A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

JIKAN
"Time".

JIYU IPPON KUMITE
One step free sparring. The participants can attack with any technique whenever ready.

JIYU KUMITE
Free Sparring.

JO
Wooden staff about 4'-5' in length. The JO originated as a walking stick.

JODAN
Upper level. During the practice of KIHON IPPON KUMITE (one step basic sparring), the attacker will normally announce where he/she will attack JODAN, CHUDAN, or GEDAN (Upper level, Mid-level, or lower level).

JOGAI
"Exit from fighting area." The Referee points with his index finger at a 45 degree angle to the area boundary on the side of the offender.

JOGAI HANSOKU CHUI
"Fourth and Final Exit from the fighting area." Fourth exit from the fighting area causes victory to the
opponent.

JOGAI HANSOKU CHUI
"Third exit from fighting area". Referee uses two hand signals with announcement "AKA (or SHIRO) JOGAI HANSOKU CHUI". He first points with his index finger to the match boundary on the side of the offender, then to the offender's abdomen. An IPPON is awarded to the opponent.

JOGAI KEIKOKU
"Second exit from fighting area." WAZA-ARI penalty is given to the opponent.

JUJI UKE
X Block.

JUN ZUKI
The WADO RYU term for OI-ZUKI.

KACHI
Victorious. (e.g., AKA KACHI) in a tournament.

KAGI ZUKI
Hook Punch.

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

KAKE-TE
Hook Block.

KAKIWAKE
A two handed block using the outer surface of the wrist to neutralize a two-handed attack, such as a grab.

KAKUSHI WAZA
"Hidden techniques."

KAKUTO UCHI
Wrist joint strike. Also known as "KO UCHI."

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

KAMAE
A posture or stance either with or without a weapon. KAMAE may also connote proper distance (Ma-ai) with respect to one's partner. Although "KAMAE" generally refers to a physical stance, there is an important parallel in Karate between one's physical and one's psychological bearing. Adopting a strong physical stance helps to promote the correlative adoption of a strong psychological attitude. It is important to try so far as possible to maintain a positive and strong mental bearing in Karate.

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

KAPPO
Techniques of resuscitating people who have succumbed to a shock to the nervous system.

KARATE
"Empty Hand". When Karate was first introduced to Japan, it was called "TO-DE". The characters of TODE could be pronounced. However, the meaning of TODE is Chinese Hand.

KARATE-DO
"The Way of Karate". This implies not only the physical aspect of Karate, but also the mental and social
aspects of Karate.

KARATEKA
A practitioner of Karate.

KATA
A "form" or prescribed pattern of movement. (But also "shoulder.")

KEAGE
Snap Kick. (Literally, Kick upward).

KEIKO
(1) Training. The only secret to success in Karate.
(2) Joined Fingertips.

KEIKOKU
"Warning with WAZA-ARI penalty in SANBON SHOBU. This is a penalty in which WAZA-ARI is added to the opponent's score. KEIKOKU is imposed for minor infractions for which a warning has previously been given in that bout, or for infractions not sufficiently serious enough to merit HANSOKU-CHUI. Referee points with his indes finger to the feet of the offender at an angle of 45 degrees.

KEKOMI
Thrust Kick ( Literally, Kick Into/Straight ).

KEMPO
"Fist Law." A generic term to describe fighting systems that uses the fist. In this regard, KARATE is also
KEMPO.

KENSEI
The technique with silent KIAI. Related to meditation.

KENTSUI
Hammer Fist Also known as TETTSUI.

KENTSUI UCHI (Or TETTSUI UCHI)
Hammer Fist Stike.

KERI
Kick.

KI
Mind. Spirit. Energy. Vital-force. Intention. (Chinese "chi") The definitions presented here are very general. KI is one word that cannot be translated directly into any language.

KI-O-TSUKE
"Attention". Musubi Dachi with open hands down both sides.

KIAI
A shout delivered for the purpose of focusing all of one's energy into a single movement. Even when audible KIAI are absent, one should try to preserve the feeling of KIAI at certain crucial points within Karate techniques. Manifestation of KI (simultaneous union of spirit and expression of physical strength).

KIBA DACHI
Staddle Stance. Also known as NAIFANCHI or NAIHANCHI DACHI.

KIHON
(Something which is) fundamental. Basic techniques.

KIKEN
"Renunciation." The Referee points one index finger towards the contestant.

KIME
Focus of Power.

KIZAMI ZUKI
Jab Punch.

KO BO ICHI
The concept of "Attack-Defence Connection".

KO UCHI
Wrist joint strike. Also known as KAKUTO UCHI.

KO UKE
"Crane Block" or "Arch Block". Same as KAKUTO UKE.

KOHAI
A student junior to oneself.

KOKEN
Wrist Joint.

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

KOKUTSU DACHI
A stance which has most of the weight to the back. Referred to in English as Back Stance.

KOSA DACHI
Crossed-Leg Stance.

KOSHIN
Rearward.

KUATSU
The method of resuscitating a person who has lost consciousness due to strangulation or shock.

KUBOTAN
A self-defence tool developed by TAKAYUKI KUBOTA. This tool serves normally as a key chain.

KUMADE
Bear hand.

KYOSHI
"knowledgeable person," and usually this title is conferred at rokudan or shichidan, depending on system.

KYU
"Grade". Any rank below Shodan.

KYUSHO WAZA
Pressure Point techniques.