Do you “Osu!” in your dojo? We do not “Osu!” in our dojo. So why do YOU keep using the term “OSU!”?
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There is debate among karate-ka and karate scholars about the history of the term “Osu” and its correct usage. One thing that is known for certain, is that the term did not originate in the birthplace of Karate… Okinawa. It was founded and began use in Japan.
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Jesse Enkamp (The Karate Nerd) states that; “According to history books, the expression ‘Osu!’ first appeared in the Officers Academy of the Imperial Japanese Navy, in the early 20th century.
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This fact, combined with the fact that ‘Osu!’ is non-existent in traditional Karate dojos of Okinawa, tells us two things:
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1: The term did not originate in the birthplace of Karate (Okinawa).
2: It has militaristic, group-think mentality undertones.”…….. [end quote]
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Different dojo have different traditions. In some dojo using “Osu” is a standard part of the dojo etiquette and all students are expected to use it. Whereas in other dojo it is actively discouraged, because it is not considered very polite.
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Within the dojo of Kyokushin practitioners, we do know that “Osu!” essentially means ‘the spirit of determination and perseverance.’ In a Kyokushin dojo “Osu!” is a very powerful word. To them it simply means; ‘yes I can do it, I will try my best, I will endure and not give up.’
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My problem with the term is that to a lot of Karate schools and practitioners, the term “Osu” seems to mean everything and anything – including: “hi”, “hello”, “goodbye”, “okay”, “thanks”, “excuse me”, “hey there”, “come here”, “go there”, “what’s up”, “look at me”, “do it this way”, “that way”, “do you understand?”, “I understand” and “train harder”.
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“Osu!” is also often seen as a single word reply given on a post made to Social Media, or some weird misspelling of it (Oooozzz???)……… WHY?…. WHAT DO YOU MEAN? Given the above, it can mean so many things, so why not; WRITE WHAT YOU MEAN?… What YOU NEED TO SAY?
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There is obviously etiquette in the dojo, and when and how to use “Osu” is no different. There is debate not only on the origins of the word, but also on when, and when NOT to use it. Therefore, think about it. Should you say or write “Osu”, or should you use another more favorable, polite term? Do your research first….. Why do YOU keep saying “OSU!”? 
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PS: Waiting for lots of “Osu” in the comments 
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Photo Credit: Morihei Ueshiba from Tatami Studio Canada: quote courtesy Jesse Enkamp
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