A

• Ashi-barai / De-ashi-barai — 足払い – A controlled sweep targeting the foot or ankle to break the opponent’s balance. 

• Awamori — 泡盛 A traditional Okinawan rice-distilled liquor. 

• arigatō – Expression of gratitude meaning “thank you.”

• ashi-barai – Foot sweep technique used to unbalance an opponent.

B

• Bō 棒 – Long wooden staff, typically measuring about 180 cm.

• Bōjutsu 棒術 – Traditional Japanese martial art focused on the use of the bō.

• Budō — 武道 - The “martial way”; a philosophical path emphasizing discipline, ethics, and self-development. 

• Bugei — 武芸 - Premodern traditional martial arts. Examples include Kenjutsu, Sōjutsu, Kyūjutsu, and Tōde. 

• Bassai / Passai – Classical kata emphasizing penetration, power, and breaking through defenses.

• beijū – Traditional age celebration in Japan, marking the 88th birthday.

• binchōtan – High-quality Japanese charcoal, often associated with purity and longevity.

• budō – “The martial way”; a path of discipline, ethics, and self-cultivation through martial practice.

• bushidō – “The way of the warrior”; ethical code associated with the samurai.

C

• Chintō – Advanced kata characterized by angular movements and balance control.

• Chinte – Advanced kata featuring close-range techniques and unusual hand movements.

• Chūdan — 中段 - Middle level: chest, ribs, solar plexus. 

D

• Dan 段 – Black belt rank system indicating advanced level. Advanced black belt ranks within the kyū/dan system.

Until Funakoshi’s time, only Godan (5th Dan) existed. Ranks up to 10th Dan were introduced after his death, when various organizations modernized the ranking system—especially from the late 1950s onward—to formalize hierarchies, technical recognition, and institutional roles. 

• Dō 道 – “Way” or “path”; denotes a discipline as a lifelong practice. In the martial context, it represents the path of spiritual refinement and its direct relationship with Budō. 

• Dōgi – 道衣  - Generic term for the martial arts uniform. 

• Dōjō 道場  – Place dedicated to the practice and transmission of a martial discipline.

• De-ashi-barai – Advanced foot sweep applied as the opponent steps forward.

• Dōjō-kun – Set of ethical precepts recited in the dōjō.

E

• Empi – Kata emphasizing elbow techniques and rapid directional changes.

F

• Fudō-dachi — 不動立ち - Natural, balanced stance, ready for transition. Also known in the Shotokan style as Sōchin-dachi, as it is the characteristic stance of the kata Sōchin..

G

• Genkan – Entrance area where shoes are removed before entering the dōjō.

• Geta – Traditional Japanese wooden sandals.

• Gi – Abbreviated form of dōgi. 

• Gi (Karategi) — 着 / 空手着 -  Karate training uniform.

• Gasshuku — 合宿 - Multi-day intensive training, usually held as a retreat. 

• Gedan — 下段 - Low level: lower abdomen, legs, groin. 

• Gedan-barai 下段払い – Downward sweeping block directed to the low level. 

• gōjū – “Hard–soft”; principle combining strength and flexibility.

• Giri — 義理 -  Moral duty; ethical obligation.

• Gyaku-tsuki – Reverse punch delivered with the rear hand.

H

• Hombu-dōjō — 本部道場 - The central dōjō or official headquarters of an organization. 

• Hasami (挟み) - Literal meaning: “to pinch,” “to clamp,” or “scissors”. In the context of Japanese martial arts and traditional karate, hasami refers to a technical principle of closing and trapping, in which the opponent is controlled through a converging movement—like a pair of scissors—using the body, legs, or arms. The term is used both to describe specific actions (such as scissor sweeps, clamps, or trapping motions) and to express a tactical concept: reducing the opponent’s space, limiting mobility, and breaking balance through simultaneous pressure from two directions.

• Heian 平安  – A series of five fundamental Shotokan kata, developed from the Pinan forms created by Ankō Itosu for school education in Okinawa. These kata were later disseminated and adapted in other karate styles, and even in variants found in Taekwondo.

• Heiwa — 平和 - “Peace” or “harmony.” A central concept in Japanese culture and in budō, associated with coexistence, respect, and inner balance.

• Hikite — 引き手  The forceful retraction of the arm toward the hip to generate power, control, or to unbalance the opponent. 

• Hōjin – Term associated with direction, method, or formal procedure (context-dependent).

I

• Iaijutsu — 居合術 - Traditional art of drawing the sword and cutting in a single, continuous motion.

• Isshōbin – Traditional large sake bottle, often used ceremonially.

J

• Jōseki – Side reserved for higher-ranking practitioners or guests.

• jō – Short staff, approximately 128 cm in length.

• JKA — 日本空手協会 - (Nihon Karate Kyōkai) Japan Karate Association. 

• jiyū – Freedom; often used to denote free practice.

• Jiyū-kumite 自由組手 – Free sparring practice.

• Jōdan – Upper-level target area, including head and neck.

• Jūdō – Japanese martial art focused on throws, grappling, and control.

• Judogi — 柔道着 - Traditional judo uniform.

K

• Kaihō — 解放 Liberation; openness. Appears in philosophical reflections.

• Kaichō – President or head of an organization.

• kajō – Article or principle; often used in ethical or instructional contexts.

• Kamae — 構え Guard position or preparatory stance.

• Kamakura — 鎌倉 Historic Japanese city.

• Kamiza – Place of honor in the dōjō; it usually displays symbols, calligraphy, or portraits.

• kankyū – Environmental awareness; sensitivity to surroundings (contextual use).

• Karate — 空手 “Empty hand”; a martial art originating in Okinawa from Tōde (“Chinese hand”) and Chinese influences.

• Karate-dō — 空手道 “The way of the empty hand”; Japanese martial art emphasizing striking techniques and character development.

• karategi – Uniform specifically used in karate.

• Kata — 形 / 型 Codified and formalized sequence of movements representing combat principles.

• Katana — 刀 Japanese sword (historical reference).

• Keiko — 稽古 Practice; deliberate training.

• Keishō — 継承 Transmission of a legacy.

• Kendō – Japanese martial art of swordsmanship using bamboo swords (shinai).

• kendōka – Practitioner of kendō.

• Kenpō – Martial system combining striking, blocking, and circular movements.

• kenshūsei – Trainee or apprentice undergoing formal instruction.

• Kenjutsu — 剣術 Premodern Japanese sword art (katana), focused on real combat.

• Kekomi — 突き込み “Thrusting” or penetrating kick that drives through the target.

• Keage — 上げ蹴り Rising or “snapping” kick, fast, with immediate retraction.

• ketō – Term historically associated with external or foreign methods (contextual).

• Kiai — 気合 Projection of vocal and bodily energy.

• Kiba-dachi — 騎馬立ち “Horse stance,” used for lateral work and strengthening. 

• Kitei – Formal kata or standardized training sequence (context-dependent usage).

• Kizami-tsuki – Lead-hand jab punch.

• Kihon — 基本 Basic fundamentals of karate. Fundamental techniques and basics of training.

• Kime — 決め Final moment of focused concentration at the end of a technique.

• kimono – Traditional Japanese garment.

• Kizami-tsuki — 刻み突き
  Fast, short lead-hand punch, similar to a jab but with a straight trajectory; used to gauge distance, interrupt the opponent’s attack, or create surprise.

• kōden – Condolence offering; also used in ceremonial contexts.

• kōen – Lecture, public talk, or formal presentation.

• Kōhai — 後輩 Junior student or lower-ranked practitioner.

• Kokoro — 心 Heart, spirit, inner intention.

• Kōkutsu-dachi — 後屈立ち Back stance, used for defense and space control.

• Koshin — 孤心 Solitude of the spirit; used metaphorically.

• kōshōnin – Authorized representative or official witness.

• kufū – Ingenuity; creative adaptation through practice.

• Kumite — 組手 Technical or regulated sparring.

• Kuro-obi — 黒帯 “Black belt”; visible accreditation of dan ranks in Japanese martial arts, associated with technical maturity and responsibility within the dōjō.

• Kūsankū – Advanced kata focusing on fluid movement, timing, and adaptability.

• kyōei – Mutual prosperity or coexistence.

• kyōhan – Instructional manual or authoritative teaching text.

• kyōjaku – Concept of firmness and gentleness in balance.

• kyōkai – Association or federation.

• kyū – Student ranking system below black belt.

• Kyūjutsu — 弓術 Traditional Japanese archery art; classical military technique of archery practiced on foot or horseback.
  
  

M

• mae – Front or forward.

• Mae-geri — 前蹴り  Front kick.

• Makiwara — 巻藁  Padded striking post used to develop conditioning, accuracy, and proper striking mechanics.

• Matsumura Sōkon — 松村宗棍  Legendary master of the Ryūkyū Kingdom (19th century) and a foundational figure of Okinawan karate. Guardian of Shuri Castle, diplomat, strategist, and expert in bugei. Often regarded as the “technical grandfather” of modern karate, he directly influenced Ankō Itosu, and through him, Gichin Funakoshi. His legacy runs through Shuri-te, Tōde, and many of the kata practiced today in Shotokan and other styles.

• manjū – Traditional Japanese steamed bun.

• Mawashi-geri — 回し蹴り  Roundhouse kick.

• Mejiro — 目白  Residential district of Tokyo.

• Migi / Hidari — 右 / 左  Right / left.

• Mizu — 水  Water; a recurring symbol in Zen metaphors.

• Mokuso — 黙想   Silent meditation performed at the beginning or end of training.

• Moto-dachi — 基本立ち  Short fundamental stance used in kihon.

• mokugyō – Wooden percussion instrument used in Buddhist practice.

• monbushō – Former Japanese Ministry of Education.

N

• Naifanchi / Naihanchi – Classical kata emphasizing lateral movement and close-range combat.

• Nijū-kajō / Nijū-kun – The Twenty Principles of Karate taught by Gichin Funakoshi.

• Nihon Karate Kyōkai — 日本空手協会 - (JKA) Japan Karate Association. 

• ni-rei – Two bows; formal etiquette sequence.

• nidan – Second-degree black belt.

• nijū – Twenty; often referring to Funakoshi’s Twenty Principles.

• nyūmon – Entry or initiation into a discipline.

• Naha — 那覇   Port commercial center; the base of Naha-te.

• Naha-te — 那覇手  The Naha style, influenced by southern Chinese martial arts; characterized by an emphasis on breathing, internal strength, and Sanchin.

• Nukite — 貫手  Striking technique using the extended fingertips.

O

• Oi-tsuki – Stepping punch delivered while advancing.

• ōjite – Principle of adaptability; responding according to circumstances.

• Obi — 帯   Belt worn with the training uniform, indicating rank or level.

• Okinawa — 沖縄   Main island of the former Ryūkyū Kingdom; birthplace of karate.

• Oss / Osu — 押忍   Martial salutation expressing respect, acceptance, and perseverance. Expression of acknowledgment, perseverance, or respect.

• O-soto-gari — 大外刈り   Major outer leg reap; a throwing technique also used in judo.

P

• passai / bassai – Classical kata focused on breaking through defenses.

• Pinan 平安 – Okinawan kata series forming the basis of the Heian katas.

Q

R

• ryū – School or style.

• Rei — 礼   Formal salutation marked by respect and gratitude.

• Ryūkyū — 琉球   Former sovereign island kingdom with its own government and distinctive culture, existing until its incorporation into Japanese territory. The kingdom included several islands, among them Okinawa and much of the surrounding archipelago.

• Rō-sensei — 老先生   “Elder master” or “venerable teacher.” This was the term used by students to respectfully address Gichin Funakoshi, distinguishing him from his son Yoshitaka (Gigo), who was known as Waka-sensei (“young master”).

S

• Sai – Traditional Okinawan metal weapon, usually used in pairs.

• Sanchin – Fundamental kata emphasizing breathing, structure, and internal strength.

• Sanchin-dachi – Rooted stance associated with Sanchin practice.

• sandan – Third-degree black belt.

• sayōnara – Farewell expression.

• Seisan – Classical kata focusing on direct power and close-range techniques.

• senpai – Senior student who guides juniors.

• sensei – Teacher; one who has gone before.

• shiai – Match or competition.

• Shiai-jō – Competition or match area.

• shidō – Guidance or instruction.

• Shimoza – The side opposite the kamiza, where students are positioned.

• shodan – First-degree black belT.

• Shōbu-ippon – Competition format based on decisive single-point victory.

• shōji – Traditional sliding door made of paper and wood.

• Shōmen – The main front of the dōjō, generally oriented toward the kamiza.

• Shōmen-ni-rei – Formal bow toward the front of the dōjō.

• Shōtō – Pen name of Gichin Funakoshi, meaning “pine waves.”

• Shōtō-ryū – Early designation associated with Funakoshi’s karate.

• Shōtōkai – Organization preserving a non-competitive interpretation of Shotokan.

• Shōtōkan – Style of karate founded by Gichin Funakoshi.

• Sochin – Advanced kata emphasizing rooted stances and powerful techniques.

• Sochin-dachi – Strong stance associated with the Sochin kata.

• Sōjutsu – Traditional Japanese spear art.

• Sanchin-dachi — 三戦立ち   Short, rooted, and tense stance associated with Naha-te.

• Satori — 悟り   Deep understanding; inner awakening.

• Sayōnara — さようなら   Formal farewell.

• Seiza — 正座   Traditional Japanese seated posture.

• Senpai — 先輩   Senior or more experienced practitioner.

• Sensei — 先生   Literally “one who was born before”; teacher or instructor.

• Shōmen — 正面   Front or main side of the dōjō.

• Shōtōkan — 松濤館  Name of the dōjō founded by Gichin Funakoshi, originally located on the same property as his residence in Tokyo. Today, the term also designates the style of Karate-Dō associated with his teachings.
  Shōtō (松濤) was Funakoshi’s literary pseudonym—“pine-wave sound”—and kan (館) means “hall” or “house.” The most widely accepted meaning is therefore “the house of Shōtō,” that is, Funakoshi’s own home.
  Alternative interpretations exist—such as a possible reference to the Kōdōkan of judo—but the simplest and most plausible explanation is that Funakoshi lived there. It was both his home and his dōjō. Later interpretations added symbolic depth, but originally it was simply “Shōtō’s house,” for the most evident reason: he lived there.

• Shuri — 首里   Historic city in Okinawa; aristocratic center of the Ryūkyū Kingdom and birthplace of Shuri-te.

• Shuri-te — 首里手   Courtly style developed in Shuri; characterized by linear, fast, and direct techniques.

• Shizoku — 士族   Okinawan social class descended from the samurai nobility.

• Shōmen-ni-rei — 正面に礼   Salutation directed toward the front of the dōjō.

• Sōjutsu — 槍術   Traditional discipline of spear (yari) handling, practiced by samurai warriors.

T

• Tantō – Japanese short dagger.

• Tatami – Traditional padded floor surface used for training

• Tekki – Shotokan kata derived from Naihanchi, emphasizing lateral movement.

• te – “Hand”; early Okinawan term preceding karate.

• tōrō – Stone lantern, often found in temples and gardens.

• Tōde-jutsu – Early martial methods associated with tōde.

• Tokonoma – Traditional alcove used to display calligraphy, flowers, or symbolic objects (when present).

• Tachi — 立ち (Dachi)   Stance; suffix used for karate positions.

• Tameshiwari — 試割   Breaking practice (wood, tiles, ice).

• Tatami — 畳   Traditional training surface.

• Te — 手   “Hand”; early name for karate in Okinawa.

• Tōde — 唐手   “Chinese hand”; former name of karate before the adoption of 空手 (Karate).

• Tokyo / Tōkyō — 東京   Capital of modern Japan.

• Tomari — 泊   Coastal settlement near Shuri; birthplace of Tomari-te.

• Tomari-te — 泊手   Intermediate tradition between Shuri-te and Naha-te; characterized by agile movements and mixed rhythms.

• Tora no maki — 虎の巻   “Tiger scroll.” Traditional Japanese term for a secret manual, master guide, or reference document reserved for advanced disciples. In martial arts, it refers to essential teachings transmitted privately within the lineage rather than publicly.

• Tsuki — 突き   Direct punching technique. Includes variants such as oi-tsuki, gyaku-tsuki, and kizami-tsuki.

U

• Uchi — 打ち Golpe — sufijo para técnicas ofensivas.

• Uchināguchi — 沖縄口 Lengua okinawense tradicional.

• Uke — 受け Defensa o bloqueo.

• Uke-torimono — 受取物 Lo recibido; metáfora sobre transmisión marcial.

• Ushiro-geri — 後ろ蹴り Patada hacia atrás, directa y penetrante.

V

W

• Waza — 技   Technique; applied skill.

• Waza-ari — 技あり   Partial score in sparring or competition.

Y

• yō – Softness, flexibility; complementary to strength.

• yū – Courage, bravery.

• Yoko-geri – Side kick.

• Yame — 止め  Stop; command to halt or finish.

• Yoi — 用意   “Ready”; attentive preparatory position.

• Yoko-geri — 横蹴り   Side kick; can be performed as keage or kekomi.

• Yoroshiku — よろしく  Social expression conveying goodwill, respect, and readiness to cooperate.

Z

• Zanshin — 残心   State of continued awareness and readiness after the completion of an action.

• zenkutsu – Forward stance emphasizing reach and stability (zenkutsu-dachi).

• Zenkutsu-dachi — 前屈立ち   Forward stance emphasizing reach, stability, and forward pressure; foundational stance of Shotokan.

• Zen — 禅   Philosophical school of Buddhism closely linked to budō, emphasizing awareness, discipline, and direct experience.

About the Author

Milton Chanes is an author and researcher whose work is deeply connected to education, technology, and traditional martial arts. His writing combines historical rigor, practical experience, and a critical perspective on how knowledge, values, and traditions are transmitted—and transformed—over time.

Through his books, Chanes explores Karate-Dō not only as a martial discipline, but as a path of human development, ethical reflection, and cultural responsibility.

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Walking Upright does not seek to provide definitive answers. Instead, it offers a path: to observe carefully, to understand deeply, to question honestly, and above all, to remain upright—in practice, in teaching, and in life.