Other meanings of “Osu!” as used in the martial arts

It is important to differentiate between the origins of "Osu!" and the current usage of the expression. Just because the word is rooted in meaning "good morning," it does not mean that the Japanese are thinking that when they say it anymore than you are thinking the obsolete French expression for "stop" (holla) when you say "hello" to someone.

Push and Suffer. "Osu!" may express the need for a martial artist to persevere under harsh conditions. This is a military related meaning for it, and since the martial arts are closely related to the military, it is a plausible meaning.
Push and Hide. "Osu!" may express the need for a martial artist to exert him or herself and do not show it. Oriental cultures do not think it is appropriate to allow your face to display all of your emotions. In oriental martial art classes, the students are expressionless, even when training intensely.
Please sir (maam), may I have another! "Osu!" may also be used by martial artists as a contraction of the world “Onegaishimasu,” a polite catch-all word that generally means "please" and sometimes "sorry."

Ways "Osu!" may be used during martial art training

When you enter or leave the dojo, bow and say "Osu!".
In “Zen, Pen, and Sword,” Randall G. Hassle explains that "Osu!" may be used as a strong affirmative reply even if full understanding is not yet present. For example, if your bad knee acts up during a kicking drill, and the instructor asks, "Are you okay?” you might reply, "Osu!". This indicates that you realize there is nothing you or anyone else can do to make the situation any better or less painful at the moment, and you are willing to continue training without knowing if your actions will lead to further injury to the knee.
When you greet a fellow student, you say, "Osu!" instead of "hello."
When you respond to an instruction or question in class, you say, "Osu!" instead of "yes."
During class, when the instructor notices that you seem weak and asks, "Are you okay?” you respond by saying, "Osu!!" indicating that, even though you do not feel 100 percent, you are ready and willing to give everything you have to give.
"Osu!’’ is used to build “Esprits de Corps” in a school. Esprits de Corps is the feeling you get from knowing you are part of a good team. There are other words, both in the military and elsewhere, that are used for the same purpose. Marines yell "Ooorrah”. The Army yells, "Hooah!" ESPN commentators yell, "Booyah!" when someone scores a goal. Some Americans yell, "Yee-haw!" while Americans in the South use the Rebel Yell "Woooo!!!"
When performing techniques in class, each technique is often accompanied by a loud "Osu!" .
When training, you get tired. When you have pushed yourself to your limit, your body wants to stop, but you use your mind to keep pushing the body. Then your mind wants to stop. You endure the pain, yell "Osu!”, and your warrior spirit takes over and helps you persevere.
When free-fighting in class and your opponent lands a good, hard technique, you say, "Osu!" to acknowledge your opponent's skill.
When performing basic techniques over and over during class, it is easy to become frustrated, especially when your progress seems slow. When this occurs, you say, "Osu!" and rededicate yourself to the training.
As a measure of respect, fighters at a tournament bow and say "Osu!" to the front, to the referee, and to each other, before and after the fight.

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