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 and written by Jimmy Mora. Last Updated on August 17, 2008.
Format Transliteration Bibliography Nihongo Kanji Glossary
This On-line Dictionary was created as a service for all Shinjinbukan members worldwide.
Unauthorized reproduction or sale of these materials constitutes a copyright violation.
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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All the terms in our web-based dictionary are listed with direct links to each word in either Japanese, English and Uchinaguchi (Okinawa Hōgen). The glossary has been organized by the author into FIVE (5) general categories and TWENTY-ONE (21) sub-categories. Click on the Glossary Pop-Op Menu below:
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Nihongo/Basics
Japanese Language: basic vocabulary & greetings. All English words include a Japanese translation.
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Nihongo/Culture
A list of terms about Japanese culture, art, cuisine, drinks & more. All English words include a Japanese translation.
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Nihongo/Miscellaneous
Other useful Japanese terms. All English words include a Japanese translation.
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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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Uchinā/Culture
A list of terms about Okinawan culture, history, art, cuisine, drinks & more...
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Uchinā/Locations
Important geographic locations in Okinawa listed in both Uchināguchi and Japanese.
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Budō/General Terms
A list of terms related to Japanese Martial Arts in general.
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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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Budō/Philosophy
A list of general philosophical concepts used in Martial Arts. It includes a list of important texts, schools, authors & more...
Format Transliteration Bibliography NIHONGO Kanji Glossary Back To Top
Budō/Masters
A very subjective selection of important Martial Artists throughout history. It does not include Okinawan teachers.
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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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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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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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Okinawa Karate Dō/Anatomy
A list of the parts of the human body that are commonly used in Okinawa Karate Dō.
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Kobudō
A list of terms related to the Okinawan weapon systems known as Kobudō. Nowadays, many Karate Schools integrate Kobudō into their curriculum. However, others regard Kobudō as a separate martial art that should be studied independently from any Karate system.
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Okinawa Karate Dō/Ryūha
A list of Kata and all the major styles in Okinawa Karate Dō. It also includes the major Dōjōs associated with those styles, as well as other important Karate organizations connected to Okinawa.
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Okinawa Karate Dō/Kata
A list of Kata practiced by all major styles in Okinawa Karate Dō. Some Kata names and Kanji readings may be different between Okinawan & Japanese styles.
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Okinawa Karate Dō/Masters
A very subjective selection of the most important teachers in the history of Okinawa Karate Dō.
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Shinjinbukan/Syllabus
A list of essential terms from the Shinjinbukan Curriculum: Kata (forms), training components, the lineage, and more...
Dai Ichi Kihon Gata no Chūdan Tsuki
Dai Ichi Kihon Gata no Jōdan Tsuki
Dai Ichi Kihon Gata no Age Uke
Miyagi Chōjun Sensei No Yobiundō
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Shinjinbukan/System
A selection of terms from the Shinjinbukan Jargon. These terms are essential in order to train, teach and demonstrate the Shinjinbukan curriculum and technical concepts. Some Ti concepts are in Uchināguchi (Okinawan dialect).
yukuri, kirei, seikaku, hayaku
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Shinjinbukan/Philosophy
A selection of jargon used to teach important philosophical concepts in the Shinjinbukan School.
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Japanese - English Dictionaries:
Kodansha’s Compact Kanji Guide
First Edition. Published in 1991 by Kodansha International Ltd.
Martin’s Concise Japanese Dictionary
First Edition. Published in 1994 by Charles E. Tuttle Publishing Co.
Tuttle Dictionary of Martial Arts of Korea, China & Japan
First Edition. By Sun-Jin Kim, Daniel Kogan, Nikolaos Kontogiannis & Hali Wong.
Published in 1995 by Charles E. Tuttle Publishing Co.
Martial Arts Books:
Michi - The Way, A Journey Through the History of Zenokikuren
First Edition. Published in 1995.
Okinawa Karate Kobudo Graph 1995
First Edition. Published by the Okinawa Prefecture Board of Education.
Japanese Language Web-based Dictionaries:
SPENCER BLACK MARKET.net
SANSEIDO.net
MATSU KAZE.net
YAMASA.cc
GEOCITIES.jp
BUDO DICTIONARY
MONASH.edu
WIKIPEDIA.org
INFOHOST.nmt.edu
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