kaette

Kaette (帰って / 変え て), in traditional Japanese martial arts, is a directional command translated as "Turn Around," "Return," or "Change."

Martial Arts Context & Usage

In traditional Shotokan Karate line drills (Kihon), Kaette is issued by the instructor (Sensei or Senpai) to instruct practitioners to pivot 180 degrees and face the opposite direction to continue a technique sequence across the dojo floor.

• Pivot & Turning Mechanic: Upon hearing the command, practitioners typically pivot sharply on the balls of their feet, maintaining their stance height, core engagement, and balance while executing a rear leg pivot or guard adjustment.

• Grammatical Root: It is the imperative/te-form of the verb kaeru (帰る - to return, or 変える - to turn/change).

• Common Dojo Usage: Frequently paired with a technique command—for example, "Mawatte" (spin/turn around) or "Kaette" during basic moving drills (e.g., executing oi-zuki down the floor, turning with gedan barai upon the command Kaette or Mawatte).