Glossary — Wolf Clan Zen Do Kai

Titles & Ranks

Soke: Founder and head of the martial arts system. In Zen Do Kai, this title belongs to Bob Jones.
Kyoshi: Master instructor, 5th Dan and above. Family Head level.
Renshi: Expert instructor, 4th Dan. Clan Head level.
Sensei: Teacher, 3rd Dan. Can head a club.
Dai Sempai: Senior assistant instructor, 2nd Dan.
Sempai: Assistant instructor, 1st Dan.
Dan: Black belt degree (e.g. Shodan = 1st Dan).
Kyu: Coloured belt rank below black belt.
Shodan: 1st Degree Black Belt.
Nidan: 2nd Degree Black Belt.
Sandan: 3rd Degree Black Belt.
Yondan: 4th Degree Black Belt.
Sho Dan Ho: Provisional Black Belt. The first black belt grading.

Dojo: “Sacred place” of training. Treat with respect.
Gi: Training uniform. Must be kept clean; belt must never be washed.
Kata: Prescribed patterns of technique (forms).
Kumite: Free fighting / sparring.
Kihon: Basic techniques practiced individually.
Osu (Oss): From “Oshi Shinobu” meaning push and endure. Expresses patience, respect, determination. Replaces “yes”, “hello”, “goodbye” in the dojo.

Front Kick: Straight kick to the front using ball of foot or heel.
Roundhouse: Circular kick using the shin or instep.
Side Kick: Linear kick to the side using the edge of the foot.
Back Kick: Rear-directed kick using the heel.
Crescent Kick: Arc-shaped kick passing across the body.
Thigh Kick: Low roundhouse targeting the opponent’s thigh.
Spinning Back Kick: Rotating 180° to deliver a back kick with increased power.

Attention Stance: Feet together, arms at sides. Used for formal address.
Cover Stance: Hands protecting the face. Defensive ready position.
Preparation Stance: Ready position before starting a form or drill.
Fighting Stance: Primary combat stance. Lead foot forward, weight distributed.
Shoulder Stance: Wide stance with weight centred.
Iron Horse Stance: Deep squat stance. Develops leg strength and stability.
Dragon Stance: Long stance with rear leg straight.
Bear Stance: Short, powerful stance.
Cat Stance: Most weight on rear leg, front foot light.
Half Stance: Transitional stance between positions.

Punch Routine: Basic hand technique form. First form learned.
Kick Routine: Basic kicking technique form.
Combination Routine: Advanced form combining punches and kicks.
Iron Horse: Traditional strength form performed in Iron Horse stance.
Sanchin (Three Battles): Breathing and tension form. Battles of body, mind and spirit.
Tensho (Rotating Palms): Circular hand technique form emphasising flow.
Seinchin (Lull Before the Storm): Advanced form with elbow techniques.
Lightning Strikes Twice: Dan grade form.
Freeform: Personal creative form for competition and grading.
Bo Kata: Weapons form using the bo (staff).

Senjo: Battlefield ceremony. Features three candles: Red (Body), Gold (Mind), Blue (Spirit).
Bushido: “Way of the Warrior.” Code of honour with seven virtues: Rectitude, Courage, Benevolence, Respect, Honesty, Honour, Loyalty.
Niju Kun: The Twenty Guiding Principles of Gichin Funakoshi.
Dojo Kun: Rules posted at the dojo entrance. Derived from the Niju Kun.

Focus Pads: Hand-held targets for punch combinations.
Kick Shields: Large padded targets for kicks.
Thai Pads: Elongated pads for mixed striking combinations (punches, kicks, knees).
Bo: Wooden staff weapon, approximately 6 feet long.