Glossary

A modern full-contact karate style founded by Hideyuki Ashihara in 1980. It emphasizes circular Sabaki movement, positioning in the opponent's blind spot (Shikaku), and control using grabs and takedowns.

Japanese martial arts viewed as a lifelong path of self-improvement, moral integrity, discipline, and respect.

"Way of the Empty Hand" – traditional Japanese weaponless martial art focused on strikes, kicks, blocks, and character development.

Place of the Way – the training hall and dedicated space for practicing martial arts and self-discipline.

Traditional karate training uniform consisting of jacket (uwagi), pants (zubon), and belt (obi).

Karate belt indicating the technical rank of the student (Kyu) or master (Dan).

Bow, ritual greeting, and expression of mutual respect and gratitude.

Traditional full-contact karate greeting meaning "to persevere under pressure". Expresses patience, determination, respect, and acknowledgment.

Tactical body positioning and circular movement. Rather than clashing head-on, the defender alters angle and distance to enter the blind spot and gain control.

Engagement distance, dynamic space and timing between two combatants.

Blind spot – a tactical position on the opponent's flank outside their field of vision and striking range.

Unbalancing the opponent and breaking their posture before finishing a technique.

Instantaneous focus of energy and muscle tension at the exact moment of impact.

State of ongoing awareness, focus, and total readiness before, during, and after an action.

Short silent meditation in seiza at the start and end of training to clear and focus the mind.

Teacher, master, or head instructor in the dojo ("one who was born before and guides on the Path").

Senior student, assistant instructor, or more experienced peer in the dojo.

Junior student or beginner learning from seniors (Senpai) and teachers (Sensei).

Master title and chief instructor designation (typically 5th Dan and above).

Master black-belt rank designation (Yudansha).

Student grade level (10th to 1st Kyu) designated by colored belts (Mudansha).

Practice of fundamental techniques, stances, strikes, blocks, and kicks.

Prescribed pattern of movements combining stances, blocks, strikes, and kicks simulating combat.

Sparring / partner work – controlled or free fighting to test distance, timing, and tactics.

Warm-up and preparatory exercises: joint mobility, muscular readiness, and coordination.

Board breaking – test of striking power, focus, and technique by breaking hard materials.

Combat guard and ready stance enabling immediate movement, defense, or counter-attack.

Immovable rooted stance with feet shoulder-width apart, toes pointing slightly outward.

Forward stance with 60–70% of weight on the bent front leg, back leg extended straight.

Back defensive stance with ~70% weight on the bent rear leg and light front foot.

Horse-riding stance with wide parallel feet, deep knee bend, and 50/50 weight distribution.

"Three Battles" hourglass stance with slightly turned-in toes for core stability and rooting.

Dynamic sparring fighting stance with rear heel raised, enabling rapid agile movement.

Footwork methodology, evasion, and movement mechanics on the tatami.

Natural stepping forward where the rear leg crosses forward past the front leg.

Follow-step footwork where the rear foot slides up to the front foot before pushing forward.

Circular pivot turn on the ball or heel of the foot to change angles in Sabaki.

Upper level target zone – head, face, chin, neck, and throat.

Middle level target zone – solar plexus, chest, ribs, and abdomen.

Lower level target zone – groin, thighs, knees, shins, and legs.

Left / left side.

Right / right side.

Front / forward direction.

Side / lateral direction.

Back / rear / backward direction.

Round / circular arc trajectory.

Forefist – primary striking surface formed by the first two knuckles (index and middle fingers).

Backfist – back of the fist used for snapping strikes to the head, face, or ribs.

"Knife-hand" – outer edge of the open tense hand used for chops and blocks.

Palm heel – base of the palm for powerful strikes to the chin and deflection blocks.

Elbow – devastating close-range weapon for circular, rising, or downward strikes.

Knee – heavy striking weapon for close-range strikes to ribs, thighs, and head.

Ball of the foot – primary striking surface for front kicks (Mae geri).

Instep – top of the foot used for roundhouse kicks (Mawashi geri) and groin kicks.

Heel – solid bone surface for axe kicks, back kicks, and stomps.

Shin – prime striking and blocking surface for low kicks and shin checks in full-contact.

Direct straight punch with forearm rotation and hip drive.

Lunge punch with the lead hand corresponding to the stepping forward foot.

Reverse punch delivered with the rear hand powered by full hip rotation.

Upper rising block with forearm protecting the head from high attacks.

Downward sweeping block defending the lower body and groin from kicks.

Outside forearm block moving from outside inward to protect the midsection.

Inside forearm block traveling from inside outward to deflect straight attacks.

Winding takedown utilizing body pivot and leverage to roll the opponent over.

Kick – general term for all leg and kicking techniques.

Front kick thrust or snap delivered with the ball of the foot (Chusoku) or heel.

Roundhouse kick with the instep or shin targeting the thigh (low), ribs (mid), or head (high).

Side kick delivered laterally with the foot blade (Sokuto) or heel.

Back kick thrusting the heel straight backward with eyes looking over the shoulder.

Knee kick strike at close range, often combined with a collar/head pull-down.

Axe kick – downward heel chop dropping onto the opponent's head or collarbone.

Formal kneeling posture on the shins and heels with straight spine during dojo ceremonies.

Command to bow to the front of the dojo (shomen / altar / founders).

Command to bow to the instructor / teacher with the greeting Osu.

Command "Get ready!" – transition into attentive preparation state.

Command "Begin!" / "Start!" the exercise or bout.

Command "Stop!" / "Finish!" – halt all action immediately while maintaining awareness.

Martial shout channeling breath, spirit, and explosive power from the abdomen at impact.

Command to return to the neutral ready stance (Fudo dachi).

Number 1 (One) – first count in drills.

Number 2 (Two) – second count.

Number 3 (Three) – third count.

Number 4 (Four) – fourth count.

Number 5 (Five) – fifth count.

Number 6 (Six) – sixth count.

Number 7 (Seven) – seventh count.

Number 8 (Eight) – eighth count.

Number 9 (Nine) – ninth count.

Number 10 (Ten) – tenth count (often accompanied by Kiai).

Throwing and takedown techniques in Ashihara karate that follow off-balancing (Kuzushi) from the blind spot (Shikaku).

Pinning and control techniques on the ground following a successful takedown or throw.

Combinations and fluid transitions between techniques (e.g. block – strike – kick – takedown).

Dynamic, forceful abdominal breathing with vocal resonance that tightens the core (Tanden) and focuses power during Kime.

Calm, quiet restorative breathing used to lower heart rate, recover stamina, and release tension.

Fighting spirit, indomitable heart, and resolve never to give up under extreme pressure.

State of "no-mind" free of fear, anger, or hesitation; the mind reacts instantly like a mirror.

Parallel stance shoulder-width apart with feet pointing straight forward and even weight (50/50).

Formal bowing stance with heels together and toes open at 45 degrees (V-shape), used for Rei.

Closed feet stance with feet and toes touching together.

Cat stance with 90% of weight on the bent rear leg; front foot rests lightly on the ball of the foot (Chusoku), ready to kick instantly.

Natural open stance at shoulder width, with the toes turned slightly outward and weight distributed evenly.

Inward-turned stance at shoulder width, with the toes angled slightly inward and weight distributed evenly.

Short stance with one foot slightly ahead of the other, the feet roughly parallel and the weight balanced.

Cross stance in which one leg passes behind the other while the body stays lowered and ready to change direction.

Wide lowered stance with the feet and knees turned outward and the weight distributed evenly.

Crane stance balanced on one supporting leg, with the other leg raised and ready for the next movement.

Whole-body evasion and repositioning off the opponent's attack line into a dominant angle.

Gliding footwork where the leading foot steps first and the trailing foot follows rapidly without crossing.

Diagonal direction (45-degree angle), essential in Ashihara karate for entering the blind spot (Shikaku).

Front direction, straight ahead, or the honorary front wall of the dojo.

Left and right / both sides – symmetrical execution of techniques.

Inside / inner direction (motion originating from the inside outward or inner part of limb).

Outside / outer direction (motion from the outside inward or outer part of limb).

The vertical centerline of the body connecting the crown, nose, solar plexus, and groin; the primary axis defended and attacked in karate.

"Foot sword" – the outer edge of the foot with toes pulled back, used for side kicks (Yoko-geri) and joint kicks (Kansetsu-geri).

The inner arch/sole of the foot, used for foot sweeps (Ashi-barai) and catching kicks.

"Iron hammer" – the bottom fleshy edge of the clenched fist, used for downward hammer strikes.