What does OSS mean?

OSS (or OSU) is the universal greeting in BJJ that every practitioner should know. This powerful Japanese expression means respect, acknowledgment, and perseverance - essentially saying "I understand and will push through." You will hear it constantly in jiu-jitsu: greeting teammates, thanking training partners, acknowledging your coach's instructions, or showing enthusiasm during hard training. The word originates from Japanese martial arts culture and roughly translates to "push through" or "endure with patience." Some BJJ academies use it for everything - greeting everyone with "Oss!" - while others use it sparingly. Either way, understanding OSS helps you fit into BJJ culture immediately. When in doubt, respond with a simple "Oss" as a respectful acknowledgment.