Here are ten words associated with the practice of Karate. They are widely used, but the meanings goes a bit deeper than popularly cursory usage (Borkowski Sensei).
KARATE
Karate means empty hand…that simple, right? Wait a minute… modern name Karate (空手) is made up of two characters 空, Ku or Sora, empty, sky, void and 手, Shu or Te, hand. This name appeared late in Taishō era (mid 1920s). It represents Karate becoming a Japanese (mainland) martial art, and detaching it from it’s provincial roots of Okinawa. Prior to this date, Karate was written as 唐手, China hand. Honoring the long standing cultural and martial exchange between the Ryukyus (old kingdom of Okinawa) and the Middle Kingdom. Actually the character say Tang hand, honoring that long ago era (7-10 century AD) golden age of military and martial development and refinement.
KOBUDO
Kobudo or Ancient Martial Way (古武道), has two major categories Nansei (Ryukyu islands) and Yamato (mainland). The Ryukyu Kobudo is the study of mainly civil derived weapons; Bo, Sai, Tonfa, Nunchaku, Eiku, Kama, etc. The mainland weapons are born of the fudal class and include, sword, spear, halbert, bow and arrow, etc. While the Ryukyu practice is now divided into several Ryuha, systems, it remains true to the original practice. While the Kobudo practice of mainland is now divided into Jutsu, traditional combat skill, Do ‘practice for self improvement’, and Gendai, largely sport or social participation based.
RYU
Understood as style or system, as in Goju-ryu (the style of using hard and soft methods) or Wado-ryu (Peace seeking method). But 流 actually means flow or current. As in the teaching of the founder that flows into generations of students.
DOJO
Early martial arts students didn’t train in a building or dedicated space, at least not by today’s standards, and practiced outdoors. Gradually, formalized Dojo appeared, and as any Japanese art with the suffix “do” (from the Chinese tao or dao, meaning “way” or “path”) would be practiced in these schools, they were often situated next to temples. Now a modern Dojo is ‘physical space’ with polished wood or mat-covered floors, walls, implements, kamisa, scrolls, and mirrors. Perhaps grandmaster Nagamine Shoshin said it best.
‘The Dojo is a place where courage is fostered and superior human nature is bred through the ecstasy of sweating in hard work. It is a sacred place where the human spirit is polished.’
SENSEI
Meaning (先生) life lived before. A teacher, instructor, educator, holder of knowledge, mentor, and more. A great Sensei is masters of their art or system. They exhibit expertise in the subjects they are teaching and spend time continuing to gain new knowledge in their field. In the Dojo they present material in an enthusiastic manner and instill a hunger in their students to learn more.
KIHON
Kihon (基本) origin, foundation, used to denote basic practice (stationary or moving), ABCs of system or style. The first position in Shotokan is on the hip, while in Goju-ryu few inches higher. The repetitive practice is essential to advancing in all training. Kata, Kumite or methods of self-defense all require good kihon.
KATA
Kata (型 or 形) is an individual (sometimes paired) training exercises for practice of karate and other martial arts. But also much more. It is also fundamental form, routine, or pattern of behavior needed for a congenial relationship with another individual or group.
KUMITE
Kumite (組手) now associated with two opponents engaged in free practice of throwing and defending punch and kicks. Often leading to a competitive expression. Originally Kumite was Te-gumi (simply think of reversing the Kanji characters) something more combative and less sport oriented. Gumi means to grapple, but also resemble or construct a fighting system. Originally all skills, including elbows, knees, lock and throws were used in flowing match.
KIAI
Kiai (気合), joining of spirit and mind. Usually associated with the powerful yells of martial artists, and focused athletes looking for something extra. It’s not uncommon to see someone yelling as they smash a pile of wooden boards, or, Serena Williams sending a ball with a yell and supersonic speed. Kiai is a forceful breath release that unites mind and body, and a war cry all in one. An army ‘going over’ or New Zealand rugby team (in their Haka) understand the power of kiai.
REI
Rei (礼), bow, gratitude, ceremony. It’s an act of giving respect that goes far beyond merely lowering ones head. The famed Okinawan teacher Morio Higaonna said it best;
‘When you bow, don’t just bow with your body, but bow with your mind.’
It’s not a gesture, but an act gratitude. These are simple terms that we use in the practice of Karate. With time the meaning might change based on your personal experiences, and changing views. In a good Dojo, evolution is unavoidable.
