Vocabulary
Karate Techniques (Waza)
Stances (Dachi)
Punches (Zuki)
Blocks (Uke)
Kicks (Geri)
Strikes (Uchi)
Other
Counting
Miscellaneous Terms
General
Sempai Instructions (at start and end of class)
What to say
Seiretsu
Seiza
Mokuso
Kamaku
Shomen ni Rei
Sensei ni Rei
Otagai ni Rei
Pronunciation
Sigh-dets
Say-za
Mock-so
Cam-mack
Sho-men-nee-ray
Sen-see-nee-ray
O-ta-guy-nee-ray
Meaning
Line up
Sit (kneeling)
Close eyes
Open eyes
Bow to front
Bow to teacher
Bow to each other
When to Say It
Start of class
All lined up
All in seiza
After brief period
Eyes are open
Sensei faces class
After previous bow
Dojo Kun (rules for the dojo - led by Sempai, repeated by all)
The Dojo Kun is a declaration recited by all karate students, usually at the end of a training session before the final bows. The purpose of the Dojo Kun is to remind everyone in the dojo, regardless of rank, to take the underlying principles of Shotokan karate and make them a regular part of their daily life. Each line is recited by the sempai and repeated by everyone else.
What to say
Hitotsu! Jinkaku kansei ni tsutomuru koto!
Hitotsu! Jinkaku kansei ni tsutomuru koto!
Hitotsu! Doryoku no seishin o yashinau koto!
Hitotsu! Reigi o omonzuru koto!
Hitotsu! Kekki no yu o imashimuru koto!
Translation
One! To strive for perfection of character!
One! To defend the paths of truth!
One! To foster the spirit of effort!
One! To respect others!
One! To refrain from violent behaviour!
Japanese Pleasantries
