We might be using the word 'OSS' in training sessions or on many other occasions. Are we using it by knowing the actual meaning of it? There is a chance of us using it wrongly in the wrong instance. Keep reading to get all the doubts clarified.
It is All About Respect
Oss is a term used in many forms of martial arts as greetings. More than greetings it's the measure of respect. The word OSS has many origins however all of it refers to the same or almost the same meaning. In Japanese, it is a two-character combination. The first one means 'to push' and the second one is 'to suffer'. Together it means to push ourselves through the difficulties encountered along the way. Isn't it wonderful? In literal meaning it's just a reminder to keep the faith, to keep ourselves pushing, to keep setting the bar higher, to keep the hard work going, to keep the determination to the peak always.
When to use OSS?
Mostly this expression used when a master and student meet, before and after a practice session or fight, and on a few other occasions to show respect. But some of us are using it at the wrong occasions which is absolutely wrong. Some are using it as a replacement of the words and expressions such as 'YES', 'OKAY', 'I AGREE', 'I UNDERSTAND'... This is wrong and should never be used in such cases. Please remember to bow to each other while saying OSS. That's the right way of doing it. We bow to you all. And 'OSS'.
Many martial arts styles use kata, forms, poomse, and/or patterns in order to help students practice certain moves (i.e. kicking techniques, self-defense techniques, and various strikes) as well as for improving a student's physical conditioning, muscle memory, focus/concentration, balance, etc. To master many of these kata, forms, or poomsae, martial arts students should try to imagine that they are fighting an imaginary opponent. This allows students to practice "offensive" or "defensive" techniques (i.e. strike the imaginary opponent's neck at the correct height and angle) versus just going through the motions in order to pass a belt test.
How Kata is Practiced?
In addition, many martial arts pull out portions of a kata or form in order to illustrate the self-defense techniques and situations that have been incorporated in that particular kata or form. This often involves two students where one is the attacker and one is the defender. In Karate and other Japanese martial arts, this kata-related technique is known as Bunkai. In kata & form competitions and tests, most martial arts students are judged on factors such as accuracy of the pattern (i.e. Did they miss a step? Are they in the correct stance?), the power of their movements, timing/correct speed of their movements, balance, concentration, etc. Therefore, you must work on these elements (i.e. stances) in order to excel at your katas or forms.
Benefits of Kata
Solo practice. The ability to practice martial arts techniques without a partner.
Ability to practice dangerous techniques without injuring a partner (i.e. practicing to break an elbow joint).
Teaches students how to use a variety of techniques (i.e. kicks, strikes, and blocks) in different combinations.
Reinforces the knowledge of basic techniques and stances via repetition.
Muscle memory of different self-defense techniques due to repetition.
Concentration.
Balance training.
Improved fitness & conditioning.
Bunkai (kata training with a partner) reinforces the lessons learned in solo kata and shows how kata techniques are applied against a "real" opponent.
Safe practice of weapon-based training (as you are striking an imaginary opponent).
Honors the ancient traditions of martial arts since kata has been taught for centuries.
Slow kata can be used as a form of "moving meditation" or "dynamic mediation".
According to USA Taekwondo, benefits include "You don't get kicked in the face. You don't have to make weight. People are nice to each other. Families can take part in it. Older people can compete".
Negatives of Kata
Too stilted & scripted.
Imaginary opponents "don't hit back" (paraphrasing a famous Bruce Lee saying).
Too slow. Live opponents move much faster than the actions in kata.
Teaches some questionable or "antique" techniques.
Many instructors do not teach the self-defense aspects of kata. Therefore, kata can be perceived as a martial arts "dance" needed just to pass a belt test.
Difficult to practice grappling techniques with kata.
It can be boring for beginners.
Some styles require students to learn multiple katas. This can be difficult to remember, especially as you progress in your martial arts training and you must remember all of the past katas that you were taught.
A punch is a striking blow with a fist. It is used in some martial arts and combat sports, most notably Boxing where it is the only type of offensive technique allowed. In sports, hand wraps or other padding such as gloves may be used to protect athletes and practitioners from injuring themselves.
The Punch In Detail
The use of punches varies between different martial arts and combat sports. Styles such as Boxing or Russian fist fighting use punches alone, while others such as Kickboxing, Muay Thai, or Karate may use both punches and kicks. Others such as wrestling and judo (punches and other striking techniques, atemi, are present in judo kata, but are forbidden in competitions) do not use punches at all. There are many types of punches and as a result, different styles encompass varying types of punching techniques.
Punch in Different Styles
In boxing, punches are classified according to the motion and direction of the strike; contact is always made with the knuckles. There are four primary punches in boxing: the jab, cross, hook, and uppercut.
Punching techniques in Karate are called tsuki or zuki. Contact is made with the first two knuckles (seiken). If any other part of the hand is used to strike with, such as the back of the fist (uraken) or the bottom of the fist (tetsui), then the blow is classified as a strike (uchi).
Karate punches include the thrust punch oi-zuki made using the lead-hand, straight punch choku-zuki, reverse punch gyaku-zuki, made from the opposite hand, and many other variations.
The term martial arts refers to all of the various systems of training for combat that have been arranged or systematized. Generally, these different systems or styles are practiced for a number of reasons. Self-defense, military and law enforcement applications, mental and spiritual development; as well as entertainment, and the preservation of a nation's intangible cultural heritage.
Martial Arts In Detail
Generally, martial arts can be broken down into five distinct categories. Stand-up or striking styles, grappling styles, low impact styles, weapons-based styles, and MMA (A Hybrid Sports Style).
Striking or Stand-Up Styles
Boxing
Karate
Krav Maga
Kung Fu
Kickboxing
Tae Kwon Do
Muay Thai
Sanshou
Grappling or Ground Fighting Styles
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Russian Sambo
Shootfighting
Wrestling
