A Karate uniform. Other names used for it are dogi (uniform for the practice of the art) or simply keikogi (practice uniform). White uniforms are generally worn to symbolize 'purity' and 'cleanliness' of mind and body.

A sash or belt to tie Japanese kimono-type clothing. In the martial arts it may indicate states in one's attainment of the art. There are ten grades or ranks in kuro-obi. Other terms used with obi are:

• Shiro-obi: white belt, refers to a novice.

• Iro-obi: color belt, refers to a more experienced students.

• Midori-obi: green belt, generally worn by students with a 9 months to 20 months of training.

• Cha-obi: brown belt, worn generally by students with over 20 months of training.

• Kuro-obi: black belt, refers to those who have mastered the basic techniques and beyond.

Refers to a teacher. Broadly speaking, it may apply to anyone who holds a position to guide or instruct another, such as a teacher, doctor or lawyer.

Refers to a senior person in a school, fraternity or organization.

A command to 'line up' in an orderly fashion. A class lines up before and after the instruction for mokuso and rei.

A formal Japanese way of sitting on the floor with one's knees bent. Seiza literally means to 'sit correctly' and requires that a person sit not rigidly but with his back straight and alertness to training.

Return to starting position (finish Meditation).

Counting in Japanese

• One: ichi (i-chi)

• Two: ni (ni)

• Three: san (sa-n)

• Four: shi (shi)

• Five: go (go)

• Six: roku (ro-ku)

• Seven: shichi (shi-chi)

• Eight: hachi (ha-chi)

• Nine: ku (ku)

• Ten: ju (ju-u)

Geri (ger-ee)

Kicking techniques.

• Jodan (joe-dan) includes face, neck, and head area.

• Chudan (choo-dan) includes the chest, side chest and back area but not the lower trunk.

• Gedan (gay-dan) is the lower trunk area.

A command used for 'bow'. Bowing may be done standing or in a sitting position, before and after the class, to the instructor or to each other to express mutual respect, trust and appreciation.

Other expressions used with Rei

• Shomen-ni-Rei: bow to the front

• Sensei-ni-Rei: Bow to the teacher

• Otagai-ni-Rei: Bow to each other

Shomen is usually the front wall of the dojo where the altar is placed. One may find a Shinto altar or simply a photograph of the founder of the school to whom the class bows to express respect.

Used primarily for affirmation or consent as in 'yes' or "o.k.'. It is also used to urge and give commands as in 'o.k., let's go!" or "o.k., now!'.

Formal movements of Karate, comprising all basic techniques and stances necessary to attain rhythm and coordination.

Sparring.

Modotte (mou-dou-tay).

A command for returning to the original position.

Get ready.

Gedanbarai (Gay-dan-bar-ay)

The first command of the practice. This is beginning position. (left front stance low block).

(SHU-learning from tradition, "HA" -- breaking the chains of tradition, RI--transcendence) is an oft-expressed concept as regards kata. Its implication is that the ultimate goal lies in the totally free execution of kata, a freedom from all restraints from the standardized movements, and the natural execution of waza in sparring.