I have used the term osu, or its many variations (os, uss, oosh),
for a long time. I recently found an essay here on line by a
Shotokan stylist, who has lived and trained in Japan, concerning the
uses of this term by our Japanese counterparts. This article can be
found at:

http://www.24fightingchickens.com/shotokan/heresy/osu.html

My request is for you all to read this article and then post your
comments. I must admit that after reading it I use the term hardly
ever now. There are other articles on this site concerning some
other topics such as washing ones obi and the use if the terms
Senpai and Sensei.

I might add that I have attempted to post this same discussion on
the "other" Goju Ryu message board on three occasions only to have
it rejected and not posted. If this topic is offensive to anyone or
not relevant then please let me know. At 44 years of age I have
learned to take "constructive" criticism.

Since I have not posted to this board yet please let me introduce
myself. I am Ray Croce of Cherry Hill, New Jersey. I train under
the guidance of Shihan Ken Freeman at the Goju Ryu Martial Arts
Academy in Oaklyn, New Jersey. I am a Sandan. I have also trained
in Kenpo Karate, Tae Kwon do, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I began my
martial arts training in 1977. Feel free to visit my personal web
page for more information found at:

http://www.raycroce.org/index2.html

I look forward to a spirited discussion.

In Budo,
Ray