by Jason Armstrong

A loud “Osu” or “Hai” when your instructor is finished describing a point in class has multiple benefits for a dojo and your own performance in class. At the least it:

• Drives up the spirit in the room so yourself and everyone around you gets “charged up”
• Lifts your instructor's spirit - enabling him to give more during a class
• Shows the etiquette expected in a Japanese art (which re-enforces the spirit of etiquette that one should portray in life)

Some dojo prefer to say “Osu” – see our web article on its true meaning and kanji translation. Other styles sai “hai” the Japanese word for “yes”. In Japan you often hear a mixture of both in clubs. So don’t be shy to pump your self and others up during class, acknowledge your instructor and help train those lower ranks to continue this important tradition.

Osu!