Budo Zen Martial Arts

Two Japanese characters brushed upon in black ink. The characters shown read "O" and "Nin" respectively from top to bottom.

Literally, "O" means to push, shove, press, squash, compress or stamp. "Nin" in contrast means to bear, endure, resist, or put up with. Thus, there is the apparent conflict of forces. One force pushing, the other force resisting.

In Japan, Martial Artists often use the sound "Osu" to express their attitude toward training. "Osu" comes from the first character of the above combination, and is a verbalization of the implicit concept of "O-Nin". This sound is heard during the exchange of greeting between seniors and juniors, when entering the training hall, before performing Kata for review, and after receiving a pointer from the Sensei.

OSU means be patient while undergoing the stress of training. It also implies an attitude of seriousness, and showing great self control.

OSU!