Training terms

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 descriptions - please find these on the Techniques page, as well as in the Aikido Moves website at aikidomoves.webtrax.com.au (described on the Techniques page). 

  • Aikido - the Way of Harmony of Energy, the art of peace
  • Aikidoka - a practitioner of Aikido
  • Aikido Kenkyukai -  'Aikido Research Group'
  • Aikikai - World Aikido Federation
  • Dojo - training hall
  • O-Sensei - Great Teacher, the founder of Aikido, 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 cullotes)
  • 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 - neck 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 Tori - 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