If you’ve ever been involved in Martial Arts, recently took up BJJ, have been practicing it for a while, or have even just come across the term in media or while watching a BJJ tournament, you are probably wondering with there word, or what may just sound like noise, comes from. And, what exactly it means.
It is also used in so many different situations that it can be hard to even guess as to what it means. So we have delved deep and looked hard into the facts and theories to tell you not only what it means but its sources and origins.
Origins
It’s a pretty general term that is sourced from Japanese martial arts. It is a particularly enthusiastic way of saying “yes” or to acknowledge an act of a person.
In many ways, in certain situations, it can simply be seen as politeness, unlike many other sports, there is always an honor and sense of sportsmanship in martial arts and so it is hardly a surprise that a word has come into being for this exact purpose.
In fact, the word came into being in the early 20th century when the imperial Japanese army would use it as a greeting, although this is just a theory, and one of many.
Another would be that it has derived from the Kyokushin Karate schools in Japan that use the phrase “Osu no Seishin.” But this too is just a theory and there does not seem to be any definitive answer to the question, ‘where did it come from?’
“OSS” does indeed have many origins. Even though it is used daily in many martial arts, many people still don’t know the true meaning behind the word, and there’s no surprise of this since no one really tells you why it is said or where it comes from, it is not something taught in a regular everyday school classroom.
Although unfamiliar to plenty of people, OSS has been part of martial arts, including Brazillian Ju-Jitsu, for many years.
The western world is not the only side of the globe to use abbreviations, and the Asian countries often use abbreviations for certain terms and words as well, and OSS is a great example of this.
OSS is the abbreviation for Onegai Shimassu, which is simply a request or the action of asking for something.
Usage
When looking at the meaning of “OSS”, it’s important to understand that the term has several uses ranging from greetings to answering questions and acknowledging the skillset of an opponent, it’s a multi-faceted word, that could be used in manage situations.
Yet this multi-use of ‘OSS’ can make it hard to pinpoint exactly what it means.
There are two main definitions of “OSS” that we know of. The first definition of “OSS” as an abbreviation for ‘Onegai Shimasu’, which translates into a polite form of request, solicitation, or an invitation like “please”, “if you don’t mind” or “if you would allow me”, used commonly when inviting a partner or opponent to train, this definition of the word is all about manners and politeness, and this is not much of a surprise to us.
When you look into Japanese culture and many of the martial arts, politeness is a key factor, one must always be respectful to their comrades and opponents.
There is a second definition of the word, also known as “Ossu”, another abbreviation, standing for “Oshi Shinobu”, which basically means “persevering when pushed”.
In this sense it is seen as the qualities of never giving up, to have vigorous determination, and a capability to withstand much strenuous activity or training. It is a phrase to describe strength, honor, and bravery. This phrase in itself and the meaning behind it rather paints the picture of martial arts as a whole and the image that we get when we watch a martial arts film or see a tournament, or even generally think about the martial arts.
Carrying on without giving up, under all kinds of pressure is that’s the idea of inner strength so common in Asian culture, this is why at the start of a tournament a martial artist will shout “OSS” to show they have these qualities, both displaying strength and vigor as well as showing politeness and honor. It is a rather grand tradition that shows character in competitors.
This can also be used to suggest or confirm a piece of information. So, whenever a Sensei or Professor asks or informs you of something, it is polite to respond with “OSS”, somewhat like saying “Yes, Sir” or “I understand”. Once again this is performed as politeness, but in this case, can also be seen as a formality of sorts, showing respect to your trainer.
Sources
In many sources, the term is defined as a manifestation of ki energy, or in other words, indicating one is ready to fight.
Ki energy is the Japanese word for the energy that flows throughout everything, a life force that provides strength, and unites all the manifestations of the universe, in China, they call it ‘Chi’ and in Sanskrit, it is known as ‘Prana’.
Though to someone who is unlearned in Ki, it may sound like a religion of spiritual thing, it is neither para-natural or paranormal and is rather a normal phenomenon that is scientifically sound. So, when a BJJ competitor uses ‘OSS’ they may be seen as manifesting Ki.
In relevant literature it is believed that the samurai should use three types of shouts: one before combat, the second during combat, when on the offense, and after a fight, to celebrate or acknowledge defeat. This is why the term may be difficult to pinpoint in meaning as it is used many times throughout combat.
“OSS” has many different meanings, but all relate to strength, power, resilience, strength, bravery, and respect. “OSS” is used to show, understanding, politeness, and a readiness for combat and as an acceptance of the results of combat.
Now go and manifest your Ki by confidently using “OSS”.
