OSS

"The word "OSS", of Japanese origin, has become an almost vernacular word in the world of KARATE, understood and exchanged among numerous practitioners of many nationalities, not only on the occasion of every day greetings but also in place of expression such as "Thank you" "Glad to meet you" "Goodbye" "Understood" and "I understand". It must be uttered from the lower abdomen with a properly executed bow, showing respect, sympathy, and trust to the other party. "OSS":, a phonetic transcription, is in fact, written with two Chinese characters. The first character, meaning literally, "pushing," symbolizes the fighting spirit, the importance of effort, and facing all obstacles--pushing them away, with a positive and unchanging attitude. The second meaning literally, "suffering," expresses the courage and the spirit of perseverance--suffering pains and resisting depression with patience and without giving up, always keeping sprits high. As it is often said, "Talent is nothing without effort." The key word "OSS" used to recall this saying to the young in order to encourage them to make a resolution, to convey it to each other and to encourage each other; in fact, it may have first been used in the Japanese Naval School. The word "OSS" must not be used loosely. From now on, reexamine your attitude, posture, state of mind, pronunciation, and their harmony; the torso is inclined with the trunk straight and the chin is drawn in as you pronounce the word. The movement, the breathing and the pronunciation thus executed, all contribute to the filling of the lower abdomen (TANDEN) with KI and Power. If we refer to the principles of (AUN) when you express "OSS", the breathing and sound is IN. AUN(a-u-n), a form of breathing method to bring One into harmony with the Universe, means (Heaven and Earth) (Yin and Yang) (Inyo), which are the opposite components (negative and positive elements) that make up our universe. As far as the author is concerned, he is trying and will try to let the world know the meaning, value, and manner of executing this word." Quoted from Kancho's book - S.K.I. Kumite Kyohan