Word that you should know before black belt

 

Dojo (道場)

The dojo is a training hall, and it literally means the "place of the Way" - the place where you develop both your body and your spirit. The Dojo should be treated like a special place where students should hold themselves to a higher standard of behavior. The dojo is not strictly reserved to martial arts like Karate, Judo or Kendo, most Japanese practices or craft are studied in a dojo - Zen meditation, shodo (black ink painting), ikebana (floral arrangement), just to name a few.

Sensei (先生)

Sensei is an honorary term that can be loosely translated as "teacher". In Japanese, it literally means "a person born before another" or "one who comes before". The word sensei is used not only used to refer to a Karate teacher but can also be used to demonstrate respect towards someone who has reached a certain level of mastery in an art form, a craft or some other profession.

Gi (着)

The gi or Karate-gi is a traditional uniform used during Karate training. Sometimes known as dogi, the gi is generally white and is made of thick cotton or canvas. Its design is based upon the traditional Japanese kimono and was first created for Judo by Kano Jigoro. The gi is composed of three parts - a jacket (uwagi), pants (shitabaki) and a belt (obi).

Rei (礼)

Rei means "bow", and is one of the most important practices of Karate and is an important aspect of the etiquette. Bowing is not only a sign of respect and gratitude but is also a way to discipline the mind and bring it in the present moment. Bowing should always be performed with sincerity of the heart and mindfully, not mechanically. There are two ways to bow in Karate:

Seiza (正座)

Seiza is the traditional Japanese way of sitting on the floor, kneeling. It's the primary way of sitting in Karate and should it should be done with great attention. People who are not used to sit in seiza style may become uncomfortable after a few minutes, but with time, the position gets more comfortable. There are many benefits sitting seiza including strengthening your core and back muscles, fix slouching posture, improve circulation and enhance concentration and mindfulness.

Kihon (基本)

Kihon means “basics” or "fundamentals” in Japanese. It's a term that is used to define the training and routine of the basic techniques of Karate. Kihon can be performed individually or in large groups and is something that will be practiced as long as one practices Karate. The practice of basics is essential as it helps develop and master blocking not only postures and breathing but also punching, striking, and kicking techniques. Kihon strengthens the whole body, quickens reflexes, improves coordination, builds endurance and overall good health.

Kata (型)

Kata, a Japanese word meaning "form", is a system of solo training incorporating practical combat techniques and notions that have been developed and refined for centuries. To an inexperienced person, kata can appear to be dance-like drills, but in fact, they contain the fundamental principles and concepts of Karate like stances, footwork, punches, kicks, blocks, holds, and throws. Kata is very important as it develops proper body mechanics, builds muscle memory, develops proper breathing and favors mindfulness. Each Karate style has its list of Kata. 

Kumite (組手)

Kumite literally translates as "grappling hands" and is one of the three main areas of Karate training, together with Kata and Kihon. Kumite is a practice in which a person trains against an opponent, using the techniques learned during the practice of Kihon and Kata. In the Western world, we call this "sparring". Depending on Karate styles, different types of kumite can be practiced like ippon-kumite (one step sparring), sanbon-kumite (three step sparring) or jiyu kumite (free sparring). Kumite should be performed as realistically as possible always with a self-defense mindset.

Dachi (立)

Dachi means "stance' in Japanese. Karate has many different stances, each used for different purposes and different situations. Stances are fundamental and represent the foundation of a good Karate. Okinawan Karate uses more 'natural' stances as opposed to Japanese (mainland) Karate that uses deeper and longer positions. The most common Karate stances are musubi-dachi, kiba-dachi, zenkutsu-dachi, sanchin-dachi, kokutsu-dachi, and neko-ashi-dachi.