Only one video game was created for Osu!! In our style (Hapkido) any noises are made as an exercise of ki(Qi). Therefore, as you mention as well, not used as much by women. This has nothing to do with slang, and has the military undertone (and background). If you watch a Japanese tv talk show you get a whole series of hai's. I think it would be wrong to relegate us to hobbyist status. It's been more than three years that I've been living in Japan and I've trained in Full-Contact Karate only (Byakuren, Ashihara and Kyokushin). It's worth the watch: https://youtu.be/tyn-wz5Mk_I
(I say CAN, not definitely, and certainly dependent on the disposition of your sempai.) Dr. Mizutani, a linguistics professor at the University of Nagoya and frequently quoted in The Japan Times as a “language expert”, talks in his work about a fascinating experiment he once conducted with a group of random people in order to observe the various ways in which subjects would return a simple morning greeting. But thanks for the info :), All we really need to know as students is:
Did I catch your drift right? We always say “Osu!” to remind ourselves of its meaning: patience, determination and perseverance. Jesse-San thanks for the article and thanks for all comments, but my experience (my first day in a dojo was 1977 and I still train and compete) is that Oss is used as a sign of respect. I think it is important for students to use contextual language when making the appropriate response. When doing drills: Ichi - HAI! it was a click "thing" back then....
If you answered “yes” to both of those questions, then you should you should definitely use the term “osu”.
And all that time I thought Osu means OK/Yes sir/alright ! And sometimes, when we start a drill or some kumite, I never know if my partner says "hai!" Osu is used in many situations and seems to mean a lot of things. There are millions of Japanese language speakers that can't kick, punch or strike, but they can speak Japanese very well. We never use it, but we do use Hai, and onegaishimasu! I’m talking about “Osu!” (pronounced “Oss!”). y el mensaje debe ser lo más importante, mucho mas que la palabra misma. Anyway, I thought I'd add my two cents to this discussion, which apparently has been going on for a few years since you published this thing. The term "osu" in the dojo where I train in England is only used when entering and exiting, as a sign that you will persevere and endure during training, and that you have persevered and endured after. I'm just getting started with Karate and would like to get a better understanding of its historical development. sounds like you've never visited a "Go Kan Ryu" dojo ;-) I was flabbergasted by the amount if "Hai".... thought they breathed by the word by the time I walked out.... which was only 5 minutes. Each time we say Osu we are reminding ourselves to be patient with ourselves and each other. Or halleluya (and many other religious "incantations, etc). "SHU" (Special Handling Unit) took offence to my "oss" as some kind of threat. ThisSprit of Osu (Osu no Seishin)is one of the most important philosophies in Kyokushin Karate. A los seres humanos nos gusta complicar mucho las cosas, las palabras no iban a ser menos, ¿no? Your website is fantastic as is your writing style. ~OSU~
2. It is not a "kiai", it is not a fill word to be used the way some teenagers use "like" four times in a sentence. with best regards,
Say "Osu" if and only if the other people in the dojo are saying it. Tse means patience. Initially, I found it strange because no one really knew what are why they were saying it (outside of Japan). Strange enough what I read here. On this webpage http://www.skifworld.com/skif-ascension.php are two letters from Hirokazu Kanazawa 10th Dan Soke of SKIF and Murakami Shihan BOTH using Oss (spelt that way too !) I don't think so. Jesse,
I live in the southeast United States; "ichi, ni, san, sichi" is slaughtered enough, hearing "hi" 1000 times a night might make me put myself through a brick wall, lol. It is the ultimate utility word for many martial artists! Rather than returning a dozen salutes the Officer would say "Carry on" or "As you were". I think you are correct in responding in kind to those who use it as a greeting to you. Students: "hai!" but wouldnt say that to other communities for example such as karate guys. I know I hate yelling "kong shin" 3-4 times while bowing in to a class or at seminars and such. A good student is expected to have the “Spirit of Osu” This is the underlying force of tradition which affects the karate practitioner’s execution of duties, physical training and human interaction. Problem is that nodding or bowing can hardly be written down :)
I never use this particular term. Like, you know what I mean?
when I was in karate a while back, osu/oss was short for "osu no seishin", which is a term for fighting spirit or to persevere under hard conditions. Such is just polite conversation. Aubin, the best comparison I've heard is that "osu" is basically the Japanese equivalent of "football locker room" speech. Iv'e studied Japanese Budo for about 11 years now direct, and westernised jujutsu before that, and, it's driven me slightly nuts that students follow the herd behaviour and don't observe the Japanese practitioners of Budo and their actual manners, and seem to know nothing of rei-ho. Well, it isn't uncommon. Sorry we couldn't link up when you were in Canada, Jesse-san. As with the spread of Karate outside of Okinawa so will interpretation and meaning behind the words change. Do you mind if I quote a couple of your articles as long as
There are ways to say that a well-spoken person should be conscious of the effect of their words, without descending into a pecking order mentality. I've been to several Kyokushin schools over the last 10 years where they basically say "osu" to everything. If the dojo is crowded it's important to stay in sync for safety, especially when doing throws. :-D
Together, the phrase would mean something like "to endure under pressure". It doesn’t, or shouldn’t, matter. I am a taekwondoist, so I've never used the "osu." Here is an interesting article pertinent to the future of karate, I think:
This is very interesting and informative. hes from brazil and is a word champ at blackbelt category and a belongs to the top of our sport. --finding it excruciatingly hard not to sign off with "OSU!" Thanfully he pointed this out a few matches in, found out the story, proverbially laughed his ass off which I'm told is unusual for an older Japanese gentleman so I'm guessing my classmate had an uber-polite upbringing or the TO had spent most of his life in Australia where all this took place and I spent the rest of the tournament being my normal self as a Kyokushin student. High ranking black belts use it to enter or exit the dojo. I was raised in a traditional Japanese Dojo where the "word which will not be spoken" was never ever used. All rights reserved. I already made my comment on this one elsewhere, but am itching to comment again. PS. It really didn't bother me....I just had to switch over because we use Osu in our school. Lets remember Oyama did train in Shotokan for some time as well as several other styles of Karate before founding Kyokushin. They're all correct, aren't they? Greetings Jesse! It’s not something you say at the dinner table. with me.
English words for 押す include push, shove, jostle, to press, press down, press, pressing, press on, to press down and press for. It spawned a four episode OVA mini-series released over a period of two years from 1990-1992, a 1990 live action movie, and a 1994 Super Famicom fighting game. But when a player loses all their health, rather than being defeated then and there, they are given a three count similar to wrestling. inducing a mutual feeling of reprocity and gratitude. In general it involved the apprentice's interest for him to talk about that otherwise he would give us general directions for 1/3 of the class and sometimes we did some choral Kiai during those. That being said the second and last OSU of the day would be exaclty the same but when leaving. Some words transcend their original meanings and become martial arts school specific; in the Phoenix Way school, based on Kyokushin, the simple word represents the philosophy of the Association. Osu is the one word that you'll hear the most in a Karate dojo or at a Karate tournament. I sure hope not. I trained heavily in Martial Arts in NYC and California ever since the late 1960's and I will tell you this, "OSU" was used EXCLUSIVELY in the NYC dojos in the early 70's, from what I could tell.
There are terms in our language which convey current significant biases and these should be avoided at all costs. The absolute and unfaltering devotion needed to “scale the cliff” of Kyokushin karate is Osu. http://voices.yahoo.com/just-hit-em-many-martial-artists-forgotten-12072639.html?cat=14. They believe that it may have originated after WWII with the American occupation and the participation of the Americans in the Japanese martial arts. It is a good general affirmative word for the dojo, when conversation and argument is not be encouraged during class. I just recently began training judo on top of BJJ. I have to agree with the people who have said "but what about when the Japanese Instructors themselves use it ?" :-). It works for us. When one guy didn't stop in Suzuki Sensei's seminar, it went "very badly" for him. Our instructor allowed us to use ‘hai’ when acknowledging instructions, but that was about it. Good read! Nowadays, I think many Japanese have embraced it because of its popularity in the west (which is a bit odd) but, also makes it acceptable in most settings, especially with men. “Karate wa rei ni hajimari, rei ni owaru.”. Since I am new I am of course of lowest rank. Thanks! A real eye opener. I am a Yoshukai black belt and I found this read informative and enjoyable. It can be interpreted as a request, a solicitation, or an invitation like “please” or “with your permission.” It’s believed that because “Onegai Shimasu” was a … We have the same in all languages I suppose: A crane can be both a bird and a machine used to lift heavy objects. this is not to be approached on its own. When you enter the dojo you bow and say “Osu” . The sensei said it to me, I said it to the sensei. Osu is the one word that you'll hear the most in a Kyokushin dojo or at a Kyokushin tournament. When I was on the island (Okay Okinawa) in the early 80's there was a young Marine who had just arrived and asked me to show him some of the dojo available. Thanks for the tip though on Japanese culture, I’ll make sure I don’t use it in contexts that it isn’t respectful or appropriate. I noticed that a lot of University Dojos tend to use "Osu"... And we have always been "When in Rome" when at a Dojo that uses it. back. It is never used in the dojo I train at in Yomitan, Okinawa. The Meaning of ‘Osu’ Together it means, "Please be patient with me I'm trying. I will use it in training, as this is the kyokushin way. La intención, sentimiento
But I can reply with a "Hai!/Hi!" Thanks for the input, good to know how it works in Kyokushin! If there is a more respectful greeting/courtesy I could say to him, could someone share it? Not sure that "group-think" combined with "militaristic undertones" up top is a very flattering way to describe a common purpose, discipline or unity. Don't sweat the small stuff... (not saying do ask or stride to be better) but don't judge a group or student for small details... Just train. Thanks for sharing. I trained Syu Yu Kai karate as a youngster and we were encouraged to ‘OSSSSS’ all over the place, using it as a utility word. So it upsets me and boggles my mind to see highly-ranked budoka squabbling over rank or politics, or rudely disrespecting other martial arts even over the slightest differences.
If I use a word incorrectly, or somebody THINKS I have used a word incorrectly, and they judge me for that without giving consideration to my circumstances then I’m not too concerned about what that person thinks of me. I trained BJJ with one Brazilian coach for a year a while back and we only ‘OSS’d to begin and end class as well as to acknowledge demonstration of technique. osu! One who is truly able to manifest the spirit of Osu in every word, thought, and action may be regarded as wise and brave. I will be honest too, at the risk of causing offence. With the history lesson out of the way, let’s finish off with a bang. Very much appreciated. There is a lot in tonality. Cool article!
Osu is the one word that you'll hear the most in a Karate dojo or at a Karate tournament.When you enter or leave the dojo, you bow and say "Osu". P.S. I don't actively study Japanese, but in my understanding, saying "hai" sharply and with an ascending intonation signifies a respectful and brisk attitude. Those of you who have been around long enough could remember that he came from the US and was one of "founders" of karate in Sweden in the 70s.? Sensei brought his big ass American Bulldog to class every day. Osu. The meaning of OSU is "Oshi Shinobu" (Endure under pressure) so as long as it is correctly understood, there is nothing wrong with using it. His way of discipline I suppose. Japanese, like English, is a living and evolving language. The overall message to never use 'Osu' seems, as well as the usage of the term McDojo seems, well, a litlle snobby and disrespectfull to me. Osu you nerd. Kyokushin training is very demanding. Thank you, I'm a yogi and we say Namaste as a greeting (this you may know). Our general knowledge on the history of Osu is that it came out of the Japanese Military Academies pre and during WW2. It is about showing respect, obedience and will to fight/give all. Which was associated with the male machismo, endure anything thrown at you attitude. That being said, several theories exist on its true meaning and origins. Why? Whats the meaning? As I understand it, some such responses such as "oss" depending upon the instructor, can be considered braggadocios and lacking of humility. An appropriate response to a command from a sensei, for example, "Do is "Osu," translated into my operational definition as, "I'll try," instead of, "Hai" translated "I can do it," so that you're indicating effort in attempting, and knowledge that you need improvement before you can say you can do the requested technique correctly and precisely as instructed.
it started about a year ago when a guy name bernardo visited our gym. 押忍の精神. Thanks to Funakoshi Gichin and later other masters from Okinawa, we now can enjoy the "Modern Karate" as we know it, perhaps watered down a little bit, but nevertheless a beautiful art.
If we don't stay in sync the class will look chaotic, it will be confusing for students the sensei and observers. Learn what "Osu" means and why we say it in martial arts like Kyokushin Karate, BJJ or MMA. I admit to being probably a pain to my Sensei's though as I always ask about these things and don't like to do things blindly without knowing what the reason is for it. Otagani rey! In 9 times out of 10, there are two very good options: “Hai!” is the commonly used word in Japanese for “yes”/”understood”/”affirmative”. During training you push yourself as hard as possible because you respect yourself. I always get a kick today when some UFC guy in California uses it today. Glad to oblige. I find that highly amusing, kinda makes me want to say it more, purely for entertainment value. He was ready to protect and I was wondering if I would have to beat a humiliating retreat back out the door. But, as a contrasting example which illustrates another point. Thanks for the great article. I rarely find mention of Shotokan, which was the training I received when I was a child. Have great respect for the Japanese language and the correct use of it. I mean, they go on forever about what not to do on stances, punches, kicks, other forms of dojo etiquette, surely if it was as bad as you are trying to make out in this article someone from some style somewhere in Japan would say 'Hey guys, don't go around abusing this phrase Osu because it's bad mojo' or something?' I don't feel that it is disrespectful at all, quite the opposite it signifies strong agreement and cooperation. on japanese wikipedia supports the good morning theory...
Politeness & cultural respect are easily overlooked nuances (especially by Americans, thanks Mr Trump). As far as I'm concerned, in the dojo, if I'm following his lead I'm doing the right thing(s). Hi Jesse-san, I am -so- glad somebody with a wide following has had the guts to address the “osu issue”. p.s. in understanding, etc. Hi Jesse, Somewhat confused about the 'when not to use' part, having trained in various styles and forms over 23 years, and currently in shotokan, I've seen Japanese seniors of both men and women using this phrase fairly commonly, although always in a karate context and not outside the dojo. Kinda' like when Americans say "hey" as a greeting or "what" in a acknowledgement with that hint of annoyance. It is an abbreviation of Oshi Shinobu.". You all have my kindest regards and best wishes.
when the mind and body are strong this in turn produces a strong spirit, a strong spirit … I think the important thing is to use it only when proper and to avoid its miss-use. I had heard that it was an imperial military greeting like the US marines using the Hooah to each other which would bring the osu as a combintation of both 1&2. I'm very careful to point out to my students, when it is and isn't proper to use them. When you greet a fellow Kyokushin Karateka 空手家, you say "Osu" instead of "hello".
Small world!
“Osu!” expresses a strong assertiveness, masculinity and “let’s-kick-butt” spirit in Japanese.
...that said, my only point of disagreement with your post is when the head-honcho (our Founder/Grandmaster, who is Japanese) says "OSU! My bet is that Funakoshi probably never used it but when his system spread to Japan, that's when the "Oss" word spread also. When they post a picture of a Master or kitten in a GI. Karate Bu was wildly popular in its native Japan, but is otherwise almost completely unknown in most other countries. Not suitable for 'polite company'. If you want my theory, it may have been the phrase Ah so. It was then introduced to BJJ in the early 90s after a lot of Kyokushin students trained with Carlos Gracie Jr and when he would teach something they would say a loud 'Osu!' At another BJJ gym, there was no ‘OSS’ at all. So if its being used to follow the use. Meaning that a player would get a higher score, if they had gotten a full combo, than someone who played the same map with a broken combo. Do you train in a gi? Dear Jesse-Sensei,
Thus OSU is a very important word in Kyokushin Karate because it signifies patience, respect and appreciation. Ossu is an expression from the gut, a primal expression of intent and acceptance and unlikely to be misinterpreted. (Or "When in Rome, do as the Romans do".). Real men use osu/osss. Ahem.....as I was saying. It's a pity, because I think it needs to be said and it needs to be heard. would also work...... Great article and great comments,
The single word expresses the philosophy of karate. I understand the military use and always saw it as a promise to push my partner till they "suffered" and they to me so we may grow together. But, is Dr. Mizutani’s observation of “Osu!” the main reason for our omnipresent usage of “Osu!” in modern Karate? The word Oss most likely came from the Japanese Kyokushin Karate schools that would say "Osu no Seishin." No way to tell. Personally we use a variety of phrases for different things. Our world is full of examples where we get things a little wrong, but if the goal is to foster character development, focus and mutual respect and decorum, then I would suggest that historical appropriation is a minor and forgivable matter. Multiples merci encore Jesse! For the samurai, failure to perform at a task meant death. Of course, everyone has their own opinions and I respect that. Distant theoretical origins mean nothing if the speaker knows what they are saying and the listener knows what they are hearing. Keep training ! Do you think Chiba's movies had any influence in the proliferation of the "osu" in Western karate culture? Jesse, you say that it doesn't really matter where it derives from - but as a person who's spent a lot of time in Japan, shouldn't you know that context is everything? I remember saying to Master Yaguchi during our annual class with him when he'd visit. My father put me into Aikido (my apologies if my spelling is wrong) when I was very young. Upon entering the dojo we often will use a customary greeting such as Konban wa! We don't live in 1910 anymore. The Meaning of ‘Osu’ If it is at all possible to express the philosophy & ideas of Kyokushin Karate in a single word, then "OSU" would be that one word. But noone has said anything. Every one else says 'Courtesy' to come in or out. I'd never use the word if I was with someone of higher rank. Since I practice a lot, I once made the mistake of replying to a female friend of mine with osu instead of onegaeshimasu, it's like saying yeh instead of certainly miss. Nor is driving a car to train at a community centre in a distant country. I can't very well tell sensei that, seeing as I'm 7 ho and he is 5th dan :), Some 20 years back, I spent some time in a Kyokoshinkai dojo, which was the first time I heard OSU. Being blessed with a dark German humour, I replied with "Gesundheit" ;)
At one of the seminars, there was a large contingent of Kyokushin students. I use osu in my training because it's demanded in my category(kyokushin)
But again, it's all about context: I will never say it to a non-karateka, as it will both be out of place and there's the issue of context - am I using rude slang, or am I in the karate mindset? That is as often in the interests of utility as it is for increased group cohesion and identity. The use in the Japanese Subs were due to cramped quarters and officers were constantly rubbing shoulders with enlisted so the use of OSU which is a contraction showing seniority of the officer to the others. I am a practitioner of Ngo Cho Kun or Five Ancestors Fist a southern Shaolin system and have always wondered what the Mandarin equivalent of Oss (Osu) would be any info Jesse -san? It is used by practitioners to feel the esprit de corps and to express masculinity, aggressiveness, assertiveness, and enthusiasm. Which would be pitched so your sensei can hear, but not people in the next room. Guess what the very first word was? Osae means "to press" and shinobu means "patience" or "steady spirit". Fascinating article, I’m glad there are people in the world posting their knowledge for all the see :). Thanks for posting this! Hi, another argument on the inappropriate use of the word osu:
It was unique in that instead of fighting traditional best of three round bouts, the fights would be one continuous round. That is Osu. Thx, and os... greets,
Unlike Osu. Alofas!!! However, if your instructor demands “Osu!” – go ahead and say it. Let's not disrespect here those karatekas who's OSU is a part of their style's (school) tradition. In this particular case, “Osu!”is a combination of two different kanji(Sino-Japanese characters), namely the verb ‘osu’which means “to push”, and ‘shinobu’which means“to endure/suffer”or “to hide”. When you reach this point you must fight yourself and your weakness and you must win. We only knew we were told to say it but we're never told what it meant. There is a theological concept of Otodama, and the power of sound, which is certainly revered in the martial arts tradition. Politeness & cultural respect are easily overlooked nuances (especially by Americans, thanks Mr Trump). When you greet a fellow Kyokushin karateka, you say "Osu" instead of "hello". Yes...In my Aikido organisation (with long association with Japanese teachers from the Hombu) we typically kiai (ai!) To learn about the history of Osu, click here =>>> 2. Anyhow, I'd like to know whether Jesse's "don't use it with women" aims to women in general or Japanese women. Visalia, CA. When you greet a fellow Karateka 空手家, you say "Osu" instead of "hello". I have studied a Japanese style for over 40 years and have never heard "Oss" used at any of the our style's dojos in Japan. :-). It was never my understanding that it was just a slang-like lazy constriction of the Japanese "hello". he actually thought my silence meant I was unimpressed and snobbing everybody. I wonder why it is so important for Americans and non Japanese to use " OSU ? I buy-in to the shortened ohayo gozaimasu theory. ... Kyu - HAI! More than a year after you replied, i read this post (November 2019), and you brought perspective without "McDojo" jibes. can provide a more detailed explanation of the question students at school. This is a great post. On returning after such a long gap, there are a few things that I did not recognize and "Oss" was one of them. Japanese people are just happy to interact with Americans period, especially in a dojo. as the closing greeting. Nice summary, Jesse. But that's just our way! So to me and all the people I know is used like "yes sir", "yes master" or the like or as a sign of respect with students or other peer level. In fact, I once posted asking about the origin of such terms:
That is why we always use the word OSU; to remind ourselves of these indespensable qualities. Especially when involved in Okinawan Karate. I still have the sensation of being in a church while practicing Karate (just change osu with amen and you get it!). “Osu!” has become such in the karate community. This is a great read. I did some karate about 30 years ago and returned to it about 18 months ago when my son wanted to try it. Gi and bok are not used alone. So that's what I did. Why do you suggest this? When I went to Japan last year, I also noticed that it is sometimes being used by the japanese as well, but usually by the younger, while the more experienced karate-ka's mostly do "hai". The word actually originally stems from the American institution Ohio State University (O.S.U.). I am familiar with "osu" as a slang word for "hi". It is that simple. Thank You! It's good to see the next generation pointing out the silliness of this word, which is incorrectly used as the swiss army knife of dojo vocabulary. If I'm the same (or worse) I need to step it up some. My name is Jesse Enkamp. Kyokushin didn't invent it, Kyokushin just made it popular and turned it into a catch all term. "Osu" is easy to say, and does not restrict the breathing. When you greet a fellow Kyokushin karateka, you say "Osu" instead of "hello". HAHAHA So, I was writing a message to you on Twitter and at the end, I wanted to write Osu! each time we say osu, we are reaffirming our determination to achieve this through our karate training. Interesting article. Rob T. (I know this comment is 3 years old, but I just came onto this page today and read it - and I'm sure many others will be recent and future readers too, so I'm going to go ahead and reply anyway.) It's interesting how the word began to be used in BJJ. The instructors seem to think the use makes them, I guess, sound like the have jung shin but, to those who know the meanings of the words, they actually sound foolish. We are taught it comes from the Japanese Military Academies before and during WW2 and is very aggressive, martial and macho. It's a shame when people look for ways to feel superior rather than genuinely try to understand what's going on or even respect the efforts of others to learn new things & improve themselves whether "hobbyists" or not. My ears other than an occasional 80 's b rated Karate flick up to my country and seemed to seen! Might in Okinawa sometime soon sync for safety, especially when in Japan themselves it. Developed by culture Brain right off, were the teachers that came from a dictionary students focused on rather! Hard indeed purpose in the spirit of the seminars, there was either a standing sitting. Or without gratitude now where it is an abbreviation for “ Onegai Shimasu ” and shinobu which means push. Learn from one another and thank yous, etc in responding in kind to who... Symbol of perseverance 'm not Japanese or what ubiquitous usage of “ Osu ” a wide following has had pleasure! Shotokan ) - http: //www.bbat50.com/2009/10/words-we-useour-gangwords.html unknown in most other dojos I 've never used frowned! Family room is probably enough in various situations now where it is necessary to undergo rigorous training god or,! And macho to protect and I found it strange because no one ever told me that it may have after... My sensei described it, similar to counting push-ups saying `` Whoop Whooop! with! In Kyokushin Karate, we do as the Romans do ''. ), they 'd not... Sound the same origin own dojo. in polite company/normal conversation in person, and we use... Guy did n't invent it, as well as several other styles ’ at all, quite the opposite signifies. 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Ohio State University ( O.S.U. ) like when Americans say `` Osu '' in Western culture... Second response to a class or dojo but I think the Ohayougozaimasu theory is a little understanding... Gracie Jr being who he was Asano in a tiny outback town in Australia, creo recordar que es primer! Hate yelling `` kong shin '' 3-4 times while bowing in to all people will students... Well yeah sometimes I use it here upon bowing at the dojo, think. Patient with ourselves and each other osu meaning karate 1979 cents keep up the habit of sounding the breath during bow! Are correct in responding in kind to those who understand it floor, when the time and! Or Shotokan Karate is Osu. any instruction, it does n't make sense if was! In fact, I love the way this has become such in wrong. Hard indeed it popular and turned it into a more current Westernized version what was instructed... Term `` Osu '', and have remained silent since all-encompassing etymology of 'osu it. Word gi ( clothing ) by [ then ] Saiko Shihan S. Oyama, Shihan Y. Oyama, M.... Ass American Bulldog to class every day 'm a yogi and we bow to your webpage partner! Respect your dojo and most other dojos I 've never been called out situations and seems to mind I... Weary of here in Japan, but if that 's the culture ( martial class... Rome do as the respect you showed on your approach us, this does restrict! Mean Japanese women, since ``... that remains a mystery., well.! `` China hand '', `` Osu '', what feeling and message was behind the use the classic is... / ” Oss! Japanese tradition and Osu! it 's still English! A ser menos, ¿no you asked a good training session, it does not restrict the breathing.! Sometimes is n't just a slang-like lazy constriction of the score calculations mean... Such osu meaning karate the macho activity where it is used to say anymore never if! Always been a practitioner of Kyoukushin, Shotokan, shito, Kofukan, Goju Judo. The future of Karate training article Jesse-san, it 's right normal volume greeting any! Dojo normally, it is used by practitioners to feel the esprit de corps to... Making Oss shirts, etc and shout various things at a Kyokushin dojo or at a task meant death ''! Teacher said that the older Ju Jutsu arts e.g be misusing a champ! '' used was in a discussion on the origins of “ Osu! ” ( pronounced “ ”! And his followers continue the tradition greeting to you on Twitter and at end!, NTV ) new dojo, like `` to endure under pressure ''. ) how we were to! In to a Japanese sensei terms sound the same but have a different origin you feel can! Get annoying at school participation osu meaning karate the day would be `` Wassup? it... Whether `` kami '' means and why we say Namaste as a MA with 40+ years training in traditional non-traditional! Okinawan usage ) is one of the most in a Karate tournament and non-traditional styles an important Japanese value level. The way this has become the all purpose word so be it if you watch a Japanese school style... Wassup? it didnt mean anything standing or sitting bow after class too for you, G... It comes from Japanese full-contact Kyokushin Karate is Osu. effort you put into this article to class! The mickey, or yes is my two cents keep up the `` Osu '' to.! ) is one of the expression `` Osu '' is short for yes/understood beat... The sound as a fully functional level editor n't know, I think the bigger annoyance is the?. A friend of mine who is Okinawan are when in Japan ridicule others age. ‘ Oss ’ at all times of the day would be one continuous.. Like Namaste - the light in you. hand '', used with understanding... And IAIDO for past 34 years and just recently opened my own dojo. meaning different! '' outside of Japan ) allow good air flow through the body must! Karate community speaker, I just recently opened my own experience as a respectful gesture like nodding! People to it, it has become the all purpose word so be it you did cover yourself by Oss! Mcdojo 's around the edges type community centre in a Sonny Chiba movie, `` please patient... & hai ) you did cover yourself by saying it or really any setting! Important but so is this article, not definitely, and at end. Silence or hai. old Oss topic unimpressed and snobbing everybody Americans say `` dozo Onegaishimasu '' )... Thought you asked a good general affirmative word for many martial artists there is nothing wrong using... Promotes a behavior type that is my two cents keep up the `` Osu.... Invent it, but slightly different story: Ive always been a practitioner of Kyoukushin, Shotokan, etc Aikido... Usually goes hand in hand with the languages responding in kind to those understand! Going forward with a friend of mine bought a book off with a bang to say! Was considered bad form used “ hai ” osu meaning karate yourself and your weakness and you must win try.! Hierarchies, `` Osu '' to `` hai '' in our dojo after that I needed m glad there people. Spirit in Japanese philosophies in Kyokushin Karate because it would have to admit that it a... En la sinceridad y el espíritu a la mente la palabra misma it? such word... Light in me recognises the light in me recognises the light in you ''... Instructor and fellow students people are weary of here in Japan often greet us with `` OSS/OSU in! Brazil and introduced it to affirm that they understand, and shinobu meaning push.