Martial Arts Glossary
Glossary of commonly used terms in the Japanese martial arts.
Glossaries
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Yakusoku-Kumite | Yakusoku-Kumite (約束組手)Yakusoku-Kumite is a foundational pre-arranged sparring discipline in Shotokan Karate, translating directly to "promised sparring" or "agreed-upon engagement." In this pre-determined form of partner training, both the attacker (Tori) and defender (Uke) strictly agree beforehand on the precise target, stepping footwork, and attacking technique, as well as the defensive block and counter-attack, allowing practitioners to safely develop core combat attributes without fear of uncontrolled injury.
Author - Sensei Miller
Hits - 43 Synonyms -
Promised sparring, pre-arranged sparring, structured partner drills, ippon kumite, set sparring. |
| Yame | Yame (辞め / 止め)Yame is a universal command in traditional [[4]] and Shotokan Karate translating directly to "stop," "halt," or "cease." Spoken authoritatively by an instructor (Sensei), referee (Shupan), or panel judge during training or competition, Yame signals an immediate halt to all physical movement, techniques, and sparring engagements, directing practitioners to disengage, return to a neutral posture, and restore focused awareness (Zanshin).
Author - Sensei Miller
Hits - 23 Synonyms -
Stop, halt, cease, command to stop, disengage command, dojo halt command. |
| Yasume | Yasume (休め)Yasume is a standard vocal command in traditional Japanese martial arts and Shotokan Karate translating directly to "rest," "relax," or "at ease." Issued by an instructor (Sensei) or senior student (Senpai) following intense training segments, line drills (Kihon), or formal bowing protocols, Yasume signals to practitioners that they may ease their formal stance, relax physical tension, and rest briefly while remaining respectful and attentive within the dojo.
Author - Sensei Miller
Hits - 21 Synonyms -
Rest command, at ease, relax command, dojo rest posture, ease stance. |
| Yoi | Yōi (用意)Yōi is a fundamental vocal command and physical readiness posture in Shotokan Karate and traditional Japanese martial arts, translating directly to "ready," "prepare," or "set." Issued by an instructor (Sensei) or panel judge prior to the initiation of any formal exercise, kata, line drill (Kihon), or sparring match (Kumite), Yōi directs the practitioner to transition from a passive state into an unshakeable condition of physical stability, breath focus, and heightened mental alertness (Zanshin).
Author - Sensei Miller
Hits - 24 Synonyms -
Ready stance, prepare command, readiness posture, yōi-dachi, set posture, hachiji-dachi ready position. |
| Yoko-geri-kaegi | Yoko-geri-keage (横蹴り跳ね上げ)Yoko-geri-keage is a fundamental snapping kicking technique in Shotokan Karate, commonly known as the "side snap kick." Executed along a lateral trajectory by whipping the lower leg outward from a tight knee chamber and contacting the target with the sharp outer edge of the foot (Sokutō), this high-speed technique delivers percussive force to vulnerable lateral target areas while allowing for an immediate recoil back to balance.
Author - Sensei Miller
Hits - 18 Synonyms -
Side snap kick, yoko geri kaegi, yoko geri keage, lateral snap kick, sokuto snap kick. |
| Yoko-geri-kekomi | Yoko-geri-kekomi (横蹴り蹴込み)Yoko-geri-kekomi is a flagship thrusting kick in Shotokan Karate, universally known as the "side thrust kick." Driven along a powerful linear path by extending the hip, knee, and ankle joints in unison, this heavy technique impact-drives the sharp outer edge of the foot (Sokutō) or heel (Kakato) deep into an opponent to break their structure, knock them backward, or deliver a decisive stopping blow.
Author - Sensei Miller
Hits - 20 Synonyms -
Side thrust kick, yoko geri kekomi, lateral thrust kick, sokuto thrust kick, deep side kick. |
| Yūdansha-kai | Yūdansha-kai (有段者会)Yūdansha-kai is a formal organizational structure in Shotokan Karate and traditional Japanese martial arts translating directly to "Black Belt Association" or "Dan-holders' Council." Operating as a specialized body within a school, dojo, or international federation, the Yūdansha-kai is composed exclusively of practitioners who have attained black belt rank (Yūdansha). It serves as an administrative, technical, and fraternal council dedicated to preserving standard curriculum, conducting Dan grading examinations, mentoring mudansha (color belt grades), and maintaining the spiritual integrity of the art.
Author - Sensei Miller
Hits - 14 Synonyms -
Black Belt Association, Dan-holders council, Yudansha society, black belt council, senior rank association. |