Also known as
Osu or Ossu (オッス)
The Meaning of Oss
From Kyokushin Karate:
This strength of character develops in hard training and is known as Osu no Seishin 押忍の精神 (the Spirit of Osu). The word Osu comes from Oshi Shinobu 押し忍ぶ, which means "to persevere whilst being pushed". It implies a willingness to push oneself to the limits of endurance, to persevere under any kind of pressure.
From Carlson Gracie's philosophy of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu:
In BJJ, Carslon Gracie introduced the use of the word “Oss” and it rightly fits the mentality of Carlson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu: Brave, determined, strong, smashing. It’s a bit similar to the war cry “Hoo-ah” that you will hear U.S. Marines use.
The Etymology of Oss, Osu, and Ossu
Meaning, good morning.
Meaning, to push on and endure while also holding back the ego.
Meaning, patience, determination, and perseverance.
Meaning, a polite or honorific way of requesting something from another, of saying "please".
Ohayossu, Ohayoosu, and Oossu
From Jesse Enkamp of Karate by Jesse, who quotes Dr. Mizutani Osamu4:
- オハヨス :: "Ohayossu!”, “Ohayoosu!”, “Oossu!” meaning "Hey ya!"
Meaning, "hey ya", by male runners in the midst of jogging, responding in rougher, masculine ways to Dr. Mizutani's greeting to them of "Ohayo gozaimasu!" (good morning).4
The term oss, which is derived from osu or ossu, has a variety of interpretations and meanings.
But there is a common essence shared among them all.
Oss means having humility and an acknowledgement of respect for the person to whom it is being spoken. It means to have a perspective of strength and perseverance towards a challenge that is being addressed, or, that is to be endured. And in more general or colloquial contexts, it operates as an affirmative acknowledgment, a greeting, or a polite request.
1FEY, B.R., 1994, To oss or not to oss: that is the question, Dojo Magazine, Winter 1994, p. 80-81
2Tsunetomo, Yamamoto, Hagakure, The Book of the Samurai, ~ 1709-1716
3These are general impressions from training, class, and, sigh, bro-jitsu experiences.
4Mizutani, Osamu, Japanese: The Spoken Language in Japanese Life, Tokyo, Sotakusha, Inc., 1981, p. 59-60