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