Aikido Terms and Definitions

A...B...D... E...F...G... H...I...J... K...M...N... O...R...S... T...U...W... Y...Z...
A
Aikido
The path of harmony
Aikidoka
One who practices aikido
Atemi
The use of striking techniques
B
Bokken
Wooden practice sword
Budo
Japanese martial arts (the spiritual path of the warrior)
Bushido
The way of the samurai
D
Dan
Black belt rank
Do
The way
Dojo
The place where the way is taught (training hall)
Doshu
The title of the head of aikido
E
Eritori
An attack in which the collar is grabbed from behind
F
Fudoshin
Immovable mind
Fukushidoin
Assistant teaching rank
G
Gi
Practice uniform
Gokkyo
The fifth wrist technique
H
Hakama
The traditional skirted pants of the samurai (worn over the Gi)
Hanmi
The triangular stance used in aikido
Hanmi handachi
Techniques in which one person is sitting and the other is standing
Hara
Center of energy
Hijitori
Grasping of both elbows from behind
I
Ikkyo
The first wrist technique
Irimi
One of the two most basic movements in aikido. To enter (move towards) an attack
Iriminage
Entering throw. A throwing technique that use an entering motion
J
Jo
Wooden staff
Jotori
A technique that is used against an attack with a jo
Jujinage
A type of throw that uses the pressure of crossing Uke's arms against each other
Jujitsu
Ju, yielding; Jitsu, art or technique. A martial art that employs the illusion of yielding to an attack to overcome it
K
Kaitennage
Spinning or Rotating throw
Katatetori
An attack in which Uke grabs Nage's wrist with both hands
Katatori
An attack in which the lapel or shoulder is grabbed
Kendo
The way of the sword. Japanese fencing
Ki
Spiritual (inner) energy
Kokyu ho
Breath power coming from the hara or center. The most fundamental exercise of aikido
Kokyunage
Breath throw. A throw executed by ki extension (no joint techniques involved)
Koshinage
Hip throw
Kotegaeshi
Return the wrist throw. Pressure is applied to the wrist away from the body
M
Maai
Correct distance and timing
Morotetori
An attack in which Uke grabs Nage's forearm with both hands
Musubi
Unifying (yin and yang)
N
Nage
The partner that executes the technique
Nikkyo
Second wrist trechnique
O
Omote
To the front
Onegai shimasu
A request for practice or instruction
Osae
A pin
O Sensei
Great teacher; Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of aikido
R
Randori
Multiple partner attack
Rei
Proper bowing
Ryotetori
An attack in which Uke grabs both of Nage's hand with both of his/hers
S
Sankyo
Third wrist technique
Seiza
Formal Japanese sitting position
Shidoin
Teaching rank
Shihan
Master teaching rank
Shihonge
Four directions throw. Pressure is applied to the wrist and elbow. The throw is completed by a sword cutting motion.
Shikko
Knee walking
Shomenuchi
A direct strike to the forehead
Soto kaiten
An outside turning motion
Suwari waza
Techniques done from a sitting position (shikko)
T
Tachi
Sword
Tachitori
Techniques applied against attacks with a sword
Tachi waza
Techniques done with both partners standing
Tanto
Wooden knife
Tantotori
Techniques applied against knife attacks
Tenchinage
Heaven and earth throw. Balance is broken by taking one hand up while the other goes down
Tenkan
One of the two most basic movements in aikido. Turning to dissipate force.
Tsuki
A thrust or straight punch
U
Uchi kaiten
An inside turning motion
Uke
The partner that initiates the technique
Ukemi
The art of falling
Ura
To the rear
Ushiro kubishime
An attack in which Uke grabs one of Nage's wrists from behind and uses the other arm to choke.
Ushiro ryokatatori
An attack in which Uke grabs Nage's shoulders from behind
Ushiro tekubitori
An attack in which Uke grabs both of Nage's wrists from behind
W
Waza
Technique
Y
Yokomenuchi
A diagonal strike to the side of the head or neck
Yonkyo
Fourth wrist technique
Z
Zanshin
Remaining mind; unbroken concentration; continual awareness
Zen
A form of meditation


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