07/27/2024
How to correctly respond in thebDojo
In Japan, it’s considered impolite to use casual language with people who are older than you or have more seniority at work or school. So let’s look at some polite ways to say yes in Japanese.
1. はい（Hai）- Affirmative, Correct
Hai is the textbook translation for yes in Japanese.
Hai is also used like the English words “mm-hm” or “yeah,” affirming to the other person that you are actively listening to their conversation.
The Meaning of “OSS” / “OSU” (+ When You Should NEVER Say It)
By Jesse Enkamp
Imagine…
If there was a magical word that could be used for nearly anything.
Wouldn’t that be AWESOME?
Well, for many martial artists there is such a word!
I’m talking about “Osu!” (pronounced “Oss!”)
In a lot of Karate schools, and even some BJJ / MMA gyms, the term “Osu!” seems to mean everything and anything – including: “hi”, “hello”, “goodbye”, “okay”, “thanks”, “excuse me”, “hey there”, “come here”, “go there”, “what’s up”, “look at me”, “do it this way”, “that way”, “do you understand?”, “I understand” and “train harder”.
It is the ultimate utility word for many martial artists!
Insanely useful.
And insanely m-i-s-u-n-d-e-r-s-t-o-o-d.
What exactly does this magical “Osu!” even mean?
Where does the term come from?
When should you use it?
Why do some people use it for everything?
The History & Origins of “Osu!”
According to history books, the expression “Osu!” first appeared in the Officers Academy of the Imperial Japanese Navy, in the early 20th century.
This fact, combined with the fact that “Osu!” is non-existent in traditional Karate dojos of Okinawa (read more about that here), tells us two things:
The term did not originate in the birthplace of Karate (Okinawa).
It has militaristic, group-think mentality undertones.
In other words…
There is something fishy going on!
In its form and use today it means something like "Right On" and is considered derogatory in formal Karate. We are being laughed at when real Japanese speakers hear us use it.
My son lives in Japan and is fluent. He told me this over 10 years ago. I stopped its use in my dojo now using the correct response of "Hai"
