What is the meaning of Osu?

Osu is the shortest speech you will ever hear in a dojo. It means yes. It means I understand. It means hello and goodbye. It means your opponent just landed a shot that hurt and you respect it. You bow and say Osu, Sensei when you enter the dojo. You bow and say it again when you leave. In Kyokushin karate every command gets 1 answer: Osu. Every technique lands with 1 shout: Osu. Before a knockdown fight both fighters bow and say it. To the front, to the referee, to each other. And it left the dojo long ago. In kickboxing, MMA and the UFC it is the greeting among the Spartans, aka the fighters. Coaches, corners and champions say Oss. Same word, same DNA. The dojo meaning: Osu is oshi (push) plus shinobu (endure). Push and endure. Patience, respect and perseverance in 3 letters. Language nerds will tell you it is Japanese navy slang for good morning squashed into 1 grunt. Both are right. The mat decides. Here is why it matters to fellow misfits. Training is brutal. First your body wants to quit. Your mind pushes. Then your mind wants to quit. Your spirit pushes. That is the moment you fight yourself. And that is the only fight that counts. Every misfit needs a Mr. Miyagi. Or a Mr. Han for the screenagers. A sensei in your pocket who says Osu, Sensei back when you want to say maybe tomorrow. Wax on. Wax off. Wealth on. Osu.