-
A ( H
M T )
-
Agatsu (ah-got-sue)
- "Self victory." According to the founder, true victory (MASAKATSU) is the victory one achieves over onese (AGATSU). Thus
one of the founder's "slogans" was MASAKATSU AGATSU -- "The true victory of self-mastery."
Ai Hanmi (eye hawn-me)
- Mutual stance where UKE and NAGE each have the same foot forward
(right-right, left-left)
- Aikido (eye-key-dough)
- Ai (harmony), Ki (spirit), Do (The Way
or Path)
Aikidoka (eye-key-dough-kah)
- A practitioner of Aikido
Aikikai (eye-key-kye)
- "Aiki association." A term used to designate the organization created by
the founder for the dissemination of Aikido.
Ai Nuke (eye new-kay)
- "Mutual escape." An outcome of a duel where each participant escapes
harm. This corresponds to the ideal of Aikido according to which a conflict
is resolved without injury to any party involved.
Ai Uchi (eye oo-chee)
"Mutual kill." An outcome
of a duel where each participant kills the other. In classical Japanese
swordmanship, practitioners were often encouraged to enter a duel with the
goal of achieving at least an AI UCHI. The resolution to win the duel even
at the cost of one's own life was thought to aid in cultivating an attitude
of single-minded focus on the task of cutting down one's opponent. This
single-minded focus is exemplified in Aikido in the technique, IKKYO, where
one enters into an attacker's range in order to effect the technique.
Ashi Sabaki (ah-she sah-bah-key)
Footwork. Proper footwork
is essential in Aikido for developing strong balance and for facilitating
ease of movement.
Atemi (ah-te-mee)
- (lit. Striking the Body) Strike directed at the attacker for purposes of
unbalancing or distraction. Atemi is often vital for bypassing or "short circuiting"
an attacker's natural responses to Aikido techniques. The first thing most
people will do when they feel their body being manipulated in an unfamiliar
way is to retract their limbs and drop their center of mass down and away
from the person performing the technique. By judicious application of atemi,
it is possible to create a "window of opportunity" in the attacker's natural
defenses, facilitating the application of an Aikido technique.
Atemi waza (ah-te-mee wah-zah)
- Striking techniques
Bokken (boe-ken)
- Wooden sword used in practice. Many Aikido movements are derived
from traditional Japanese fencing.
Budo (boo-dough)
- "Martial way." The Japanese character for "BU" (martial) is derived from
characters meaning "stop" and (a weapon like a) "halberd." In conjunction,
then, "BU" may have the connotation "to stop the halberd." In Aikido, there
is an assumption that the best way to prevent violent conflict is to
emphasize the cultivation of individual character. The way (DO) of
AIKI is thus equivalent to the way of BU, taken in this sense of preventing
or avoiding violence to the extent possible.
Bushido (boo-she-dough)
- The way of the warrior
Chokusen (choe-koo-sen)
- Direct. Thus CHOKUSEN NO IRIMI = direct entry.
Chudan (chew-dawn)
- "Middle position." Thus CHUDAN NO KAMAE = a stance characterized by
having one's hands/sword in a central position with respect to one's body.
Chushin (chew-shin)
- Center. Especially, the center of one's movement or balance.
Dan (dawn)
- Aikido grade holder, black belt rank
Deshi (day-shee)
- Student, pupil, disciple
Do (dough)
- Way/path. The Japanese character for "DO" is the same as the Chinese
character for Tao (as in "Taoism"). In aikiDO, the connotation is that of a
way of attaining enlightenment or a way of improving one's character through
aiki.
Dogi (dough-ghee)
- See "Gi"
Dojo (dough-joe)
-
Literally "place of the
Way." Also "place of enlightenment." The place where we practice Aikido.
Practice hall (formally, a term used by Buddhist priests in
reference to their place of worship).
Dojo Cho (dough-joe choe)
-
The head of the dojo. A
title.
Domo Arigato Gozaimashita (dough-moe ah-ree-gah-toe go-zah-ee-mah-shee-tah)
-
Japanese for "thank you
very much." At the end of each class, it is proper to bow and thank the
instructor and those with whom you've practiced.
Doshi (dough-shee)
- Comrade, friend (used among fellow Aikidoists)
Doshu (dough-shee)
- Head of the way (currently Moriteru Ueshiba, grandson of Aikido's
founder, Morihei Ueshiba). The highest official authority in IAF Aikido.
Fudo Shin (foo-dough shin)
- "Immovable mind." A state of mental equanimity or imperturbability. The
mind, in this state, is calm and undistracted (metaphorically, therefore,
"immovable"). FUDO MYO is a Buddhist guardian deity who carries a sword in
one hand (to destroy enemies of the Buddhist doctrine), and a rope in the
other (to rescue sentient beings from the pit of delusion, or from Buddhist
hell-states). He therefore embodies the two-fold Buddhist ideal of wisdom
(the sword) and compassion (the rope). To cultivate FUDO SHIN is thus to
cultivate a mind which can accommodate itself to changing circumstances
without compromise of ethical principles. Gedan Lower position. GEDAN
NO KAMAE is thus a stance with the hands or a weapon held in a lower
position.
Fukushidoin (foo-koo-she-dough-win)
- A formal title whose connotation is something approximating "assistant
instructor."
Furi Kaburi (foo-ree kah-boo-ree)
- Sword-raising movement. This movement in found especially in IKKYO,
IRIMI-NAGE, and SHIHO-NAGE.
Gaeshi (guy-eh-shee)
- To reverse
Gedan (gay-dawn)
- Lower position. GEDAN NO KAMAE is thus a stance with the hands or a
weapon held in a lower position.
Gi (ghee)
- Practice clothes. Either judo-style or karate-style GI are
acceptable in most DOJOs, but they must be white and cotton. (No black satin
GI with embroidered dragons. Please.)
Gyaku Hanmi (g-yah-koo hawn-mee)
- Opposing stance (if UKE has the right foot forward, NAGE has the left
foot forward, if UKE has the left foot forward, NAGE has the right foot
forward).
H ( A
M T Back to Top)
Hakama (ha-kah-ma)
- A divided, pant-like skirt worn for practiceing
Hanmi (hawn-mee)
- A posture in which one foot is advanced one step and the body
weight is distributed equally on both feet; triangular stance.
Hanmi Handachi (hawn-mee hawn-dah-chee)
- Nage (the thrower) is kneeling and uke (the
attacker) approaches from a standing position
Happo (hop-poe)
- 8 directions; as in HAPPO-UNDO (8 direction exercise) or HAPPOGIRI (8
direction cutting with the sword). The connotation here is really movement
in all directions. In Aikido, one must be prepared to turn in any direction
in an instant.
Hara (har-ah)
- Lower abdomen; physical and spiritual center; center of
existence. One's center of mass, located about 2" below the navel.
Traditionally this was thought to be the location of the spirit/mind/(source
of KI). Aikido techniques should be executed as much as possible from
or through one's HARA.
Hasso no Kamae (haw-soe no kam-my)
- "Figure-eight" stance. The figure eight doughs not correspond to the
arabic numeral "8", but rather to the Chinese/Japanese character which looks
more like the roof of a house. In HASSO NO KAMAE, the sword is held up
beside one's head, so that the elbows spread down and out from the sword in
a pattern resembling this figure-eight character.
Henka Waza (hen-kah wah-zah)
- Varied technique. Especially beginning one technique and changing to
another in mid-execution. Ex. beginning IKKYO but changing to IRIMINAGE.
Hidari (he-dah-ree)
- Left (direction)
Hiji (he-gee)
- Elbow
Hombu Dojo (home-boo dough-joe)
- A term used to refer to the central dojo of an organization. Thus this
usually designates Aikido World Headquarters. (see Aikikai)
Irimi (ee-ree-mee)
- (lit. "Entering the Body") Entering movement. Many Aikidoists think that
the IRIMI movement expresses the very essence of Aikido. The idea
behind IRIMI is to place oneself in relation to an attacker in such a way
that the attacker is unable to continue to attack effectively, and in such a
way that one is able to control effectively the attacker's balance. (See
SHIKAKU).
Jinja (gin-jah)
- A (shinto) shrine. There is an AIKI JINJA located in Iwama, Ibaraki
prefecture, Japan.
Jiyu (ghee-you)
- Free style
Jiyu waza (ghee-you wa-zah)
- free style techniques/practice. Free-style practice of techniques.
This usually involves more than one attacker who may attack NAGE in any way
desired.
Jo (joe)
- Wooden staff about 4'-5' in length. The JO originated as a walking
stick. It is unclear how it became incorporated into Aikido. Many JO
movements come from traditional Japanese spear- fighting, others may have
come from jo-jutsu, but many seem to have been innovated by the founder.
Jo Tori (joe toe-ree)
- Wooden staff-taking.
Jodan (joe-dawn)
-
Upper position. JODAN NO
KAMAE is thus a stance with the hands or a weapon held in a high position.
Kaeshi Waza (kay-esh-she wah-zah)
-
Technique reversal. (UKE
becomes NAGE and vice- versa). This is usually a very advanced form of
practice. KAESHI WAZA practice helps to instill a sensitivity to shifts in
resistance or direction in the movements of one's partner. Practice so as to
anticipate and prevent the application of KAESHI WAZA against one's own
techniques greatly sharpens Aikido skills.
Kaiten (kaye-ten)
- To revolve or rotate.
Kaiso (kaye-soe)
- A title. The founder of Aikido
(i.e., Morihei Ueshiba).
Kamae (kaw-my)
- A posture or stance either with or without a
weapon. KAMAE may also connote proper distance (MA AI) with respect to one's
partner. Although "KAMAE" generally refers to a physical stance, there is
an important parallel in Aikido between one's physical and one's
psychological bearing. Adopting a strong physical stance helps to promote
the correlative adoption of a strong psychological attitude. It is important to
try so far as possible to maintain a positive and strong mental bearing in
Aikido.
Kami (kaw-me)
- A divinity, living force, or spirit. According to SHINTO, the natural world
is full of KAMI, which are often sensitive or responsive to the actions of human beings.
Kamiza (kaw-me-zah)
- A small shrine, especially in an Aikido, generally located the the front of the dojo, and often housing
a picture of the founder, or some calligraphy. One generally bows in the direction
of the KAMIZA when entering or leaving the dojo, or the mat.
Kansetsu Waza (kawn-set-sue wah-zah)
- Joint manipulation techniques.
Kata (kah-tah)
- (1) Shoulder; also (2) means form, as in practice or pre-arranged exercise(s). A "form" or prescribed pattern of movement,
especially with the JO in Aikido.
Katame waza (kah-tah-may wah-zah)
- "Hold-down" (pinning) techniques.
Katana (kah-tah-nah)
- A steel blade, what is commonly called a "samurai sword."
Katsu Hayabi (caught-sue hah-yah-bee)
- One hand (left or right) "Victory at the speed of sunlight." According
to the founder, when one has achieved total self-mastery (Agatsu) and
perfect accord with the fundamental principles governing the universe
(especially principles covering ethical interaction), one will have the
power of the entire universe at one's disposal, there no longer being any
real difference between oneself and the universe. At this stage, victory is
instantaneous. The very intention of an attacker to perpetrate an act of
violence breaks harmony with the fundamental principles of the universe, and
no one can compete successfully against such principles. Also, the
expression of the fundamental principles of the universe in human life is
love (Ai), and love, according to the founder, has no enemies. Having no
enemies, one has no need to fight, and thus always emerges victorious. (see Agatsu and Masakatsu)
Katsu Jinken (caught-sue gin-ken)
- "The sword that saves life."
As Japanese swordsmanship became more and more influenced by Buddhism
(especially Zen Buddhism) and Taoism, practitioners became increasingly
interested in incorporating ethical principles into their discipline. The
consummate master of swordsmanship, according to some such practitioners, should
be able not only to use the sword to kill, but also to save life. The
concept of KATSU JIN KEN found some explicit application in the development of
techniques which would use non-cutting parts of the sword to strike or control
one's opponent, rather than to kill him/her. The influence of some of
these techniques can sometimes be seen in Aikido. Other techniques were
developed by which an unarmed person (or a person unwilling to draw a weapon)
could disarm an attacker. These techniques are frequently practiced in
Aikido. (see SETSU NIN TO)
Keiko (kay-ko)
- Practice session. (The only secret to success in Aikido.)
Ken (ken)
- Japanese sword
Ken Tori (ken toe-ree)
- sword-taking.
Kensho (ken-show)
- Enlightenment. (see MOKUSO and SATORI) Ki = Mind; Spirit; Energy;
Vital-force. Intention. (Chinese = chi) For many Aikidoka, the primary goal
of Aikido practice is to learn how to "extend" KI, or to learn how to
control or redirect the KI of others. There are both "realist" and
anti-realist interpretations of KI. The KI realist takes KI to be,
literally, a kind of "stuff," "energy," or "life-force" which flows within
the body. Developing or increasing one's own KI, according to the KI-
realist, thus confers upon the Aikidoka greater power and control over
his/her own body, and may also have the added benefits of improved health
and longevity. According to the KI anti-realist, KI is a concept which
covers a wide range of psychophysical phenomena, but which doughs not denote
any objectively existing "energy" or "stuff." The KI-anti-realist
believes, for example, that to "extend KI" is just to adopt a certain kind
of positive psychological disposition and to correlate that psychological
disposition with just the right combination of balance, relaxation, and
judicious application of physical force. Since the description "extend
KI" is somewhat more manageable, the concept of KI has a class of well
defined uses for the KI-anti-realist, but doughs not carry with it any ontological
commitments beyond the scope of mainstream scientific theories.
Ki (key)
- Spirit -- the vital force of the body; Universal energy;
a stream or flow of positive energy
Kiai (key-eye)
- A shout delivered for the purpose of focusing all of one's energy
into a single movement. Even when audible KIAI are absent, one should
try to preserve the feeling of KIAI at certain crucial points within
Aikido techniques.
Kihon (key-hone)
- (Something which is) fundamental. There are often many seemingly
very different ways of performing the same technique in Aikido. To see
beneath the surface features of the technique and grasp the core is to
comprehend the KIHON.
Ki Musubi (key moo-sue-be)
- KI NO MUSUBI = Literally "knotting/tying-up KI". The act/process of
matching one's partner's movement/intention at its inception, and
maintaining a connection to one's partner throughout the application of
an Aikido technique. Proper KI MUSUBI requires a mind that is
clear, flexible, and attentive. (see SETSUZOKU)
Kohai (koe-high)
- A student junior to oneself.
Kokoro (koe-koe-roe)
- "Heart or mind." Japanese folk psychology doughs not distinguish
clearly between the seat of intellect and the seat of emotion as doughs
Western folk psychology.
Kokyu (coke-you)
- Breath power; the coordination of "Ki flow" with
breathing. Part of Aikido is the development of "KOKYU RYOKU", or
"breath power." This is the coordination of breath with movement. A
prosaic example: When lifting a heavy object, it is generally easier
when breathing out. Also breath control may facilitate greater
concentration and the elimination of stress. In many traditional forms
of meditation, focus on the breath is used as a method for developing
heightened concentration or mental equanimity. This is also the case in
Aikido. A number of exercises in Aikido are called "KOKYU HO," or
"breath exercises." These exercises are meant to help one develop KOKYU
RYOKU.
Kokyu Dosa (coke-you doh-sah)
- A method of off-balancing and pinning your partner with your
Ki instead of with your physical power
Koshi (koh-she)
- Hips, waist (also spelled goshi)
Kotodama (koe-toe-dah-mah)
- A practice of intoning various sounds (phonetic components of the
Japanese language) for the purpose of producing mystical states. The
founder of Aikido was greatly interested in Shinto and Neo-shinto practices,
and he incorporated a number of them into his personal Aikido practice.
Kubi (coo-bee)
- (1) Neck. (2) Emptiness. According to Buddhism, the fundamental character of things is
absence (or emptiness) of individual unchanging essences. The realization
of the essence-less-ness of things is what permits the cultivation of
psychological non-attachment, and thus cognitive equanimity. The direct
realization of (or experience of insight into) emptiness is enlightenment. This
shows up in Aikido in the ideal of developing a state of cognitive openness,
permitting one to respond immediately and intuitively to changing circumstances
(see MOKUSO).
Kumijo (koo-me-joe)
- JO matching exercise (partner practice).
Kumitachi (koo-me-tah-chee)
- Sword matching exercise (partner practice).
Kuzushi (koo-zoo-she)
- The principle of destroying one's partner's balance. In Aikido, a
technique cannot be properly applied unless one first unbalances one's
partner. To achieve proper KUZUSHI, in Aikido, one should rely primarily on
position and timing, rather than merely on physical force.
Kyu (key-you)
- White belt rank. (Or any rank below SHODAN)
M ( A
H
T Back to Top)
Ma ai (mah eye)
- Distance between uke and nage, meaning
"harmony of space". Proper distancing or timing with respect to one's
partner. Since Aikido techniques always vary according to circumstances, it
is important to understand how differences in initial position affect the
timing and application of techniques.
Mae (my-ee)
- Front. Thus MAE UKEMI = "forward fall/roll".
Masakatsu (mah-sah-cat-sue)
- "True victory." (see AGATSU and KACHIHAYABI)
Men (men)
- Face, head
Migi (mee-ghee)
- Right (direction).
Misogi (mee-sow-ghee)
- Ritual purification. Aikido practice may be looked upon as a means
of purifying oneself; eliminating defiling characteristics from one's mind
or personality. Although there are some specific exercises for MISOGI
practice, such as breathing exercises, in point of fact, every aspect of
Aikido practice may be looked upon as MISOGI. This, however, is a matter of
one's attitude or approach to practice, rather than an objective feature of
the practice itself.
Mokuso (mee-sow-ghee)
- Meditation. Practice often begins or ends with a brief period of
meditation. The purpose of meditation is to clear one's mind and to
develop cognitive equanimity. Perhaps more importantly, meditation is
an opportunity to become aware of conditioned patterns of thought and
behavior so that such patterns can be modified, eliminated or more
efficiently put to use. In addition, meditation may occasion experiences of
insight into various aspects of Aikido (or, if one accepts certain Buddhist
claims, into the very structure of reality). Ideally, the sort of cognitive
awareness and focus that one cultivates in meditation should carry over into
the rest of one's practice, so that the distinction between the "meditative
mind" and the "normal mind" collapses.
Mudansha (moo-dawn-shaw)
- Students without black-belt ranking.
Mushin (moo-shin)
- Literally "no mind". A state of cognitive awareness characterized
by the absence of discursive thought. A state of mind in which the
mind acts/reacts without hypostatization of concepts. MUSHIN is often
erroneously taken to be a state of mere spontaneity. Although
spontaneity is a feature of MUSHIN, it is not straightforwardly identical to
it. It might be said that when one is in a state of MUSHIN, one is
free to use concepts and distinctions without being used by them.
Nagare (nah-gah-ray)
- Flowing. One goal of Aikido practice is to learn not to oppose physical
force with physical force. Rather, one strives to flow along with
physical force, redirecting it to one's advantage.
Nage (nah-gay)
- Throw, the person who throws
Obi (oh-bee)
- Belt
Omote (oh-moe-tay)
- "The front," thus, a class of movements in Aikido in which NAGE enters
in front of UKE.
Omotokyo (oh-moe-toe-key-yoh)
- One of the so-called "new-religions" of Japan. OMOTOKYO is a
syncretic amalgam of Shintoism, Neo-Shinto mysticism, Christianity, and
Japanese folk religion. The founder of Aikido was a devotee of
OMOTOKYO, and incorporated some elements from it into his Aikido practice.
The founder insisted, however, that one need not be a devotee of OMOTOKYO in
order to study Aikido or to comprehend Aikido's purpose.
Onegai Shimasu(oh-nigh-guy-ee shee-mahss)
- "I welcome you to practice with me," or literally, "I make a request." This
is said to one's partner when initiating practice.
Osae waza (oh-say wah-zah)
- Pinning techniques.
O'Sensei (oh sen-say)
- O-sensei Literally, "Great Teacher," i.e., Morihei Ueshiba, (pronounced
more-ree-heh-ee way-she-bah) the founder of Aikido.
Randori (ran-door-ree)
- Free-style "all-out" practiceing. Sometimes used as a synonym for
JIYU WAZA. Although Aikido techniques are usually practiced with a
single partner, it is important to keyp in mind the possibility that one may
be attacked by multiple aggressors. Many of the body movements of Aikido
(TAI SABAKI) are meant to facilitate defense against multiple attackers.
Rei (ray)
- Salutation, bow
Reigi (ray-ghee)
- Etiquette. Observance of proper etiquette at all times (but
especially observance of proper DOJO etiquette) is as much a part of one's
practiceing as the practice of techniques. Observation of etiquette indicates
one's sincerity, one's willingness to learn, and one's recognition of the rights and
interests of others.
Ryote (ree-oh-tay)
- Both hands
Samurai (sah-mur-rye)
- Military retainer of the Japanese feudal period
Satori (sah-tore-rhee)
- Enlightenment. In Buddhism, enlightenment is characterized by a direct realization or
apprehension of the absence of unchanging essences behind phenomena.
Rather, phenomena are seen to be empty of such essences -- phenomena exist
in thorough going interdependence (ENGI). As characterized by the founder of
Aikido, enlightenment consists in realizing a fundamental unity between
oneself and the (principles governing) the universe. The most
important ethical principle the Aikidoka should gain insight into is that
one should cultivate a spirit of loving protection for all things. (see KU
and SHINNYO)
Satsu Nin To (sat-sue nin toe)
- "The sword that kills." Although this would seem to indicate a purely
negative concept, there is, in fact, a positive connotation to this term.
Apart from the common assumption that killing may sometimes be a "necessary
evil" which may serve to prevent an even greater evil, the concept of
killing has a wide variety of metaphorical applications. One
may, for example, strive to "kill" such harmful character traits as
ignorance, selfishness, or (excessive) competitiveness. Some MISOGI sword
exercises in Aikido, for example, involve imagining that each cut of the
sword destroys some negative aspect of one's personality. In this way, SETSU
NIN TO and KATSU JIN KEN coalesce.
Setsuzoku (set-sue-zoe-coo)
- Connection. Aikido techniques are generally rendered more efficient by preserving a connection
between one's center of mass (HARA) and the outer limits of the movement, or
between one's own center of mass and that of one's partner. Also, SETSUZOKU
may connote fluidity and continuity in technique. On a psychological
level, SETSUZOKU may connote the relationship of action-response that exists
between oneself and one's partner, such that successful performance of
Aikido techniques depends crucially upon timing one's own actions and
responses to accord with those of one's partner.
Seiza (say-zah)
- Sitting on one's knees. Formal sitting posture. Sitting this
way requires acclimatization, but provides both a stable base and greater
ease of movement than sitting cross-legged.
Sempai (sem-pay)
- Senior student
Sensei (sen-say)
- Teacher. It is usually considered proper to address the instructor
during practice as "Sensei" rather than by his/her name. If the
Instructor is a permanent instructor for one's DOJO or for an organization,
it is proper to address him/her as "Sensei" off the mat as well.
Shidoin (she-dough-win)
- A formal title meaning, approximately, "instructor."
Shihan (she-hawn)
- A formal title meaning, approximately, "master instructor." A
"teacher of teachers."
Shiho (she-ho)
- Four directions
Shikaku (she-kah-koo)
- Literally "dead angle." A position relative to one's partner where
it is difficult for him/her to (continue to) attack, and from which it is
relatively easy to control one's partner's balance and movement. The
first phase of an Aikido technique is often to establish SHIKAKU.
Shikko (sheik-koe)
- Samurai walking ("knee walking"). Shikko is very important for
developing a strong awareness of one's center of mass (HARA). It also
develops strength in one's hips and legs.
Shimi (she-mee)
- To choke.
Shinkenshobu (shin-ken-show-boo)
- Lit. "Duel with live swords." This expresses the attitude one should
have about Aikido practice, i.e., one should treat the practice session as
though it were, in some respects, a life-or-death duel with live swords.
In particular, one's attention during Aikido practice should be
single-mindedly focused on Aikido, just as, during a life-or-death duel,
one's attention is entirely focused on the duel. Shinnyo "thus-ness"
or "such-ness." A term commonly used in Buddhist philosophy (and
especially in Zen Buddhism) to denote the character of things as they are
experienced without filtering the experiences through an overt conceptual
framework. There is some question whether "pure" uninterpreted
experience (independent of all conceptualization/categorization) is possible
given the neurological/cognitive makeup of human beings. However,
SHINNYO can also be taken to signify experience of things as empty of
individual essences (see "KU").
Shinto (shin-toe)
- "The way of the gods." The indigenous religion of Japan. The
founder of Aikido was deeply influenced by OMOTOKYO, a religion largely
grounded in the SHINTO religion. (see KAMI)
Shodan (show-dawn)
- Holder of the first grade black belt
Shomen (show-men)
- Front or top of the head. Also the designated front of a DOJO.
Soto (so-toe)
- "Outside." Thus, a class of Aikido movements executed, especially,
outside the attacker's arm(s). (see UCHI)
Suburi (soo-boo-ree)
- A single movement using the ken or jo, done as a
solo practice
Suetemi (soo-tem-me)
- A hard fall; literally, to throw or sacrifice the body
Sukashiwaza (sue-cash-she-wah-zah)
- Techniques performed without allowing the attacker to complete a grab or
to initiate a strike. Ideally, one should be sensitive enough to the
posture and movements of an attacker (or would-be attacker) that the attack
is neutralized before it is fully executed. A great deal of both
physical and cognitive practice is required in order to attain this ideal.
Suki (sue-key)
- An opening or gap where one is vulnerable to attack or application of a
technique, or where one's technique is otherwise flawed. SUKI may be
either physical or psychological. One goal of practice is to be sensitive to SUKI within one's own movement or position, as well as to detect SUKI in the
movement or position of one's partner. Ideally, a master of
Aikido will have developed his/her skill to such an extent that he/she no
longer has any true SUKI.
Sutemi (sue-tem-mee)
- Literally "to throw-away the body." The attitude of abandoning
oneself to the execution of a technique (in judo, a class of techniques
where one sacrifices one's own balance/position in order to throw one's
partner). (See AI UCHI)
Suwari Waza (sue-wah-ree wah-zah)
- Sitting techniques. Techniques executed with both UKE and NAGE in
a seated position. These techniques have their historical origin (in
part) in the practice of requiring all samurai to sit and move about on
their knees while in the presence of a DAIMYO (feudal lord). In
theory, this made it more difficult for anyone to attack the DAIMYO. But
this was also a position in which one received guests (not all of whom were
always trustworthy). In contemporary Aikido, SUWARI WAZA is important for
learning to use one's hips and legs.
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Tachi (tah-chee)
- A type of Japanese sword (thus TACHI-TORI = sword-taking). (Also
"standing position"). See Tachi Waza
Tachi-Tori (tah-chee toe-ree)
- Techniques of taking a sword from an opponent
Tachi Waza (tah-chee wah-zah)
- Standing techniques.
Taijutsu (tie-jut-sue)
- Body arts; unarmed practice; the techniques of Aikido done without weapons
Tai No Henko (tie-no-hen-ko)
- Basic blending practice involving turning 180 degrees.
Tai Sabaki (tai sah-bah-key)
- Body movement.
Takemusu Aiki (tah-key-moo-sue eye-key)
- A "slogan" of the founder's meaning "infinitely generative martial art
of Aiki." Thus, a synonym for Aikido. The scope of Aikido is not
limited to the standard, named techniques one studies regularly in practice.
Rather, these standard techniques serve as repositories of more fundamental
principles (KIHON). Once one has internalized the
KIHON, it is possible to generate a virtually infinite variety of new Aikido
techniques in accordance with novel conditions.
Taninsugake (tah-ninn-sue-gah-key)
- Practice facing multiple attackers, usually from grabbing attacks.
Tanto (tan-to)
- Wooden knife; a dagger.
Tanto Tori (tan-to toe-ree)
- Knife-taking.
Te (tay)
- Hand
Tegatana (tay-gah-tah-nah)
- Hand blade; sword edge of the hand. "Hand sword", i.e. the edge of
the hand opposite the thumb. Many Aikido movements emphasize extension
and alignment "through" one's tegatana. Also, there are important
similarities obtaining between Aikido sword techniques, and the principles
of tegatana application.
Te Kubi (tay-koo-be)
- Wrist
Tenchi (ten-chee)
- Ten (heaven), chi (earth); a position of the
hands, one high (up) and one low (down)
Tenkan (ten-kawn)
- Turning movement, esp. turning the body 180 degrees. (see TAI NO TENKAN)
Tenshin (ten-shin)
- A movement where NAGE retreats 45 degrees away from the attack
(esp. to UKE's open side).
Tsuki (t-ski)
- A punch or thrust (esp. an attack to the midsection).
Uchi (ooh-chee)
- (1) "Inside." A class of techniques where NAGE moves, especially, inside
(under) the attacker's arm(s). (2) A strike, e.g., SHOMEN UCHI.
Uchi Deshi (oo-chee desh-she)
- A live-in student. A student who lives in a dojo and devotes him/herself
both to practice and to the maintenance of the dojo (and sometimes to
personal service to the SENSEI of the dojo).
Uke (ooh-kay)
- A person who receives an attack; generally, uke
refers to the person being thrown. (receiving the technique). At high
levels of practice, the distinction between UKE and NAGE becomes blurred. In
part, this is because it becomes unclear who initiates the technique, and
also because, from a certain perspective, UKE and NAGE are
thoroughly interdependent.
Ukemi (ooh-kem-mee)
- Literally "receiving [with/through] the body," thus, the art of falling
in response to a technique. MAE UKEMI are front roll-falls, USHIRO
UKEMI are back roll-falls. Ideally, one should be able to execute
ukemi from any position and in any direction. The development of proper
ukemi skills is just as important as the development of throwing skills and
is no less deserving of attention and effort. In the course of practicing
ukemi, one has the opportunity to monitor the way one is being moved so as
to gain a clearer understanding of the principles of Aikido techniques. Just
as standard Aikido techniques provide strategies for defending against
physical attacks, so doughs ukemi practice provide strategies for defending
against falling (or even against the application of an Aikido or Aikido-like
technique!).
Ura (oo-rah)
- "Rear." A class of Aikido techniques executed by moving behind the
attacker and turning. Sometimes URA techniques are called TENKAN (turning)
techniques.
Ushiro (ooh-shee-row)
- Back, behind, rear, backwards or behind, as in USHIRO UKEMI or falling
backwards.
Waza (wah-zah)
- Techniques. Although in Aikido we have to practice specific
techniques, Aikido as it might manifest itself in self-defense may not
resemble any particular, standard Aikido technique. This is because
Aikido techniques encode strategies and types of movement which are modified
in accordance with changing conditions. (see KIHON)
Yoko (yoh-ko)
- Side
Yokomen (yoh-ko-men)
- Side of the head
Yudansha (yoo-dawn-sha)
- Black belt grade holder(s)
Zanshin (zawn-shin)
- Lit. "remaining mind/heart." Even after an Aikido technique has
been completed, one should remain in a balanced and aware state.
ZANSHIN thus connotes "following through" in a technique, as well as
preservation of one's awareness so that one is prepared to respond to
additional attacks.
Zen (zen)
- A school or division of Buddhism characterized by techniques designed to
produce enlightenment. In particular, Zen emphasizes various sorts of
meditative practices, which are supposed to lead the practitioner to a
direct insight into the fundamental character of reality (see KU and MOKUSO).
Zori (zoe-ree)
- Sandals worn off the mat to help keyp the mat clean.
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