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Karate's Universal Codeword: The Mysterious Origins, Meaning and Usage of the word "OSU" in the Martial Arts
OSS--The universal term which all martial artists use but nobody understands!
Karate is the world's most popular martial art, practiced by over 50 million people in 200 countries worldwide. No matter where you are in the world, enter any karate dojo and the term you will hear most often is "OSS!" But what does this word mean, and where did it come from? Karate's Universal Language is the first thorough exploration of the origins of this enigmatic word, and its fascinating journey around the globe.
Oss is the basic salutation between fighters in the dojo but has many other uses as well. In addition to "good morning," "good afternoon," and "good evening," OSS is the reply whenever your name is called, when saying goodbye, and before and after meals. It has now spread not only around the world but to other martial arts as well. Paradoxically, most Japanese and non-Japanese karate practitioners do not know what the word means or where it came from. It is both universally used but at the same time a complete mystery!
This fascinating book has been translated, with an introduction by renowned martial arts historian Alexander Bennett. Karate's Universal Language promises to finally unravel the uncertainties surrounding the origins and true meaning of OSS.
Karate is the world's most popular martial art, practiced by over 50 million people in 200 countries worldwide. No matter where you are in the world, enter any karate dojo and the term you will hear most often is "OSS!" But what does this word mean, and where did it come from? Karate's Universal Language is the first thorough exploration of the origins of this enigmatic word, and its fascinating journey around the globe.
Oss is the basic salutation between fighters in the dojo but has many other uses as well. In addition to "good morning," "good afternoon," and "good evening," OSS is the reply whenever your name is called, when saying goodbye, and before and after meals. It has now spread not only around the world but to other martial arts as well. Paradoxically, most Japanese and non-Japanese karate practitioners do not know what the word means or where it came from. It is both universally used but at the same time a complete mystery!
This fascinating book has been translated, with an introduction by renowned martial arts historian Alexander Bennett. Karate's Universal Language promises to finally unravel the uncertainties surrounding the origins and true meaning of OSS.
176 pages, Paperback
Published January 7, 2025
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