STRONG SPIRIT, AND DETERMINATION:
“OSSSSSS ….”
Over recent months, I have encountered “Oss” more prominently in training, and outside. The term, “Oss” is famously revered in the world of Mixed Martial Arts and is coming to the forefront in the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu – more now, then ever before.
It’s annunciation although subtle, contains deep connotation: some define it as the lifeblood for introductory to your opponent (to begin a fight) and/or to conclude a match (a genuine display of respect). Some coin the word (‘oss’), in show of respect to their sensei or ‘professor’ for having taken the time to demonstrate a move or to ‘sign-off’ from a hard training day. Either way, ‘oss’ is highly used nowadays within the ranks of the BJJ community, and it continues to grow in usage around the world. It is not only used in traditional art-forms [the likes of] Karate.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu – OSS
An equivalent term exists in Yoga: ‘oss’ would be comparable to ‘Namaste‘, which says “light in me honours the light in you”.
Yoga – Namaste
Given the context, ‘oss’ can be transparently used in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, depending on the situation. At the beginning of a match, whether it be playful (light training session) or if such an energy of competitiveness is felt amongst you and your opponent (at the tournament level) – while declaring that mutual respect exist throughout the engagement, irrespective of the outcome.
Inversely, to end a match, one bows or hugs, accepts defeat or victory – ‘oss’ – showing appreciation and respect for the encounter which just took place.
The more enthralling the overall combat throughout the duration of the encounter, the greater intensity for gratitude for having been given the opportunity to take part in such a spectacle: this means your health and that of your opponents remains intact, and hard work, dedication, courage, perseverance are acknowledged. ‘Oss’, and positive body language verbalize strong spirit, and respect for you and your opponents well being, before or after the encounter.
TOWARDS YOUR PROFESSOR/COACH:
Outside the realms of competition, ‘oss’ may also be proclaimed as a sign of appreciation, of which may be directed towards the sensei or ‘professor’.
THE ORIGINS:
One of my training partners, a brown belt in Brazililan Jiu Jitsu and pro MMA fighter, further pointed out: “‘oss’ originally came from onegai shimasu in Japanese. We say that at the beginning of a lot of stuff” he continued… “Kind of like welcome, go ahead, or please; when said quickly it sounds like ‘osu’.”
“Osu” is also commonly enunciated as “oss”; therefore, when you are saying “oss”, you are actually using a variant of ‘osu!’ which connotates “onegai shimasu”.
To read more on this: BJJ Eastern Europe features an article on the origins of ‘oss’ and its application with respect to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Razi BJJ Blog: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Health & Fitness 