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A guide for beginners who have
recently joined Gin Sen Karate Do, providing the meaning and
correct pronunciation of Japanese used in the Dojo.
Regardless of how long you
have been training, you will have heard Japanese spoken in
the Dojo. Whether as part of the ritual bowing at the start
of class, calling the attention of a senior student or describing
the myriad techniques we train with, it is an integral part
of the lesson and as such it is important not only to take
part in it but also understand just what it is you are saying,
why you are saying it and how to say it correctly. Below are
some of the more commonly used phrases.
For additional reading on Karate Terminology in the Dojo please visit the links provided at the foot of this page.
| Japanese Characters |
English Characters |
Pronounced |
Translation |
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Rei |
ray |
to bow |
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Bowing
In Japan, and when using
the Japanese language, bowing is a very important part
of proceedings. Slight alterations of bowing depth and
the amount of time you hold the bow for have deep and
subtle meanings that can take a very long time to fully
understand. In certain companies in Japan, sales assistants
are often put on intensive courses teaching the correct
ways to bow, sometimes using machines to ensure the
correct angle and duration is achieved. For this Dojo,
however, you will only need to have an idea of when
to bow, and why.
Bow when you enter the
dojo, and when you leave. Bow before you begin training
with a partner. Bow when requesting something from a
student who has been training longer than you have,
and to thank them when you have your answer. You have
every right to ask questions of higher grades, and every
right to receive an answer, but remember they are sharing
their wisdom with you and you can show your mutual respect
through bowing.
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| Japanese Characters |
English Characters |
Pronounced |
Translation |
 |
Seiza |
say-za |
to kneel |
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Kneeling to bow
Once the class is sitting
in seiza: The senior student says "Sensei ni rei"
and the class perform a low bow to the instructor -
The Sensei is whoever is teaching.
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Sensei
Ni Rei |
sen-say
knee ray |
bow towards
the teacher |
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| Japanese Characters |
English Characters |
Pronounced |
Translation |
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Doumoarigatou
Gozaimasu |
dough-moe-a-ri-ga-toe
go-zy-mass
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thank you
very much (inexact) |
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(at the end of class) Say 'thank-you'
(Sensei)
The important thing is
simply to know that this is the most important phrase
here. This is your direct way of thanking your Sensei
for what they have done, be it shown you a technique,
helped you stretch, trained with you or answered a question.
Show gratitude and respect by bowing and thanking them.
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| Links to other karate Terminology Sites |
If you would like to further your karate studies beyond the basics covered above. Here are a few recommended internet pages that cover the fundamental phrases and words used within Dojo's throughout the world:
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