Martial Arts Glossary
Glossary of commonly used terms in the Japanese martial arts.
Glossaries
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Gendai-Kihon | Gendai-Kihon (現代基本)Gendai-Kihon is a modern pedagogical classification in Japanese martial arts translating directly to "modern fundamentals" or "contemporary basic techniques." In Shotokan Karate and modern Budo, it refers to the standardized, scientifically refined foundational drills developed during the 20th century to facilitate group instruction, physical education, safety, and athletic competition. Gendai-Kihon systematically organizes basic blocks, punches, strikes, and kicks into standardized line drills, stepping patterns, and uniform biomechanical frameworks.
Author - Sensei Miller
Hits - 11 Synonyms -
Modern fundamentals, contemporary basics, standardized kihon, ido-kihon, modern basic techniques. |
| Gi | Gi (着 / 稽古着)Gi (properly termed Dōgi or Keikogi in traditional Japanese) is the official training uniform worn by practitioners of Shotokan Karate and various traditional Japanese Budo disciplines. Consisting of a crossover jacket (Uwagi), drawstring or elastic trousers (Shitabaki or Zubon), and a rank belt (Obi), the uniform is constructed from heavy-duty woven cotton or breathable canvas fabric. Far more than mere athletic apparel, the Gi serves as a egalitarian garment that strips away personal social status, reinforces dojo etiquette (Reirō), and facilitates rigorous physical conditioning (Shugyō).
Author - Sensei Miller
Hits - 21 Synonyms -
Karategi, keikogi, dogi, karate uniform, martial arts gi. |
| Gichin Funakoshi | Gichin Funakoshi (船越 義珍)Gichin Funakoshi (1868–1957) was a legendary Okinawan martial artist, educator, and philosopher widely revered as the "Father of Modern Karate." A pivotal figure in martial arts history, Master Funakoshi was instrumental in introducing Okinawan Karate-Jutsu to mainland Japan in the 1920s. By modernizing its training methods, standardizing its terminology, and emphasizing moral character development over mere combative effectiveness, he transformed the art into Shotokan Karate-Dō—a globally practiced discipline centered on physical forging, ethical conduct, and spiritual self-mastery.
Author - Sensei Miller
Hits - 60 Synonyms -
Father of modern karate, Master Funakoshi, Shoto, founder of Shotokan karate, Gichin Funakoshi Sensei. |
| Go | Go (五)In Japanese, Go (五) is the cardinal number five ($5$). Within the context of traditional Japanese martial arts and Shotokan Karate, it denotes counting, grouping, technical sequences, numbered sets of kata, and fundamental principles organized into fivefold structures.
Author - Sensei Miller
Hits - 31 Synonyms -
Five, 5, quintet, quinary, cardinal number five, itsutsu |
| Gohon-kumite | Gohon-kumite (五本組手)Gohon-kumite (五本組手) is a pre-arranged, fundamental five-step sparring drill in Shotokan Karate. In this exercise, the attacker (tori) advances continuously with five linear techniques—typically jodan oi-zuki (face-level stepping punch) or chudan oi-zuki (chest-level stepping punch)—while the defender (uke) steps backward five times executing designated blocks, culminating in a decisive counterattack on the fifth and final step.
Author - Sensei Miller
Hits - 24 Synonyms -
Five-step sparring, fundamental partner drill, pre-arranged sparring, five-technique sparring drill |