It All Starts With Ous

Two of the foundations of martial arts training are ‘etiquette’ and ‘respect’. The lessons we learn in the dojo…both physical and emotional…come from a long line of masters. Being respectful, both inside and outside the dojo, is a tribute to our teachers. Respect includes being polite and mindful of other people’s space. But there are also other valuable foundations of a Sensei / student relationship, such as loyalty and trust.

History of Ous

When Sensei or the instructors speak in class, you will often hear the students respond with “ous”. But what does ous mean? Now, the history of the word ous is an interesting one. I say it is interesting, as there is no clear ‘dictionary definition’ of what ous really means. Throughout my searches, I discovered the following:

• The word ous first appeared in the Officers Academy of the Imperial Japanese Navy in the early 20^th Therefore, it could be implied that it has militaristic, group-thinking-mentality undertones. While I can see how this may be applied to the martial arts dojo, I do not believe this is the reason we use it;
• Even though the term ous was used by the Imperial Japanese Navy, many Japanese people do not know where the expression comes from. It is also not used in some Japanese dojos. Therefore, it is not a universal word across all dojos or martial arts styles;
• Some karate styles use it in different ways, such as “to push” and “to endure”. This then leads to other meanings, such as “the importance of effort”, “necessity to overcome all obstacles by pushing them aside”, “advancing with a steady positive attitude” and “spirit of perseverance”. Under these theories, you are reminding yourself to breach your comfort zone by putting your limits to the test. While I can say all of these values are utilised at Northstar Ju Jitsu, I do not believe we use ous in the same context;
• My Sensei (Andy Dickinson) travelled the world to expand his martial arts knowledge and to test it under pressure. One term that helped Andy in Japan was “onegaishimasu”, which can mean “please”, “do me the favour” or “grant me the pleasure”. In other words, it is a mutual feeling of gratitude. It can also mean that you are willing to try. “Onegaishimasu” has sometimes been abbreviated to “ous”. I can certainly see these values when ous-ing in class;
• Ous can be used as a way of responding to a question instead of saying yes. At Northstar Ju Jitsu, we certainly use ous in that way, but we also respond when the answer may be no. Therefore, ous could be defined as a way of responding;
• Ous is way of responding to Sensei’s direction. It is way of showing respect. At Northstar Ju Jitsu, we certainly use ous in that way.

As can be seen above, ous is a very versatile, all-encompassing word.

Why do I ous?

When I ous, I do so as “I acknowledge” and “I understand”. Sensei and the instructors are taking the time to help me as a martial artist and a person, so I acknowledge that I have heard what is being explained. If anybody helps you in the dojo or life, it is polite to let the other person know that you have understood them. Furthermore, ous is Sensei’s preferred method of responding. It is part of the dojo etiquette. It would be disrespectful not to acknowledge Sensei in his preferred manner, especially if he is assisting me.

By ous-ing, it is also showing that I am attending. The mind does not always work to our benefit. The mind is often easily distracted. By ous-ing, it is bringing you back to the “here and now”. It is helping you focus completely on what your instructor is telling / showing you. It does not help to live life in the past or the future. Real living is done in the present moment. Ous helps with this. This not only applies in the dojo, but also in real life.

Now, as mentioned above, ous does not always mean “yes”. Sensei and your instructors may say some truths which I may not initially like, but they need to be said. Your ability as a martial artist will be how well you remain neutral under pressure and to respond clearly to what is needed. Therefore, if your ability is being measured by your response, the first step must be ous – I acknowledge what has been said. Remember, every situation that presents itself is neutral. It is your ego and / or emotions that then paint that situation as good or bad. Ous helps you acknowledge the situation. Ous helps you remain still, neutral and in control. Once you acknowledge a situation for what it is, it then helps you deal appropriately with the needs of the matter. But it all starts with ous.

Why does ous help martial arts differ from other activities?

Joining a martial arts dojo is different to joining a gym. In martial arts, you have instructors who want to help you physically, mentally and emotionally. However, it can take years to gain the trust of Sensei and the senior instructors. The relationship between Sensei and student grows as the student proves their commitment. Ous is a way of showing your commitment. By acknowledging Sensei and letting him know that he is understood, it is helping build that trust. Once the trust has developed, that is where the student’s real learning begins. But again, it all starts with ous.

You do not just want to be respectful and show etiquette in the dojo. You want to apply this to your daily life. Who doesn’t want to be a better person….to “build a better you?” The ability to look and acknowledge any situation has to be practised in all daily activities. If you can simply acknowledge a situation…acknowledge somebody speaking to you….acknowledge your own thoughts on things….it helps you see the choices. Hopefully, you will choose the option of peace. But before you can get to this point, you must start by acknowledging and understanding. It all comes back to the ous.

Benefits of Ous

Ous has many benefits. In no particular order, I feel the following when saying or hearing ous:

• It helps bring me back to the present moment. When Sensei is speaking, I am fully focused on what is being said at that moment;
• Ous helps bring the best out of me. As soon as I receive instruction, acknowledged it and understand it, I want to apply the lessons imparted;
• Whenever I have been at tournaments with Sensei, the more I ous the instructions, the greater my self-belief comes. I feel like I will succeed. The nerves become less, as I know Sensei has my best interests at heart. As I have heard, acknowledged and understood, it is easier to out and implement the game plan;
• As an instructor myself, ous helps me when teaching class. I know that the instructions are being heard. This helps me bring further energy to the class dynamic, as I love helping out.

In life, whatever you put out there will come back to you. If you are respectful, polite and acknowledge other people when they help you, you will also be treated with respect. You will gain trust and loyalty from those around you. But it all starts with “ous”.