DYNAMIC MARTIAL ARTS OF SIOUX FALLS
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Japanese Language Basics

Pronunciation Basics
a = “a” in “father”, but short and crisp
e = “ay” in “may” but without final “y” sound
i = “ee” in “keep”, but short and crisp
o = “o” in “go”, but without final “u” sound
u = “u” in “put”, but without rounding the lips

Note 1: Each Japanese vowel is pronounced short, clipped, and with equal length. For example, in “sensee” (teacher), the “ee” at the end is pronounced twice as long as the first “e”. In “oi” (lunge), the “o” and the “i” are both pronounced, like the “oy” in “boy”, but short and clipped, or the “a” and “i” in “hai” (yes) which sound like “uy” in “buy”.

Note 2: The vowels “u” and “i” are often silent or whispered, that is although they exist in the rhythm of pronunciation, they are often very de-emphasized. For instance, the “u” in “tsuki” (punch or thrust) is whispered, making the word sound like “tski”. Likewise the first “i” in “shichi” (seven) is whispered, which makes it sound like “sh’chi”.

Note 3: The consonant “r” is pronounced by placing the tip of the tongue on top of the mouth and right behind the upper teeth, making “r” sound very much like “d+l” or like the word “very” when pronounced with a British accent (“veddy”). There is no “l” in Japanese, and thus words that are borrowed from other languages will often have an “r” instead of an “l”.
Common Martial Arts Terms & Phases
Please note that many terms and phases you will hear in the dojo take on special meaning in Japanese when used in relation to martial arts.  Also, a direct translation is not always possible for English to Japanese due to cultural and language norms that do not translate well.
Counting
Ichi - 1
Ni - 2
San - 3
Shi / Yon - 4
Go - 5
Roku - 6
Shichi / Nanatsu - 7
Hachi - 8
Ku - 9
Ju - 10
Juichi - 11
Juni - 12
Jusan - 13
Jushi / Juyon - 14
Jugo - 15
Juroku - 16
Jushichi / Junana - 17
Juhachi - 18
Juku - 19
Niju - 20
Nijuichi - 21
SanJu - 30
Yonju - 40
Haku / Hyaku - 100
Titles
  • Sensei - Teacher (one who came before)
  • Renshi - Polished Teacher
  • Kyoshi - Expert Teacher
  • Shihan - Master Teacher (to be a model)
  • Hanshi - Teacher of teachers

Ranks
  • Shodan - Beginner level (1st degree black belt)
  • Nidan - 2nd degree black belt
  • Sandan - 3rd degree black belt

Directions
  • Mae - Front
  • Hidari - Left
  • Migi - Right
  • Ushiro - rear

Commands
  • Yame - Stop & look at me
  • Mate - Stop
  • Hajimi - Begin
Greetings & Courtesy
  • Kon'nichiwa - hello
  • Konbanwa - good evening
  • Ohayogozaimasu - good morning
  • Onegaishimasu - please
  • Arigatou - Thank you
  • Arigatou gozaimasu - Thank you (formal address)
  • Doumo Arigatou - Thank you very much
  • Doumo Arigatou gozaimasu - Thank you very much
  • Doumo - Thanks
  • Arigatou gozaimashita - Past tense thank you (end of class thank you)
  • Doitashimashita - You're welcome (though the people in Japan rarely use it.  "Your welcome" does not translate across cultures well.)
  • Dozo - If you would please

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  • Home
  • About
    • Class Schedule
    • Instructors >
      • Head Instructor
      • Instructors
      • Grand Masters >
        • Hanshi Alexander
        • Hanshi Usera
        • Hanshi Penland
    • Programs >
      • Bujin Ki Ryu Jujitsu
      • Shorin Ryu Karate
      • Youth Wrestling
      • Kobudo (Weapons)
      • Japanese Sword
      • HEMA - Longsword
      • Tai Chi Chuan
      • Fitness Classes
      • Home School Classes
      • Olympic Fencing
      • Kendo / Kumdo
    • Affiliations
    • Common Questions
  • New Students
    • Why DMA?
    • First Day of Class
    • Safety Rules
    • Common Questions
    • Sign Up
  • Current Students
    • Safety Rules
    • How to tie your belt
    • Caring for your equipment
    • Japanese Language
    • Dojo Rules and Etiquette
    • Recommended Reading
    • Digital Training Resources
  • Self Defense
    • Overview of Self Defense
    • Register for a class
  • Private Training
    • Private Training for Individuals
    • Small Group Training
    • Seminars for Corporations
    • Police & Security Tactical Training
  • Events
    • Sioux Falls Open
    • Winter Warrior Camp
    • Martial Arts Summer Camps
  • Contact
  • DMA Online Store