The Meaning Of Osu

The Osu! In Karate comes from the expression "Oshi Shinobu" which means to push oneself to the limit of one’s ability and yet to continue, to persevere under pressure, and to endure.
It is used as a word of many meanings, expressing the willingness to strive against all odds, to perserve on the road to physical, mental, and spiritual strength, an expression of respect of ones seniors and responsibility to ones juniors.

In our systems it is also a greeting and can be used to replace words such as, yes, alright, good, I’ll do it and excuse me. It is also used to mean, hello, goodbye, have patience with me, I’m trying, well done, and just about anything else. When give a command in the Dojo we give the word Osu as a answer.
Osu is the spirit of Kempo / Karate.

Osu