Dogi:(DOUGH-gi) means uniform. It is more commonly just called a "gi" withing the dojo.

Dojo: (DOUGH-jo) literally means school, and generally refers to any place where karate is taught.

Giri: (gear-EE) means "duty," and can refer to duty to one's self, one's family or one's community.

Karatedo: (kuh-RAH-tee-DOUGH) means "the way of the empty hand."

Karateka: (kuh-RAH-teh-kah) refers to any student of karate, regardless of rank.

Kata: (COT-uh) are forms. They are made up of many stances and techniques and are basically stylized fights.

Ki: (KEY) means "inner energy"

Kihon: (KEY-hon) literally means "basics." This refers to warm-up exercises which repeat the basic stances and techniques.

Kime: (KEE-may) means focus, and usually means focusing on the technique or moment at hand

Kohai: (KO-high) are karateka who have not yet reached the rank of black belt.

Kumite: (KOOM-uh-tay) means sparring or fighting

Kyokushin: (key-YO-koo-shen) is a style of Karate founded by Masutatsu Oyama which highlights strenuous physical training.

Obi: (OH-bee) is a belt. It is traditionally worn with one's dogi as part of the complete karate uniform.

Osu: (OOS) is a complex concept at the heart of the Associtation's philosophy. It is described here.

Ryu: (re-YEW) means school. It usually refers to a substyle of karate

Tameshiwari: (TAM-uh-shee-WAR-ee) means breaking. It refers to breaking of boards, blocks, or other objects as a display of power and technique.

Yudansha: (yew-DON-sha) are karateka who have attained the rank of black belt.