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KKS Terms
What is Karate?
Karate is one of the best ways to develop physical abilities and improve mental qualities such as concentration
of the mind, determination, team spirit, leadership, good sportsmanship, and respect for others. Lessons
learned in Karate, such as obedience to the rules, cooperation, and respect for others, are actually reflections
of everyday life. Karate is one of the most effective self-defense methods known because it employs
controlled force against attackers. Generally, Karate is viewed as being only physical techniques. A far more
important aspect, however, is the development of the proper mental attitude. Without the proper mental
attitude the physical techniques become either ineffective or uncontrolled. The best self-defense is to avoid
trouble.
The highest skill in Karate is to avoid 100 out of 100 fights.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Kenwa Kai Dojo Kun
Karate is for defense only.
Know that anger is your enemy.
I will treat others the way I wish to be treated.
I will exercise good manners, respect, and self-discipline.
_________________________________________________________________________________
New Student Introduction to Dojo Etiquette
1. Students must bow when entering and leaving the dojo. Making a bow shows that we recognize we are in
karate class and have a good student’s attitude. It also shows respect for the instructors and the dojo. When
you first see your instructor, you bow and say, “Anigashimash” (please teach me). This should be said in a
loud voice to demonstrate sincerity.
2. Students should assemble quietly at least five minutes before the class is scheduled to start. If the dojo
floor needs sweeping it is your responsibility to see that it gets done before class. It is recommended that you
stretch out quietly while waiting for your class to start. The senior student will be responsible for starting
class on time. Younger students should be aware that running around the training area before and after class
is unacceptable behavior. This rule also applies to siblings on the sidelines. Parents should also be aware of
this rule in the event that the instructor is out of the room.
3. When the instructor calls for the next class, students should quickly line up according to rank, stand in
Musibadachi (moo-see-bee-dah-chee) and cease talking.
4. The sensei will lead Seiza (sitting on our feet). The proper sequence of commands is as follows: “Seiza”,
everyone kneels in the proper way. “Meimoku” (may-moe-koe), close your eyes and sit quietly for about
three minutes. “Meimoku Naore” (may-moe-koe nao-ray), open your eyes. “Shomen-Ni Taishite”, bow
toward the front of the class, usually toward the dojo banner. This shows respect for the institute of learning.
This bow is only done if the dojo banner is hanging at the front of the classroom. After bowing, sensei turns
around to face the class. “Sensei Ni Taishite, Rei” (sen-say knee tie-she-tay, ray), bow to the head of the
school. Everyone turns while kneeling to face the Sensei and bows. When they bow they say
“Onegaishimasu” (ah-nigh-guy-she-mahs). This means “I make a request”. “Otagani, Rei” (oh-tah-gah-
knee, ray), bow to each other. Here, the senior student turns to face the class at a 45 degree angle, everyone
turns toward them, and bows. Again the say “Onegaishimasu”. After they finish bowing, the senior student
says “please face forward”. Everyone should turn to face straight ahead.
5. When attendance is taken and the instructor calls a students name, the student should say “osu” or “yes
sir”, quickly come to their feet, and bow. After the bow they should stand still for a moment before sitting
down. When sitting in class students should sit with their legs crossed and their hands in their laps. When
bowing, students should keep their body still and look toward the floor to show respect. Never look at the
person you are bowing toward.
6. When arriving late for class, it is proper to ask the instructor for permission to approach. This is done by
standing quietly on the sideline until the instructor indicates you may enter the class. At this time, you bow to
show respect and apology for being late, give a reason for being late, and ask permission to join the class.
Then, the instructor will let you join. You should then take the last place in line. Being on time is very
important as it indicates your willingness and desire to learn. It also shows that you respect the instructor’s
time.
7. When your name is called or when you form is corrected you say, “osu”, or in the case of younger students,
“Yes Sir” or “Yes Ma’am”. Osu is a respectful term in the Japanese Martial Arts showing achnowledgment.
8. When approaching the teacher for help, bow first and say “Onegaishimasu”. This is a respectful word in
Japanese Martial Arts asking for help. After the instructor answers your question, bow and say “Arigato
Gozamashita”. This means Thank You. Never yell out “sensei” or your teacher’s name. It is permissible to
catch the instructor’s attention by raising your hand. Your teacher should always be called “Sensei” while in
class regardless of how well you know them out of class. Out of class, always refer to them with Mr. or Ms. in
front of their last name (example: Mr. Young).
9. When the instructor is correcting a couple or individual, it is not necessary for others to stop unless
instructed to do so.
10. When changing partners in class you should acknowledge both the partner you are leaving and your new
partner with a bow. Before you begin practicing with a partner you should bow and say, “Onegaishimasu”.
When you finish practicing with a partner you bow and say, “Arigato Gozaimashita”.
11. Care should be taken to be aware of your ability so that no injuries occur. This is especially important
when a higher ranking student or older student is working with younger and lower ranked students.
12. At the end of class the instructor and students perform Sieza. The same routine as at the beginning is
followed, except you say “arigato gozaimashita” instead of “onegaishimas”.
13. When students are practicing sparring (free fighting), spectators and other students will refrain from
comments out of respect for the instructor and practicing students. Encouragement is the only type of
reinforcing allowed. No loud yelling is allowed from the sidelines.
14. When training, your karate-gi may become ruffled or disarranged. When rearranging your gi, turn toward
the back of the room or the wall. Never bow with your gi in disarray. Keep the belt tightly knotted in front of
your center.
15. Yawning while in class is a sign of disrespect and is considered rude. If you must yawn please put your
hand over your mouth and make a resolution to get more sleep.
16. Laughter at another student’s mistakes is unacceptable behavior and is considered rude.
17. When your instructor is teaching you as a group or you are engaged in a group activity such as Kata, do
not change the routine or give up just because you are unfamiliar with the technique or Kata being taught. The
lesson being taught is often more complex than simply learning a new form. It encompasses the ability to
learn by doing, forcing you into unfamiliar territory so that you have to concentrate harder and figure out what
is happening. At a later time, you will have the opportunity to pick up the details you miss.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Karate Uniform
The uniform worn while practicing Karate is properly called a Keikogi. Keiko means “training”, and a gi is the
affective pronunciation of ki, as in kimono. It is a word for “clothes”, or “things worn”. A gi is the accepted
abbreviation most Martial Artists use for their uniform. (However, like all Japanese nouns, an “s” is not added
to make it plural: one gi, sixteen gi). There are three pieces of the uniform: Jacket, pants, and belt, or
respectively, uwagi, zubon, and obi.
The uwagi collar is an eri, a thick length of cloth folded and stitched. It is useful for absorbing perspiration and
for grabbing in the grappling arts. If your gi fits correctly, the eri should cross over just below the hollow of
your throat. Keeping the eri properly closed is important in all styles of Japanese clothing. In fact, the
expression for straightening one’s posture or bearing is eri o tadasu – “positioning the collars”. Uwagi for
Karate do, Judo, and Akido are white. Exponents of Iaido, Kendo, and Kyudo (archery) may wear dark blue or
black. The comparatively lightweight cotton of the Karate-gi has a reinforced stitching across the back
horizontally; the heavy twill uawagi used in Judo and other martial arts has a vertical seam down the back
called a senui. The belt, or obi, was worn in the old days simply to keep the jacket lapels closed and, as is
today, worn tied in a square knot that allows the ends to hang down. Traditionally, the belt you wear is an
award, given by your teachers, and denotes your level of competence in your art.
The condition of your gi and belt, and the manner in which you wear them, demonstrates your attitude as much
as your actual skill while practicing your art. A gi should be washed after two wearings if you sweat heavily
and if it has been allowed to dry between workouts. The intimacy and close contact required during Karate
training make it more congenial if your gi and body are clean of sweaty odors. Although with heavy training it
may be necessary to patch and mend the uniform, the wearer’s abilities will in no way be enhanced by
application of gaudy insignia. These are completely antithetical to the spirit of Karate and have no place in
serious training. The true karateka appreciates a quiet, well-worn simplicity and has no need to attract
attention to himself by affecting garish or pretentious costume.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Japanese Counting
1 Ichi (each)
2 Nii (knee)
3 San (sun)
4 Shii (she)
5 Go (go)
6 Roku (roke)
7 Sichi (shech)
8 Hachi (hache)
9 Kye (q)
10 Jyu (joo)
11 Jyu-Ichi (10+1)
12 Jyu-Nii (10+2)
20 Nii-Jyu (2x10)
99 Kyu-Jyu-Kyu (9x10+9)
100 Hyaku
200 Nii-Hyaku (2x100)
999 Ky-Hyaku-kyu-jyu-kyu (9x100+9x10+9)
1000 Sen
2000 Nii-Sen (2x1000)
9999 Kyu-Sen-Kyu-Hyaku-Kyu- Jyu-Kyu (9x1000+9x100+9x10+9)
________________________________________________________________________________
It is very important to remember that in order to exercise the many techniques of karate, a certain level of
physical fitness is required. May of the movements require flexibility and strength to move fast enough to
make them work. Your first goal in the study of any martial art should be to get yourself physically fit. Mind
and body are intimately connected and what affects on e will affect the other. Fitness is a lifestyle choice that
is essential for Karate.
The exercises we perform at the beginning of every class are designed to be warm-ups. As you get more
advanced, we concentrate on both aerobic and muscular endurance. Stretching will be done at the beginning
of every class and should never result in excessive pain. As a student, keep in mind that the more you can
tolerate the discomfort that accompanies proper stretching, the more progress you will make. You should also
keep track of the repetitions in your head. This will help you develop concentration of the mind.
Exercise:
1. Running (when space allows)
2. Rotate arms forward and backward (16 times)
3. Pull arms wide (16 times)
4. Side stretch left and right
5. Bend front and back
6. Big circles, bending at waist
7. Side rockers (bend your right leg first)
8. Center splits
9. Side splits
10. Knee circles
11. Knee squats
12. Shake hands
13. Shake feet (left first)
14. Neck circles (three ways)
15. Toe ups
16. Push-ups
17. Sit-ups
18. Knee raises
19. Straight leg raises
20. Crescent kicks and reverse crescent kicks
Contributed by Sensei M. Taylor
Karate is one of the best ways to develop physical abilities and improve mental qualities such as concentration
of the mind, determination, team spirit, leadership, good sportsmanship, and respect for others. Lessons
learned in Karate, such as obedience to the rules, cooperation, and respect for others, are actually reflections
of everyday life. Karate is one of the most effective self-defense methods known because it employs
controlled force against attackers. Generally, Karate is viewed as being only physical techniques. A far more
important aspect, however, is the development of the proper mental attitude. Without the proper mental
attitude the physical techniques become either ineffective or uncontrolled. The best self-defense is to avoid
trouble.
The highest skill in Karate is to avoid 100 out of 100 fights.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Kenwa Kai Dojo Kun
Karate is for defense only.
Know that anger is your enemy.
I will treat others the way I wish to be treated.
I will exercise good manners, respect, and self-discipline.
_________________________________________________________________________________
New Student Introduction to Dojo Etiquette
1. Students must bow when entering and leaving the dojo. Making a bow shows that we recognize we are in
karate class and have a good student’s attitude. It also shows respect for the instructors and the dojo. When
you first see your instructor, you bow and say, “Anigashimash” (please teach me). This should be said in a
loud voice to demonstrate sincerity.
2. Students should assemble quietly at least five minutes before the class is scheduled to start. If the dojo
floor needs sweeping it is your responsibility to see that it gets done before class. It is recommended that you
stretch out quietly while waiting for your class to start. The senior student will be responsible for starting
class on time. Younger students should be aware that running around the training area before and after class
is unacceptable behavior. This rule also applies to siblings on the sidelines. Parents should also be aware of
this rule in the event that the instructor is out of the room.
3. When the instructor calls for the next class, students should quickly line up according to rank, stand in
Musibadachi (moo-see-bee-dah-chee) and cease talking.
4. The sensei will lead Seiza (sitting on our feet). The proper sequence of commands is as follows: “Seiza”,
everyone kneels in the proper way. “Meimoku” (may-moe-koe), close your eyes and sit quietly for about
three minutes. “Meimoku Naore” (may-moe-koe nao-ray), open your eyes. “Shomen-Ni Taishite”, bow
toward the front of the class, usually toward the dojo banner. This shows respect for the institute of learning.
This bow is only done if the dojo banner is hanging at the front of the classroom. After bowing, sensei turns
around to face the class. “Sensei Ni Taishite, Rei” (sen-say knee tie-she-tay, ray), bow to the head of the
school. Everyone turns while kneeling to face the Sensei and bows. When they bow they say
“Onegaishimasu” (ah-nigh-guy-she-mahs). This means “I make a request”. “Otagani, Rei” (oh-tah-gah-
knee, ray), bow to each other. Here, the senior student turns to face the class at a 45 degree angle, everyone
turns toward them, and bows. Again the say “Onegaishimasu”. After they finish bowing, the senior student
says “please face forward”. Everyone should turn to face straight ahead.
5. When attendance is taken and the instructor calls a students name, the student should say “osu” or “yes
sir”, quickly come to their feet, and bow. After the bow they should stand still for a moment before sitting
down. When sitting in class students should sit with their legs crossed and their hands in their laps. When
bowing, students should keep their body still and look toward the floor to show respect. Never look at the
person you are bowing toward.
6. When arriving late for class, it is proper to ask the instructor for permission to approach. This is done by
standing quietly on the sideline until the instructor indicates you may enter the class. At this time, you bow to
show respect and apology for being late, give a reason for being late, and ask permission to join the class.
Then, the instructor will let you join. You should then take the last place in line. Being on time is very
important as it indicates your willingness and desire to learn. It also shows that you respect the instructor’s
time.
7. When your name is called or when you form is corrected you say, “osu”, or in the case of younger students,
“Yes Sir” or “Yes Ma’am”. Osu is a respectful term in the Japanese Martial Arts showing achnowledgment.
8. When approaching the teacher for help, bow first and say “Onegaishimasu”. This is a respectful word in
Japanese Martial Arts asking for help. After the instructor answers your question, bow and say “Arigato
Gozamashita”. This means Thank You. Never yell out “sensei” or your teacher’s name. It is permissible to
catch the instructor’s attention by raising your hand. Your teacher should always be called “Sensei” while in
class regardless of how well you know them out of class. Out of class, always refer to them with Mr. or Ms. in
front of their last name (example: Mr. Young).
9. When the instructor is correcting a couple or individual, it is not necessary for others to stop unless
instructed to do so.
10. When changing partners in class you should acknowledge both the partner you are leaving and your new
partner with a bow. Before you begin practicing with a partner you should bow and say, “Onegaishimasu”.
When you finish practicing with a partner you bow and say, “Arigato Gozaimashita”.
11. Care should be taken to be aware of your ability so that no injuries occur. This is especially important
when a higher ranking student or older student is working with younger and lower ranked students.
12. At the end of class the instructor and students perform Sieza. The same routine as at the beginning is
followed, except you say “arigato gozaimashita” instead of “onegaishimas”.
13. When students are practicing sparring (free fighting), spectators and other students will refrain from
comments out of respect for the instructor and practicing students. Encouragement is the only type of
reinforcing allowed. No loud yelling is allowed from the sidelines.
14. When training, your karate-gi may become ruffled or disarranged. When rearranging your gi, turn toward
the back of the room or the wall. Never bow with your gi in disarray. Keep the belt tightly knotted in front of
your center.
15. Yawning while in class is a sign of disrespect and is considered rude. If you must yawn please put your
hand over your mouth and make a resolution to get more sleep.
16. Laughter at another student’s mistakes is unacceptable behavior and is considered rude.
17. When your instructor is teaching you as a group or you are engaged in a group activity such as Kata, do
not change the routine or give up just because you are unfamiliar with the technique or Kata being taught. The
lesson being taught is often more complex than simply learning a new form. It encompasses the ability to
learn by doing, forcing you into unfamiliar territory so that you have to concentrate harder and figure out what
is happening. At a later time, you will have the opportunity to pick up the details you miss.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Karate Uniform
The uniform worn while practicing Karate is properly called a Keikogi. Keiko means “training”, and a gi is the
affective pronunciation of ki, as in kimono. It is a word for “clothes”, or “things worn”. A gi is the accepted
abbreviation most Martial Artists use for their uniform. (However, like all Japanese nouns, an “s” is not added
to make it plural: one gi, sixteen gi). There are three pieces of the uniform: Jacket, pants, and belt, or
respectively, uwagi, zubon, and obi.
The uwagi collar is an eri, a thick length of cloth folded and stitched. It is useful for absorbing perspiration and
for grabbing in the grappling arts. If your gi fits correctly, the eri should cross over just below the hollow of
your throat. Keeping the eri properly closed is important in all styles of Japanese clothing. In fact, the
expression for straightening one’s posture or bearing is eri o tadasu – “positioning the collars”. Uwagi for
Karate do, Judo, and Akido are white. Exponents of Iaido, Kendo, and Kyudo (archery) may wear dark blue or
black. The comparatively lightweight cotton of the Karate-gi has a reinforced stitching across the back
horizontally; the heavy twill uawagi used in Judo and other martial arts has a vertical seam down the back
called a senui. The belt, or obi, was worn in the old days simply to keep the jacket lapels closed and, as is
today, worn tied in a square knot that allows the ends to hang down. Traditionally, the belt you wear is an
award, given by your teachers, and denotes your level of competence in your art.
The condition of your gi and belt, and the manner in which you wear them, demonstrates your attitude as much
as your actual skill while practicing your art. A gi should be washed after two wearings if you sweat heavily
and if it has been allowed to dry between workouts. The intimacy and close contact required during Karate
training make it more congenial if your gi and body are clean of sweaty odors. Although with heavy training it
may be necessary to patch and mend the uniform, the wearer’s abilities will in no way be enhanced by
application of gaudy insignia. These are completely antithetical to the spirit of Karate and have no place in
serious training. The true karateka appreciates a quiet, well-worn simplicity and has no need to attract
attention to himself by affecting garish or pretentious costume.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Japanese Counting
1 Ichi (each)
2 Nii (knee)
3 San (sun)
4 Shii (she)
5 Go (go)
6 Roku (roke)
7 Sichi (shech)
8 Hachi (hache)
9 Kye (q)
10 Jyu (joo)
11 Jyu-Ichi (10+1)
12 Jyu-Nii (10+2)
20 Nii-Jyu (2x10)
99 Kyu-Jyu-Kyu (9x10+9)
100 Hyaku
200 Nii-Hyaku (2x100)
999 Ky-Hyaku-kyu-jyu-kyu (9x100+9x10+9)
1000 Sen
2000 Nii-Sen (2x1000)
9999 Kyu-Sen-Kyu-Hyaku-Kyu- Jyu-Kyu (9x1000+9x100+9x10+9)
________________________________________________________________________________
It is very important to remember that in order to exercise the many techniques of karate, a certain level of
physical fitness is required. May of the movements require flexibility and strength to move fast enough to
make them work. Your first goal in the study of any martial art should be to get yourself physically fit. Mind
and body are intimately connected and what affects on e will affect the other. Fitness is a lifestyle choice that
is essential for Karate.
The exercises we perform at the beginning of every class are designed to be warm-ups. As you get more
advanced, we concentrate on both aerobic and muscular endurance. Stretching will be done at the beginning
of every class and should never result in excessive pain. As a student, keep in mind that the more you can
tolerate the discomfort that accompanies proper stretching, the more progress you will make. You should also
keep track of the repetitions in your head. This will help you develop concentration of the mind.
Exercise:
1. Running (when space allows)
2. Rotate arms forward and backward (16 times)
3. Pull arms wide (16 times)
4. Side stretch left and right
5. Bend front and back
6. Big circles, bending at waist
7. Side rockers (bend your right leg first)
8. Center splits
9. Side splits
10. Knee circles
11. Knee squats
12. Shake hands
13. Shake feet (left first)
14. Neck circles (three ways)
15. Toe ups
16. Push-ups
17. Sit-ups
18. Knee raises
19. Straight leg raises
20. Crescent kicks and reverse crescent kicks
Contributed by Sensei M. Taylor