5 Japanese Words Often Misunderstood In Martial Arts

5 Japanese Words often Misunderstood in Martial Arts

By Tim Johnston 1) REI Real Meaning:  Respect Misunderstood meaning:  Bow One of the most important things in Martial Arts is the Bow as you need to show Respect, especially when you enter the Dojo or when you encounter others before you begin. Always Bow to your Sensei! The word “Rei” comes from the Japanese word ” Reigi”, which means “Respect, Courtesy, Manners. A Bow should not be a Nod but a deep bow when you enter the Dojo and when you leave the Dojo. (often we …

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Never Say "Gi"

NEVER SAY “GI” JAPANESE Martial Arts

By Tim Johnston Japanese Never say “Gi” ​I have been living in Japan for a long time now and practicing Karate, and I often wondered why, when I said the word “Gi” referring to my karate uniform, I would be met with blank stares and neither my Sensei (Shindo Sensei) nor other martial artists outside of my style of karate …

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Kata

KATA Okinawan Martial Arts

By Tim Johnston KATA ANANKU Ananku is a Kata from Okinawa Karate. Its history in Okinawa Martial Arts is rather short in comparison to other kata. Ananku was composed by Chotoku Kyan (1870 – 1945) who was an influential Karate Master who was famous for his Karate skills and unique life story which makes it unique and special. Ananku Kata …

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