Martial Arts Glossary

Gendai-Kihon (現代基本), translated literally as "Modern Fundamentals" or "Contemporary Basics," refers to the standardized, systematized foundational techniques, training methodologies, and biomechanical principles established in modern Japanese martial arts (Gendai Budo) and contemporary Shotokan Karate.

Gi (着 / 衣), derived from Keikogi (稽古着) or Dogi (道着), translated literally as "Training Uniform" or "Clothes for the Way," is the traditional white attire worn by practitioners during the practice of traditional Japanese martial arts and Shotokan Karate.

Gichin Funakoshi (船越 義珍, November 10, 1868 – April 26, 1957) is widely revered as the "Father of Modern Karate." An Okinawan educator, scholar, and martial artist, Master Funakoshi was the pivotal figure responsible for introducing Karate from the island of Okinawa to mainland Japan in the 1920s, transforming it from a localized Okinawan self-defense art (Tōde / Ti) into a modern, globally practiced path of physical and character refinement (Karate-do).

Go (五 / ご) is the Japanese word for the number five ($5$).

In traditional Japanese martial arts (Budo), including Karate, it is commonly used during class counting, warm-up drills, and sequence repetitions:

• Counting (1–5): Ichi (1), Ni (2), San (3), Shi/Yon (4), Go (5).

Gohon Kumite (五本組手, Five-Step Sparring—often misspelled as gohan) is a fundamental, pre-arranged partner drill in traditional karate (most notably Shotokan).

It serves as a foundational bridge between basic solo line work (kihon) and free sparring (jiyu kumite).