Terms and Etiquette

Common Words used in the Dojo

Below is a set of common words used in the dojo, as well as used when talking about Aikido. These are not technique decriptions - please find these on the Aikido the Techniques page, as well as in the the Aikido Moves website at http://aikido.webtrax.com.au/ (which is described on the Techniques page).

• Aikido - the Way of Harmony of Energy, the art of peace
• Aikidoka - a practitioner of Aikido
• Aikido Kenkyu Kai -  'Aikido Research Group'
• Aikikai- World Aikido Federation
• Dojo - training hall

• O-Sensei - Great Teacher, the founder Morihei Ueshiba
• Shihan - Master of the art (for AKI ours is Takeda, Yoshinobu Shihan)
• Sensei - Teacher of the art

• Gi - white martial arts suit (also called Dogi)
• Hakama - black skirt worn by black belts (originated from Samurai horse riding callots)

• Dan Grade - black belt
• Kyu Grade - white belt

• 'Onegaishimasu' - please teach/work with me
• 'domo arigato gozaimasu' - thank you very much. Less formal 'arigato gozaimasu'

• Hara - center
• Ki - energy

• Irimi - moving in
• Tenkan-  opening out

• Shomen - literally means 'front' but used to mean 'front of the dojo' or 'frontal attack'
• Ukemi - rolling
• Waza - technique

• Bokken - wooden sword
• Jo - wooden staff
• Tanto - wooden knife
• Shoto - wooden short sword

General Aikido Terms

These terms are also not techiques, but are words that help describe Aikido movements.

• Ate Mi - punch or hit to the body
• Gyaku Yokomen - reverse side of the head
• Han Mi - a posture in which one foot is advanced one step
• Han Mi Han Tachi - defender in kneeling position attacker is standing
• Jiyu Waza - free technique
• Jo Dosa - staff exercise
• Jo Tori - defence against staff
• Kaeshi Waza - counter attack technique
• Kata Tori - hold the shoulder
• Katate Tori - hold one wrist
• Ken Suburi - sword exercise
• Kubi Shime - next strangulation
• Ma Ai - the distance between you and your partner
• Men Tsuki - thrust to the head
• Morote Tori - hold one wrist with both hands
• Mune Tori - hold the chest
• Omote - front (version of technique)
• Ran Dori - multiple attackers
• Ryo Kata Tori - hold both the shoulders
• Ryote Tore - hold both wrists
• Shomen Uchi - striking forehead
• Suwari Waza - kneeling position technique
• Tachi Waza - standing position technique
• Tanto Tori - defence against knife
• Tsuki - thrusting
• Ura - rear or hidden (version of technique)
• Ushiro - behind
• Yokomen Uchi - striking the side of the head

Etiquette Summary

You will find that Aikido Kenkyu Kai has a light hearted and joyful approach in the dojo, but there is also a serious side where standards of etiquette apply. A dojo is a place of great respect and demands students understand this. Not only does etiquette have a practical nature, avoiding unnecessary injury, but also sets a tone of concentration and awareness.

Please note that Aikido practice is not religious, but that there is bowing involved. At the beginning and the end of the class students are asked to bow to the front of the dojo where a picture of OSensei is placed, and then bow to the instructor. This is simply a mark of respect, not a religious ritual. If your religious beliefs restrict you from bowing to anyone but God, please speak to the instructor and seek exemption from the bowing. In this case you will be asked to sit respectfully to the side of the class while the bowing is conducted.

For a detailed description of the etiquette used in the dojo, please refer to the Etiquette page.