Understanding Karate Jargon
Although many are, not all of you, Dear Readers, are hard core karatekas. To fully enjoy my previous post, Blue And A Half, the understanding of a few concepts is necessary: this article intends to bring a little bit of clarity into the jargon.
The image above shows the color belts of the Kyu ranks in my kyokushin organization. The progression is from left to right, white is beginner, then orange is 10th kyu, orange with a stripe (not shown) is 9th kyu, blue is 8th, 7th with a stripe (that’s me), then yellow for 6th and 5th, green for 4th (Alex) and 3rd, and finally brown for 2nd and 1st (Mr. Ye) – After 1st kyu, you can earn a black belt, also called shodan.
Shodan also means beginner – traditionally, black belt is where the learning really starts; when you attain shodan, you have come full circle from beginner to beginner
Glossary:
- Sanchin dachi – the stance of the three battles.
- Yoi – get ready.
- Kihon – set of basic techniques (like a punch or a kick).
- Pinan Sono San – Kata Pinan 3, requested for 8th kyu.
- Kata – Formalized sequence of techniques.
- Kiai – the famed karateka shout.
- Osu – Salute.
- Kyu – grade before black belt (from 10 novice to 1 most advanced).
- Kumite – sparing, combat.
Please see also:
- Blue And A Half
- Grading for 8th Kyu
- What Are You Expecting From Your Karate Journey?
Congratulations Fred!
Right now in the Dojo/honbu I am in, gradings last from 4:00pm till 9:00pm. You must stay till the end, A written test and tameshiwari is included.
Being a Yudansha tests not only your ability to learn but also your ability to give back. I think the learning starts in being a teacher, in that way you can validate your training and look at your techniques being used externally by your very own kohais and students.
OSU! Once again good luck and God Speed
Osu Chris,
I agree: If you want to learn something: Teach it!
You are putting things on a new and larger trajectory here, I like that.
osu!