(Approx 2 minute 25 second read)

It’s common practice to use Japanese terminology in the dojo. And in my opinion, it’s also important that you get it right.
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There are so many posts on social media where an instructor has posted their Japanese-to-English terminology where there are glaring errors for all to see.
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You can probably get away with just some basic technique names that will help with recognition if you go to other dojo, and go deeper in to the translation for the students who do have a genuine interest in culture and history.
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There’s value in a common worldwide terminology, and for karate of course, the Japanese language has provided that terminology. So it’s important to be aware of those terms if you are seeking to interact with other martial artists around the globe. Unfortunately that same terminology can sometimes get us hung-up on what the technique is actually used for too.
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The most common of the misunderstandings, which I am sure most people have heard by now, has to be the term “Uke”, usually translated as a “block”. If you understand the actual translation, to “receive”, it can change the whole concept of the technique.
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This isn’t the only mistake that I often come across. As an example, I often see these terms confused too.

‘Tachi’ and ‘Dachi’, ‘Tsuki’ and ‘Zuki’, ‘Keri’ and ‘Geri’, ‘Kata’ and Gata’ etc,
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In the Japanese language, when certain words are combined, the sound of the first letter often changes to make pronunciation smoother. For example, ‘keri’ becomes ‘geri’ in ‘mae-geri’. This change is simply a part of the language’s natural flow, called “rendaku” (連濁 ), translated as “sequential voicing”, helping words sound more connected and easier to say together.
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It’s also a good idea to make sure the syllabus hanging on the wall of your dojo doesn’t say “GERI Waza” – (Geri’ on its own means diarrhea – get the image now?), or you will look a bit of an idiot.
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Am I saying that you need to speak Japanese in order to learn a Japanese art?
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Certainly not. If you are visiting Japan (or Okinawa) for any length of time, or learning from a Japanese speaking teacher, then perhaps learning a little more than Japanese terminology would be really helpful.
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Still, getting the terms right shows respect for the art’s origins and helps you connect with other martial arts practitioners.
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These terms can be tricky though, so while it’s useful to learn the correct terminology, I believe the best way to explain the art is in a language your students understand best, but include the Japanese or Okinawan term too. This way, you are showing respect for the culture while staying practical.
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In the end, using the correct Japanese terminology isn’t about perfection; it’s about appreciation. A lack of understanding from non-speaking Japanese can result in mistranslations, mispronunciations and misspellings – and even mistakes in technique.
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When ‘Geri’ is proudly displayed on the syllabus hanging on the wall (yes, I saw it) in the dojo, let’s hope it’s about kicking techniques and not an urgent message about the bathroom situation! So please, if you are going to use it, let’s try to get it right.
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Written by Adam Carter – Shuri Dojo.