Martial Arts Glossary

Jiyu Ippon Kumite (自由一本組手), translated as "Semi-Free One-Step Sparring" or "One-Step Semi-Free Sparring," is an advanced sparring method in traditional Shotokan Karate that serves as the final transitional bridge between pre-arranged drills and unscripted free sparring (jiyu kumite).

Jiyu-Kumite (自由組手), translated as "Free Sparring," is the unscripted, non-preset sparring phase of traditional Shotokan Karate. It represents the culmination of basic technique (kihon) and structured paired drills (ippon and jiyu ippon kumite).

Jū (十) is the Japanese word for the number "Ten."

Jū (柔) is a foundational Japanese martial arts concept and character translated as "Gentleness," "Flexibility," "Yielding," or "Adaptability."

Junan Taiso (柔軟体操), translated as "Flexible Body Conditioning" or "Softening Exercises," is a traditional Japanese system of body preparation, dynamic stretching, joint mobility, and conditioning practiced prior to martial arts training.