Japanese for Martial Arts Students: Dojo Words, Phrases and Training in Japan
If you train in karate, judo, aikido, kendo or another Japanese martial art, a little Japanese goes a long way. You already know the dojo words. What helps most is understanding what they mean, pronouncing them properly and, if you plan to train in Japan, being able to introduce yourself, follow instructions and thank your teachers politely. A few months of lessons focused on dojo situations is usually enough for a training trip. Here are the words and phrases worth knowing and how to prepare.
Dojo words and what they really mean
| Word | Japanese | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| dōjō | 道場 | “Place of the way”, the training hall |
| sensei | 先生 | Teacher; also used for doctors and other experts |
| senpai / kōhai | 先輩・後輩 | Senior and junior students |
| keiko | 稽古 | Practice or training session |
| rei | 礼 | Bow; respect |
| seiza | 正座 | Formal kneeling |
| kata | 型・形 | Set forms or patterns |
| yame | 止め | Stop |
Pronunciation matters. Japanese vowels are short and even, so karate is “ka-ra-te”, not “ka-rah-tee”, and long vowels like the ō in dōjō are held for twice as long. Our Japanese pronunciation guide covers the sounds that trip up English speakers.
Phrases you’ll hear and use every session
- お願いします (onegaishimasu): said when bowing to a partner or teacher before practice. Roughly, “please train with me”.
- ありがとうございました (arigatō gozaimashita): “thank you” in the past tense, said at the end of practice.
- はい (hai): “yes” or “understood”. You’ll say it a lot.
- すみません、もう一度お願いします (sumimasen, mō ichido onegaishimasu): “Sorry, once more please.”
- 失礼します (shitsurei shimasu): said when entering or leaving the dojo or a teacher’s room.
A note on 押忍 (osu): it’s common in some karate styles, but not in every dojo or martial art, and it isn’t used in everyday life. Follow what the people around you say.
Counting
Many warm-ups and drills are counted in Japanese: ichi, ni, san, shi, go, roku, shichi, hachi, ku, jū. Some dojo use yon for four and nana for seven. Our guide to Japanese numbers and counters explains why both exist.
Preparing to train in Japan
Training in Japan is a dream for many martial artists, and teachers there appreciate visitors who make an effort with the language. Before you go, practise:
- A short self-introduction: your name, where you’re from, your style, your grade and how long you’ve trained. See our self-introduction guide.
- Polite requests: asking to join a class, asking where to change and asking about fees or rules.
- Following instructions: left and right, front and back, faster and slower, and the names of techniques in your style.
- An email or message in Japanese to contact the dojo before you arrive. Many dojo expect visitors to ask first, ideally with an introduction from their home teacher.
Understanding your art more deeply
Many martial arts terms carry ideas that English translations flatten, such as 残心 (zanshin, lasting awareness) or 守破離 (shu-ha-ri, the stages of learning). Learning to read the kanji in technique names, dojo mottos and grading certificates helps you understand what your teachers are passing on.
How Hanabuddies can help
Our native Japanese tutors can build online lessons around your martial art: pronunciation of dojo words, the phrases you need for a training trip, a self-introduction for your first class in Japan and help writing to a dojo. Tell us your style and when you plan to travel, and we’ll prepare a short course for you.