| Term | Kanji | Description |
| Sabani | サバニ | A fishing ship used in the Ryukyu Kingdom |
| Sai Ichi | 釵一 | Sai #1. AKA: Sai Ichi Nu Dan or Arakaki nu Sai (新垣の釵) |
| Sai Ni | 釵二 | Sai #2. AKA: Sai Ni Nu Dan or Kuniyoshi nu Sai (國吉の釵) |
| Saiko Shihan | 最高師範 | Highest instructor in a style or school |
| Sanchin | 三戦 | Kata: 3 Battles. AKA 3 Enter(ing) 三進 also: 参戦 Ch: Sānzhàn (三戰) |
| Sanchin Dachi | 三戦立ち | Three Battles Stance |
| Sanseiru | 三十六 | Kata: 36. 36 Hands (三十六手), Chinese: Sānshíliù |
| Sansetsukun | 三節棍(の歩) | Three Section Staff (Nu Ho) kata |
| Sasae Uke | 支え受け | Prop Block (blocking while reinforcing the lead hand) |
| Seisan | 十三 | Kata: 13. Jp: Hangetsu (半月, Half Month), Ch: Shísān |
| Shiko Dachi | 四股立ち | Four thighs Stances / Sumo Stance / Four Point Stance |
| Shinkosen | 進貢船 | Ryukyuan Tribute ships |
| Shisa | シーサー | A type of lion dog yokai that is a protection spirit/yokai in Okinawa |
| Shizen Dachi | 自然立ち | Natural Standing / Moto Dachi (基立ち) |
| Shotei Uke | 掌底受け | Palm Heel Block (reception) |
| Shuto Uke | 手刀受け | Knife Hand Block (reception) |
| Sochin | 壮戦 | Kata: Fierce Battle. AKA 想戦 / 壮鎮 Ch: Zhuàngzhàn |
| Soto Uke | 外受け | Outside Block (reception) |
| Sukui Uke | 掬い受け | Scooping Block (reception) |
| Sune Geri | 脛蹴り | Shin Kick |
| Suparinpe | 壱百零八 | Kata: 108. AKA 108 hands (壱百零八手), Chinese: Yībǎilíngbā |
