09/07/2026
Taught in Okinawa
OKINAWAN DOJO ETIQUETTE
things you should know
* You can do what you want in your style, organization or dojo. This is information for Okinawan Karate styles who follow tradition & ETIQUETTE
Over the past 25 years, the use of the word "Oss or Osu" has become common in many Karate Dojos. However, most people only understand this as some type of "Japanese Greeting", NOT understanding its historical reference in Okinawa.
The term "Oss" in Okinawa, is considered a militaristic term that was used in Japan. In Okinawa, this term may be considered derogatory and insulting (even if they do not acknowledged as so, out of politeness).
If you are training in Okinawan Karate-Do, using this term in Okinawa, to an Okinawan or in an Okinawan Karate dojo, should be avoided, as it's not appropriate.
An alternative expression you can used is "Hai" which basically is an affirmation of yes, a greeting, or understanding or acknowledgement and much more polite in the Okinawan setting. You can also use the Okinawan (Uchina Guchi) language "Hai sai"
Okinawan Shorin Ryu Karate - Midwest Honbu Dojo
Bill George - Following the Nagamine Legacy
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