The Spirit of Osu 押忍の精神

"Osu" (押忍) is the word you’ll hear more than any other in a Kyokushin dojo or tournament. We say it when we bow, when we greet each other, when we respond to a command, and even when acknowledging a strong strike from an opponent. It’s more than just a catchphrase; it’s the heartbeat of our training.

What Does "Osu" Mean?

"Osu" is a contraction of:

• 押し (Oshi) – to push

• 忍ぶ (Shinobu) – to endure

Together, they reflect a spirit of patience, perseverance, and determination. Every time we say "Osu," we remind ourselves to endure hardship, overcome frustration, and press forward no matter the challenge.

Osu in Training

Kyokushin training is demanding. At first, your body wants to stop, but your mind keeps pushing. Later, your mind also wants to stop, and your spirit must carry you. You push through the fatigue. You endure the repetition. You persevere through the plateaus. That is Osu.

Kyokushin takes years to learn. Basics are drilled thousands of times (Renma 錬磨 - “always polishing”) until they become instinctive (Mushin 無心 - “no mind”). It's easy to grow frustrated when progress seems slow. But continuing forward, even then, is the meaning of Osu.

Perseverance as a Way of Life

As Shihan Cameron Quinn explains in The Budo Karate of Mas Oyama:

"There is a saying in Japan: Ishi no ue ni mo sannen 石の上にも三年 — 'Three years on a rock.' It symbolizes the need to persevere at all times. It is one of the most important philosophies in Kyokushin Karate."

Kyokushin is more than kicks, punches, and kata. At its core lies a spirit, a mindset, that empowers students to face life with humility and strength. This strength is Osu no Seishin 押忍の精神, the Spirit of Osu. It is the spirit that grows in every student who trains hard and refuses to give up.

"To persevere while being pushed", that’s the meaning of Oshi Shinobu 押し忍ぶ.
It is the foundation of true karate.

A Spirit for the Dojo and for Life

The Spirit of Osu is not just for the dojo. It is a way to approach all of life’s challenges. It reminds us that even when things are difficult, we endure. Even when we fall, we get back up.

Even beginners who feel uncertain can begin with this mindset. With time, the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual gains will come. All that’s needed is that special determination, the Spirit of Osu.