Dojo (doh jo): Do= the Way; Jo=the hall. Training hall to study the Way.
Do: The Way or path which indicates a discipline and philosophy with moral and spiritual connotations, the ultimate aim being personal development and enlightenment.
O Sensei: Great teacher. A title reserved for the founder of the style.
Sensei (sen say): Teacher or instructor. Denotes an individual that has attained the black belt.
Sempai (sem pie): A title reserved when a senior kyu rank, usually brown belt, is serving as an assistant instructor.
Master: Rank title reserved for those rank of 6th dan and above.
Nghiem (neem): Command for attention stance in which to meditate or to bow.
Chao (chow): Command for the bow.
Nghi (nee): Command for natural stance.
Gang (gong): "Effort" or train to do my best. Shouted in unison at the end of the bow in natural stance.
Gi (gee): uniform worn inside the dojo for martial arts training.
Ki (key): Inner strength or spirit. The mental and spiritual power summoned through concentration and breathing.
Kiai (kee ai): Spirit shout. A battle cry used by martial artists to focus inner strength and to stun the opponent.
Kata: A pre-arranged pattern of techniques in which you defend yourself against imaginary opponents.
Cuong=hard Nhu=soft.
Kara=empty - te=hand - do=Way
Bo: A wooden staff that is approximately 6 feet long and used for kata and self defense practice.
Tambo: A short wooden or rattan stick used for kata and self defense practice of close range striking and parrying. A tambos length is determined by measuring from the hip socket to the top of the ankle. Its length is much longer than the traditional arnis (escrima) weapon.