Every greeting is Osu. Every instruction or question to class is answered by “Osu” instead of “yes” or “I understand”.
When performing kihon (basic techniques) in class, each technique is often accompanied with a loud “Osu”. When practicing Ido Kumite (pre-arranged one-step sparring) in class until your opponent lands a good, hard technique, you say “Osu” in acknowledgment and respect of their skill.
Osu is used in respect, Kyokushin fighters at a tournament bow and say “Osu” to the front, to each other before and after the fight.
Osu (Osu) is a combination of the words, Osu (which means “Push”) and Shinobu (which means “To Endure”). It used various senses, determination, appreciation, respect and perseverance.
Kyokushin training is very demanding. You push yourself until you think you can't continue any more, your mind keeps going, “I've had enough, it's time to quit, I can't go on!” But if you decide to say for just one more minute, just one more technique, you've learned a secret — namely the technique to persevere. At this moment you really understand that fundamental one step principle. The most important message is that no matter how tired you are or how deeply you've been struck, you have the strength to continue.
“When a young fighter, ‘Osu no shi shinen, Kumetsu wa mare’. This saying symbolizes the need to persevere at all times.”
— Masutatsu Oyama, The Budo Karate of Mas Oyama
This single word Osu captures the ultimate in what the art of karate, particularly kyokushin, has to offer. One who is truly able to appreciate “Osu” is a person who can truly appreciate the spirit of kyokushin karate.
Osu is daily life and the responsibilities it holds, would be more completely lived if approached in the spirit of Osu.
Even for the beginner, who is conscious of his lack of training and does not necessarily want to face the demand of training, it is enough merely to say “Osu” This way spirit and approach is to commit oneself and physical comes great physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional gains. All that is needed is that special determination.
