Aikido London

Shin Arashi Ryu Kenjutsu “Heiho Waza” at Aikido London in London Ontario. Ross Emerson practicing for his next Dan level.

Delicious cheese burger and fries with a Coca-Cola at the Legion for lunch on Friday. So delicious and so reasonable.

Class technique taught by Connor McKay 5th Dan. Focus on throwing with your hips not your arms.

Osu

“OSU” is more than just a word shouted inside a karate dojo. It represents an attitude—a mindset built through discipline, humility, perseverance, and respect.

In Kyokushin Karate, “Osu” can be heard everywhere: when entering the dojo, greeting instructors and training partners, receiving instruction, practicing techniques, and acknowledging a strong technique from an opponent. Over time, the word becomes part of the rhythm of training and a reminder of what martial arts are truly about.

For many practitioners, “Osu” carries the spirit of enduring hardship without complaining. It means showing up when training is difficult, continuing when the body is tired, and remaining focused when progress feels slow. The goal is not simply to become stronger physically, but to develop a stronger character.

An experienced karate master understands that true strength does not need to be displayed through arrogance. The deepest form of strength can be quiet: patience, self-control, humility, and the ability to respect others even after a hard fight.

When a student bows before entering the dojo and says “Osu,” it is a reminder that the training space deserves respect. The instructor deserves respect. Training partners deserve respect. Most importantly, the student must learn to respect the journey itself.

Hard training teaches lessons that cannot always be learned from books. Sweat teaches commitment. Failure teaches humility. Repetition teaches patience. Difficult opponents teach courage. And every setback provides another opportunity to improve.

“Osu” can also remind us to appreciate our training partners. The person standing across from you is not merely an opponent. They are helping you discover weaknesses, sharpen your technique, build your confidence, and become better than you were yesterday.

That is why martial arts should never be measured only by trophies, belts, victories, or physical power. The deeper achievement is the person you become through years of disciplined practice.

A white belt and a black belt may look different, but both begin with the same willingness to learn. The true martial artist never stops being a student.

So the next time you hear “OSU,” remember that it carries a message far greater than a simple greeting.

Respect your dojo.
Respect your teacher.
Respect your opponent.
Respect your journey.
Respect yourself.

Train hard. Stay humble. Never stop learning.

OSU!

Lovely evening sky