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Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
The famous “OSS” in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has many origins. The first definition of “OSS” as an abbrevition for Onegai Shimasu, which translates into a request, a solicitation, an invitation like “please”, “if you may” or “with your permission”, much used when inviting a partner to train.
The second definition of “OSS”, also known as “ossu” ( it doesn’t matter how you spell it in English), means Oshi Shinobu, which conveys the idea (the literal translation has nothing to do with the context) of “persevering when pushed”, or in other words, never give up, have determination, grit and withstand the most arduous of training. Carrying on without giving up, under all kinds of pressure – that’s the idea of inner strength so common in Asian culture.
Therefore, at the start of a fight, the martial artist will shout, invoke, emanate the “OSS”, as a way of letting this sentiment out. In many sources, “OSS” is defined as a manifestation of ki energy, or in other words, a different kiai (strength), indicating one is ready to fight.
According to Miyamoto Musashi, in the book “Go rin no sho” (Book of the five rings), the samurai would use three types of shouts: one before combat, the second during combat, when attacking, to muster greater strength (kiai), and the third after the fight, to celebrate victory or bemoan defeat.
“Oss”, beyond demonstrating strong spirit and determination before a fight, is also used to suggest or confirm a piece of information. Thus, whenever a Sensei asks or informs of something, the response is “OSS!” It is the response that will signify understanding or confirm understanding.
Prof. “little” Tony Pacenski
Brazilian Jiu-JitsuElite Training Center
1628 South Pacific Coast Highway,
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
(310) 543-1600
www.elitetrainingcenter.netBrazilian Jiu-Jitsu Face Book
Other blogs about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu From The Clinch
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Communication For Self-Defense
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu The Clinch
Elite Training Center Mixed Martial Arts Gym
Located in Redondo Beach, California, Elite Training Center is a martial arts studio focusing on self-defense and fitness. Students include South Bay residents and those in the Los Angeles region, male and female, adult and youth, those with no prior self-defense experience and those experienced in martial arts. Teaching confidence while respecting others, our academy is founded on the four principals of Respect, Honor, Discipline, and Strength.
Techniques include LOTAR and Krav Maga (intuitive self-defense independent of strength or size), Muay Thai kickboxing, Adult Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) as sport, Kids and Youth MMA that emphasizes our founding principles, and Kali/Silat/Eskrima (Filipino open hand and stick/weapon fighting). Elite Training Center instructors are experienced both in teaching and in application of defense techniques in actual street or combat situations.
