KA

Person or Practitioner.

KACHIKAKE

Point on Jaw. Also see Ago.

KAESHI

Counter, the countering of an opponents offensive action. Sometimes this seen spelt as Kaesu.

KAESHI IPPON KUMITE

Returning One Step Sparring, or Countering One Step Sparring. 'A' calls the first attack against 'B' and then attacks. B then steps back and blocks A's attack. B then returns stepping forwards and attacks A, A steps back and blocks and counters this attack.

KAFUKUBU

Abdomen.

KAGI

Hook.

KAGI TSUKI

Hook Punch. Sometimes called 'Flowing Water Punch'.

KAGI UKE

Hooking Block.

KAHANSHIN

Lower half of the body.

KAHO

Downward.

KAI

Style, as in Shotokai.

KAISHIN

Open Heart, The beginning move of the kata Kanku Dai.

KAISHO

Open hand. This refers to the type of blow/block which is delivered with the open hand. It can also be used to describe other hand blows in which the fist is not fully clenched or blocks with an open hand.

KAISHO KOSA UKE

Open Hand Cross Block.

KAISHO RYO WAN KAMAE

Open Handed Both Arm Posture, as seen in the Kata Hungestsu.

KAISHO UKE

Open Hand Block.

KAISHO YAMA KAMAE

Open Handed Mountain Posture, as seen in the Kata Hungestsu.

KAITEN

Turn or Rotate.

KAITEN TE

Rotate Hands, As seen in the Kata Empi after the Jo Uke.

KAIUN NO TE

Open The Cloud. From the Kata Unsu

KAKAE NAGE

Trapping Throw.

KAKAE TE UKE

Trapping Hand Block

KAKATO

Heel (of the foot)

KAKATO GERI

Heel Kick or also known as Axe Kick, striking with the back of the heel of the foot.

KAKE

Hooking.

KAKE DORI

Hooking Grasp/Pull, as seen three times in the Kata Hungestsu.

KAKEHIKI

Tac-Tic's.

KAKE SHUTO UKE

Hooking Knife Hand Block.

KAKE TE

Hooking Hand.

KAKE UKE

Hooking Block.

KAKE WAZA

Hooking Techniques.

KAKIWAKE UKE

Reverse Wedge Block. A two handed block used when an attacker attempts to grab the front chest area of the defender. The defender brings both of his arms up between the attackers arms and then pulls them apart. As seen in the Kata HEIAN YONDAN.

KAKUSHI WAZA

'Hidden techniques' You may also see hidden as Kakusu.

KAKUTO

Bent Wrist.

KAKUTO UCHI

Bent Wrist Strike. Wrist joint strike. Also known as 'KO UCHI'.

KAKUTO UKE

Bent Wrist Block. Wrist Joint Block. Also known as KO UKE.

KAMAE

Posture or Stance. Kamae is sometimes spelt GAMAE.

KAMAE KATA

Posture of the upper body.

KAMAE-TE

A command given by the instructor for students to get into position.

KAMI

Hair. Kami Dori/Tsukami is Hair grab, from the kata Empi. Also see Ke.

KAMI TSUKAMI

Hair Grab, as seen in the Kata Empi. This could also be called 'Ke Tsukami'.

KAMITSUKU

Bite. Some might find this a strange entry on this site, but in a real fight there are no rules and if biting your attacker helps you win the fight, then do it.

KAMU

Bite.

KAN

Fighting awareness, or penetrating the true nature of things.

KANANERU

Put One On Top Of Another.

KANI BASAMI

Crab Claw(s).

KANJI

The symbols of Japanese writing. Karate is made up of two kanji. The first being the symbol for 'Empty' and the second symbol being for 'hand'.

KANKU DAI / SHO

Viewing The Sky. Two black belt Kata’s. Dai = Minor and Sho = Major.

KANSETSU

Against the joint. Also used to describe locking techniques against joints.

KANSETSU UCHI

Against the joint Strike.

KANSETSU WAZA

Against the joint Techniques, or Locking Techniques.

KANTAN NA MONO YOKU KACHI O SEISU

The Balance Between Victory And Defeat Often Hangs On Simple Matters.

KANZO

Liver, also seen spelt as 'Kimo'.

KANJI

The symbols of Japanese writing.

KAO

Face, as in of the head.

KAO HIDARI MUKI

Face Left Facing. This applies only to the head, it is different to Left Facing, as this means the Face is facing left, even though the body may be facing a different direction.

KAO MIGI MUKI

Face Right Facing. This applies only to the head, it is different to right Facing, as this means the Face is facing right, even though the body may be facing a different direction.

KAPPO

Techniques of resuscitating people who have succumbed to a shock to the nervous System. In some books this is seen as Katsu.

KARA

Empty, when said by itself this would be 'Kara no'. In Karate we use the Kara to imply that we are weapon-less or empty handed, which is correct, but Master Funakoshi said "that the person who follows Karate must make himself void or empty by ridding himself of all self-centredness and greed, making yourself empty within, but upright without. This is the real meaning of the 'Empty' in Karate.

KARADA

Body, Physique.

KARATE

The word karate is formed by the joining of two Japanese kanji or written characters. The first means 'empty'(it also means 'Leisure') whilst the second means 'hand'(it also means 'Handy', 'Skill' or 'Workman'). Karate is therefore simply translated as 'empty-hand'. When Funakoshi came to Tokyo karate translated as 'Chinese-hands'. Karate was sometimes referred to as 'Okinawan-te'. Funakoshi changed the kanji to read empty hand and is credited with doing so in 1935 with the publication of 'karate-do kyohan'. Looking at the Kanji for 'Kara' in more detail it is made up off two components. The top one meaning 'Cave' and the bottom one meaning 'Labour' and combinatively the characters may have been originally used for caves made by man, a place made empty by labour. For 'Te' the character depicts a full palm. In the ancient writing the palm is depicted with representation of the lines of the palm.

KARATE-DO

The Way of the Empty Hand. This implies not only the physical aspect of Karate, but also the mental and social aspects of Karate. The true translation is 'Empty Hand Way'.

KARATE-D0 NYUMON

The first book written by Gichin Funakoshi. It translates literally as 'A passage through the gates of the Karate way'.

KARATE-KA

A practitioner of Karate.

KARATE NI SENTENASHI

A term which sums up the essence of the art, it means 'In Karate There Is No First Strike'. This saying can be found engraved on Master Funakoshi's memorial stone.

KARA TSUKI

Empty Punch. This is another name for Choku Tsuki or Straight Punch. If you take a 'full' punch to be one where the hips, etc are used to deliver maximum power, then this punch is the opposite as only the arms are used, the opposite of 'full' being 'empty'. It is a term used by Kanazawa Sensei.

KARIKOMI

Cutting In.

KASEI

Under.

KASEI GERI

Under Kick. This is a strict translation. It is kicking from under your opponent. It is seen in the Kata Unsu where you are kicking from the floor under your opponent.

KASEI NAGE

Under Throw, an application from the Kata Chinte where you are countering a Mae Geri.

KASUI UKE

Fire and Water Block. From the Kata Kanku Sho.

KASUI KEN

Fire and Water Fist. From the Kata Kanku Sho.

KASUMI

Temple on the side of the head. Also see Komikami

KASUSATSU

The area between the fifth and sixth vertebra.

KATA (1)

Form, Figure or Shape. In Karate, Kata is a form or prescribed pattern of movement fighting imaginary opponents. There are a total of twenty seven in Shotokan.

KATA (2)

Shoulder.

KATA (3)

Single or One.

KATA-ASHI

One Leg or Single Leg.

KATA ASHI DACHI

Single Leg Stance, a general term for one leg stances used in Kata, this terminology is used by Hirokazu Kanazawa in his Kata books. See also Sashi Ashi Dachi, Tsuru Ashi Dachi and Sagi Ashi Dachi.

KATACHI

Good Form, as in shape, stance etc.

KATA HIZA DACHI

One Knee Stance. Best described as a half kneeling position. As used in the Kata Gankaku.

KATANA

A type of Sword or Blade.

KATATE

One Hand or Single Hand.

KATATE UKE

One Hand or Single Hand Block.

KATSU (1)

Win.

KATSU (2)

A resuscitation technique.

KATSU (3)

A type of loud shout, similar to a Kiai.

KAWASHI

'Interaction', In practice you pass through your opponents attack, in effect exchanging places with him. Stepping in towards the attacker, while turning (kawasu) your body to avoid the attack. Evasion.

KE

Hair.

KEAGE

'Kick Up' in karate we use this when describing snapping as opposed to thrusting kicks. But see Keriage

KEBANASHI

Kick Off.

KEGA

Injury or Wound. May also see it spelt as 'Kizu'.

KEICHU

Nape of the neck.

KEIKO (1)

Training or Practice. The only secret to success in Karate.

KEIKO (2)

Joined Fingertips.

KEITO UCHI

Chicken Head Strike.

KEITO UKE

Chicken Head Block.

KEITO UKE NAGASHI

Chicken Head Blocking Sweep. As seen in the Kata Gojushiho Dai

KEKKAN

Blood Vessel.

KEKOMI

Thrust Kick ( Literally, Kick Into/Straight ). See Kerikomi.

KEMPO

'Fist Law'. A generic term to describe fighting systems that uses the fist. In this regard, KARATE is also KEMPO. Although Fist is normally spelt Ken.

KEN (1)

Fist.

KEN (2)

Sword.

KEN EMPI ZOE

Fist On Elbow, as in Morote Uke.

KENSEI

The technique with silent KIAI. Related to meditation.

KENSEITAI

Feint. From the Kata Nijushiho.

KENTSUI

Hammer Fist Also known as TETTSUI. Hammer can also be spelt as Kanazuchi.

KENTSUI UCHI (Or TETTSUI UCHI)

Hammer Fist Strike.

KENTSUI UKE (Or TETTSUI UKE)

Hammer Fist Block.

KERI

Kick, you will see kick spelt this way. My normal spelling used on this site is GERI. From my research I would suggest that 'Keri' is in fact the older of the two spellings.

KERIAGE

Kick Up, this is the original name for a snap kick or 'Keage'. Before the 1960's there was no such kick as a 'Keage' it was Keriage. This has become shortened through time to Keage. You may see translations of Keage as 'Kick Up' this in fact relates back to the original name for the kick or 'Keriage'.

KERIKOME

Kick In, this is the original name for a thrust kick or 'Kekomi'. Before the 1960's there was no such kick as a 'Kekomi' it was Kerikomi. This has become shortened through time to Kekomi. You may see translations of Kekomi as 'Kick In' this in fact relates back to the original name for the kick or 'Kerikomi'.

KERI WAZA

Kicking Techniques.

KERU

Kick. Mainly now spelt Geri, but also can be seen as Keri.

KESA GERI

Diagonal Kick, aimed at the opponents side.

KE TSUKAMI

Hair Grab, as seen in the Kata Empi. This could also be Kami Tsukami.

KETTO

Blood.

KI

Mind, Spirit, Energy, Vital-force, Ether, Breath, Air, Primal Aura, Vital Fluid, Life-giving principle, Intention. (Chinese ‘chi’) The definitions presented here are very general. KI is one word that cannot be translated directly into any language. The kanji is made up of two components, the top one being vapour curling and rising from the ground and forming clouds. The bottom one being rice after it is hulled. The combination of these two shows the fumes rising from the fermented rice, ether; breath; air.

KIAI

A shout delivered for the purpose of focusing all of one's energy into a single movement. One translation of kiai that I have found is "the expression of vital spirit". It is often translated as "spirit yell" but it really means "spirit harmony".

KIBA DACHI

Straddle Stance. Also known as HORSE RIDING STANCE.

KIHAKU

Spirit.

KIHON

Basic, (Something which is) fundamental. Basic techniques.

KIHON IPPON KUMITE

Basic one step sparring. The attacking student calls the attack. The defender blocks and counters the attack. All carried out in basics. Kihon Kumite would be Basic Sparring.

KI KAMAE

Mental Preparation Posture. It is the posture you hold when you are preparing yourself prior to action.

KI KEN TAI NO ITCHI

Spirit, Technique and body as one.

KIME

Focus of Power and concentration. Kime comes about as a result of Shin-Gi-Tai.

KIN GERI

Front Arch Kick. A kick to the groin using the instep.

KING SHO HASHI (1372-1439)

A Chuzan King, said to be the man who by banning the carrying of weapons in Okinawa during the 15th century indirectly led to the martial arts being formed.

KINNIKU

Muscles.

KINTEKI

Testicles.

KI-O-TSUKE

Attention. Musubi Dachi with open hands down both sides.

KIREI TU

Stand Up.

KIRI

Cut or Repeat, you may also see this spelt as 'Kiru'.

KIRI KAESHI

Repeated Counter, as used in the Kata Bassi-Dai. It means to 'repeat' or 'do over again'. You may also see it spelt as 'Kiri-Kaesu'

KISHO IPPON KUMITE

Returning One Step Sparring. A calls the first attack against B and then attacks. B then steps back and blocks A's attack. B then returns stepping forwards and attacks A, A steps back and blocks and counters this attack.

KITSUTSUKI NO KAMAE

Woodpecker Posture. From the Kata Gojushiho Dai.

KIZAMI GERI

Jabbing Kick. Also called Kizami Mae Geri, It is a front kick off the front leg. Thrown with a jabbing action.

KIZAMI TSUKI

Jabbing Punch.

KO (1)

Arc.

KO (2)

Back.

KO BO ICHI (ITTCHI)

The concept of Attack-Defence Connection. There is no attack, there is no defence, the two are simultaneous

KOBORE

Tibia.

KOBUSHI

Fist, but in Karate we use 'Seiken'

KODENKO

The base of the spine.

KO EMPI UCHI

Rear Elbow Strike. Today we normally say Ushiro Empi Uchi.

KOHAI

A student junior to oneself.

KOHO

Means either Back, Behind or Rear.

KOHO KAITEN TOBI

Rear Turning Jump, as used in the Kata Empi.

KOHO OSAE

Rear Grab, Describing when you are grabbed from behind, in a 'bear hug'.

KOHO SHUTO KAMAE

Behind Knife Hand Posture, (as seen in the Katas Meikyo and Bassai Dai) KOHO describes where you have moved behind your attacker.

KOHO TENKAN

Reversing Direction.

KOHO TSUKI AGE

Back or reverse Punch Rising, a rising punch coming vertically up under the opponents chin. As seen in the Kata Heian Godan.

KOKEN

Wrist joint or Bent Wrist. One of the translations is 'Arc Fist'

KOKO

Tiger Mouth.

KOKO HIZA KUZUSHI

Tiger Mouth Knee Take / Pull Down as seen in the Kata NIJUSHIHO.

KOKO OSAE

Tiger Mouth Grasp.

KOKORO

Spirit, Heart. In Japanese culture, the spirit dwells in the Heart.

KOKO UCHI

Tiger Mouth Strike. A strike using the area between the thumb and index finger.

KOKO UKE

Tiger Mouth Block

KOKOTSU

The centre point of the fibula and tibia(shin bone).

KOKUTSU DACHI

Back Stance. A stance which has most of the weight (70%) to the back. The actual translation means Back Knee Bent Stance.

KOKYU

Breath or Breathing.

KOMEKAMI

The temple area of the head.

KOMI

Near or Against.

KORI

The upper surface of the instep.

KOSA

Cross. If said by itself it would be 'Kosa Suru'.

KOSA DACHI

Crossed Stance referring to the feet. or Kosa Ashi Dachi.

KOSA UKE

Crossed Block, different to Ju-Ji Uke as the arms do not finish crossed. An example of Kosa Uke can be seen at the second block in Heian Sandan where the arms cross in front of the body and perform two separate blocks.

KOSHI (1)

Ball of Foot.

KOSHI (2)

Hip/Waist.

KOSHI KAMAE

Hip Posture/stance. A stance where the fists are held one above the other against the hip.

KOSHIN

Rearward.

KOSHI NO KAITEN

Hip Rotation.

KOTE (1)

Wrist, another translation for Wrist. TE is on the end to signify that it is of the hand. Ko means Arc.

KOTE (2)

Back Hand.

KOTE (3)

Forearm. In some cases you will see KOTE as forearm as in 'Omote-Kote' or 'Outer Forearm'

KOTE HODOKI WAZA

Wrist releasing techniques.

KO UCHI

Wrist joint strike. Also known as KAKUTO UCHI.

KO UKE

Crane Block or Arc Block. Same as KAKUTO UKE.

KOWASU

Break.

KUBI

Neck.

KUCHI

Mouth.

KUCHI BUSHI

Mouth Warriors. A derogatory term for People who train insufficiently yet become 'masters'. Funakoshi said "Kuchi Bushi are as common as grains of sand on a beach".

KUCHIBIRU

Lip.

KUMADE

Bear Hand. (also means Rake or Fork). To say 'Bear' by itself it would be 'Kuma' so should 'Bear Hand' be 'Kumate' in stead of 'Kumade' which would make more sense? This technique is probably the least practice in karate. It also does not appear in a single shotokan kata.

KUMADE UCHI

Bear hand strike.

KUMITE

Fighting / Sparring

KUN

Oath.

KUSAGAKURE

The outside edge of the top of the foot.

KUSSU

Bent, for example, Hiza Kussu is Bent Knee.

KUTSU

Pain.

KUZUSHI

Breaking or Upsetting.

KYO

Teach or Teaching. When said by itself it would be 'Kyoju'.

KYO DACHI

Take Up Stance, seen in the Kata Sochin when you bring your rear leg up when performing the Hand Pressing Block and Spear Hand Strike. This movement could also be called Ushiro Suri Ashi or Rear Leg Sliding.

KYOEI

Area below the armpits, approximately the spot between the fifth and sixth ribs.

KYOKU

Breathing.

KYOSEN

Solar Plexus. For this it is better to use Suigetsu.

KYOTOTSU

Base of breastbone or sternum.

KYU

Grade. Any rank below Shodan.

KYUSHIN

To Study or Seek. You may also see this as Kyoshin.

KYUSHO

Vital Spots. These will be your target areas when attacking.

KYUSHO WAZA

Vital Spot Techniques.