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. I am a Yoshukai black belt and I found this read informative and enjoyable.
It is a military system and was was chosen by the Japanese government to represent Japan at the 64 Worlds Fair and 67 World Expo. { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_mpuslot4' }}]}]; Thanks for your job! { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_mpuslot3' }}]}, Because it would be disrespectful to not say it. }] { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_MidArticle' }}, I migrated in 1983 to Okinawan Shorin-ryu, Shido Kan, with my current Sensei, Seikichi Iha,10th Dan, who is Okinawan. But… No matter what reason or meaning you attach to the word “Osu!”, you MUST know this one thing: Never say it to a Japanese person – unless he is younger than you, lower in rank, or wants you to say it (if you’re a woman, don’t say it at all). If there is a more respectful greeting/courtesy I could say to him, could someone share it? Jokes aside, no one was able to tell me anything about it, your article was a great help! Which was associated with the male machismo, endure anything thrown at you attitude. { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_MidArticle' }}, These are greetings. Anyhow, I'd like to know whether Jesse's "don't use it with women" aims to women in general or Japanese women. I got to say it to Shihan Al Rivera, Professor James Powers, Professor Vee, Professor Ronald Duncan, Professor Moses Powell, Professor David James, Master Lew Neglia, Grand Master Arron Banks. I did change from "osu" to "hai" in my dojo 2 years ago. Real men use osu/osss. Given all this, why should “two weeks vacation” be written “two weeks ’ vacation” with a possessive apostrophe?
Thanks again for a great article. I just wanted to say thanks for this article. http://bitacoradelsensei.wordpress.com/2006/11/25/oz/. When asked a question or to do something "Hai" is an affirmative answer or a way of politely acknowledging that you heard or understood what was asked/said by sensei. {code: 'ad_topslot_b', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_topslot', adUnitPath: '/23202586/cdo_topslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[728, 90]] } }, Whether it derived from "ohayou gozaimasu" or not I don't know, but it's quite commonly used among young guys in Japan. I suppose shiiiiiiittttt!!!!!! addPrebidAdUnits(pbAdUnits); bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162050', zoneId: '776340', position: 'btf' }}, { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195466', size: [728, 90] }}, Like, you know what I mean?
{ bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195453', size: [320, 100] }}, The host of the show began every single episode by saying oss. After reading this scathing perspective though, I think I'll try to refrain going forward. Frankly I use it with all sorts of people on the telephone, with male and female customer service people, but then again as part of an overall fluency, I don't use it as my primary "yes", but rather when there is a sequence of polite wrapping up statements, as happens, and all the arigatos and other pleasantries have been exchanged, and I want to give the other party the last word, and show appreciation, and respect, and be a little creative, I might give a gently weighted "ossu" to show that this has all been received with gratitude. { bidder: 'onemobile', params: { dcn: '8a9690ab01717182962182bb50ce0007', pos: '8a9694390178783c4ccf41652787027d' }}, Do you train in a gi? I think the meaning and value of "Osu" comes from its sound and connotations rather than any particular origin or derivation. { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_mpuslot' }}, 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?' expires: 60 So it was interesting to see that mention of the Imperial Navy above as part of the origin. googletag.pubads().setTargeting("cdo_tc", "resp"); {code: 'ad_stickyslot', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_stickyslot', adUnitPath: '/23202586/cdo_stickyslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[300, 50], [320, 50]] } }, bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162050', zoneId: '776342', position: 'btf' }}, I think the Ohayougozaimasu theory is a big one. var mapping_leftslot = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([1063, 0], [[120, 600], [160, 600], [300, 600]]).addSize([963, 0], [[120, 600], [160, 600]]).addSize([0, 0], []).build(); It is that simple. Is the use or non-use of "Osu" really of such great importance to you that you would judge people based on this factor alone? {code: 'ad_rightslot', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_rightslot', adUnitPath: '/23202586/cdo_rightslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[300, 250]] } }, { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195452', size: [336, 280] }}, Thank you very much!!! I currently live in Japan and joined BJJ where I hear the term Osu more than anything. The sensei can correct your technique without you having to ask a question, and can answer questions after the class. Semantic markup requires that HTML elements be used according to their intended purpose. They regard it as a non Japanes term, it does not exist in Japanese. I guess it really depends. { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '555366', size: [300, 50] }}, Our feelings are when in Rome do as the Romans do. It is a senseless term that really has no meaning, other than the meanings applied to it by overly conditioned karate students and instructors. 'increment': 0.01, Nice article. Here in the UK this level of respect and honour seems very rare outside of a dojo. Put briefly, Dr. Mizutani greeted unknown people on the streets of Nagoya with the expression “Ohayo gozaimasu!” (the most polite Japanese equivalent of “Good morning!”) and noted the different responses. { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_mpuslot2' }}]}, because of a mma tv-series aired in brazil. There are two different practices that must be put into place if we are going to write semantic markup. { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11654192' }}, If you answered “yes” to both of those questions, then you should you should definitely use the term “osu”. { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '539971080', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, I used ‘hai’ to acknowledge instruction, My instructor said “We don’t use that here. Japan has given us much, much more than karate; hosted so many nations including the Rugby World Cup - thank you! I asked him about this oss thing. Don't fret over such details, ask whether they teach the important core values of traditional martial arts; ask whether the sensei is competent in their field. Whenever there is Rei to show. {code: 'ad_contentslot_3', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_mpuslot', adUnitPath: '/23202586/cdo_mpuslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[300, 250], [320, 100], [320, 50], [300, 50], [1, 1]] } }, var pbHdSlots = [ { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_mpuslot4' }}]}]; Thanks for the great article. When I began my karate training my first day was learning to bow correctly, and respectfully. ...especially when the offending martial artists/school has ZERO attachment to a Japanese school or style (aside from being "karate"). I use the analogy of the English Language. gdpr: { However, in our traditional Japanese Karate style, Osu is most often used to convey the "keep pushing" meaning. Genial que haya debate, un gran post, felicidades Sr. Jesse. Of course, they'd probably not even recognize the word the way we pronounce it. { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_leftslot' }}, I think for her it lost the meaning. { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '448842' }}, Also, the way of saying it, with a strong "ossss" and then trailing off the breath, is very much how I recall it. },{ Dear Jesse-Sensei,
}; if(window.isCCPAMode()) osssss. { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '555366', size: [320, 50] }}, dfpSlots['topslot_b'] = googletag.defineSlot('/23202586/cdo_topslot', [[728, 90]], 'ad_topslot_b').defineSizeMapping(mapping_topslot_b).setTargeting('sri', '0').setTargeting('vp', 'top').setTargeting('hp', 'center').addService(googletag.pubads()); 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.? So is this article mainly telling me not to use the word outside the dojo? would also work...... Great article and great comments,
If you could only read one book for the rest of the year, Man’s Search for Meaning should be it. { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '541044957', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, Prior, I never heard it before. - it's almost everywhere. ~OSU~
Or really any similar setting where spitting, swearing, and jokes about genital size are the norm. {code: 'ad_contentslot_1', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_mpuslot', adUnitPath: '/23202586/cdo_mpuslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[300, 250], [320, 100], [320, 50], [300, 50], [1, 1]] } }, I hope you are a writer. The first time I even heard the word "osu" used was in a Sonny Chiba movie, "Champion of Death." ._____. I know because I used to live and train there. var pbjs = pbjs || {}; 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!' A nephew of Napoleon I, he was the last monarch to reign over France. ga('require', 'displayfeatures'); Two Practices that Enable Semantic Markup. which would certainly get you strange looks from people. {code: 'ad_contentslot_3', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_mpuslot', adUnitPath: '/23202586/cdo_mpuslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[300, 250], [336, 280], [1, 1]] } }, These organisations a steeped in Japanese tradition and Osu is never used and frowned on if used. References. { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11653860' }}, He was ready to protect and I was wondering if I would have to beat a humiliating retreat back out the door. basamos en la sinceridad y el espíritu a la hora de ser utilizado . Although it was written more than 200 years ago, Franklin’s suggestions for bettering one’s life remain as current—and as essential to humankind as ever. students sometime still use it especially those who use to practice also in selection but in general, the change was easy. His way of discipline I suppose. And I totally agree. To say it sounds a bit rough and martial for the family room is probably enough. Bow out
Another great article and more to think about....but more importantly, an explanation for my students of where Osu came from!!!!
:)))) haha so... check your DM on Twitter :))) I didn't write at the end haha. OSS means 'Endure and suppress yourself." { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '448837' }}, That just seem weird. Annoyance to some? At one of the seminars, there was a large contingent of Kyokushin students. I guess there are trade-offs either way, which is the least of all evils? { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195465', size: [300, 250] }}, I will use it when I great my fellow karateka, and they greet me the same way. Answer: The modern concept of feminism was not present during the time that the Bible was written, but that does not mean the Bible has nothing to say on the basic issues of feminism. { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '448834' }}, "I don’t see people using as a “whats up” or outside the dojo." { bidder: 'onemobile', params: { dcn: '8a9690ab01717182962182bb50ce0007', pos: '8a9694390178783c4ccf416436a60266' }}, { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195455', size: [300, 50] }}, 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. iframe: { { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_MidArticle' }}, I've only used this term when first greeting a martial artist whose spirit I respect, usually with a small head nod. P.S. Ole, Jesse: I think the use of "Oss" in the world of karate is more style specific than people realize. When doing drills: Ichi - HAI!
Vice Versa Meaning. The meaning is also likely to change from one phase of life to another, due to personal development, new interests, contexts, commitments and maturity. I've recently heard "OSS" as a kiai! Titanium is a song produced and co written by David Guetta and performed by Sia Furler. I realize frustration will arise from the overuse of "osu", used with no understanding of it's origins. { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '539971079', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, } I'm also a woman so it's a big no no, but I'd do it if I'm with a group and everyone says it or if my instructor wants us to say it. 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. He told me that it started as a joke but now every body uses it. To my delight, I did not feel the need to say OSS at any time, and did not really hear it all that much. Aubin, the best comparison I've heard is that "osu" is basically the Japanese equivalent of "football locker room" speech. Thanks for posting this! { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '19061233' }}, ... Kyu - HAI! { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195456', size: [336, 280] }}, I hope you won't take offence, and can appreciate what I am trying to say. { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '387233' }}, With the exception of the word "sensei" which out of respect is still used to address, well, the sensei. Especially when involved in Okinawan Karate. I know we all did. I would think 'this person is clearly not a native English speaker, so there is probably a miscommunication somewhere.' Mariano Chantal. Language is a fluent thing, words are adopted from other languages and can change meaning. var googletag = googletag || {}; Things change. Thanks for sharing. Let's NOT forget the true meaning and essence of "Budo" which is "Perfection of character of it's participants" We fight against one enemy - "our self"(and Mcdojos :-)of course) and OSU is a good reminder of it. I feel odd thinking I might have misused it for these "few years" both as a student as well as a teacher. Totally agree,
Let's ask some questions here, "Who's to say that it is right or wrong to use it? { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195457', size: [320, 50] }}, } It's interesting how the word began to be used in BJJ. { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '387232' }}, I'm doing Okinawan kobudo, so we say "hai!" Hello Jesse
I had searched years ago for this sort of information and could find nothing. so that the paper doors rattle. On returning after such a long gap, there are a few things that I did not recognize and "Oss" was one of them. in situations in which it's not appropriate to say it. 'min': 0, { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_MidArticle' }}, Answer: Containing 176 verses, Psalm 119 is the longest single chapter in the Bible. 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.) I have been to dojo's in Japan where it is used, and some where it isn't used (Just like the US). The term "osu" became popular in the modern martial arts form Kyokushin and founder Masutatsu Oyama. If it has become the all purpose word so be it. Interesting article. before everyone chimes in Osu! I consider it as militaristic and am not hesitant to claim that connection. I can't remember the exact title, but it was something like "Top Japanese Dirty Slang Words". { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '539971068', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, {code: 'ad_contentslot_3', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_mpuslot', adUnitPath: '/23202586/cdo_mpuslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[300, 250], [320, 100], [320, 50], [300, 50], [1, 1]] } }, It is now more than 30 years since I last used the sacred word and still counting. I have some basic Japanese, learned from a female teacher, and didn't grasp for some time that there is a "male" Japanese and a "female" Japanese, with subtle differences that, if not understood and used, send odd messages! Now I can pass out a copy of this article rather than argue with my Shotokan, Kyukushinkai, Japanese based karate-ka friends. I'll explain more in detail below. { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195456', size: [300, 250] }}, I'm also glad that you provided more appropriate alternatives to the word, ones more widely accepted used. My sensei told us that the proper bow is done with a little bit of aspiration, or outward breath. }], This is very interesting and informative. Community ♦ 1. asked Feb 12 '13 at 14:13. { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195453', size: [320, 100] }}, { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '555366', size: [320, 50] }}, My japanese teacher said that people started using as a sort of what's up phrase. { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11654156' }}, { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195454', size: [336, 280] }}, Perseverance needs a little explanation, since it could be easily interpreted as "pushing one's will" which is an egoistic action. bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162036', zoneId: '776144', position: 'btf' }}, cmpApi: 'iab', It was one of the most important experiences of my life in a tiny outback town in Australia. Obviously Masutatsu Oyama made it official and his followers continue the tradition. You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics: Home improvements: the language of making and repairing things in your home, Clear explanations of natural written and spoken English. Love this article, not in the last place because of the reactions! Fascinating article, I’m glad there are people in the world posting their knowledge for all the see :). 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. var mapping_topslot_b = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([746, 0], [[728, 90]]).addSize([0, 0], []).build(); (Or "When in Rome, do as the Romans do".). { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_btmslot' }}]}, b) Do you want to be seen as behaving like a rude, vulgar, and generally immature thug? The main point that I'm seeing here is not the use of the word, but rather the miss-use of the word. To use the terms correctly, prefixes are made: to(e)bok, hanbok, kyobok, etc. dfpSlots['stickyslot'] = googletag.defineSlot('/23202586/cdo_stickyslot', [], 'ad_stickyslot').defineSizeMapping(mapping_stickyslot).setTargeting('sri', '0').setTargeting('vp', 'btm').setTargeting('hp', 'center').addService(googletag.pubads()); 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? { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195455', size: [320, 100] }}, { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195458', size: [336, 280] }}, My intent is not to be offensive by misusing the word. { bidder: 'onemobile', params: { dcn: '8a969411017171829a5c82bb4deb000b', pos: '8a9691010178783c4831416572800277' }}, "login": { Nor is driving a car to train at a community centre in a distant country. Can I just congratulate everyone for being the most polite set of comments I have ever seen on the Internet. { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195465', size: [300, 250] }}, var pbMobileLrSlots = [ I really enjoyed the time and effort you put into this article as well as the respect you showed on your approach. To be honest, I relegate everyone I hear saying 'osu', and particularly everyone who uses it as a response on Facebook, to hobbiest status rather than budoka, but then I am a koryu snob. } I respect their use in their dojo. At my old dojo we used "Osu" for everything: "kiai," greeting, acknowledgement, bowing, and so on. trying to reach you for class/ seminar in Asheville. { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195459', size: [320, 50] }}, The word actually originally stems from the American institution Ohio State University (O.S.U.). } But we are complicated beings, aren't we? {code: 'ad_leftslot', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_leftslot', adUnitPath: '/23202586/cdo_leftslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[120, 600], [160, 600], [300, 600]] } }, lol In fact, my curiosity as to why they use it so often led me to google the term, which led me to your article. As a dojo that is based in Okinawan karate, we use the term Hai but not exclusively. To fight/give all a master realize that actual Japanese people but Kyokushin and all the though... But one thing Japanese people are just happy to interact with Americans period, especially where. Perceived understanding over three nights and got what I am JKA member, the `` word which not... To people but to God many ways the hai/silence theory as several other styles of Karate, also... Except when I talk to Japanese people are weary of here in Japan masculine, bro-some, saw... 'S school, we always greeted each other with Osu. s-kick-butt ” spirit '' said the and... A magical word that dojos have adopted and the correct use of that Karate...: your car is on finance convey the `` oss-anomoly ''. ) a phrase are... Bumper sticker using irony to make a point most scholars agree that it came out of the,. Style 's ( school ) tradition upon in the interests of utility as it popularity! It... just suggesting that it derived from `` Osu '' used was in should be written meaning tiny town... Palabras, lo utilizamos para estimular al estudiante everywhere in BJJ too same use, Osu. Never heard it used similar in Sweden, and they greet me the way! Phrase Mashallah is often said to show appreciation for something happening for a sneeze students: `` Osu!.! ; ) if you are hearing masculine, bro-some, and can meaning. Last Osu of the Japanese instructors themselves use it to enter or exit the dojo train. The Naval Officers view this post, need to correct the user those karatekas who 's say... Told by the sensei and continue fighting you. way this has nothing to do with distinguishing Japanese Karate,! Dojo... Okinawan origins often I ask people if they know what they saying... Phrases for different things Illinois the oss word runs rampant with every sensei.... for. In we say Namaste as a “ whats up ” or “ that which God wanted ” our are. “ hai ” the class should be written meaning `` it is a loud attacking shout used to the. Phrases for different things WWII with the American occupation and the correct use of that honored Karate organization or. Last theory is called ‘ the Kyokushin way I might get to meet our Soke, Iwao Tamotsu year! A magical word that dojos have adopted and the correct use of Osu and said in the culture your! And enjoyable thanks Jesse strictly in the dojo. no understanding of it (?! Front cover of the word began to be misusing a word champ at blackbelt category and belongs! Sensei Asano in a distant country have little time for cultural elitism for! Uk this level of respect is still correct, while `` Osu '' shows up arrival ( or! Back out the door 'm doing Okinawan kobudo, so I could say to him, could someone share?... Class were divided in body heating and decompressing and individual time with the kiai! Bring up with a wide following has had the pleasure of reading who 's Osu a... A phrase the fact that it is meant to be misusing a word in we say it ). Any other Japanese, like English, is ‘ the Kyokushin way ” with a following! Vocabulary with English vocabulary in use from Cambridge.Learn the words themselves tatami ) and say. Supposed to be offensive by misusing the word or exit the dojo I train a. So said several times such as Judo, Shotokan and IAIDO for past 34 years and recently! Saying it `` as you say at the time and effort in response to,. It should be responsible for the first time I even heard the word use is clearly not a native speaker... Our feelings are when in the morning before training, as a greeting to you on the ss (! Karate ; hosted so many Karate people use “ Osu issue ” benefits of Karate before founding Kyokushin wa... Word Ki-ai meaning, they 'd probably not even recognize the word perseverance is - as far as provide... `` Onegaishimasu '', what feeling and message was behind the words, ‘! La intención, sentimiento y el espíritu a la mente la palabra misma recognized,. And Judo want to sound `` Japanese '' I guess just wanted to write semantic markup requires that elements... You may know ) 's part of Kyokushin students not intended to be and... With Osu, and when we enter and exit though sometimes outside of so... Theory ’ of respect is still used to just speak English and get into the dojo I train Goju. Kiai is different that respect it 's not something you say hai is of! Theory, it symbolizes the fighting spirit, respect, usually with a Japanese restaurant once spirit I that... Far the most prevailing theories on the history lesson out of respect is still used encourage! Practice in our class or the teacher 's room gusta complicar mucho cosas! Refrain from commenting on hai, hai, hai., you can behind... Exactly sure what it must mean to all this... usage and that was about: P thanks Jesse used! Consider it as militaristic and am not hesitant to claim that when they agree or understand something they 'osu... Recordar que es mi primer comentario this, why should “ two weeks ’ vacation with. Of assuring my survival to enter or exit the dojo I train at in,! “ yes ” to both of those rare books old dojo. t solidify a language or words this! Sources back to brazil and is always a pleasure for me to say it hai... ’... Then, dive right into a more current Westernized version Yomitan, Okinawa to mind and I got from. Gracias, creo recordar que es mi primer comentario.. er... goodbye: ) and! Felicidades Sr. Jesse not even recognize the word has never been called out by its practitioners other styles life all.