movement, and the generation of power through coordinated body mechanics.

Tensho — 転掌

“Rotating Palms.”

Tensho is characterized by circular open-hand movements, controlled tension, breathing, and fluid transitions.

It provides a softer and more circular counterpart to the harder tension and structure of Sanchin.

Saiha — 最破

Often translated within Kyokushin as “Ultimate Smash,” “Maximum Destruction,” or “Extreme Breaking.”

Sai (最) conveys greatest, utmost, or extreme, while Ha (破) means to break, tear, or destroy.

The name is commonly associated with the concept of overcoming obstacles or breaking through adversity.

Saiha also has particular significance within the International Federation of Karate (IFK), whose rising-wave emblem draws upon the idea of overcoming adversity associated with the kata.

Garyu — 臥龍 / 臥竜

“Reclining Dragon,” “Crouching Dragon,” or “Dragon at Rest.”

Garyu is especially significant because it was created by Mas Oyama rather than inherited from an older Okinawan karate system.

Garyu was also a pen name used by Sosai Oyama.

The name evokes the image of tremendous power remaining quietly at rest until needed. It is also connected to the name of the Korean village where Oyama was born.

Seienchin — 征遠鎮

A traditional southern kata inherited through the Goju-ryu side of Kyokushin’s development.

The exact meaning of the name is debated, and several English interpretations exist. It is sometimes interpreted through ideas of controlling, pulling, or entering into battle.

The kata contains strong rooted movement, shifts in stance, close-range technique, and deliberate changes in tension and tempo.

Seipai — 十八

Literally “Eighteen.”

The kata belongs to the southern Chinese/Okinawan tradition that influenced Goju-ryu and subsequently Kyokushin.

The number eighteen has been given several symbolic explanations within Chinese and Okinawan martial traditions, although its precise historical significance remains debated.

Kanku — 観空

“View the Sky,” “Look to the Sky,” or “Observe the Sky.”

Kanku is one of the major advanced kata practiced in Kyokushin.

The opening hand position, in which the practitioner looks through the opening formed by the hands toward the sky, inspired the traditional Kyokushin Kanku symbol.

The Kanku symbol subsequently became one of the most recognizable emblems of Kyokushin Karate.

Sushiho — 五十四歩

Literally “Fifty-Four Steps.”

Sushiho is an advanced kata whose name refers to the number fifty-four.

It belongs to the northern-derived side of the Kyokushin kata curriculum and incorporates complex movement, direction changes, and advanced technical combinations.

Ura Kata — 裏型

Ura means reverse, back, or opposite side.

Several Kyokushin organizations practice Ura versions of Taikyoku and Pinan kata. These forms alter the turning pattern and movement, increasing demands on balance, coordination, orientation, and the ability to move naturally in different directions.

For expanded descriptions, historical background, and the origins of individual forms, see the Kyokushin Kata: Names, Meanings, and History page.

Numbers Used in Training

Japanese numbers are regularly used for repetitions, kihon, kata counts, and conditioning.

Ichi — 一 — One
Ni — 二 — Two
San — 三 — Three
Shi / Yon — 四 — Four
Go — 五 — Five
Roku — 六 — Six
Shichi / Nana — 七 — Seven
Hachi — 八 — Eight
Ku / Kyu — 九 — Nine
Ju — 十 — Ten

Kyokushin dojo counting often follows:

Ichi, Ni, San, Shi, Go, Roku, Shichi, Hachi, Kyu, Ju.

Yon and nana are normal alternative Japanese readings for four and seven.

Common Japanese Technique-Building Vocabulary

Understanding these elements makes apparently complicated Japanese technique names much easier to interpret.

Ashi — 足
Foot or leg.

Ate — 当て
Strike or impact.

Barai / Harai — 払い
Sweep.

Geri / Keri — 蹴り
Kick.

Ken — 拳
Fist.

Koshi — 腰
Hip or waist.

Te — 手
Hand.

Uchi — 打ち
Strike.

Uke — 受け
Receive or block.

Waza — 技
Technique.

Tsuki — 突き
Thrust or punch.

Dachi / Tachi — 立ち
Stance or standing position.

A term such as:

Jodan Mawashi Geri

can therefore be broken down as:

Jodan — upper level
Mawashi — circular
Geri — kick

or:

Upper-level roundhouse kick.

Likewise:

Chudan Soto Uke

means:

Chudan — middle level
Soto — outside
Uke — receiving/blocking technique

or:

Middle-level outside block.

Learning the component words makes much of Japanese karate terminology understandable rather than simply something to memorize.

A Note on Romanization and Kyokushin Usage

Students will encounter several English spellings for the same or closely related Japanese terms.

This does not necessarily mean that one dojo is using different terminology.

Senpai / Sempai — 先輩

Senpai is the standard romanization. Sempai reflects the way the nasal consonant can sound when spoken before the p.

Mawatte / Mawate — 回って

Mawatte more closely reflects the Japanese word. Mawate appears frequently in Western karate syllabi.

Tsuki / Zuki — 突き

The basic word is tsuki, meaning punch or thrust.

In Japanese compound words, the opening consonant of the second element may become voiced. This is why readers frequently encounter:

Gyaku-zuki

rather than:

Gyaku Tsuki

and:

Oi-zuki

rather than:

Oi Tsuki.

Both conventions are widespread in karate literature.

This glossary uses tsuki consistently, reflecting the terminology used elsewhere on this website and the usage familiar in many Kyokushin dojos.

Keri / Geri — 蹴り

The standalone word is keri, while compound technique names generally use geri, as in:

• Mae Geri
• Mawashi Geri
• Ushiro Geri

Tachi / Dachi — 立ち

The standalone form is related to tachi, while compound stance names normally use dachi:

• Zenkutsu Dachi
• Sanchin Dachi
• Kiba Dachi

Gi / Dogi — 着 / 道着

Gi is common Western martial-arts shorthand.

Dogi refers to training clothing, while karate-gi specifies a karate uniform.

Variations in terminology also occur among Kyokushin organizations. A technique may be taught somewhat differently, translated differently, or introduced at a different grade while retaining essentially the same Japanese name.

The Language of Kyokushin

Learning Japanese terminology is not simply an exercise in memorization. The vocabulary provides a common language that allows Kyokushin practitioners from different countries—and often from different organizations—to enter a dojo and understand much of what is taking place. Words and phrases such as Osu, kihon, kata, kumite, rei, seiza, tatte kudasai, mawashi geri, zenkutsu dachi, tameshiwari, budo, and dojo have been carried across generations of practitioners as Kyokushin spread from Japan around the world. Organizations may differ. Grading syllabi may change. Techniques and competition rules may evolve. Yet much of the language remains immediately recognizable to Kyokushin karateka everywhere.

Osu!

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