Aikido

AI - harmony; KI -the vital energy of the universe (Japanese equivalent of CHI); DO - way.
A martial art that harmonizes with the opponents attacking force and utilities throws and locks to defeat them. Formulated by Morihei Ueshiba from the Japanese art of Ju Jujitsu.

Age
(ah-geh)

Rising

Age-uke (ah-geh oo-kay)

Rising block using the outer surface of the forearm against a punch to the face. Rotate the arm as contact is made. This is a major block used against attacks from the front.

Age-zuki
(ah-geh zoo-key)

Rising Punch Use Seiken, with first two knuckles, target an opponent's face or chin.

Ashi

Foot/Leg

Atemi

Attacking vital targets on the body. These can include pressure points, joints and vital organs. Blows to these areas can cause great pain, disablement and even death.

Aka

Red. Often used in kumite (fighting) competition where one competitor wears a red belt and the other a white belt. The officials then refer to the competitors by the color of their belt. See also Shiro

Ate-waza
(ah-teh wah-zah)

Smashing techniques usually delivered by the elbow(empi) or knee. These are very powerful techniques inflicting much damage on the opponent. They are easily mastered by children and women are good self defense techniques against much stronger opponents. Used in close in fighting.

Bodai shin

The awakened or illuminated mind/spirit; satori

Bo

A staff. Usually about 6 feet in length. Used in many Japanese martial arts.

Bodhidarma

A buddhist monk who travelled from India to China in the sixth Century. He settled in the Shaolin temple and formulated the beginnings of Kung Fu and zen buddhism.
It is uncertain wether Bodhidarma is a real or legendary figure.

Bokken

A wooden sword. Used predominantly in Kendo.

Budo

The way of combat. A Japanese term for arts that use peaceful combat as a way of mastering the self. The ideogram for bu also means to stop the combat; there is an implication of containment of military power and prohibition of abuse.

Bushido

The Way Of The Warrior. A code of ethics that all warriors were meant to follow. This code included loyalty to one's Lord, respect to others, Justice and honesty.

Bunkai

The (Study Of) application to kata. Practising the movements, sometimes with partners, paying attention to what the move is doing and how it could be used against an attacker.

Chado

The (way of the) tea ceremony.

Choku-zuki
(cho-koo zoo-key)

Straight Punch, is a thrust punch delivered to a target directly in front. At impact twist the fist to increase the force into the target creating a more powerful shock. This punch looks easy but without proper training will lack power.

Chi

It is believed that a form of energy circulates through the Universe. On its path it travels through everything, including people. Many martial arts believe that if this power can be directed, it can be used to put power into techniques.
It is also believed that if this energy's path through the body is blocked, illness will follow. The arts of Acupressure and Acupuncture attempt to remove blockages from the meridians (pathways the energy uses to travel through the body) to ensure good health.
The Japanese term for Chi is Ki

Chudan (chew-dahn)

Chest level target - eg Jun-zuki Chudan. Proper target is to aim for the Solar Plexus, a nerve centre in the stomach that causes malfunction or ceasation of the Autonomic breathing action.

Dan

Level. Prefixed by another word to say what level. Examples Chudan - Stomach Level; Jodan - head level; Shodan - first level etc..

Dachi

Pronounced Datch. Stance.

Do

The Way

Dojo(dough-joe)

A training hall where people can practice Karate and other Japanese martial arts.

Dokan

The ring of the way; repetition, constant practice

Etiquette

An important element of Karate Training. Properly observed etiquette allows you to maintain your focus on what you are trying to achieve, lets you release your ego and concentrate on learning and becoming a better person.

Empi

Elbow

Fudo-Dachi

Rooted Stance, Weight equaly balanced, knees bent and tensed outward, legs wide apart toes front, also known as Sochin-Dachi

Funakoshi Gichin
(1869-1957)

The founder and inventor of the Shotokan style of Karate. Considered by many to be the father of all Karate as he introduced it into Japan in the early 1920's.

Funakoshi Yoshitaka

The son of Funakoshi Gichin. Funakoshi Yoshitaka taught students to pull kicks and punches rather than using full force. This enabled them to compete in competitions. He also formulated rules for competitions. He is acclaimed to have turned Karate-Jutsu into Katrate-Do.

Fumikomi

Stamping Kick

Gedan-Barai
(geh-dahn baa-rah-ee)

Lower Level Sweep block. This is a major technique used in all Karate, used as a defensive action whereby the arm is swept across the body to defend against chudan or gedan attacks. Using the outer surface of the forearm against kicks or punches to the groin or solar plexus. This can also be used as a hammer fist to the opponents leg. The purpose is to redirect an incoming attack and upset the attackers balance and stability to make an opening for your own counter attack.

Gedan-kake-uke

Lower Level hooking block. This is a major technique used for kicks to the front, circular motion with hands making a big circle when blocking, catching the opponents leg. Use against chudan or gedan attacks against kicks or punches to the groin or solar plexus. The purpose is to catch the incoming attack and upset the attackers balance and stability to throw the opponent down and to make an opening for your own counter attack.

Gedan Juji-uke

Lower X Block. Arms crossed at the wrist, this technique is effective against kicks or punches of a stronger opponent.

Geri

Kick

Gi
(ghee)

Martial arts Uniform sometimes translated Jacket.

Giri

Often wrongly interpreted to mean "Loyalty", Giri means Obligation. This is far stronger than a mere loyalty, This is when you promise something to such an extent that the thought of not fulfilling the promise just does not cross your mind. This is the attitude that you should have towards your training. The technique is the technique. It can't be any less because today you have a headache, or because today your favourite football team lost their match. Right is Right and you must always strive to make each and every technique the right technique.

Go

Five

Gokoku

A resuscitation point in the fleshy area be tween the thumb and index finger.

Go No Sen

Waiting for your opponent to attack and counter attacking the opening they leave. "You are at your weakest at the moment of attack" relies on the fact that the attackers mind becomes focussed on the attack, thus the defender has more chance of a sucessful counter attack.

Go Rin No Sho

The Book Of Five Rings. A book on strategy and technique written by Miyamoto Mushashi, an incredible swordsman of the 17th Century. The book is still studied by students of Kendo and by Japanese businessmen who adopt the strategies to everyday business life.

Gyaku

Reverse or back. Often used before a technique (eg gyakuzuki - reverse punch) to specify how that technique is to be performed.

Take me back to the top, please.

Gyakuzuki

Reverse punch or back hand punch. The punch is delivered with the opposing hand to the leading foot; ie if you have the left foot forward, you punch with the right hand.

Gyakuzuki No tsukkomi

Reverse Leaning Punch To Groin

Hachiji-Dachi

Open Leg Stance, Feet shoulder width apart, weight evenly spaced knees relaxed and straight, feet 45% outward, a basic stance.

Haishu-Uke

Back Hand Block, used agiinst a punch to the chest performed in a circular outward motion.

Hachi

Eight

Harikiri

Ritual Suicide. See Sepukku

Haitto

Ridge Hand

Take me back to the top, please.

Hangetsu-Dachi

Wide Hour Glass Stance, Feet shoulder width apart or a little more, weight evenly spaced knees bent and tensed inward, feet: front straight ahead, rear 45% inward, a basic defensive stance.

Hajimae

Begin

Take me back to the top, please.

Hidari

Left. As in Hidari Gamae which means left guard.

Hironora Ohtsuka
(1892 - 1982)

The founder and inventor of the Wado Ryu style of Karate. Hironora Ohtsuka had studied both Japanese Jui Jitsu and Karate. The Wado Ryu style of karate utilises aspects of both forms of these martial arts.

Hara

Intestines; the center and source of physical energy, in the lower abdomen

Heiko-Dachi

parallel Stance or Natural stance. This is the normal stance used in every day life. feet shoulder width apart, toes pointed straight ahead. This stance is used in formal exercises not combat. You must consider that you must always be ready to defend against attack.

Hishiryo

Think without thinking; consciousness beyond thought

Honbu

The dojo or training hall of the chief instructor. The main dojo for an association or group of clubs. Often where the teachers go to learn.

Iaido

The Japanese art of drawing the sword. The sword is drawn directly into an attacking movement the returned back to the scabbard.

Irimi

To enter your opponents incoming technique allowing a counter attack. Instead of stepping away from your opponent, use angles to avoid the income attack and simultaneously take you closer to them. The last two moves in Pinan Godan are a good example of this.

Ichi or Sho

One

Ippon

Full point in Contest

Ippon Ken

Single Knuckle Strike

Ippon Kumite

One step sparring

Jeet Kune Do

The Way Of The Intercepting Fist. A style of Kung Fu formulated by Bruce Lee, based on the Wing Chun style of Kung Fu.

Jigaro Kano
(1860-1938)

The founder of Judo.

Take me back to the top, please.

Jiyu Kumite

Free Sparring

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Jo

Short Staff

Jodan

Head

Jodan-Juji Uke

X Block above head

Jodan-Uke

A head level defence. The defending arm is brought across the face in a twisting motion (Similar to punching diagonally above the head) to redirect an incoming, jodan attack

Ju

Ten

Juji

Cross

Juji-uke

X Block

Jun-Tsuki

A punch from the shoulder while in Kiba-Dachi. Powerful punch, the low position adds extra force. Sink down before you deliver, but hips must not be below knees.

Kado

(The way of) flower arranging, or ikebana.

Take me back to the top, please.

Kagi tsuki

Hook Punch

Kakato

Heel

Kara

Empty

Kamae

Attitude, Posture. Performing a technique rather than "Going Through The Motions".

Kamme

Attitude, posture; very important in the martial arts, especially kendo.

Kanji

Chinese writing, adopted by Japan.

Karate (kah-rah-teh)

The literal translation means Empty Hand. Karate is a number of different styles for unarmed self defense.
Karate-Jutsu is concerned with using unarmed combat in real situations with the aim being to win in a fight.
Karate-Do is concerned with using the art of Karate to master oneself.Take me back to the top, please.

Karateka (kah-rah-teh kah)

A student of the art of Karate.

Take me back to the top, please.

Kata (kah-tah)

A preset series of movements that show the principles of the style under which they were formulated. To really "Master" a kata takes years of diligent practice. Kata is also the Highest Level of Moving Zen and allows the student to block out all the daily troubles and woes and to become at one with their existence.
Means Form (as a verb i.e to form).

Katachi

Form. This is form as a noun (as opposed to Kata which is form as a verb). This means the shape, stance etc..

Katana

The Japanese sword used by the Samurai. The blade of the sword is slightly curved.

Katsu

1) to win
2) particular kind of loud cry or shout, same as kiai
3) a technique of resuscitation or stimulation of energy.

Keage
(kay-ah-geh)

Snap Kicking Technique, Use a strong snapping motion, raise the knee high, foot making a half circle during the kick as it slids along the leg then out. Bend the supporting leg to help maintain balance. Concentration on maximum speed rather than power. This is easy to learn, when done properly the uniform gives a nice "pop" sound. Distance is important or the kick will fail. You must hit the target the moment the leg is extended. If distance is wrong, you will be knocked off balance, or the opponent can grab your leg. The return should be faster than the kick. Reload and prepare for another kick. The hip is not pushed into this kick. You must relax to make the technique fast, and protect the knee.

Kekomi
(kay-koh-me)

Thrust Kicking Technique, similar to snap kick but involves more power. Concentration on maximum power rather than speed. This is easy to learn, when done properly the uniform gives a "pop" sound. Distance is important or the kick will fail. You must hit the target the moment the leg is extended. If distance is wrong, you will be knocked off balance, or the opponent can grab your leg. The hip is pushed into this kick

Keri Waza

Kicking Technique Often prefixed by another word to show what type of kick. When prefixed with another word Keri becomes Geri Example Ushiro means backward or behind, Ushirogeri means a back kick.

Ki

The japenese term for Chi

Ki Ken Tai No Itchi

Spirit (Ki), Technique (Ken) and body (Tai) as one

Kiai

This is the "Shout" given out to reinforce certain moves. It should be performed by tensioning the stomach muscles rather than just shouting. It can be thought of as the joining of the spiritual and the physical.
Whilst many people do not believe that Kiai actually means anything, I have heard it translated as "Bringing spirit and body into Harmony". Certainly this is a good tought to hold whilst uttering the Kiai.
KiKi means Universal Energy and Ai means harmony. The act of uttering the Kiai should be to attempt to bring your physical and spiritual being in line with the universal energy, thus making you undefeatable by focusing your strength at the point of impact or resistance..

Take me back to the top, please.

Kiba-Dachi

Horse Riding Stance or Straddle Stance. A core posture in all martial arts. Spread legs like the sumo stance, twice shoulder width, toes straight ahead, and lower the hips as if riding a horse. Try to keep the thighs parallel to the ground, hips should not be lower than the knees. Very strong stance. Practice throwing kiks from this stance. Try to stand still in this stance for 2 min. per day to build strong knees and theighs.

Kihon

A basic technique See Waza

Kikai

"The ocean of energy" (lower abdomen);also kikaitanden.

Kime

Focus. In performing basic techniques without a partner, each technique must be focused. It is necessary to imagine where the opponent would be and the technique should finish at that point. All too frequently peoples techniques end when their arm is straight, ie when the physical limits of the body have been reached, rather than at a predefined point in space.

Take me back to the top, please.

Koan

Initially, a law, principle of government; later the riddles, questions, etc., used by Zen masters to educate their disciples.

Kobo Ichi

Attack and defence as one. In Wado Ryu there is no attack, There is no defence. The two are simultaneous.

Kokutsu-Dachi

Back leaning Stance. This was a favorite of Bruce Lee even if he was Chinese. It is a favorite of beginners in Karate. It feels very strong. It is a very good stance to practice makiwara with. It is also any stance where the weight is predominantly over the rear leg. In this case 70% to the rear. The stance is a bit wider than the Cat stance. it is easy to transition from this stance to a forward leaning stance. Zenkutsu Dachi.

Kyokushin

The most popular style of Karate with over 12 million practitioners world wide. Developed by Mas Oyama in the early 1950's by taking a variety of styles and rejecting what did not work. This is known as a Hard style featuring full contact sparring, and rigorous training.

Kokyu

Breathing. Correct breathing is important to ensure that you do not run out of breath during long combinations or kata.

Ku

Nine

Kyusho

A pressure point in the body. The art of Kyusho-Jutsu looks to attacking the pressure points on the body to cause the maximum damage from the minimum effort.

Kumete

To spar or partnerwork. Can be preset partnerwork where both attacker and defender have prearranged moves (Ippon Kumite, Ohyo Kumite Kihon Kumite) or free sparring (Jiyu Kumite).

Kyosaku

A long, flat stick used by a Zen master or person in charge of a dojo or zazen, to arouse or calm disciples having difficulty with their posture.

Kyu

Belt Grade

Kyudo

(The way of) archery

Learn

Something you must strive to do. Admit that you don't know everything and release your ego, Failure to do so will result in a stagnation of mind and body and a failure to reach your true potential.

Ma-ai

Proper distance or timing with regard to your opponent.

Mae geri

Front Kick

Mae Tobi-geri

Jump Front Kick

Maeude-deai-osae-uke

Forearm Pressing Block, using the forearm against a punch to the body its motion is upward. The block is delivered hard into the opponents attacking arm hoping to break it.

Mawashi

Round or circular as in Mawashigeri (roundhouse kick) or Mawashizuki (roundhouse punch)

Migi

Right. As in Migi Gamae which means Right guard.

Mikazuki

Crescent as in Kick

Mokuso

Meditation. Emptying or clearing the mind. Can be done prior to and after training.

Morote-uke

Two arm or Hand Augmented Forearm Block, using the inner sruface of the forearm, against a punch to the chest, performed in a circular outward movement, the second hand helps brace the block used against much stronger opponent.

Take me back to the top, please.

Mushin

"Empty Mind". A state that allows you to be receptive to anything that is happening around you.

Muso

Not-posture; unselfconscious, undeliberate posture

Nagare

Flow. In combinations (renraku) each technique (waza) should flow into the next. It is not sufficient to perform one technique after another stacatto style as this leads to a "dead time" between each technique. It also means that the kinetic energy that you have built up (by moving the body) is disipated and needs to be restarted.

Musubi-Dachi

Open-toe stance. This is the formal attention stance. It is natral and relaxed. Put heels together. It is primarly used in meditation.

Nagashi

To sweep away

Nagashizuki

Evading jumping front hand punch. The body weight is propelled forward while punching without stepping or changing stance (similar to tobikomizuki). However, at the same time the body angle is changed by turning the hips, to avoid any incoming attack.

Take me back to the top, please.

Necho

Cat

Neko ashi Dachi

Cat stance

Ni

Two

Take me back to the top, please.

Nidan Geri

Double Kick with Jump

Nihon Nukite

Two finger strike

Nukite

Spear hand

Nunchuka

Two rods joined with rope or chain (weapon)

Obi

Belt

Oi-zuki

A front lunge punch. This punch is made when stepping forward, and using the same hand as the front leg, but this can suggest a lack of balance if reaching forward to the opponent. Usually noticed in beginners who throw their shoulders into the punch. It is best to deliver with the shoulders back, force into the back heel using the force of the Earth to add extra impact. The arm is extended the same time the rear leg is straightened using the hip motion to drive the body when performing the technique.

Oitsuki

Forward lunge punch

Otosu (Otoshi)

To drop. As in Otosu Empi - a strike by dropping the elbow or Otosu Uke - A defence by dropping the hand down.

Oyama, Masutatsu

The founder of Kyokushin Karate, was born in southern Korea in 1923 died 1994.

Persevere

To persist, To maintain an effort, not to give in. Something all martial artists do. If you don't do it you won't succeed.

Rei

To show respect. The showing of respect is normally done by bowing, consequently all students normally bow on the command Rei

Rinzai

ACh'an master and founder of a school; known in Chinese as Lin Tsi. In Rinzai Zen more formal use is made of koans; and zazen, which is practiced facing the center of the room, tends to be seen as a means of obtaining satori.

Renraku Waza

Combination Techniques. Multiple attacks and defences performed in succession.

Roshi

A master

Take me back to the top, please.

Roku

Six

Ryu

School or style.

Samadhi

Perfect, total concentration

Take me back to the top, please.

San

Three

Sanran

In zazen, a state of excessive tension or agitation. Satori awakening to the truth of the cosmos.

Sekaku

Accuracy. A jodan technique should be performed at head level. It should not be "waved about in the air".

Sen No Sen

To counter attack or attack at the precise moment your opponent attacks.

Take me back to the top, please.

Seiza

Go to kneeling position

Sempai

Senior black belt up to 2nd dan

Sensai

Teacher

Shi

Four

Shichi

Seven

Take me back to the top, please.

Sepukku

Japanese ritual suicide. The person commiting Sepukku (or Harikiri) would use a small sword in a kneeling position to disembowel themselves. They would have a friend standing by their side who would complete the suicide by cutting of the head with a sword.

Shiro

White. Often used in kumite (fighting) competition where one competitor wears a red belt and the other a white belt. The officials then refer to the competitors by the colour of their belt. See also Aka

Take me back to the top, please.

Shodo

(The way of) calligraphy.

Shihan

One who is 4th Dan or higher

Shiko-Dachi

Sumo Stance. Spread your feet apart to the distance of twice your shoulders. Point the toes of both feet outward perpendicular to the body. Bend both knees, lower your hips. Body should remain over the heels, well balanced.

Shizen tai

Natural stance

Shuto

Knife hand

Take me back to the top, please.

Sokudo

Speed.

Soto

The school of Zen founded by Dogen. It differs from Rinzai in that zazen is practised facing the wall, less systematic use is made of the koan, and zazen, rather than a means of obtaining satori, is satori.

Soto-ude-uke

Outer Forearm Block, very powerful and most often used in Karate, using the outer surface of the forearm against a punch to the chest or face.

Sukui-uke

Scooping Block, using the outer surface of the forearm against a kick to chest or face, it is circular and a good method of unbalancing the opponent.

Shuto-Uke

Knife Hand Block, using the side edge of the hand against a punch to the chest or solar plexus, it is downward and diagonally applied, must be quick to be effective.

Tai Sabaki

Body Movement. A method of moving the body to avoid incoming attacks whilst still remaining in distance with your opponent. In this way, a counter attack can be delivered simultaneously with your defence. This leads to the Ideom in Wado Ryu that there is no attack and no defence, the two are simultaneous.

Take me back to the top, please.

Teisho-awase-uke

Combined Palm Heel Block, using the palm against the low front kick with a strong downward and/or upward motion.

Teisho-uke

palm Heel Block using the palm to protect against a punch to the face or chest. Use an upward or downward or sideways motion must be strong and fast, not used often.

Tatami

Thick mats made of rice straw. They form the flooring of traditional Japanese rooms and are used underfoot in many dojos practising the martial arts.

Tate-zuki

Upper cut punch

Te

Hand

Teisho

Palm heel

Tettsui

Hammer Fist

Tobikomizuki

Jumping front hand punch. The body weight is propelled forward while punching without stepping or changing stance.

Tori

An attacker.

Tsuki / Zuki

To punch. Often prefixed by another word to show what type of punch. When prefixed with another word Tsuki becomes Zuki Example Gyaku means reverse, Gyakuzuki means a reverse, or back hand, punch.

Uchi

To strike. This term is normally used for strikes that can not be classed as Kicks or punches. For example Uraken, Tettsui etc..

Uchi-uke
(oo-che ookay)

Inner forearm Block. Using the inside forearm's inner surface on a punch to the chest or face. Movement is circular, and is used very often. Performed incorrectly can injure your own body because of the nerve points located inside the arm.

Ude (oo-day)

Forearm

Uke(oo-kay)

A defence or a block. This is freequently translated as a block, but to only understand the translation, rather you should use it to guide, parry or redirect incoming attacks, not attack as is often taught.

Ura

Back or flipside (mirror image)

Uraken

Backfist

Ushiro

Rear

Ushiro geri

Back kick

Wado Ryu

The School of the way of harmony. So called because practitioners of the style try to harmonize with their opponents on a physical and mental plane.

Waza

A single technique; the individual building blocks of karate.

Wing Chun

Translates to Beautiful Springtime. A style of Kung Fu formulated by a Buddhist nun. As it was originally intended for women, the style puts greater emphasis on technique than on brute strength. The style aims at defending the centre line of the body (thus protecting the vital internal organs) and utilizes fast punches and few kicks. Kicking techniques are limited to attacking the lower part of the body.
The style was originally studied by Bruce Lee who formulated the style of Jeet Kune Do around the principles of Wing Chun.

Wu Shu

Another term for Kung Fu. Kung Fu is the cantonese term for Wu Shu. Cantonese is the dialect spoken in Honk Kong. Because kung fu was made popular in the west by the Bruce Lee films made in Hong Kong, this is the term more frequently used in the west.

Yoi

Ready

Yoko

Side

Yoko-geri
(yoh-koh geh-rhee)

Side Kick, This is done by raising and bending the knee to almost the same height as the front kick, the foot brushes lightly against the inside of the calf of the supporting leg. Extend the knee 45 degrees out to the side knee even with the hips. Point the toes of the foot forward and direct the edge of the foot downward parallel to the floor. Do not roll the hips over, this hurts speed, and is actually a back kick. This kick is snapped out and returned as fast or faster than thrown.

Yudancha

The collective noun for all dan grades present.

Zafu

The round cushion on which one sits to practice zazen

Zanshin

Awareness. To be pasively aware of things that are happening as opposed to actively concentrating on them. In this state of mind we are able to react intuitively to anything that happens around us. The physical aspects of Karate allow us to practice and perfect moves for fighting. The ability to achieve an empty mind and Zanshin allows us not to be preoccupied by anything happening around us.
The combination of physical skill and mental control should allow any student to become profficient at self defence.

Take me back to the top, please.

Zazen

The practice of Zen; sitting meditation

Zen

True, profound silence. Commonly translated as objectless concentration or meditation; or, the original, pure human spirit.

Zenkutsu-Dachi
(zen-koo-tsue dah-chee)

Forward leaning stance. the feet are placed at shoulder width apart, a little wider than a normal stride. Toes of the front foot straight ahead, the rear foot slightly at an angle. The front leg is bent, and when looking down you should not see your toes, the knee should cover them. The rear leg is locked and pressure placed in the heel. The hips should be square forward. This is a very strong stance. In kata practice this stance with a longer step than normal try to keep the front leg nearly parallel to the ground. In actual practice it is much narrower, but by training with a wide stance you build leg muscles, and it is easy to transition to another stance. You should be able to kick easily with the rear leg without raising your body. Put your weight predominantly over the front leg. According to some styles and schools this is similar to other stances such as Junzuki Dachi, Gyakuzuki Dachi etc.. The opposite of Kokutsu Dachi
Take me back to the top, please.

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