Book Review: Karate's Universal Codeword The Mysterious Origins, Meaning and Usage of the word "OSU" in the Martial Arts
Written by Toshinori Ohmori, translated by Alexander Bennett and released by Tuttle Publishing. This new text sheds light on the history of OSU!
Regardless of whether you have had a lifelong relationship with martial arts or just a mild flirtation, chances are you have heard or come across the Japanese word OSU.
It's a word that immediately brings forth images of dojos, karategi, and senseis. It is also a word that, if you ask what it means, you are likely to get different variations depending on where and who you ask.
In his book 'Karate's Universal Codeword The Mysterious Origins, Meaning and Usage of the word "OSU" in the Martial Arts', author Toshinori Ohmori has taken it upon himself to explore the history of the word and how its usage spread globally to become synonymous with martial arts, Karate in particular.
Clocking in at a brisk 176 pages, Ohmori has written a book that will appeal to anyone interested in martial arts and Japanese culture because the evolution of OSU is closely tied to the changing currents that took place in Japan during the 20th century.
The opening section covers the provides an introduction to OSU and the four main theories on how the word emerged. Ohmori selects the one he believes has the strongest case and subsequently sets about proving his hypothesis.
Ohmori believes that the worldwide propagation of the word OSU can trace the start of its journey to Takushoku University. The university was founded in 1900 and set up as a school to educate young men who would go on to be involved in Japan's colony in Taiwan.
Ohmori covers the history of the word OSU at Takushoku University, first used by the university's sumo club's 'Osaba Ose' motto, which translates as 'endure when pushed'. The sumo club’s motto, was similar to some of the school's sayings, such as ' Push through, and all will open up', soon becomes a greeting shared by all of the university's students.
The end of the war and the subsequent occupation came as a huge shock to the country, and it was during this time, following a speech by the emperor that talked of 'enduring the unendurable and suffering the unsufferable' that the OSU character now used today 押す was created by a Takushoku University student.
What becomes apparent throughout the book is that OSU was always more than simply a phrase to those who used it. It was a way of connecting with their fellow classmates and represented a commitment to the ideals of hard work and dedication.
Ohmori turns what could have become simply a dry etymological discourse into an engaging and eye-opening account of a part of Japanese history that even the most die-hard martial arts fans may not have known a lot about.
The final chapter discusses how several former students of Takushoku University became central figures in the spread of Karate, introducing OSU and its essence to all four corners of the world.
The book, like the word OSU itself, is short and to the point but carries an unassuming depth that will give anyone who has heard or uttered OSU aloud a much greater appreciation of what it means far beyond a mere literal translation.
If you would like to purchase a copy head over to Tuttle’s website for purchase options.