Japanese Karate Terms

Instructions at the Beginning and end of Class

Sensei Calls students to line up.

1. "Ki O Tsuke" = Sensei Calls Attention. Students line up according to rank on a straight line, feet together and hands to the side, and facing forward.

The Senior Student at the front of the line, or the Sensei (if the senior student is too new to know the commands) gives the following instructions for the class:

2. "Seiza " = come to a sitting position on the knees, legs under the body and feet facing back, the body remains straight, and the hands come to rest on the legs - do not use your hands when going to seiza or standing up. The body must remain straight at all times.

3. "Mokuso " The students close their eyes and breath deeply to clear their minds, calm their body, and properly prepare for the session. The Japanese term means "to meditate" but in martial arts it is used in a less "trascendental" way.

4. "Mokuso Yame" = End Meditation.

5. Shomen-ni Rei = Bow to the Front. Sensei will turn and face the front, Sensei and students bow as a sign of respect for the Dojo (School / Place of training). This is similar to other signs of respect used in the Western world (some of which may have - unfortunatelly- fallen in disuse), such as removing one's hat when entering the home (one's own or someone else's as well). This is the same reason why students must bow when entering and leaving the Dojo. It is important to note that because this is the place where students are formed in the Art and Discipline of Karate, they must take care of and respect the Dojo. Refraining from littering, leaving things in order, and always behaving in an appropriate manner.

6. Sensei-ni Rei = Bow to the Sensei. Sensei turns and faces the students once again. Sensei and students bow to each other as a mutual sign of respect. ***

7. Kiritsu (or Tate) = Stand up

At the End of Class the class repeats the same steps, however between steps 4 and 5 (After Mokuso Yame). The students and instructors, led by the senior student, recite the Dojo-Kun, or Rules of the Dojo:

Dojo Kun:

Seek Perfection of Character

Be Faithful

Endeavor

Respect Others

Refrain from Violent Behavior

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*** Note that bowing as a Japanese tradition, is a way of greeting each other, and has great symbolism. In the Western world bowing, specially on one's knees may be taken out of context, and be interpreted as taking some sort of religious significance. This is not the case. Below is a small article about Japanese bowing from www.japan-guide.com :

"The Japanese greet each other by bowing. Bowing techniques range from a small nod of the head to a long, 90 degree bow. If the greeting takes place on tatami floor, people get on their knees in order to bow.

If your opposite is of higher social status than yourself, you are supposed to bow deeper and longer than him or her. But since most Japanese do not expect foreigners to know proper bowing rules, a nod of the head is usually sufficient.

It is also common to bow to express thanks or an apology or when making a request or asking somebody for a favor.

Shaking hands is uncommon among the Japanese, but foreigners are sometimes greeted with a hand shake."

26 Shotokan Katas

1. Heian Shodan
2. Heian Nidan
3. Heian Sandan
4. Heian Yondan
5. Heian Godan

6. Tekki Shodan
7. Tekki Nidan
8. Tekki Sandan

9. Bassai Dai
10. Bassai Sho

11. Kanku Dai
12. Kanku Sho

13. Gojushiho Dai
14. Gojushiho Sho

15. Enpi
16. Sochin
17. Meikyo
18. Ji'in

19. Jion
20. Jitte
21. Hangetsu
22. Gankaku
23. Chinte
24. Nijushiho
25. Unsu
26. Wankan

NOTE: Katas will not be learned/taught on this order necessarily, aside from the Five Heian Katas. Students should not be overly eager to learn new Katas, but rather eager to perfect each one that they know. Their Sensei will determine when a student is competent enough to learn a new Kata.