Terminology

[samoz]

Hey guys, where do you learn all these terms? Is there like a handbook? Because my teacher said there is really no textbook, so I only know like 5 diffrent words . . .

[aikiMac]

What terms?
Are you even talking about aikido? If you're talking about aikido then your teacher is wrong and that scares me. There are scores of aikido books showing the standard basic techniques that we all learn, and every one of those books has the Japanese terminology. Some of them even have a glossary.

[Mufty]

Hey guys, where do you learn all these terms? Is there like a handbook? Because my teacher said there is really no textbook, so I only know like 5 diffrent words . . .


I cant tell much from your profile, but yep there are loads a books on all martial arts all listing the terminology.

So log onto Amazon UK and start spending 'O' and Get a-n-other teacher M8 :)

[Shinkei]

Hey guys, where do you learn all these terms? Is there like a handbook? Because my teacher said there is really no textbook, so I only know like 5 diffrent words . . .

There are loads of books on the various styles of Aikido, Traditional Aikido Has ikkyo nikkyo sankyo yonkyo first to fourth form.

Tomiki/Shodokan Aikido describs the movement by name Ikkyo would be Oshi Taoshi ,Nikkyo would be kote mawashi, Sankyo would be tenkai kote hineri, yonkyo would be tekubi Osae.

Why your instructor has led you to beleve that you can't get any written information on aikido worries me.
I Have included some basic Japanese Terms.
Ai
Harmony
Ai-gamae
Matching stances.
Aiki
Harmony of Spirit
Aikido
Way of Harmony of Spirit
Aikidoka
Person who practises Aikido
Aiki-Ken
Aikido Sword techniques
Ashi
Leg or Foot
Atemi
Strike
Atemi-waza
Striking techniques.

Barai
Sweep
Bokken
Wooden Sword used in Aikido and Kendo training
Budo
Martial Ways

Chudan
Middle
Chudan-no-kamae
Basic posture
Chudan-uke
Middle block

Dan
Degree ranking for Black Belt
Do
The Way or Path
Dojo
Training Hall or Place of the Way
Dori
Hold or Grasp

Eri Dori
Collar held

Furitsuki
Slashing thrust (Normally with a knife)

Gassho no renshu
Blocking exercise with the hands joined together.
Gedan
Low
Gedan-no-kamae
Low posture
Gedan-uke
Low block
Gi
Aikidogi traditional clothing worn when training
Go
Five
Go-no-sen
Attacking after you have been attacked.
Gyaku
Opposite / Reverse
Gyaku-gamae
Opposite stances.

Hachi
Eight
Hantai
Change
Hara
A point in the lower abdomen.
Hasso
High sword posture
Hidari
Left
Hidari-gamae
Left stance with the left foot forward.
Hiji
Elbow
Hiji waza
Elbow techniques
Hikitate-geiko
Middle level of competition.
Hyaku
One Hundred

Iai-do
Art of Sword Drawing
Ichi
One
Idoryoku
locomotive power; the power of movement.

Irimi
Entering principle
Irimi-nage
Entering throw

Jo
Short staff about 4' long
Jodan
High
Jodan-no-kamae
High posture
Jodan-uke
High block
Jujitsu
Ancient Japanese martial art
Ju-nana-hon waza
17 basic techniques of Tomiki Aikido.
Jushin
Balance / Center of gravity
Jyu
Ten
Jyu-Ichi
Eleven
Jyu-Ni
Twelve and so on

Kakari-geiko
Lowest level of competition.
Kamae
Stance / Posture
Kansetsu
Joints
Kansetsu-waza
Joint techniques.
Kata
Pre-arranged techniques, Form or Shoulder
Kata-Dori-Men-Uchi
Strike to the head while holding the shoulder
Kata-Dori
Shoulder held
Katate
Single hand
Katate-Dori
One hand held
Keiko-gi
Kit/Uniform
Ken
Sword
Kendo
The way of the Sword
Ki
Spirit or Energy
Kime-waza
Final locking technique
Kiritsu
Stand to attention
Kissaki
Point or Tip of the Sword
Kohai
Junior Student
Kokyu
Blending - Fitting in was a movement
Kokyu-Dosa
Breath Exercise
Kokyu-Nage
Breath Throw
Koryu-no-kata
Pre-arranged traditional techniques in kata form
Koshi
Hips or lower back
Koshi-Nage
Hip Throw
Kotai
Switch/Change
Kote
Wrist also called Tekubi
Kote-Gaeshi
Outer wrist throw - Wrist twist
Ku
Nine
Kyu
Ranking for belts below black belt.
Kuzushi
Break balance.
Kyudo
Japanese Archery

Mae
Forward, front.
Ma-ai
Correct distance
Marui
Circular / Round
Men
Sword cut to the center of the head.
Me-tsuke
Eye contact, one focuses on the opponent's eyes.
Migi
Right
Migi-gamae
Right posture with the right foot forward.
Mochi
Grasp or hold with hands
Morote Dori
One hand held by two hands
Mu-gamae
Without stance.
Mushin
Without emotion
Mune
Chest

Nage
Throw / Technique
Nana-hon nage kuzushi
Kuzushi training exercise comprised of seven throws.
Ni
Two
Ni-Jyu-Ichi
Twenty one
Ni-Jyu-Ni
Twenty two and so on.

Obi
Belt worn over the Gi.
Omote
Front
O-Sensei
Great Teacher (Reference to the Founder)
Otoshi
Drop

Randori
Freeplay
Randori-no-Kata
Basic 17 techniques in the Tomiki system of Aikido
Rei
Bow
Ritsu-rei
Standing Bow
Rokku
Six
Ryo-Kata-Dori
Both shoulders held
Ryote-Dori
Both hands held

San
Three
Seichu-Sen
Center line of one's body
Seiza
Sitting Properly
Sempai
Senior Student
Sen
Initiating an attack slightly before your opponent
Sensei
Teacher
Sensei-ni-rei
Bow to the teacher
Sen-sen-no-sen
Sensing and preparing for your opponent's attack.
Shi
Four
Shiai
Tournament, Competition
Shichi
Seven
Shichihon-no-kuzushi
Balance breaking
Shihan
A master teacher/ teacher of teachers.
Shiho-nage
Four Directional Throw
Shikko
Knee walking
Shime
Lock
Shinkokyu
Deep breathing exercise at the end of practice.
*****
Defender also called Tori
Shizentai
Natural standing position.
Shomen
Front also called Omote
Shomen ni rei
Bow to the front
Shomen-Uchi
Strike to top of the head
Shotei-awase
Tension exercise
Sode
Sleeve
Suwari-waza
Sitting Techniques from Seiza position

Tachi-waza
Standing techniques.
Tai-sabaki
Evasion of an attack by avoidance.
Taiso
Warm-up calisthenics.
Tandokuo-undo
Foot and hand movements exercises
Tanto
Knife
Te
Hand
Tegatana
Hand blade
Tegatana-awase
Hand blade exercise.
Tekubi
Wrist also know as Kote
Tekubi waza
Wrist techniques.
Tenkan
Absorption principle
Tentai
Hip-turn
Tori
The defender / Person doing the technique.
Tsugi
Thrust
Tsugi-ashi
Sliding feet

Uchi
Hand strike
Uke
Attacker / Person being thrown
Ukemi
Break falls
Uki-waza
Floating or timing techniques.
Ura
Back
Uraken
Back fist
Unsoku
Foot movements (Avoidance) exercises
Ushiro
Backward, behind.

Waza
Technique
Waki-gamae
Low Sword posture

Yoi
Prepare
Yoko
Side
Yokomen
Temple area of the face
Yokomen-uchi
Side strike to the opponent¹s temple.

Zanshin
Awareness
Za-rei
Sitting bow

[Mufty]

I Have included some basic Japanese Terms.

Well I think that's about covered it He He :)

[samoz]

ok, my mistake . . . my school does teach terminology, they were just holding off for a while so i wouldn't freak out over vocab & so I could get used to basic stuff . . .

now I know some words & technique names . . .

[aikiwolfie]

Ok I thought the list above was very helpful so I made this thread a sticky. Some of the termanology changes somewhat depending on style. So if your posting something it might be a good idea to tell us which style of Aikido it comes from.

[bunkeye]

Just to add on to the terminology:

More often than not, all tecniques in aikido starts with the types of attack, whether it is katate tori (katate mochi in Yoshinkan) followed by the defensive technique such as shiho-nage then followed by the inside or outside gate, omote, ura (ichi, ni in Yoshinkan). In some techniques, the stance will be mentioned first, such as ai hanmi, gyaku hanmi, suwari etc. Example include:

Ain hanmi katate dori shiho nage omote or ai hanmi katate mochi shiho nage ichi depending on which version of Aikido you are practising.

Although the terms look different, the basics of the terms remain. It will not be difficult to remember once you are used to them.

[Dave Humm]

In some techniques, the stance will be mentioned first, such as ai hanmi, gyaku hanmi, suwari etc. I'd like to clarify the 'stance' aspect.

Ai-hanmi and Gyaku-hanmi are not "stances" adopted by Tori who, actually takes up either Migi or Hadira hanmi, it is in fact uke which determines either Ai-hanmi or Gyaku-hanmi, and only when this is in relation to an arresting movement on either the left or right wrist of tori.

Essentially Ai or Gyaku-hanmi only exist when two people are in connection with each other.

Regards

[The Damned]

I'd like to clarify the 'stance' aspect.

Ai-hanmi and Gyaku-hanmi are not "stances" adopted by Tori who, actually takes up either Migi or Hadira hanmi, it is in fact uke which determines either Ai-hanmi or Gyaku-hanmi, and only when this is in relation to an arresting movement on either the left or right wrist of tori.

Essentially Ai or Gyaku-hanmi only exist when two people are in connection with each other.

Regards

err......can you expand on that please Dave. Even though i'm not sure i fully understand what you mean, your 'fact' imho has to be 'opinion', or 'experience', cos in our system it is tori who adopts posture first, almost in a way of enticing uke to commit to a certain attack. This is pobably more of an advanced method of thinking as it employs the concepts of sensen no sen, go no sen etc, which to be honest i don't think many aikidoka actually realise this and just do as they're told. Indeed it took me probably 6-7 years to start to undertsand this, and am still struggling with it, lol.
But to me, having studied other arts and experiencing similar concepts, it makes great sense (albeit not easy to grasp).
Is this something any of you experienced guys keep in mind at all?
This is probably in the wrong thread, but i'd be mighty interested to hear of your thoughts (maybe a mod can split and start a new thread for us).

Dave, can you still explain to me what you meant by your quote. i aint disagreeing with ya, i just don't get what you mean by arresting movement.

Cheers

[aikiwolfie]

If someone can explain what sensen no sen means i don't see a need for a split. Sorry we don't have a lot of Japanese termanology where I train. Although my teachers trying to bring it back.

In my experience tori also dictates posture in training at least until he/she reaches a more advanced level where tori should be able to deal with an attack regardless of posture. From a training perspective tori is inviting uke to provide a particular attack so that tori may practice a specific range of techniques. Other than that it is a strategic move. Tori dictates his/her own posture to give uke a narrower range of targets.

[Dave Humm]

err......can you expand on that please Dave. Even though i'm not sure i fully understand what you mean, your 'fact' imho has to be 'opinion', or 'experience', cos in our system it is tori who adopts posture first, almost in a way of enticing uke to commit to a certain attack. Well.. Yes I do see what you’re saying however, if you are by yourself, how do you make Ai-hanmi or Gyaku-hanmi posture ?

You either adopt migi or hadira hanmi and it is the person attacking you (for what ever reason or opening they see) which determines the 'postures between you'

If it they attempt to arrest your wrist when you are in left posture (and they adopt left posture as they do so) this is Ai-hanmi. (and visa versa of course) if you are again in left posture and they arrest your wrist in RIGHT posture, this is Gyaku-hanmi (and visa versa of course)

Lets look at what Ai-hanmi and Gyaku-hanmi means bearing in mind that with correct ma-ai uke will need to take 'at least' one step forward to achieve his/her intention (to grab a wrist)

"Ai" in this context means to be "mutual" IE MUTUAL STANCE you both have the same leading leg forward

"Gyaku" in this context means to be "reversed" IE REVERSED STANCE you both have opposite leading legs

So, when you face off against uke, you can't essentially make either Ai-hanmi or Gyaku-hanmi (Yes you can encourage uke to take either of course) but your posture will either be migi or hadira hanmi.

Ai-hanmi and Gyaku-hanmi only describe the contextual nature of two people's stances when in connection with each other. It is impossible to make either of these two postures when standing by one's self or, when not in contact with another person.

Regarding "arresting" relating to the wrist.

Why does Katate dori exist ? Essentially (and to simplify) it was born from the need to restrict the ability of a sword or knife user from easily drawing those weapons from the belt and using them against you.

This was partly acheived by grasping (arresting) the wrist (normally the right) which would make effective drawing of the sword or knife that much harder however; tenkan overcomes this arresting.

When I teach Kihon Dosa I explain the reasons why we do things in a particular way, why wrist grabs exist for instance. This way students understand why they train in this manor before looking at different applications. These methods of training represent both a continuation of a tradition and, a basis of training (very basic) where two people make contact with each other.

Regards

[The Damned]

If someone can explain what sensen no sen means i don't see a need for a split. Sorry we don't have a lot of Japanese termanology where I train. Although my teachers trying to bring it back.

In my experience tori also dictates posture in training at least until he/she reaches a more advanced level where tori should be able to deal with an attack regardless of posture. From a training perspective tori is inviting uke to provide a particular attack so that tori may practice a specific range of techniques. Other than that it is a strategic move. Tori dictates his/her own posture to give uke a narrower range of targets.

Yeah thats the way we've always trained, but now that Dave has explained what he meant and thus 'reminded' me of the definition, which to be honest, we take for granted and tend to let the meaning become lost on us its clearer.....and obvious really.

Anyways, a couple of concepts explained:
SEN NO SEN
This is the timing necessary to take the combative initiative away from an opponent who has begun an attack but before he has completed his action against you.
SEN SEN NO SEN
This is the timing to take the initiative before the opponent moves but at a point he has mentally committed to a specific action. This increases the chance that the enemy’s mind will be fushin or frozen in his action.
GO NO SEN
This timing takes advantage of a suki or weak point perceived in the opponent’s attack whilst he is carrying out that attack. In order to spot this your mind needs to be fudoshin or free and uncommitted.

This is possibly better understood through the use of the sword (i study iaido and kendo and it makes sense), but i'm sure you can see its meaning when applied to aikido as well.

It can mean a lot more during, say, randori; your posture and action/inaction can determine the outcome of the attack if you employ the above concepts. We were always told that during randori approach the uke you want to receive from first. To me this can put uke in a fushin (frozen mind) state and reveal his suki (weak points), this could be 'sen sen no sen'.
just your kigurai (demeanor) can offset uke from his intended attack.

our style of aikido is 'mushinkan' and it focuses on these type of concepts, attempting to promote an empty or subconsicous mind.....ish!

[Shinkei]

I have tried to explain in an Aikido context, although I am not sure if all these principle are used in the more traditional styles.

Sen No Sen both Uke and tori meet but uke does not attack so Tori takes the initiative. A per Tomiki Aikido Randori no Kata. Sen No Sen can also be used to great effect when practising Toshu Hikitategeiko.

Go No Sen Uke attacks Tori, Tori evades and applies technique.

Sen Sen No Sen The ulitimate art of timing when Tori attacks during the split second that Uke has decided mentally to attack but the body has not started. used in Aikido Tanto Hikitategeiko and competitions.

As The Dammed stated these are priciples used in Kendo.

This is related to Tomiki/Shodokan Aikido as was the terminology list I posted.

Shaun Hoddy

[aikiwolfie]

Yeah thats the way we've always trained, but now that Dave has explained what he meant and thus 'reminded' me of the definition, which to be honest, we take for granted and tend to let the meaning become lost on us its clearer.....and obvious really.

Anyways, a couple of concepts explained:
SEN NO SEN
This is the timing necessary to take the combative initiative away from an opponent who has begun an attack but before he has completed his action against you.
SEN SEN NO SEN
This is the timing to take the initiative before the opponent moves but at a point he has mentally committed to a specific action. This increases the chance that the enemy’s mind will be fushin or frozen in his action.
GO NO SEN
This timing takes advantage of a suki or weak point perceived in the opponent’s attack whilst he is carrying out that attack. In order to spot this your mind needs to be fudoshin or free and uncommitted.

This is possibly better understood through the use of the sword (i study iaido and kendo and it makes sense), but i'm sure you can see its meaning when applied to aikido as well.

It can mean a lot more during, say, randori; your posture and action/inaction can determine the outcome of the attack if you employ the above concepts. We were always told that during randori approach the uke you want to receive from first. To me this can put uke in a fushin (frozen mind) state and reveal his suki (weak points), this could be 'sen sen no sen'.
just your kigurai (demeanor) can offset uke from his intended attack.

our style of aikido is 'mushinkan' and it focuses on these type of concepts, attempting to promote an empty or subconsicous mind.....ish!
Ah right I see. I understand. It's just all the Japanese that confuses me. What you're talking about here is quite a large part of what we mean by Ki in Ki Aikido.

[bunkeye]

Interesting discussion thus far..

I think the confusion stem from the actual Japanese meaning especially the hidden meaning. This is added from the fact that each school has its own definition of the term of each technique, albeit the basis of each technique is similar.

I suppose we non-Japanese speaking will have to learn step by step. Keep this discussion up,..the more terms and concept we learn the better we are. As for myself, when I first started reading about Aikido, I was confused between Tori, stuff and Nage i.e. the person receiving the technique as different schools define it. I suppose it will take time to figure out what the actual meaning translated from Japanese is. Sometimes I wonder, perhaps it may be because of different dialect in certain region in Japan which gives rise to the meaning of each technique.

Again my 2 cents/pence/yen worth

Edit: Please don't swear. It's a breach of the rules. MAP Terms Of Service (http://www.martialartsplanet.com/maprules.htm#section4)

[Shinkei]

Interesting discussion thus far..

I think the confusion stem from the actual Japanese meaning especially the hidden meaning. This is added from the fact that each school has its own definition of the term of each technique, albeit the basis of each technique is similar.

I suppose we non-Japanese speaking will have to learn step by step. Keep this discussion up,..the more terms and concept we learn the better we are. As for myself, when I first started reading about Aikido, I was confused between Tori, stuff and Nage i.e. the person receiving the technique as different schools define it. I suppose it will take time to figure out what the actual meaning translated from Japanese is. Sometimes I wonder, perhaps it may be because of different dialect in certain region in Japan which gives rise to the meaning of each technique.

Within my style of Aikido (Tomiki) we use the terms Tori & Uke, maybe this is because Kenji Tomiki when forming the various kata into a logical curriculum based these on the principles of Judo and used the same names.

I think that Tomiki/Shodokan style is unique in having set kata at all levels of practise. Although I am not sure on this as there are many styles out there and I have not been exposed to them all.

[Crimson_Stone]

A general Aikido Glossary. (http://home.att.net/~kcaikido/Glossary.htm)


The Midland Ki Society put it together.

[Dave Humm]

Some corrections from within the link posted above

"Ukemi The art of falling without injury. It is said that one's ability to throw is only as good as one's ability to fall."

Ukemi literally means "to receive" the act of making a breakfall as a result of technique is only a very small part of what ukemi actually is. The ability to throw is preceded by one's ability to fall however, ukemi as a skill has as much to do about attitude toward one's training partner and a desire to help that person develop, as it has with the physical falling to the mat.

Tai-sabaki Body movement. Body movement in Aikido should be free flowing, natural, and prudent.

Tai-sabaki is in fact one's management of posture. Whilst it is commonly associated with the means of turning as a movement, one should be more concerned with the quality of posture during the turn rather than, just turning.

Shihan Exemplary teacher - A title used for the highest-ranking teachers. Usually 6th dan and above - but not exactly a function of rank.

Shihan is a title awarded by the Aikikai, just because one may reach the rank of 6th dan and above, does not automatically entitle one to "use" the term "Shihan" Indeed Shihan means teacher.

Sensei Teacher. One who gives instruction. More importantly, one who leads the way.

Sensei literally means "Born before" and has no direct relationship to being a teacher of anything. When it is used in the context of martial arts instruction (or indeed any subject) we are acknowledging the person providing the instruction has something to offer us, the use of the word does not imply expertise.

Doshu Grandmaster. Following the traditional Japanese custom, the position of Doshu has been made hereditary.

Doshu does not mean "Grandmaster" it is literally translated as "Keeper of the way"

Hamni The triangular stance. This position is meant to be relaxed, comfortable, and natural, and should in no way look or feel artificial or stiff. From the correct hamni position, one can move readily in any direction.

"Hamni" is an obvious typo. The correct term is "Hanmi"

Regards