Salutation

Bowing is part of every Karate class. It may be a simple Oss between fellow students or the formal ritual that opens and closes training. In each case, it expresses a willingness to learn, respect for those who train with us and care for the dojo.

When we enter the dojo, we acknowledge the space, the instructor and our fellow students. This gesture reminds us that training begins with respect and attention.

The word "OSS"

Derived from the Japanese word Ossishinobu, equivalent to our good morning or good afternoon, it is a greeting full of patience, respect and appreciation, and can have different meanings depending on intonation.

The expression OSS was created at the Japanese Naval Academy and is universally used for everyday expressions such as "yes", "please", "thank you", "understood", "excuse me", to greet someone, etc., as well as in the world of Karate for almost any situation where a response is required.

For a karateka, OSS is the most important word. OSS means pushing oneself to the limit of one’s capacity and enduring.

OSS means, quite simply, "perseverance under pressure". It is a word which in itself sums up the philosophy of Karate.

A good Karate practitioner is one who cultivates the "spirit of OSS".

Salutation Rituals

Opening Ritual

SEIZA

Sit

MOKUSO

Meditate

MOKUSO YAME

Stop meditating

SHOMEN NI REI

Bow to the infinite essence

SENSEI NI REI

Bow to the Sensei (Teacher)

KIRITSU

Stand up

Closing Ritual

SEIZA

Sit

MOKUSO

Meditate

MOKUSO YAME

Stop meditating

HEIJOSHIN KORE KARATE DO NARI

Let us strive spiritually in this form of karate

NICHI NICHI NO KOKORO

With heart every day

OKOTARU BEKARAZU

Let us learn with discipline

SHOMEN NI REI

Bow to the infinite essence

SENSEI NI REI

Bow to the Teacher

DÔMÔ ARIGATO GOZAIMASU SENSEI

Thank you very much for the training, Sensei.

KIRITSU

Stand up

Formal Salutation

Practitioners should salute the Sensei and fellow students when entering and leaving the dojo.