Terminology

Aikido Terminology

While in the Dojo, Sensei will use Japanese terminology to describe techniques and general phrases to help us in our Aikido. Though it is not compulsory to know the Japanese language, it is useful to know the correct terminology as Japanese is used during all gradings throughout the world, helping to keep the traditional teaching ways alive.

Terminology Table
Term Used	Meaning

Usagi

Rabbit

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Salutations

Onegaishimas	Please teach me
Domo arigato gozaimashita	Thank you for teaching me

Ai	The principle of harmony and integration
Aiki-ken	Swordsmanship according to the principles of Aikido
Atemi	Strike, defensive blow used to neutralise your opponent's ki
Ayumi-ashi	Alternating posture/stance
B
Bo	Stave, longer than the jo
Bokken	Wooden practice sword
Bu	Martial ardor, indomitable spirit, not contention or strife
Budoka	Martial way practitioner
D
Dan	A high rank
Do	The way, to harmonise body and mind
Dojo	Hall of the way, training hall
F
Fudo-no-shisei	Immovable posture, not rigid, but unperturbable
Funekogi	Rowing motion
H
Hyame	Stop
Hakama	Divided skirt, worn over the gi
Hanmi	Basic stance, half open
Happo	Eight directions
Hara	Centre
Hidari	Left
Hajime	Begin, start or go
Ho	Technique or method
I
Irimi	Entering motion
J
Jo-dori	Jo-taking, disarming an opponent armed with a jo
Jo	A staff
Jodan	Upper level position for sword or hands
K
Kamae	Posture, stance for 'combat'
Kaiso	The Founder, Morihei Ueshiba
Kanetsu-waza	Techniques applied to the joints
Kata	A predetermined sequence in set form
Katana	Japanese sword
Keiko	Practice
Keikogi	Practice suit
Ki	Breath, the physical act of respiration, also centralised, co-ordinated energy, life force
Kiai	Full of ki, manifested as a piercing shout
Koho-tento	Falling backwards
Kokyu-ho	Breath-meditation, aimed at calming the spirit
Kokyu-roku	Breath power, concentration power
Kokyu-undo	Breath movement, techniques to develop kokyu-roku
Kokyu	Animating breath, total body extension
Kumijo	Paired exercise with stick
Kyu	A rank below Dan
M
Ma-aiexercise	Basic correct distance between two opposing partners
Migi	Right
Moksu	Breathing
N
Nagare	Unbroken flow of ki during the execution of a technique
Nage	Throw
O
O Sensei	Great teacher, Morihei Ueshiba
Obi	Belt
Omote	Forward
Orenai-te	Unbendable arm
R
Rei Bow	a formal gesture of respect and gratitude
Renzoku	Continuous
Ritsurei	Standing salutation
Ryu	School
S
Samurai	Military retainer
Sayu	Term indicating left and right directions
Seika-no-itten	The one point, centre
Seiza	Correct sitting posture, classic martial art 'calm
Sensei	Instructor, teacher
Shihan	Master-instructor/Professor, title of highest-ranking teachers
Shikko	Knee walking
Shinai	Bamboo sword
Shizentai	Basic posture
Soremade	Finish
T
Tachi-dori	Sword-taking
Tachi	Sword
Tai-jutsu	Body techniques, without weapons
Tai-sabaki	Body movement, free flowing, natural,
Taninsu-gake	Multiple attack
Tanto	Knife
Tatami	Practice mat, traditionally rice-straw
Tegatana	Hand blade, the hand functioning as a sword
Tekubi-kosa	Crossed wrists
Tenchi	Heaven and earth, oneself as a miniature
Tenkan	A circular motion
Toma	A great distance
Tsugi-ashi	The follow-up step
U
Ude-furi	Arm swinging
Uke	Receiver, the partner who 'receives' the technique
Ukemi	Breakfall, a controlled fall when thrown
Undo	Drill, exercise
Ushiro-waza	Rear techniques
Y
Yasume	Rest, relax
Yame	Finish, stop or end
Yoi or Youi	Be ready
Yousei	Train
Z
Zanchi	A state of action centralised
Zanshin	Awareness/Unbroken concentration on the 'follow through'
Zarei	Ceremonial bow
Zazen	Meditation posture
Zempo-kaiten	Falling forward
Zen	Style of meditation

Thursday, February 14, 2008 2:58 PM

Thursday, February 14, 2008 2:58 PMThursday, February 14, 2008 2:58 PMThursday, February 14, 2008 2:58 PM