OSU! AN IMPORTANT THREE-LETTER WORD
Among all the Japanese expressions used at our school, "OSU!" is probably the one most frequently heard.
This short three-letter word encompasses the fundamental principles of martial arts and expresses a quest for physical
and spiritual harmony at the dojo and in daily life.
More specifically, "OSU!" means patience, respect and appreciation.
Patience
The physical and mental strength of each individual steadily develops by means of a rigorous training that constantly requires
to overcome difficulties. One must be aware that practicing karate is not "racing toward a black belt"! A student must first
establish his or her goals and then work steadily to achieve them one at a time, patiently, by constantly refining his or her skills.
Respect
A student's decision to engage in intensive training is in itself a demonstration of self-respect. Respect for the teacher
and other students follows naturally. This mutual deference at the dojo then spreads to everyday life.
Appreciation
Before, during and after each training session at the dojo, students often express their appreciation of their teacher
and fellow students by saying "OSU!". It is a way to acknowledge and thank them. In return, saying "OSU!" recalls that
one belongs to the group. It is a way for each student to take his or her place and show solidarity, willingness and determination.
Rules of conduct in Kanreikai Schools
Respect and discipline
In World Kanreikai schools, every student and member abides by a code of conduct that ensures a respectfull and orderly environment
for all. Indeed, respect of a student for his or her masters, instructors and fellow karatekas is a most fundamental value at
the heart of traditional martial arts.
Newcomers naturally imitate more advanced students and comply rapidly with the rules. Actually, the fact that all Kanreikai members
are wearing the same uniform (dogi) to train at their dojo does generate a sense of belonging and mutual trust that makes
our rules of conduct a welcome and natural part of the life at the dojo.
Code de conduite
- Bow and say "OSU!" when entering and leaving the dojo
- Express patience, respect and appreciation by saying "OSU!"
- Address the head instructor of the dojo as "Sensei"
- Address a Black belt karateka as "Senpai"
- Answer "OSU!" clear and loud when called by your name
- Shake Sensei's or a Senpai's hand with two hands
- Swiftly line up in a straight line when called by the instructor at the beginning of a class
- If showing up late, remain at the entrance of the dojo in a kneeling position (seiza) and wait for instructor to invite you to take place on the tatami
- When asked to withdraw from the tatami, kneel down (seiza) along the wall of the dojo and wait for instructor to invite you to sit down (anza); quietly watch the training session
- Ask instructor permission to leave the dojo during a class
- Never use coarse or offensive language
- Make sure to wear a clean uniform (dogi)
- Keep fingernails and toenails short
- Do not wear shoes
- Do not wear jewels
- Do not eat, drink or chew gum
- Do not fight without permission from the instructor
- Do not use fighting techniques outside the dojo - unless you absolutely need to defend yourself
- Do not use equipment or weapons without permission from the instructor
Basic Glossary - from Japanese to English
These are some Japanese words and numbers that are frequently used at World Kanreikai Karate schools. Being common
to all Kanreikai members of our organization, this Japanese vocabulary allows us to visit and train together!
You will also find below the wording of the Japanese salutes that are recitated at the start and end of each training session.
Japanese Words
| JAPANESE |
ENGLISH |
| Anza |
sitting position, relaxed, cross-legged with straight back |
| Dan |
Black belt qualification level |
| Dojo |
Room where martial arts are being practiced; martial arts school |
| Hajime |
Start |
| Hanshi |
Grand Master |
| Hidari |
Left |
| Hajime |
Left |
| Ibuki |
Breathing out technique (a long exhalation followed by a short expiration) |
| Kamaete |
Starting position |
| Karate |
Japanese martial art practiced with bare hands and feet |
| Karateka |
Karate practitioner |
| Kata |
Imaginary fight |
| Kiai |
Shout to concentrate power (power explosion) |
| Kiai Irete |
Movement with a shout (Kiai) |
| Kihon Waza |
Basic techniques |
| Kohai |
Junior student relative to one's qualification level (Kyu) |
| Kumite |
Fight |
| Kyu |
Qualification level (from White belt to Black tip) |
| Mawate |
Turn |
| Migi |
Right |
| Mokuso |
Meditation |
| Naore |
Return to starting position |
| Nidan |
Second dan |
| Obi |
Belt |
| Otagai |
Student |
| Rei |
Salute |
| Sandan |
Third dan |
| Seiza |
Kneeling position, fists tight on hips, straight back (for salute and meditation) |
| Senpai |
Senior student relative to one's qualification level (Kyu); Black belt karateka |
| Sensei |
Teacher in charge of the school |
| Shihan |
Master |
| Shodan |
First dan |
| Tatami |
Training mat |
| Yamei |
Stop |
| Yoi |
Ready |
Japanese Numbers
| JAPANESE |
NUMBER |
JAPANESE |
NUMBER |
| ichi |
1 |
Niju |
20 |
| Ni |
2 |
Niju |
20 |
| San |
3 |
Sanju |
30 |
| Chi (Yon) |
4 |
Yonju |
40 |
| Go |
5 |
Goju |
50 |
| Roku |
6 |
|
|
| Sishi (Nana) |
7 |
|
|
| Hachi |
8 |
|
|
| Ku |
9 |
|
|
| Ju |
10 |
Kyaku |
100 |
Salute at beginning of each training session led by a Shihan, Sensei or Senpai
- Hanshi Ni Rei - Mokusu - Mokusu Yamei, Shihan (Sensei, Senpai) Ni Rei
Salute to Hanshi - Meditation - End of meditation, salute to Shihan (Sensei, Senpai)
(Training starts)
Salute at end of each training session led by a Shihan, Sensei or Senpai
- Hanshi Ni Rei - Mokusu - Mokusu Yamei, Shihan (Sensei, Senpai) Ni Rei
Salute to Hanshi - Meditation - End of meditation, salute to Shihan (Sensei, Senpai)
(Training has ended)
- Sensei, Senpai Otagai ni Rei
Mutual salute between students, Senpai, Sensei
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