Many Japanese words do not have a word for word translation; therefore, more than one translation may be given. For example, the word kokoro; can be defined as spirit; heart; will; mood; and intention.

The key to correct pronunciation of Japanese lies in the five vowel sounds.

A as in father

I as in unique

U as in rude

E as in yet

O as in hope

Consonants are pronounced the same as in English with the following exceptions:

G is always hard as in go.

R is halfway between the English R and D sounding something like L.

Long vowels like Karate-Dô, are pronounced the same only held longer.

Double consonants are both pronounced. For example, the word tettsui; is pronounced tet-tsui with both t's enunciated.

Vowels are frequently muted after a soft consonant. Examples are:

The pronunciation of some consonants changes when combining words and when shifting to the combining form of verbs. Some examples are:

Taika Oyata – Judan from Okinawa, Japan. He is the Head Instructor of RyûTe Renmei and Oyata Shin Shu Ho Ryû…. Taika began his training from Uhugushiku and Wakinaguri. He later trained with Shigeru Nakamura and was training partners with Seikechi Uehara. He moved to the United States in 1976 and set up his international organizations with his senior students.

Uhugushiku - A retired warrior, who had been one of the last to have served in the capacity of guard to the royal family of Okinawa. He taught Taika Oyata, weapons, weapons fighting theory and how to study kata.

Wakinaguri - A descendent of the Chinese families that were sent to Okinawa from China as envoys. He taught Taika Oyata theory about the body and how to study and develop technique. He was an expert in the art of kyusho jitsu.

Nakamura - Responsible for introducing Bogu Kumite into karate as a means to test techniques while offering protection to the karate practitioners. He taught Taika Oyata the 12 empty hand kata that are taught in RyuTe.

Uehara - Inherited the art of Motobu Ryû from Choyu Motobû. He led a research group where Taika Oyata compaired what he had learned from Uhugushiku and Wakinawari with the art taught by Uehara.

Ken Pu Kan - The name of Taika Oyata's dojo in Okinawa. He was given that name because of his quick hands. They reminded his instructors of a Typhoon. Taika Oyata bestowed the same name to Kyoshi Logue's dojo.

Okinawa - The largest island in the Ryukyu Island Chain. Okinawa is located below Southern Japan and just North of Taiwan. Okinawa played an important role in the development of karate and is considered the birth place of modern karate.

RyûTe Renmei - This is the name of the organization headed by Taika Seiyu Oyata. RyûTe is sort of an accronym for Ryukyû Hands. Taika Chose this name because he believes that all of the Ryukyû's and it's people are responsible for the development of karate. He wanted to show this relationship in the name of the art that we practice.

Oyata Shin Shu Ho Ryû - Taika Oyata has taken the art past to him by his teachers and has combined it with the wisdom and experience he has gained to form an elite group of his most trusted students. He believes that character, not just technique is important to understanding the true meaning of karate. "Shin Shu Ho" is translated as, "To strive to attain true moral goodness and To express it through one's every action."

Rokkan: To study your opponent to determine his basic physical factors. Observe his actions while walking, talking, drinking or doing any physical activity. Is he left-handed or right-handed? How tall is he? Is he large or small build? This will give a picture of his physical makeup and possibly point out his strengths and weakness.

Kenkyu: To study your opponent's technique. That is, observe his actions to determine his skill level and the way in which he carries himself. If you can observe him actually using a technique, is there a weakness?

Skiganai: To create a diversion by not taking a defensive position or showing weakness. Appearing to be open while being aware of what is open.

Ichi geki: (one technique). In strategy, timing is of utmost importance. Strike the opponent when he is at his weakest point to defend, when he is attacking. Block or divert and strike in one motion.

Karate Ni Senti Nashi: (there is no first attack in karate). While this has come to have moral applications, it is also a strategy. Attack the opponent after he begins his move, he will reveal his weak areas and will not be able to defend.

Kogeki wa Saidai no Bouei Nari: (use offense as a defense) If an attack is only diverted, the opponent will attack again. Defend by using an offensive action as a defense.  To use an offensive counter is the best defense.

The following articles were written so that those who seek the way of karate will always be aware of their guiding principles.

1. When entering a dojo or asking to be taught, be free from prejudice and be submissive, so that you will accept the teachings as shown. This will help you to not establish bad habits.

2. Observe respect toward the Master and superiors. Also, be courteous to fellow students and followers. Strive to develop the virtue of humbleness.

3. A healthy body can be obtained through constant training. Cultivate the spirit of perseverance.

4. Strive to be a warrior for the construction of a peaceful and free world through the character building, morality, and spirituality obtained by learning the way of karate.

5. In daily conduct, do not engage in fights or arguments always be prudent.

6. In actual training, move up from the easy to the difficult and from the simple to the complicated. More time and hard work will be required for repetitious and continuous training. Never hurry but strive for gradual development, and never engage in senseless or reckless practice.

7. Become familiar with the use of the makiwara and other training equipment. Train yourself to use your fist or other parts. Be patient and earnestly study the kata or matches. Never aim for hurried success.

8. It has been said that it takes three years to comprehend a kata. In ancient days, a master studied a single kata for ten years. There is no time limit for a kata to be improved. Never be proud, even if much is accomplished. Pride hurts achievement in virtue, as well as technique and will become like a poison.

9. Be cautious in training, do not develop a favorite technique or it may become a weakness. Be careful not to become too theoretical or technical.

10. Any question should be freely asked. Always strive to understand what is being taught.

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