Glossary for Kenpo Karate
Kenpo Karate: 30 documented terms. Of those: anatomy, target levels and striking surfaces (10), training method (6), equipment and training aids (5). Among them Hojo undo, Sokuto, Hikite.
Terms inherited from: Karate
Analysis of a kata: finding and practising the fighting use of its movements with a partner. Literally “disassembly”, the techniques used are called oyo.
JapanHojo undo tool: a concrete or stone weight at the end of a wooden handle. It strengthens the fingers, wrists, forearms, shoulders and chest.
A short set of dojo principles that practitioners recite at the end of training. The best known is the five-point dojo kun of Shotokan karate.
The line along which a kata is practised, and the point where it begins. Almost every Japanese kata begins and ends at the same place, the kiten point.
The elbow as a striking surface. Empi means “monkey arm”, the common word for elbow is hiji. An elbow strike is called empi-uchi.
Japanese for “kick”. In karate it is the second part of every kick name: mae-geri, yoko-geri, mawashi-geri, ushiro-geri. On its own it is read keri.
Instep, literally “back of the foot”. The striking surface of the arcing kick mawashi-geri, especially in sport karate and taekwondo.
Pulling hand. In karate the arm drawn back to the hip during a strike or block, in judo the hand that holds and pulls the opponent's sleeve.
Supplementary strength exercises of Okinawan karate with traditional tools: the weights chi ishi, ishi sashi, the jars nigiri game and the makiwara.
Forceful breathing in Goju-ryu and Kyokushin karate: a loud, long exhalation with a tightened trunk, typical of the kata Sanchin.
The highest score in Japanese martial arts competitions, “one full point”. In judo it ends the match, in kendo it is the basic unit of scoring.
Hojo undo tool: a hand weight shaped like a padlock, traditionally made of stone. It comes from China, where it is called shisuo.
The heel. In karate the striking surface of the back kick ushiro-geri and the downward kick kakato-geri, in which the heel drops vertically down.
In karate, the instant tensing of the body at the right moment of a technique, focused in the abdomen. Literally “decision”, from the verb kimeru.
Ball of the foot below the toes, literally “tiger toes”. The striking surface of straight kicks mae-geri, the toes are pulled up during the kick.
Hip rotation, the source of the power of strikes, kicks and throws. In karate it is practised in every basic technique.
The part of karate in which one trains against an opponent: from pre-agreed exchanges through semi-free sparring to free and competition fights.
A sensitive or vulnerable spot on the body targeted by strikes and pressure. Literally “urgent place”, in everyday Japanese also “weak spot”.
Okinawan striking board, literally “rolled-up straw”. Strikes are practised on a springy post with a pad, which also conditions the striking surfaces.
Hojo undo tool: ceramic jars filled with sand, held by the fingers at the rim of the neck. They strengthen the grip, arms, shoulders, back and legs.
Free practice in judo, aikido, jujutsu and some karate styles. Partners try techniques against real resistance, but without aiming to win.
Striking surface of the fist in karate: the knuckles of the index and middle fingers. Literally “correct fist”, the basis of straight punches zuki.
Edge of the open hand on the little-finger side, literally “hand sword”. In karate it is used for the strikes shuto-uchi and the blocks shuto-uke.
The outer edge of the foot, literally “foot sword”. The striking surface of the side kick yoko-geri, especially the thrusting yoko-geri kekomi.
Whole-body movement that takes a fighter out of the line of attack into an advantageous position. It combines footwork with turning the hips.
Lower, little-finger side of the clenched fist, literally “iron hammer”. In karate it strikes from above or from the side like a hammer.
Hojo undo tool: a bundle of bamboo rods tied at the top and bottom or in the middle. The fingers are thrust into it to condition the fingertips.
A group of blocks in karate, literally “receiving techniques”. It includes age-uke, soto-uke, uchi-uke and gedan-barai, which lacks the word uke in its name.
Back of the clenched fist, literally “reversed fist”. In karate it delivers the snapping strike uraken-uchi, usually to the face or temple.
Second-highest score in judo and karate, literally “technique is here”. In judo two waza-ari give ippon, in WKF karate it is worth two points.