The Spirit of Osu: What It Truly Means in Kyokushin

In the world of Kyokushin Karate, few words carry as much weight and meaning as Osu. More than a greeting, Osu represents the heart of our discipline—it expresses respect, humility, perseverance, and readiness to overcome challenges. Whether you bow to your instructor or prepare for a fight, saying Osu affirms your mindset: one of endurance, loyalty, and pushing through hardship without complaint.

Sosai Mas Oyama believed that true karate begins with patience and is built upon repetition, discipline, and respect. Osu is the vocal embodiment of those values. Students are taught from day one to use it consistently—when answering instructions, showing gratitude, or acknowledging a fellow student. It’s a simple word, but behind it is a lifelong lesson: to endure, to improve, and to never give up, no matter the difficulty ahead.