MARTIAL ARTS DICTIONARY
This is a collection of martial arts terminology in Japanese, English, as well as some basic jargon used at the Shinjinbukan School. It also includes terms in "Okinawa Hōgen" or dialect, also known as "Uchināguchi".
Compiled by Jimmy Mora. Last Updated on February 11, 2008.
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All the terms listed in this dictionary include: Romāji, Hiragana or Katakana, and Kanji. See examples below:
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Due to the nature of the Japanese language, the transliteration of words into western letters or "Romāji", presents many challenges. As a consequence, a Japanese word can have several spellings using the roman alphabet, because there are several conventions or systems that can be used to write "Romāji".
The transliteration system presented in this dictionary incorporates special letters for all the extended vowels used in Japanese language, such as ō, ū. In my opinion, this is a more accurate system to write Japanese in romaji. This explains why many Karate terms have adopted "incorrect" or "less accurate" spellings. In those cases, I present my suggested spelling first. And next in parenthesis, I list other possible "alternate spellings". Here are three examples:
道
どう
dō (alt. do, dou)
Used in Karate Dō, Budō, Dōjō, Judō, etc.
本部
ほんぶ
honbu (alt. hombu)
小林流
しょうりんりゅう
shōrin ryū (alt. Shourin Ryuu, Shorin-ryu)
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This glossary presents all the terms in our web-based dictionary in Japanese, English, Uchinaguchi (Okinawa Hōgen) with the links to each word. The glossary has been organized by the author into FIVE (5) general categories and TWENTY-ONE (21) sub-categories.
See the Glossary Pop-Op Menu below:
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(N) NIHONGO — BASICS
Japanese Language: basic vocabulary & greetings. All English words include a Japanese translation.
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(N) NIHONGO — CULTURE
A list of terms about Japanese culture, art, cuisine, drinks & more. All English words include a Japanese translation.
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(N) NIHONGO — MISCELLANEOUS
Other useful Japanese terms. All English words include a Japanese translation.
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(U) UCHINĀGUCHI — BASICS
A list of basic vocabulary, greetings & phrases in the Okinawan dialect. In some cases, there are words that combine Uchināguchi and Japanese. Some Uchināguchi words will have a Kanji, and are written phonetically with Katakana letters.
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(U) UCHINĀ — CULTURE
A list of terms about Okinawan culture, history, art, cuisine, drinks & more...
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(U) UCHINĀ — LOCATIONS
Important geographic locations in Okinawa listed in both Uchināguchi and Japanese.
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(B) BUDŌ — GENERAL TERMS
A list of terms related to Japanese Martial Arts in general.
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(B) BUDŌ — RANKS & TITLES
A list of all the basic ranks and titles used by all Japanese Martial Arts, including Okinawan and Japanese Karate styles.
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(B) BUDŌ — PHILOSOPHY
A list of general philosophical concepts used in Martial Arts. It includes a list of important texts, schools, authors & more...
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(B) BUDŌ — MASTERS
A very subjective selection of important Martial Artists throughout history. It does not include Okinawan teachers.
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(K) OKINAWA KARATE DŌ — TECHNIQUES
A list of basic techniques used in Okinawa Karate Dō. Some terms may have a different meaning in Japanese Karate styles.
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(K) OKINAWA KARATE DŌ — COMMANDS
A list of commands used to indicate begining and ending, direction, special instructions, ceremonial bowing, and more...
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(K) OKINAWA KARATE DŌ — TACHIKATA
A list of stances used in Okinawa Karate Dō. Some terms may be different than in Japanese Karate styles.
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(K) OKINAWA KARATE DŌ — ANATOMY
A list of the parts of the human body that are commonly used in Okinawa Karate Dō.