Dictionary of Japanese Martial Art Terms

-A

Abara, , means the ribs. Abe Ryu was a martial art style of sword fighting, kenjutsu. In the seveneeth century, it added kendo to its syllabus becoming the oldest continuing traditional kendo school. Abumi means the stirrups on a horse saddle. Achi means the arch of the foot. The arch is on the botton side of the foot. Agari means rising. Age, , means to lift or raise up, to elevate. It comes from ageru. Age empi uchi, , means rising elbow strike. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Hachikyu. Age kote is a kendo term used for when the kendo gloves, the kote, finish a strike while remaining above the lower abdomen. Age oroshi means to move something up and down or to raise and lower something. Age tsuki means rising thrust. Age uchi means rising strike. It is used to mean an uppercut punch. Age uke, , means rising block.

Age zuki, , means rising punch. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Shichikyu. Ago, , means the jaw or chin. Ago oshi means to push an opponent's chin upward to destroy his balance or to put his body out of alignment. Agura is an informal cross legged sitting position. Ai, , means to join, to fit together, meeting or harmony. Aiguchi is a knife without a hand guard. Ai hanmi, , translates as same or matched stance. It is used to mean that two individuals are both facing each other in right foot forward stances or left foot forward stances. Aiki, , is a term translating as 'spirit meeting'. This means the joining together or blending of two or more individuals. In a martial arts context, this means going with or redirecting the energy of an attack rather than directly resisting the attack. Aikibudo, , means harmonious energy martial way. It was a term used by Ueshiba before settling on the term Aikido. Aikido, , means spirit meeting way. It is a derivitative martial way from a jujutsu style called Daito-ryu. It was created by Ueshiba Morihei, Aiki jo, , during the 1930's and 1940's. , translates as the short stick of aikido.

Aikidoka is an individual who practices aikido. Aiki jinja means the Aiki Shrine. Aiki jujutsu, , means harmonious energy supple art. Used as a generic term for all of the styles descended from Daito Ryu. Aikikai Hombu Dojo is the name of the World Headquarters of the largest aikido organization. It is the main training hall of the founder of Aikido, Uyeshiba. Aiki ken, , translates as harmonious energy or blending sword. Aiki nage, , means blending throw. Aiki no kurai means the highest consciousness of harmonious energy. Aiki no sen, , means the initative of harmonious energy. It is used to mean benefiting strategically from an opponent's attitude. Aiki otoshi, , translates as spirit meeting drop. It is a hip throw similar to Kodokan Judo's koshi nage, , except that uke goes backward over the thrower's hip. Aikite, , means harmony hand. Aikuchi means a dagger with out a guard, tsuba. They were typically worn by women. Ai noke means mutual preservation. Ainu are the aboriginal people who were the original people living in Japan before the modern Japanese arrived. They are also called Ebisu or Ezo. They were pushed North as the modern Japanese expanded their control of the Japanese islands. Ainuke means a relationship with another that prevents fighting due to both individuals having similar mental attitudes. Aio Ryu was a martial art style of jujutsu. Aisu Kage Ryu was a martial art style of sword fighting, kenjutsu. Aite, , means uniting hand or joining hand. It is sometimes used to mean a training partner partner or opponent. Aite juji ukemi means uniting crossing falling. It is also translated as partner figure ten arm lock falling. Ai tsuki is a term meaning simultaneous meeting thrusts by both fighters. Ai uchi is a term meaning simultaneous strikes by both fighters. No point is awarded to either contestant. The referee brings his fists together in front of his chest. It is sometimes used to mean the simultaneous death of both individuals. Knowing that the opponent's killing technique leaves an opening, you kill him at the same instant. Aka means the color red. Aka ippon means red scores a point. It is used as a contest term. The referee raises his arm at an oblique angle toward the contestant scoring the point. Aka no kachi means red wins the match! The referee raises his arm at an oblique angle toward the winning contestant. Akinai means skill in trading. Akindo means a merchant. Akushu means a handshake. Ama is a Buddhist nun. Amado, , are rain shutters. The term is used to mean the lymph glands around the lower neck in kyusho. These are considered vital points. Amazaki is a sweetened form of sake with a low level of alcohol.

Amma means a massage or a person giving a massage. Amazaki is a sweet, low alcohol type of sake normally used in religius festivals. Anado means both sides. Anatoshi means trapping. Ango sakuseiho is easiest understood as cryptography or sending something in code. Ani deshi is used to means older brother student. This is an individual who is senior in status in the relationship. Anime means high powered. Anko is sweet bean paste. It is a common food. Ankoku toshin jutsu means techniques for seeing in the dark. Antei means stability or equilibrium. Anza is an informal sitting position with the legs crossed in front and the body resting on the buttocks. Anzawa Ryu was a martial art style featuring the use of the naginata. It is supposed to have been created in the seveneeth century. Araki Ryu was a martial art school featuring the use of kenjutsu and shuriken jutsu, sword art and throwing knife art. Araki Mujin sai Mataemon Minamoto no Hidetsuna (1584-1638) is credited as the founder of the style. Araki Ryu is a kusari jutsu ryu specializing in the use of the sickle as a weapon. Arashi, , means storm, wild, or rough. A Kodokan Judo throwing technique is named yama arashi, , meaning mountain storm. Arigato means an infomal thank you. Arigato gozaimashita means thank you for what you have done. Arigato gozaimasu means thank you for what you are doing. Arima Shinto Ryu was a martial art school of sword fighting, kenjutsu, created by Arima Motonobu. Aruki gata means a form of walking. Aruku means to walk. It generally means a method of inclined walking resulting in a controlled forward fall. This is a manner of walking to get from place to place quickly and efficently. Asade dake means it's only a flesh wound. Asagasumi means morning mist. In kyusho, vital points, it is used to mean the region just under the chin. Asa geiko means morning training. It is also used to mean a summer camp held during the hotest part of the summer. Asawati means to sit down on the knees. Asawati josketi means to sit down as ease. Asayama Ichiden Ryu was a martial art school of sword fighting. Asayama Ichidensai Shigetatsu is credited as the founder in the period of 1573 to 1593 C.E. It is associated with the land owning warrior families known as jizamurai. Ashi, , means foot or leg. Ashi means to step. Ashi barai, , means the foot sweeping action applied in throwing an opponent. It is the same word as ashi harai. Ashi dome means to check the opponent's leg movement with your own foot or leg positioning. Ashi garami, , means to wrap your leg around your opponent's leg. Ashigaru means fast legs, ie. infantry. They were originially peasant farmers. Later, their status evolved from being the top of the peasant class, bonge, to the

bottom level of the samurai class, buke. Over time, they specialized into being pikemen, archers, and arquebusiers, ie. gunmen. Ashi garuma , , means foot wheel. It is a Kodokan Judo throw. Ashigaru taisho is the title of the samurai in charge of a group of foot soldiers, ie. infantry. Ashi gata means the form or position of the feet. Ashi gatame, , means leg lock. It is used as a generic term for any type of immobilization or dislocation of any part of the leg. Ashi harai, , means the foot sweeping action applied in throwing an opponent. Ashi hishigi means foot crush. It is a joint locking technique. Ashi kake is a kendo contest term meaning the tripping or sweeping of an opponent off of their feet. In kendo, it is a violation of the sport rules rating a penalty of hansoku. Ashiko are climbing claws worn on the feet. The ninja are credited with inventing them. They are similar in concept to the device invented by mountain climbers to achieve the same climbing abilities. Ashi kubi, , means ankle, literally meaning neck of the foot. Ashi kubi hishigi means ankle crushing. It is a joint locking technique. Ashi sabaki means foot shifting or footwork. Ashi ura means the sole of the foot. Ashi waza, , means foot technique. It is the broad category including all foot and leg techniques. Ashi yubi, , means foot fingers or more commonly, toes. Asoko, , means over there. Asuka is a city in Yamato province. It is located near the city of Nara, the former location of the imperial court. It is also used as the name of a historical period, 592-710 C.E., when the imperial court relocated to the city of Asuka. Atama, , means head or crown of the head. It does not geneally include the face or ears. Ate means strike. Atemi, , means striking the body. They are the traditional striking technques aimed to a vital point on the opponent's body. Atemi waza, , means body striking techniques. Atenai yoni is a karate contest term meaning a warning without penalty. Ate waza means striking techniques. Ato, , means move back. Ato de means afterwards. Ato no sen, , is the defensive action taken at the instant the opponent starts to attack. It is the taking of the initiative by an individual who is retreating. Atoshi baraku is a contest term meaning that there is a little more time left. Atsu means press. Atsuta Jingu is a Shinto shrine that houses one of the three sacred treasures of Japan, a sword called Kusanagi no Tsurugi, grass mowing sword. Attate iru is a karate contest term meaning that there was contact made to the opponent. Atto means to press down. Awabi means the sea food known as abalone.

Awase means joining together. It was also used to describe the games and , meaning to amusements of the aristocracy. It comes from awaseru, meet together. Awase toishi is a polishing stone used to sharpen knives and swords. Awase uke is an open handed augmented side block. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Yonkyu, . Awase waza means combination techniques. It is also used to mean a contest victory achieved by combining two diffenent scoring techniques, neither of which was enough to win by itself. Awase zuki is a U punch. It is also known as Morote zuki, . Ayumi means normal or natural. Ayumi ashi translates as natural foot, meaning normal or natural walking. The back foot steps past the front foot while walking. Ayumi dachi is a natural walking stance with the weight over the center. It is found in the Itosu-kai Shito-ryu style of karate. Azuchi is the Japanese historical period of 1573 to 1582. It was named for the castle built for the war lord Oda Nobunaga. Azuchi is the name of a castle built in 1576 for Oda Nobunaga.

Dictionary of Japanese Martial Art Terms

-B

Bai means the fruit called a plum. Baishakunin is a person who arranges marriages by acting as a go between for the families involved. Frequently, in Japanese society, the parents decide who the children will marry. Baishu means bribery. Baishun is one of the terms used meaning a prostitute. Bajo is a term meaning cavalry. Ba jutsu means the art of horseback riding. Bakemono is a generic name for monsters. Bakemono sho is used to mean a goblin. Bakuchi means gambling. Bakudan is the explosive charge fired from a matchlock gun, the arquebus, called a teppo by the Japanese. Bakufu means tent or camp government. It can be narrowly applied to the headquarters of the shogunate, or more generally to the whole government of the shogunate. During the Hojo Regency, the bakufu refers to just the military government. Bakuhan is a modern term referring to the Tokugawa, BAUKUfu, rule over the domains of the daimyo, HAN.

Bakurai bishi is an explosive escape aid used by the ninja. Bakuro jutsu is the art of animal handling or animal training. Bakyu jutsu is the art of mounted archery. Ban means number. Bangaku means barbarian customs. Banken means a trained guard dog. Bansenshukai means 10,000 rivers gather into the sea. It is the title of an old, 1676 C.E., text on ninjutsu. Bansho means a military captain. It is a Sixteenth Century C.E. term found in records relating to the Hojo clan. Barai, , means sweep. The same word as harai. It comes from harau, meaning to sweep. Barraki means grading. Basho means place or site. It is used to describe the location of official sumo tournaments. It is used as a suffix with the name of the seasons or a location to form the name of the tournament. Bassai Dai kata is a routine or kata meaning major penetrating the fortress form. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Sankyu. Bassai Sho kata means minor penetrating the fortress form. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Ikkyu. Bassoku is a kendo match term used to mean a penalty give for a foul or an infraction of a rule. Batenen Ryu is the name of a martial art style which has specialized techniques for cutting or deflecting arrows in flight with their sword, yadome jutsu. Batto means to draw and cut with a bladed weapon. It is another term for iai. Batto jutsu is the sword drawing art which includes cutting rolled staw targets. Beikoku is the phrase used to means the United States of America. Benkai is the inside of the shin bone. Benkyokai means a study association. These are training sessions for students of different levels of skill. Betto was a groom to a mounted samurai. During the early Heian period, betto was a term used to signify someone holding an importance office. Bi, , means nose. Biken jutsu is a term for the art of swordmanship. Bikuni is a term for a Buddhist nun. It is an alternative term for ama. Bisento is a heavy bladed weapon with the blade attached to a staff. It may have been copied from an earlier Chinese style weapon. Bishamon was the god of war and defense. He was one of the seven deities of good luck. Bishamon gote is a armoured glove with an attached sleeve covering the forearm. Bitei is the coccyx or tail bone. Biwa was a gourd shaped musical instrument like a lute. The biwa predates the Samisen. Bo means straight. Bo, , means wood or wooden. It is used to mean a staff or pole. A rokushakubo is a six foot long staff. It is used as a weapon in karate and in various Japanese weapon styles. Bobi no kamae is a defensive stance taught in some ninjutsu lineages. Bobu means war or combat.

Bogu is a generic term used to mean kendo equipment. Bogyo means defense. Bogyo roku kyodo means Six Defensive Actions. It is a basic drill of the Japan Karate-Do Ryobu-Kai. The six actions are age te, harai te, soto yoko te, uchi yoko te, shuto te, and sukui te. Boin is an inked thumb print used to authenticate documents or certificates. Bo jutsu means staff art. The art of using the staff as a weapon. Boke means a slow learner. Bokken, , means a wooden sword. Boko means bladder. The bladder is also called tanko. Bo kodachi is a wooden small companion sword to the larger katana. Boku, , means wooden, made of wood. Bokuto, , is a type of wooden sword. It is said to have been named for the famous swordsman Bokuden Tsukahara. Bo naginata is a wooden practice naginata, a staff with a sword type blade attached to one end. For this, there is a wooden sword shaped blade attached to the end. Bonge is a term used for a commoner. It is an alternative term to heinin. Bonno means a loss of concentration or a disturbance. This is also called suki. Bo odori is a type of Okinawan dance done using a wooden staff. Some martial art staff techniques were hidden in a few of the dances. Bonsen is miniature landscaping. The use of artificially dwarfed trees and plants in landscaping. Bonze are itinerant Buddhist monks. Boryaku means battlefield strategy. Bosen means a defensive battle or to fight on the defensive. Boshi means thumb or big toe. Boshi means the fruit called a plum. Boshi ken is the tip of the thumb used as a striking point. Boshin means looking and observing. It is a diagnostic method used in traditional medicine. Bo shuriken are thin straight single bladed throwing knives. Bo tanto means a wooden training knife. Bozu are Buddhist priests, not necessarily a monk. Bu is a weight measurement for gold. Bu, , means a class or a section. Bu, , means martial. It is a Chinese character used in Japanese. The character used for 'bu' is made of two parts. The first having the meaning of stopping something. The second part is of a classical Chinese weapon like a halberd. Together, the two parts have the connotation of 'stopping the halbred.' The concept attached to the character is that the military stops discord and creates civil order. The martial therefore being the way of avoiding or preventing violent conflict. Buai geiko randori means warrior meeting practice free play. It has the context meaning of a very serious, hard randori. It is not orientated towards winning sport matches. Rather, it is aimed more toward the very severe rigors of budo training. Bubishi is an Okinawan manual passed down in some karate lineages. It contains various items of information considered important to a martial artist such as vital point drawings and medicines. It is known as the Wubeizhi in

Chinese. It contains material from the Fujian white crane (Fuken-sho hakutsuruken) and Luohan quan (Rakanken) which originated in the Fuzhou area of China. Budo, , means martial way. Budoka means a person practicing the martial arts. Budoshi, , means a warrior. "The character 'bu' is a combination of crossed halberds with a flick of blood representing fighting and a foot with a line across it meaning stop (just that alone is actually the character for the word stop). So while we usually see 'bu' translated as'martial', it really means 'to stop the conflict'. 'Do', as we all know, means 'way' or 'path',and 'shi' means 'person'. So we end up with a translation of 'budoshi' that comes out as 'stopping the conflict way person'. There are many forms of conflict, and physical confrontation is only one of them. The traditional budoshi is trained to handle all of them. Budoshi were widely known as problem solvers, and were often consulted over non-combat matters by the common people. They were also often the local healers. It would be in this context that Kano would use the term, so I think the connotations are definitely there." by Jeffrey Hawks. Bufu ikkan is a ninjutsu saying meaning may the martial wind blow every day. Bugei means martial or military arts. Bugei juhappan means the eighteen martial arts. The particular arts varied depending upon the time period. Bugeisha means an individual who practices the martial arts. Bugukake means a weapons rack. Bugyo was a magistrate, official, commissioner, or administrator. They were charged by the Bukufu or daimyo with a specific job or function. Bugyoin means a lower lever magisrate, official, commissioner, or administrator. This was a relatively common term during the Kamakura period. Buji means to live in harmony and safety. Bujin, , means warrior person. It is the name of a category of low ranking, or low status, samurai during the feudal period. It can also be used to mean the warrior spirit. Bu jutsu means martial art. It is used as generic term for various martial arts. It includes military tactics and is sometimes used to mean tactics. Bu jutsuka means a person who practices martial arts. Bukai means martial ranks. Buke means a military house or extended warrior family or the social caste made up of the warrior families. Just because some samurai rode horses does not mean that buke means equestrian. Buki means weapons. Buki ho means methods of weapon useage. Buki kake means a weapons hook or a rack used to hang weapons. Buko Ryu was a martial art style featuring the use of the naginata. Bukkyo means the religion called Buddhism. It was brought to Japan from China and Korea in the 6th century C.E. It originated in India. Bumon means martial gate. Bun means writing. It is used to mean basic education. Bunbu ichi refers to the traditional debate over the relative importance of martial skill versus learning and education. Bun ei is a term for the Mongal invasion of 1274. Bunji is a term for a member of the imperial court, a noble.

Bunkai is the study of the practical application of techniques found in kata. It is the analysis of techniques. Bunkatsu means an outline. Bunkoku were provinces governed by court nobles during the Heian period. During the Sengoku period, the term was used to refer to territories governed by daimyo.,/LI> Bun shin means listening and smelling. It is one of the diagnostic methods of Japanese traditional medicine. Buraku min is a relatively modern term used to refer to individuals and families of the Eta caste. They traditionally performed jobs considered distasteful or low class, such as undertakers, butchers, executioners, midwives, and grave diggers. Basicly, they included everyone handling the dead or the remains of the dead. Busan means martial creativity. Bushi, , means a warrior. It is the name of the warrior caste in feudal times in Japan. Bushi damashi means indomitable warrior spirit. Bushido, , means warrior's way. The warrior caste's code of ethics and philiosophy. It was an idealized neo-Confucian concept devised to prevent rebellion by the warrior caste. It included six ideals: giri, duty; shiki, resolve; ansha, generosity; fudo, immovable temperment; doryo, magnaminity; and ninyo, humanity. It was popularized during the Tokugawa shogunate in order to keep the unemployed warriors occupied. Bushi kaikyu means the warrior social class. Bushi no nasake means the gentleness of warriors. It was a virtue to be cultivated by the warrior caste members. Bushi no te, , means the hand of the warrior. Bushi te, , means warrior hand. Busho means lazy. Butoku means martial virtue. Butokuden is the headquarters of the Dai Nippon Butokukai, Great Japan Martial Virtue Association, which was founded in 1895 by the Japanese government to preserve the traditional martial arts. Butsu means the Buddha. Butsumetsu means the day the Buddha died. In kyusho, vital points, they are four points by the third rib. Butsuda means the Buddha. Butsudo means the religion called Buddhism. Also called Bukkyo. Butsukari is off balancing practice. It is a Kodokan Judo training method of repeated entering into a throwing technique without necessarily throwing the training partner. Buyu means martial friends. Byo is a measurement of time being about one-half second.

Dictionary of Japanese Martial Art Terms

-C

Cha is tea. Chadai is a mat usage fee paid when vising a dojo. Normally, it is paid to a senior student discretely before class begins. Chado means the way of tea. It is a term that is used to describe the practice of the tea ceremony. Chakuchi ashi means replacement foot. It is a method of stepping where one foot takes the place of the other foot. One example of this occurs in the karate kata Empi. Cha no yu is the formal tea ceremony. It was refined into an art form during the later half of the Fifteenth Century C.E. by the samurai and court nobles. Chasengami was a style of top knot hair style worn by the samurai. It is named after its resemblence to a tea wisk. Chi means earth. Chi is the blood. Chiburui means the ritualized shaking of a sword to remove any blood or organ left on the sword after cutting an opponent. It is symbolic and for kata only. It is done before wiping off the sword before returning it to the scabbard. This prevents introducing blood into the scabbard which would become sticky. A sticky sheath would slow down the drawing of the sword and would cause the sword to rust. Chidori ashi is the cross over step. There are two variations. Mae chidori ashi means the cross over step occurs in front of the base leg. Ura chidori ashi means the cross over step occurs behind the base leg. Chigaimasu means different. Frequently used in the context of 'that is different, not the way you were shown'. Chiga riki was a ninja weapon combining a staff with a chain hidden in the staff. The chain would entangle the opponent. The staff would batter the opponent. Chikai means nearly or close. Chikama is a fighting distance that is close enough to strike without needing to step to bridge the gap to the opponent. Chikama geri means close kick. Chikara is a general term for strength, power, force, or energy. It has no special connotations. Chikara ishi are old fashioned stone weights used to develop strength. Chikara no daishikata means the extension of power. Chikara o dasu means to extend power. Chikujo jutsu is the art of building and attacking fortifications. Fortifications varied according to the geography. Some castles were built on plains, some on cliffs, and others were built on islands. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. In attempting to assult a fortification, weaknesses need to be discovered and exploited. Early, Yamato period, fortifications were fortified houses or temporary stockades. By the Muromachi period, the present form of castles had evolved as a permanent structure. The majority of designs were successful in being impregnable. Most castles did not fall from direct assult. Rather, castles mostly fell due to starvation or betrayal. Chimon means geography.

Chinjufu is a rank term meaning general of the northern pacification command. A large part of the history of Japan is the settlement of civilized Japanese in the barbarian northern areas not yet controlled by the central government. Ashikaga Takauji is an example of the type of individual who held this position. He held this title during the period 1333 through 1336 C.E., the Kemmu Restoration. Chin kon ki shin means calming the spirit. Chinkuchi means the "body forces the air out of the lungs for a brief spurt just as you would do in a fight." by Ian Johnston Chi no kokyu means the breath of heaven.

Chinte, , means unusual hand. It is an Okinawan karate form. Chinto is an Okinawan karate routine. Chinzei is the medieval term for the island of Kyushu. Chisai means small. Chishi is a old fashioned stone dumbbell used in Okinawa for weight lifting. The weight was on one end of the handle, not on both ends as is done with modern dumbbells. Cho was a unit of length equal to approximately 120 yards or 109 meters. Cho was a unit of land measure equaling about 2.94 acres until 1594 C.E. After that date it was reduced to about 2.45 acres. Cho ho means espionage. Chokkaku, , means at right angles. Chokkatsuchi is a term meaning a lord's personal territory owned as his personal property as opposed to the clan's property. Chokko means facing directly forward or straight ahead. Chokokushi is an engraver. Japanese swords sometimes have the sword smith's name engraved on the tang. Chokuritsu means erect or upright. Chokuritsu fudo dachi means upright attention stance. Chokusen, , means a straight line. Chokusen no irimi, , means entering on a straight line or a direct entry. Chokuto was a straight sword used early in Japanese history. Choku zuki means straight punch. Chonin was a class term containing artisans and merchants. It ranked below peasants and above the outcasts in the social scale. Chonmage is the name of the top knot hair style worn by the warrior class. It was normal for the topknot to have one or more hairpins in it. Several kata have movements removing a hairpin to use as a weapons. Chosen is a term for Korea. Choshi means rhythm. Cho shin means flexible mind. Cho suko means flexible body. Chototsu, , is the atemi striking point located between the eyes. Chotto means just a minute, please. Chu, , means middle.

Chu means loyalty. Chubu means central Okinawa or central Japan. The central Japan usage includes the provinces of Hida, Omi, Owari, Kai, Shinano, and Mino. Chudan, , means middle section or middle level. This normally is the part of the torso between the waist or hips up to the shoulders. Chudan no kamae, , means middle level stance. With a sword, the tip of the sword would be aimed at the opponent's throat. Chudan shuto uchi, , means middle level knife hand strike. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Hachikyu. Chudan shuto uke, , means middle level knife hand block. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Hachikyu. Chudan soto uke, , means middle level outside block. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Hachikyu. Chudan tsuki, , means a middle level thrust. Chudan uchi uke, , means middle level inside block. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Hachikyu. Chudan zuki, , means a punch toward the middle section of the opponent's body. Chuden means middle scroll. It is used to mean the midlevel teachings of a style. Chugari means rolling. It is used to mean forward somersault. Chugen is a term that was sometimes used to describe the foot soldiers known as ashigaru. Chugoku means middle country. It is a Japanese term for China, the Middle Kingdom. It is also used to mean the western region of Honshu island including the provinces of Tajima, Harima, Mimasaka, Bizen, Bitchu, Hoki, Izuma, Bingo, Iwami, Aki, Suo, and Nagato. Chugoshi is a kneeling position with one leg up on the foot and the other knee and ball of that foot on the ground. Chui means attention as a warning about doing something wrong. In kendo, the first chui is without penalty. Later chui are considered penalties. In Kodokan Judo matches, chui is the second level of penalty. Chujo Ryu was a martial art school of sword fighting, kenjutsu. It was created by Chujo Nagahide about 1400 C.E. Chuken is the third contestant in a kendo team match. Chukyu, , means middle class. It is based on a set of skills involving locks and body controls. It is the class between lower class and major middle class.

Chukyu dai , means major middle class. It is the rank just before Jokyu. Chunin was a mid level ninja agent who served as an supervisor of field agents. Chuo means the center or middle. Chusei is a scholarly term for the Japanese medieval period between the late Heian period and the Momoyama period. Chusen means the centerline. In the martial arts, the centerline of the body is a line drawn down the body from the nose to the belly button. Chusen is a kendo winner chosen by draw by the judges or referees officials. Chusen gachi is a kendo winner by draw. Chushin means one's center, core, or heart.

Chushin dori means grabbing the center. It is used to mean seizing control of the opponent's centerline while maintaining control of one's own centerline. Chusoku means the ball of the foot.

Dictionary of Japanese Martial Art Terms

-D

Dachi means stance.

Dai, , means major, large, or great. Dai as a prefix of a number just means the number, i.e., dai ichi just means first, not great or big first. Daicho is the large intestine. Daigaku means university. Daihyoshu sen is a kendo contest term meaning a playoff by representatives of each team in a team contest. Daijo daijin means great minister of state. It was the highest imperial appointment. Daikan referred to a deputy, intendant, or manager. It also referred to the official tax collector for a daimyo. Dai kinniku means the major muscles. Daikomyo is used in ninjutsu to mean the illumination from the inside to the outside. In Buddhism, it is the large bright light radiating from the Buddha. Daiku means a carpenter. Dai kyo soku kei is a phrase means big strong fast smooth. Daimon big gate. In kyusho, vital points, it is the middle of the shoulder joint. Daimyo means great name. It was the title of a feudal Japanese lord. Sometimes he might be a provincial governor. Others might be the head of a large or powerful clan. A sucessful daimyo would hire samurai as his body guards and his army. The daimyo were not originally of the imperial court nobility. Their origin comes from the various military governments. The term generally applied to those lords who governed lands produced at least 10,000 koku of rice annually. One koku was enough rice to feed one man for one year. Dai nashi means completely worthless. Dai Nihon Butokukai Budo Senmon Gakko means Imperial Japan Martial Organization's Specialized Budo School. It was founded in 1895 C.E. by the Japanese government to preserve the traditional styles of Japanese martial arts. The headquarters, known as the Butokuden, was located in Kyoto.

Dairai means the imperial palace. Dairyo means a district magistrate. Daisho means large and small in relation to swords. The long sword was known as a daito katana. The short sword was known as a shoto wakizashi. Daitai, , means the thigh. Momo also means the thigh. Dai teiji means major character in the shape of a hand. It is an aikido stance similar to hanmi dachi, but a little wider. Daito means great sword. It is one of several terms for a long sword. Daito katana means great or long sword. It was usually more than 24 inches or 60 centimeters long. It is worn with the blade edge facing upward. Daito-ryu aiki jujutsu is a jujutsu school and the technical precursor of aikido. It was created from Oshikiuchi, a type of jujutsu, as taught to Takeda, Sokaku by the Soke, head master of the style, Saigo, Tonomo. It was created around 1900 C.E. as Takeda traveled around Japan. It makes use of subtle movements which disrupt an opponents balance, ki flow, mind, etc. Shinra Saburo Minamoto Yoshimitsu (1056-1127) is sometimes credited as being the founder. The characters means great eastern style. Dajo tenno is an honorary title for an abdicated emperor. Daikentai jutsu is the term for the striking techniques used in ninjutsu. Daki, , means to hug or embrace someone or something. Damashii means fighting spirit. Dame means wrong, not like that. Dan, , means step, grade, or degree. Danchu is the breast bone. Danryoku means resilience, elasticity, or flexibility. Danzan Ryu, , means sandlewood mountain style. It is a jujutsu style created by Henry S. Okazaki. It has a wide range of defense strategies including Judo type throwing, joint locks, constrictions, and the use of weapons. The name sandlewood is what the Japanese call the Hawaiian islands. The Hawaiian islands were where this style was created and taught by Okazaki. Datto means taking the sword from the belt in iaido. De, , means hand. It is also said as 'te' by the Japanese as in 'karate'. De, . means advanced or forward. De ashi barai, , means advancing foot sweep. It is a Kodokan Judo throw. De geiko, , translates as advanced training. It is used to mean traveling around training in other styles and other schools. Dehana waza means to strike at the beginning of an opponent's movement. Dembu means buttocks. Den are the teachings, legends, and traditions of a lineage or school. They are not just the teachings of a martial art style. Denbu is the polite term for butocks. Dengaku is rustic, country music popular with the common people. It sometimes included dancing as part of the performance. Denko, , means lighting flash or electric light. It is used to mean the vital point on the floating ribs. Densho means a technique scroll. These are the transmission manuscripts that past down the elements that make up a lineage.

Dento means tradition. Dentoteki means traditional. Denzook means no count. Deru pon means to score a point against your opponent as he comes forward at the beginning of a match. Deshi means a student or disciple. Do means degrees. Do means motion, change, or activity. Do, . means way, path, or road. It is the Chinese character for Tao with the same meaning. It is also pronounced as michi. Do, , means waist, chest, or trunk. It is also the generic term used for torso armor, ie. such as a cuirass. In kendo, the torso protector can be made of bamboo or other material. Dogi, , is a training uniform. Dogo was a village leader or headman. Normally an individual whose assets allowed him some measure of local political or military clout. Dogu means way equipment, i.e. training equipment. Do jime, , means body strangle. It involves squeezing an opponent's torso with your legs. It is an old jujutsu technique that is not legal in competition Judo. Dojo, , means way place, the meditation room of a Buddhist temple. The practice area of a martial arts school. Traditional etiquette says to bow to the designated 'front' of the dojo whenever entering or leaving. Dojo arashi, , means school storming. It is the practice of challenging everyone in another school with the idea that the losers become students of the winners. Deaths sometimes happen. Dojo cho, , the the title of the leader of a dojo. Dojo kun are the maxims of a school. They vary from style to style and art to art. Doka means songs of the way. Dokko, , is the pressure point behind the ear. Dokkotsu means single bone. In kyusho, vital points, it is the Adam's apple located on the front of the throat. Doko means angry tiger. Doko no kamae is the name of a ninjutsu defensive stance. Dokoro has the meaning of a board or committee. Dokudo means the path of self reliance. It is a list of precepts prepared by Miyamoto Musashi on May 12, 1645 C.E. Musashi was the founder of the Hyoho Niten Ichi Ryu school of sword fighting. The Dokudo has been passed down in this kenjutsu lineage as part of their teachings. Dokusan means a private interview. Dokusen is the side of the neck. Dokushu means studying by one's self. Dokuso geiko means practicing by ones self. Dome means a stopping action. It is a method of blocking using a shield like action. It comes from tomeru meaning to stop. Domo, , means many or much. It is the informal phrase for thank you. Domo arigato, , is the phrase for a formal thank you to some one. Domo arigato gozaimashita, , is the very formal Japanese phrase for thank you very much. It is said at the end of a class by the students while bowing to the instructor to thank him for teaching them.

Domo arigato gozaimasu, , is the very formal Japanese phrase for thank you for something that is still happening. Dono means lord. In 1180 C.E., Minamoto Yoritomo was called Kamakura dono, lord of Kamakura, by his warriors. Do no tanden, , means middle body training. Don ton jutsu means the art of earth concealment. They are techniques in ninjutsu using the ground to hide from the enemy. Dori, , means to grab, take, grasp, or to hold something. It is also spelled as tori. It comes from toru meaning to seize or capture. Doshin was the title of an individual serving as a constable during the Edo period. This was a police rank below Yoriki. Doshin is a series of range of motion tests performed on the receiver, uke, in correctly positioning the body in aikido. Doshu, , is literally 'one who carries on the flame of the way.' It is used by the Aikikai Aikido style to mean the 'head of the way'. Doso was a term for a pawnbroker or small money lender during the Muromachi period. Dotai means the torso or body. Doza was the term for the copper workers' guild. Dozo, , means please go ahead. Du mai means governing vessel. This is the name of one of the meridians in traditional Chinese medicine.

Dictionary of Japanese Martial Art Terms

-E

Ebi means shrimp. Ebira is a quiver for holding arrows. Ebisu is one of the names used for the aboriginal people living in Japan before the arrival of the modern Japanese. They are also known as Ainu or Ezo. Ebisu is also the name of the god of good food and the patron of fishermen and tradesmen. Eboshi is a cloth or lacquered paper hat worn by individuals of imperial court rank or samurai in formal circumstances. It was normally black in color and it was fastened on the head by means of a silk cord. Eboshi nari kabuto is a helmet shaped like an imperial court hat. Edo period was the time period between 1600 and 1867 C.E.

Egoshu is a council. It was a common term used to describe a group of community elders in a civilian context. Sakai was governed by a merchant body called an egoshu. Eiki kujiki means to break the opponent's spirit. Eimeiroku means the official recording of students in a specific style lineage. Eishin Ryu was a martial art school of sword drawing created by Hasegawa Chikaranosuke Eishin (Hidenobu). Eku is an Okinawan wooden oar which was an improvised weapon sometimes taught in Karate schools. Embu is a demostration of martial spirit or it can mean a two person training form. Embugi, , means a demonstration uniform. This is a special uniform worn only for doing demonstrations, not for regular practice. Embusen is the line of action or movement. It is used as meaning the floor pattern of a given kata. Emishi is a derogative term for the Ainu, who were the originial residents of the Japanese islands. Emmei Ryu was a martial art school of sword fighting, kenjutsu. Emon means chest. Empi, , means the elbow. Sometimes referred to as Hiji. Empi is a routine or kata meaning the flight of the swallow form. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Yonkyu. Empi uchi, , means elbow strike. Sometimes referred to as Hiji ate. Empi uke, Koyamakan Shichikyu. , means elbow block. It is a requirement for

Empi waza, , means elbow techniques. Techniques which use the elbow region of the arm as the principle part of technique. Encho is an overtime or extension round in a match. It is used to determine a winner when no points have been scored during the normal match time. Encho-sen is a contest term meaning extension. It is used if a match goes into overtime. Enga osae means to pin the opponent face down. Engawa is the covered porch or verandah surrounding some Japanese traditional homes. En geiko is a drill in which a student defends against a circle of opponents. En no irimi means circular entry. Enryakuji was a Tendai Buddhist sect temple located on Mt. Hiei in Omi province. It was founded by the monk Saicho Dengyo-Daishi in 788. It was famous for its warrior monks. The monks attempted to influence the imperial politics of the capital, Kyoto, by sending in their monks to protest and disrupt the daily life of the residents. In 1571, Oda Nobunaga destroyed and Enryakuji and killed thousands of monks to keep them from influencing the imperial court. The temple complex was later rebuilt. However, it never regained its political clout. Enryo means boldness. It implies a certain contempt or disdain for death. It is fearlessness. Enshin ryoku means the centrifugal force generated by a technique. Enshin-ryu sogo budo is a karate style that was formerly known as Shimbu (or Jimmu)-ryu. Machida Kenshin [written with characters for "fist" and "spirit"] is

the headmaster. His students are Omori Saburo, Hirata Moritoshi, and others. In the *Bugei ryuha daijiten*, on p. 113, there is mention of a Machida Kenshin of a system called Enshin-ryu (not Enshin Itto-ryu). The entry says, "Enshin-ryu: karate [written with the characters for "Chinese hand"], aiki, kempo [fist method], yawara." Enshu means a drill or exercise. Enten jizui, , means moving and turning freely. Eri, , means the lapel or collar of a jacket or coat. Eri dori, , means grabbing the collar. They are techniques using control of the lapel or collar to control or strangle an opponent. Eta means much filth. It is a degrading term used to mean a member of the Eta pariah caste. These are traditionally those families that handled tasks that were considered very distasteful such as undertakers, butchers, midwives, and cemetery workers. Basicly, anyone who might have handled dead people or deal animals. This includes individuals working with leather. The individuals in this caste were considered practically subhuman. To be part of this caste remains a stigma even today. The modern term for individuals of this caste is Burakumin. This term may be dervived from the word for butcher, etori. Etori means butcher. Ezo is one of the names used for the aboriginal people living in Japan before the arrival of the modern Japanese. They are also known as Ainu or Ebisu. It is also another name for the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido.

Dictionary of Japanese martial art terms

-F

Fu, , means wind or manner. Fu means negation. Fu antei means instability. Fuchi is the collar which acts as a retainer for the hilt thread, the tsukaito. Fudai is a retainer of long stanging, i.e., a hereditary vassal. It is sometimes translated as inner lords. During the Edo period, the term was used to describe those lords who had supported Tokugawa Ieyasu during the Sekigahara campaign of 1600 C.E. Fudo means immovable or immobility. Fudo dachi means immovable stance. It is also known as Sochin dachi. Fudo ken is used to mean a clenched fist. Fudo Ryu was a martial art style featuring the use of kenjutsu. Fudoshin means immovable or unchanging spirit or mind. It is used to mean a mind that is immune to distraction. The imperturbability of the mind.

Fudoshin Ryu was a martial art style featuring the use of kenjutsu. Fudoza means an immovable seat. Fuho koi shobu ari is a kendo contest term used to mean a winner resulting from an opponent's illegal action. Fujubun means that 'not enought power' was used in a technique. Fuke is the Buddhist sect that was most associated with the Japanese warrior class. It was suppresed by the Tokugawa shogunate because of the sect's attempt to influence and control the government. Fukiniki was a cylindrical streamer used on the battlefield by daimyo as a means of unit identification. The daimyo's family crest, the mon, would be on the streamer as an easily seen rally point during battles. Fukiya are blowguns used in ninjutsu. Fuko means a crouching tiger. Fukono Ryu was a martial art school created by Fukono Shichiroemon featuring the use of kenjutsu and jujutsu. Fuku means clothing. Fukubu means abdomen. Fukubu geri means abdomen kick. Fuku jime means clothing strangle. It is a generic phrase for the useage of any clothing to assist in a strangle. It is not a specific technique. Fukuro shinai is a leather covered practice sword made of bamboo. Fuku shidoin means an assistant instructor. Fukushiki kokyu, , means abdominal breathing. Fukushin shugo is a contest term calling for a judges conference. Fukusho is a kendo contest term for the fourth contestant in a team contest. Fukuto, , is the hollow of the back of the knee. It is an atemi point just above the inside of the knee. Fukyu means basic. Fukyu gata means basic or fundamental forms. Fukyu taden means basic exercise. Fumi means step. Fumi kiri geri means sickle kick. Fumi komi is a stomping action. Fumi komi geri means a stompimg kick in a downward direction. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Shichikyu. Fumi waza means stomping techniques. Funakogi undo, , means rowing exercise. It is an aikido drill to strengthen the wrists. Fundoshi is a loin cloth worn as traditional underwear by Japanese men. Funikoshi Gichin was the founder of the Shotokai/Shotokan style of karate. His nickname was Shoto, tiger's tail. Funikoshi was a student of Itosu Yasutsune.

After he retired from teaching elementary school in Okinawa, he was asked to

perform in a demostration in Tokyo. . Funsen means a brave battle or to fight bravely. Furi, , means to swing, shake, or flail. Furi gaeshi, , means flailing reversal. Furiko tomoe nage means pendulum circle throw. Furi oshi uchi means downward swinging strike. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Sankyu. Furi zuki means flare punch. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Nikyu. Fusegi means defense or escapes. Fusei shinai shiyo is a kendo contest term meaning that one contestant used an illegal shinai during a match. Fusen gachi is a kendo contest term meaning a winner due to the opponent not showing up to compete. Fusensho means to win in contest by default. Futari means two people. Futari dori means dual catch or being held by two opponents. Futari waza means two persons techniques. Implies two individuals attacking one.

Dictionary of Japanese Martial Art Terms

-G

Gaeshi, , means counter, reversal, to reverse an action, come back, or return. In Japanese, you use the verb related to gaeshi to describe when you return home from somewhere that you went. You went, then you 'came back' or 'returned'. The latter is the verb form of gaeshi. Gagaku is a style of music that is traditionally performed at the imperial court. Gaijin means a outside person. An outsider or an individual not part of the group. It is an impolite term. Frequently used to mean a foreigner. A more polite term to use is gaikokujin, meaning outside-country person. Gaikokujin means outside the country person. It is a polite term for a foreigner. Gaiwan is the outer edge of the arm. Also spelled as haiwan. Gake means a hooking or clipping action. Gaku means a certificate or diploma. Gaku means to study. Gakusetsu means theory. Gakushu means scholarly monk. Gan, , means eyeball. Ganbatte means to stick with something. Ganka is a pressure point located directly under the nipple on the ribs. Gankaku dachi means crane on a rock stance. It is seen in the Gankaku kata. It is more commonly known as Tsuru ashi dachi or as Sagi ashi dachi. Gankaku kata means crane on a rock form. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Yonkyu. Ganmen, , means the face. Ganseki otoshi means stone drop. It is a Kodokan Judo throw. Gan Ryu was a martial art style featuring the use of a very long sword type called no-dachi. It was created by Sasaki Kojiro about 1600. Ganseki otoshi means stone drop. In Kodokan Judo, it is a throw. In Aikido, it is an arm bar with the elbow locked over the shoulder assisting the throwing technique. Also known as Ude Kansetsu Nage in Aikido. Garame, , is a term meaning throw. Garami, , means to entwine, entangle or wrap up. Garami waza, , means entangling techniques where the opponent is locked into his own structure. Gari means a reaping action. Garyu means lying dragon. Garyu means an individual's personal style or manner of doing something. Gassan Ryu was a martial art school featuring the use of the naginata. It was created in the 1800's.

Gassho is the standing position of obeisance with the palms held together in front of the chest. Gassho gamae is a standing saluting posture. Gasshuku means a special training camp, workshop, or seminar. Gatame, , means to lock. Also spelled Katame. It comes from katameru meaning to tighten. Gatame waza, , means locking or pinning technique(s). Gawa means side. Ge, , means lower or inferior. Gedan, , means lower section or lower level. Gedan barai, , means lower level sweep. It is an attack with a polearm, naginata, or a sword. Gedan barai uke, , means lower level sweeping block. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Hachikyu. Gedan furisute uke means lower level swing block. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Gokyu. Gedan kamae, , means lower level posture. In sword and other weapon arts, the weapon is pointed at the opponent's lower level, frequently aimd at the knee. Gedan oshi uke means lower level sweeping block. It is a requirement for KoyamakanGokyu. Gedan ude uke, , means lower level forearm block. It is a requirement for KoyamakanGokyu. Gedan zuki, , means a lower level punch. A punch to the lower section, below the waist, of the opponent's body. Gei means art or science. Gei jutsu means art skills. The fine art skills include painting, writing, and playing music among other skills. They are considered refining skills to polish the warrior's rougher side of his personality. Geiko, , means practice. Gekisai means to attack and smash. Gekisai dai ichi is the name of a routine, kata, created in 1940 C.E. by Miyagi Chojun as the beginning form for Goju-Ryu style karate. The name is first major attack and smash. Gekisai dai ni , is the name of a routine, kata, created in 1940 C.E. by Miyagi Chojun as the second form for Goju-Ryu style karate. The name is second major attack and smash. Gekitai means to drive back an attack. Gekken means fencing or sword fighting. Gekokujo is a term meaning the low overcome the high. It is a term from the Muromachi perod to describe a high ranking individual being replaced by a lower ranking individual. Gekon, , is the pressure point below the lower lip. (GV-26) Gekyu, , means low level class, a beginner in a martial art. Gempei war was fought between 1180 and 1185 C.E. It was the overthrowing of the Taira family by the Minamoto family for the control of the government of Japan. They did not replace the imperial family. Rather they replaced the top levels of the national and provincal governments. Gen, , means fist.

Gen, , means original. Genbuku is the coming of age ceremony celebrated on a boy's 14th or 15th birthday. This celebration is also called genpuku. Genin is a ninjutsu term used to describe the low level field operative agents. These were the ninja who actually went out on missions to spy on opponents. They were controlled by the middle level ninja, known as chunin. Gen jutsu means the arts or techniques of illusion. Genkan is the front porch or entrance hall of a Japanese style building. Gennin were attendants to the samurai. Their responsibilities included equipment maintenance and care of the horses. Genpuku is the coming of age ceremony celebrated on a boy's 14th or 15th birthday. This celebration is also called genbuku. Genshin, , means intuition. Gensoku are example techniques which illustrate principles. The Kodokan Judo Gokyo no Waza is a series of forty throwing techniques illustrating the principles of Judo. Genri means principles. Genshin means the ability to anticipate an attack. Genzoku is the term meaning a monk returning to lay life. Sometimes, samurai and others would become monks to escape problems in their lives. The daimyo had rules regulating the return to lay life as a means of controlling who came back under the civil laws. Geri means kick. It is also spelled as keri. It comes from keru meaning to kick. Gessha are monthly tuition or dues. Gesu was an estate manager or administrator during the Heian period. Nobles in the imperial court and daimyo at the capital were not able to run their estates. Therefore, they hired individuals to supervise the estates for them. Estates were known as shoen. Geta is a type of Japanese wooden platform shoe. Getsu, , means moon or month. Getsu kage, , means moon shadow. For the Japanese, it implies defeating an opponent's attack by attacking in the same manner as his attack. Gi, , means skill or technique. It is an alternative pronunciation of waza. Gi, , means a training uniform. Gikan means respect for justice. Gikan Ryu was a martial art style of koppojutsu. Ginza was the silver guild during the Edo period. Girei means formal etiquette. Giri, , is the Japanese term for duty or obligation. A samurai would have a duty to serve and protect his employer, the daimyo, with his utmost ability and his life. Honor comes from performing one's duty well. Therefore, it is a term implying a debt of gratitude, obligation, or a sense of honor. Giri means to cut. It is also spelled as kiri. Go, , means the number five. Go means hard. Go is an ancient Chinese board game that emphasizes careful strategy. It has been popular for a long time in Japan. The game is played by placing white or black "stones" on the intersection of lines on the board. The board has 19 lines by 19 lines. The winner is the individual who captures the most territory.

Go is a prefix denoting later. An example would be the emperor Go-Daigo means the the Later Daigo. Godai means big five. The big five being the five elements; earth, air, water, fire, and void. Godan, , means fifth step or fifth degree black belt. Godo means strength way. Goe means voice or tone. Gogi is a kendo term for a consultation among the referees during a time out called during a contest match. Go go ju, ni hachi ju is an Okinawan weapon art maxim instructing the practitioner to use the opponent's speed or strength to defeat him. The phrase means five and five equal ten, two and eight equal ten. There are various approaches to the same goal. Gogyo are the five elements in ancient oriential philosophy. They are void, metal, earth, fire, and water. Gohan Kumite means five point sparring. The attacker steps in five consecutive times with an attack, punch, strike, or kick, with each step. The defender steps back each time, blocking each technique. After the last block, the defender counter attacks once. Goho no atemi is a practice routine that combines each of the five basic upper and lower body aikibudo strikes into series for easy repetition. Gojo gyoku means the principle of the five feelings and desires. Goju Ryu is a modern karate style created by the Okinawan Miyagi Chojun (1888-1953). He taught in Japan and Okinawa at various times. It can be considered a blend of Naha-te and Chinese martial arts. Goju shiho means fifty four steps or corners. Goju shiho kata dai means major fifty four steps form. It is an Okinawan karate routine. Goju shiho kata sho means minor fifty four steps form. It is an Okinawan karate routine. Gokaku geiko means practice between partners of similar rank. Gokamon is a term used during the Tokugawa Shogunate to refer to members of the Matsudaira families. Gokenin was a retainer or vassal family of the Kamakura Shogunate. They generally had a certain amount of influence on the military government, bakufu, for having served under Minamoto Yoritomo. Gokiburi means cockroach. Gokiburi bushi means cockroach warrior, tough on the outside and soft on the inside. It is an insult. Gokiburi gata means cockroach form. This is an insult describing kata performed with jerky movements and a lack of understanding of the applications. Gokoku, , is the pressure point in the meaty area between the thumb and forefinger. (LI-4). Gokui are hidden, secret, or special techniques taught privately to individual students. In some traditional lineages, this term is used as the highest level license an individual can earn. Gokui kaiden is another term that is used in some traditional lineages as the highest level license an individual can earn. Gokuraku means paradise.

Gokyo, , means the fifth teaching or fifth principle. It is the technique known as kuji osae in Aikido. It is other things in other arts. Gokyo no kaisetsu is the explanation of the five principles of technique. Gokyo no waza, , means the five principles of technique. In Kodokan Judo, it is the traditional teaching method grouping eight throws into five groups demontrating five levels of arcs. Gokyu, , means fifth class. Gomen nasai, , means sorry to bother you or I'm sorry. Go nin gake means five man take down. A test of skill where one individual contests against five successive opponents. Go no sen means a form of initiative by which you start defensive action at the instant the opponent's attack is being made. Go no sen involves stealing the initiative away from your opponent, or countering. It can be thought of as being reactive initiative Go no waza is a kendo phrase used to describe a parry to a valid strike made from tsuba zeri ai. Gorin means five rings. In kyusho, vital points, gorin are five rings around the stomach. Gorinso means book of the five rings. It was composed by the famous swordsman, Miyamoto Musashi during the early or mid 16th century C.E. Goroshi means kill. It comes from korosu meaning to kill. Goshi, , means the loin or waist, same word as koshi Goshin means self defense. Goshinho are the methods of self defense. A Kodokan Judo prearranged form, kata. Goshin jutsu are techniques of self defense. It is also a Kodokan Judo prearranged form, kata. Goson was a term for village. Self governing villages were important in the later 16th century C.E. and the Edo period. Gote is the hand used for defense while the other hand is attacking. Gotende is the term used for the native Okinawan grappling art. Gotendi is another way of saying gotende, the native Okinawan grappling art. Gotonpo are the five element concealing and escaping methods taught in nin jutsu. Goyoshokunin were artisans and performers allowed special privileges while being on retainer to a daimyo. Gumin means stupid commoners. This was a insulting phrase used by the samurai during the Edo period to describe peasants and townspeople. Gun means the military or an army. Gun means an administrative district, a county, of a province. Gunkimono means a war story. They were written stories that deal primarily with warriors and their heroic deeds. Gunpai was a war fan. Gun sen was a folding war fan carried by a senior officer as a symbol of status. They were often made with metal ribs covered with cloth or paper. Gunyaku was a military service levy or tax. An individual who was worth a certain amount was required to supply a set number of samurai and assorted attendants to the service of the local government as required. An alternative was to pay a set amount of rice to pay for the hiring of samurai by the local government.

Gunyakushu were 16th century C.E. taxpayers who rendered military service or provided soldiers in return for an exemption on rice or money taxation. Gunyuukakkyo was a rivalry of powerful warlords, daimyo. Gyakon or Gakun is a pressure point on the radial nerve. It is also known as tekubi osae, meaning wrist press. Gyaku, , means reverse, inverted, or opposite. Gyaku geki means counter attack. Gyaku hanmi, , means reverse or opposite stance. If one person is standing in a right foot forward stance, the opponent would be standing in a left foot forward stance. Gyaku jime, , means reverse strangle. It is a nin jutsu and jujutsu strangling technique. Gyaku juji jime, , means reverse cross strangle. It is a Kodokan Judo strangling technique. Gyaku katate tori, , means reverse single hand hold. Gyaku kesa gatame, , meaning reverse scarf hold. It is a Kodokan Judo grappling technique. Gyaku kesa giri is a diagonial upward cut with a bladed weapon along the line where a kesa would be worn. A right handed person would cut from their front lower left to their front upper right. Gyaku kote gaeshi, , means reverse lower forearm reversal. Gyaku mawashi geri, , means reverse round house kick. It is also known as a spinning heel kick. Gyaku ni means in the opposite direction. Gyaku tai means reverse body. In martial arts, it is used to mean the instant reversal of the direction of the body by shifting position. Gyaku te, , means reverse hand. It can be used to describe holding a weapon in a reverse grip. Additionally, it can be used to describe a joint lock which moves a joint in the opposite direction of its natural movement. Gyaku te dori, grip. , means taking hold of something with a reverse hand

Gyaku te haito uchi, , means reverse ridge hand strike. It is a requirement for Koyamakan karate Hachikyu. Gyaku te zuki, , means reverse hand punch. It is a requirement for Koyamakan karate Hachikyu. Gyaku uchi, is a generic term for any reverse striking technique. Gyakyto is a technique in the MSR iaito sword style. It is the final cut in the form. The one where the swordsman reverses grip and pulls the mune across the left palm or fingers simulating a short cut to the carotid artery. This is sometimes called hiki giri, pulling/drawing cut. It is sometimes called nasake-no ichigeki or todome-no ichigeki. In some lineages of MSR and in MJER, the movement is just cleaning your blade, chi-nagui. Gyobusho was the ministry of justice and the court rank created in the Taiho code. Later it became a ceremonial title. Gyokko Ryu was a martial art style of koshi jutsu. Gyoku means gem or jewel. It is used as a slang term to mean the testicles. Gyokushin Ryu was a martial art style that formed part of nin jutsu.

Gyorin is a type of 16th century C.E. battle formation known as fish scale. Some daimyo utilized this formation to trick opponents into believing they were preparing to retreat as a method of getting the opponents to attack. Gyosho is a type of Japanese semicursive calligraphy.

Dictionary of Japanese Martial Art Terms

-H

Ha means a group or clique. It is used to mean a branch of a ryu or style. It does not include new styles. Ha means tooth. Ha means blade. Habaki is the collar on a sword which fits over the upper end of the blade and the lower end of the tang. Habu is a poisonous snake, an adder, that is native to Okinawa. Some people eat them marinated or grilled. Hachi, , means eight. Hachidan, , means 8th step or 8th degree black belt. Hachikyu, , means 8th class Hachiji dachi means a natural stance. The feet are positioned about shoulder widith apart with the feet pointing slightly outward, maybe as much as 45 degrees away from the front. Hachiji gaeshi means figure eight counter. It is a figure eight thrust. Hachiji giri is a left and right kesa giri done without pausing. This motion is like a figure eight. Hachimaki is a cotton headband worn to keep sweat out of the eyes. For some individuals, it has come to symbolize resolve. Kendo practioners wear it to pad the head against their helmut and to keep sweat out of their eyes. Hacho means the attempt to duplicate nature with deliberate asymmetry in Japanese design. Hadaka, , means naked or bare. Hadaka jime, , means naked strangle. It is a Kodokan Judo strangling technique. It is called naked because it does not make use of any clothing. It is applied by having the opponent's throat inside the elbow joint and using the bicep and thumb side of the wrist against the sides of the opponent's neck. It is much less effective if applied as a choking action against the windpipe and much slower. Hadashi means bare foot.

Hadome is a kyusho, vital point, located one inch below the ear and in line with the end of the tooth line. Hagakure is the name of a text complied by Tashiro Tsuramoto from the principles and precepts of Yamamoto Tsunetomo. It is considered a major work of samurai thought of the early 18th century C.E. Hai, , means yes. Hai means back (of). Hai means lungs. Haiboku means defeat. Haibu is a person's back. Haibu yori means from behind. Haidate were armor thigh guards that became popular in the 16th century C.E. Hairi kata is a method of entry into throwing, grappling, or striking techniques. Hai ryu means crawling dragon. Haishu, , means the back of the hand. Haishu uchi, , means back of the hand strike. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Shichikyu. Haishu uke means back of the hand block. Haisoku means instep. Haito, , means back sword. It is usually translated at inner knife hand or as ridge hand. Haito uchi, , means back sword strike. It is usually translated as ridge hand strike. There are two versions, Hon, basic, and Gyakute, reverse hand. Haiwan, , is the back of the forearm. Hajime, , means to begin or first. It is a kendo and judo contest term to start a match. Hajime no saho means beginning etiquette. Hajutsu means escaping techniques. Hakkai shiki is the opening ceremony of a school. Hakkaku bo is an eight sided, octagonal, staff. Hakama, , is the large traditional divided formal skirt-pants worn over a kimono by Japanese samurai. They were common during the Edo period. A shorter version, known as a han bakama, was worn by lower class samurai and the lower classes. Hakama sabaki, , are standing, kneeling, sitting, and moving movements done while wearing a hakama so as not to impair mobility or access to weapons. Hakkeyoi means to keep striving. Hakko-Ryu is a modern jujutsu style created out of Daito-Ryu aiki jutsu. It is simple in its basic curriculum, but the applications are quite diverse. Many of its techniques are similar to Aikido. It was created in 1938 by Okuyama Ryuho ( Yoshiji). It's name means eighth ray of light style. Haku means white. Hakutsuru means white crane. Hakutsuru ken means white crane boxing. It is the name of a Chinese kung-fu style practiced on Okinawa. It is also the name of a routine that has been adopted by some karate styles which were influenced by the Crane style kung-fu taught in Okinawa. Hakutsu Ryu was a martial art style of jujutsu.

Hakyo, , means the eight principle. Hama Higa no Kama kata means kama form of Hama Higa. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Nikyu. Hama Higa no Sai kata means sai form of Hama Higa. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Nikyu. Hama Higa no Tonfa means tonfa form of Hama Higa. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Nikyu. Han was a feudal clan, family, or fief. The term refers to a daimyo's domain in the Edo period. Han, , means half. Hana means nose. Hana means flower. Hana bishi means diamond flower. It is a symbol used in a family crest. Hanashi waza are techniques involving escapes from holds. An alternative term to Hazushi waza. Han bo, , means half staff. A traditional staff is about six feet long. So, half of a staff measures about 3 feet long. Han bo jutsu means stick fighting techniques. Hando no kuzushi means breaking of the opponent's balance by his reaction to a preparatory diversionary attack launched by yourself in the opposite direction to the intended technique. Hane, , means to spring, bounce, recoil, or jump. It comes from haneru. Hane means a wing, such as a crane's wing. Hane age means to spring up or jump up. Hane gaeshi, , means bouncing return. It is describing the recoil at the end of a technique. It is traditionally said that a technique, such as a punch or kick, should be rechambered faster than it was executed. Hane goshi, , means springing hip. A Kodokan Judo throwing technique. Hane makikomi, , means winding springing hip throw. Hane okiri means to spring up from sitting in the kneeling posture, seiza. Hangetsu, , means half or crescent moon. Hangetsu dachi means crescent moon stance. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Shichikyu. Hangetsu kata, , means half moon or crescent moon form. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Yonkyu. Hankafuza means the half lotus sitting posture. Hankai means a half turn. Hanko are the traditional Japanese signature seal stampers. Most commonly used with red ink to make the stamped seal easily seen against the black ink of common Japanese writing. Hanmi , , is a triangular stance commonly used in aikido and jujutsu meaning half body. The body is half way facing forward. Hanmi han dachi are techniques started while the thrower is seated and the attacker is standing. Hanpuku geiko is a training method of repetitively using a limited number of techniques and drilling them over and over. Hanran means rebellion.

Hanshi, , means a model teacher. It is the highest of a series of teaching titles given by various martial arts organizations. It is used on certificates, not as a proper title. Hansoku is a penalty given for an illegal act or a foul play in violation of contest rules. In kendo, the six illegal acts warranting hansoku include: (1) tripping or sweeping an opponent, (2) doing an illegal act or movement, (3) stepping outside the contest area, (4) pushing or shoving an opponent outside of the contest area, (5) dropping the bamboo sword, or (6) stalling without any intention of making a strike. Hansoku make means a loss by violation of the rules. Hantai means reverse or opposite Hantai, , means the other way around. Hantai ni, , means in the opposite direction. Hantei is a verbal command by the referee to signal the judges to indicate their choice of winner in a kendo or Judo match. Hantei gachi means winner by decision. It is a contest term used in kendo and Kodokan Judo. It is also written as hantei kachi. Hanzei was a tax or obligation that called for rendering one half of the property's income to the daimyo. Happa means eight leaves. In nin jutsu, it describes the technique of clapping the opponent's ears. Happa ken is an open handed strike taught in nin jutsu. Happo, , means eight sides or in all directions. Happo baraki, , means eight direction sweep. It is used to mean to be totally aware of ones surroundings in all directions. Happo hiken means the eight methods of secret swords. This is a nin jutsu group of sword techniques. Happo no kuzushi means eight directions of off balancing an opponent. Happo shuriken are eight pointed throwing knives. Happo no undo means eight directional exercise. Happyo means the announcement of exam results. Hara means plain. An example would be Mikata ga hara. Hara, , means belly or abdomen. Hara ate means abdomenal strike. It was a traditional type of armor worn by the lower classes to protect the front side of the torso. Hara gatame, , is a Kodokan Judo arm lock where the dislocation is applied by the abdomen. Harai, Harai goshi, technique. means sweep. It comes from harau meaning to sweep. , means sweeping hip. It is a Kodokan Judo throwing

Harai te, , is a sweeping technique with the arm. Harai tsuri komi ashi means lift pull foot sweep. It is a Kodokan Judo throwing technique. Hara kiri means to slice the stomach. It is considered a rude term for ritual suicide more properly known as seppuku. Haramaki do is an armor style developed during the 14th century C.E. that was designed to be more form fitting than previous types. It was opened in the back.

Harami ryu means a dragon wrapped around a sword with its body away from the sword. Haramitsu is a Buddhist term for enlightenment or satori. It is a permanent state of spiritual awakening that goes beyond the limitations of life and death. Harai waza, , means sweeping techniques. Hari uke means archer palm block. It is a requirement for Koyamakan karate Shichikyu. Hasaki is the edge of the sword blade. Hasami means scissors. Hasami uke means scissors block. Hasami zuki means scissors punch. Hasegawa Eishin Ryu was a martial art style of sword drawing. It is also known as Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu. Hasegawa Ryu was a martial art style of sword fighting created by Hasegawa Soki (1568-1595). Hashigo yari means a ladder spear. Hasshuku bo means an 8 foot staff. Hasso means attack. Hasso gamae, , means eight sides or the generic in all directions posture. The sword or stick is held beside the head in front of the shoulder. Hasuji means blade positioning or angling. A swordsman has a proper efficient angle which he swings through in doing a cutting technique. Cutting through other angles is less efficient. Hatamoto means banner man. These were senior retainer and vassals close to the daimyo or shogun. They were given special privileges and high status. Hayagake jutsu means the art of walking and running. Hayai means fast. Hayaku, , means quickly. Hayashizaki Ryu is a martial art style of sword drawing, iaijutsu. It is also known as Shimmei Muso Ryu. Hayauchi is the upper back. Hazumi is force created through motion. It can be translated as momentum. However, this does not reflect the special use as specialized terminology in Judo. In Judo, "tori's motion is imparted to uke. It's source is centered movement by tori, involving general shintai and taisabaki. These are by their nature composite movements as opposed to isolated exertions of muscles as in ikioi." by Steve Cunningham. Hazushi, , means avoidance, escape, release, or evasion. Hazushi uke, , means removing block. Hazusu means to remove. Hebi, , means snake. Hebi te, , means snake hand. The hand moves in a snake like motion. Heian means peaceful mind. It was the period in Japanese history from 794 to 1192 C.E. Heian Godan is a routine or kata meaning peaceful mind fifth step form. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Rokkyu. Heian Nidan is a routine or kata meaning peaceful mind second step form. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Shichikyu.

Heian Sandan is a routine meaning peaceful mind third step form. It is a requirement of Koyamakan Shichikyu. Heian Shodan is a routine or kata meaning peaceful mind beginning step form. This form was created by Yasutsune Itosu in 1901. It was renamed by his student Gichin Funakoshi. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Hachikyu. Heian Yondan is a routine or kata meaning peaceful mind fourth step form. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Rokkyu. Heike was the name given to the Taira family. Heike Monogatari means the Tale of the Heike. It is the story of the fall of the Heike clan. It was composed about 1220 C.E. Heiho means military strategy or principles. Heiko, , means parallel. Heiko dachi means parallel stance with the feet shoulder width. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Hachikyu. Heiko zuki, , means parallel punch. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Gokyu. Heishi was the term for conscripted infanty during the Yamato period. Heisoku dachi means feet together stance with the heels and toes together. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Hachikyu. Heki ryu was a martial arts lineage founded circa 1483 C.E. by Heki Danjo Masatsugu. Henka means change or variation. Henka waza means variation technique. Henso jutsu means the techniques of disguise and impersonation. It is one of the skills taught in nin jutsu. Hera is the peg in the back of the hakama. It is inserted in the wide belt, kaku obi, worn to support weapons, to prevent the belt from sliding around the body. Hi, , is the spleen. Hi, , means secret. Hi means to fly. Hibara, , means the side of the body. Hibuki means concealed weapons. Hicho means flying bird. Hicho no kamae means flying bird posture. In nin jutsu, it is used to describe their crane defensive stance. Hichu is the windpipe. Hidari, means left

Hidari do, , means the left side of the body. Hidari jigo tai means left defensive posture. Hidari maki means left wrapped. This is reversed from normal. Therefore, it is used to mean crazy. Hidari mawari means counter clockwise. Hidari shizen tai means left natural posture. Hiden, , means secret or concealed techniques. They are contained in the final instructional scroll in a traditional martial art style. Hifu means lung air. Higo Ko Ryu was a martial art style of naginata fighting. Hiho means secret methods.

Hiji, , means elbow. Hiji age means rising elbow. It is an elbow striking technique. Hiji ate means elbow strike. Hiji chudan ate means middle elbow strike. It is a requirement for Koyamakan karate Sankyu. Hiji dori, , is an elbow grab attack. Hiji garami, , means elbow entangling. It is a joint lock applied against the elbow. Hiji jodan ate means upper elbow strike. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Sankyu. Hiji nage, , means elbow throw. It is a throw done with a projection underneath uke's elbow. This throw is also known as tenbin nage. Hiji ori means elbow break. Hiji osae, , means elbow press. Hiji renshu means elbow training. Hijiri means a sage. Hiji uke means elbow block. Hiji waza, , means elbow technique(s). Hiji zume, , is the atemi point inside the elbow. Hiji zume is an alternative name for aikido's ikkyo. Hijoji means emergency. Hijoji tetsu da means emergency fall hit medicine. It is treatment for martial art injuries. Hikan were low ranking attendants or personal retainers of the Ashikaga shogun. Hiken juroppo are sixteen secret fist methods taught in nin jutsu. Hiki means drawing, pulling in, or evading. It comes from hiku meand to pull. Hikida Ryu was a martial art style of kenjutsu, sword fighting, created by Hikida Bungoro (1537-1606). Hikimi means pulling the body back without shifting the feet. Hiki nage, , means drawing throw. Hikita Kage Ryu was a martial art style of kenjutsu, sword fighting, created by Hikita Kagekane (1573-1592). Hiki te, , means the retracting (pulling and twisting) arm during a technique. It can be used as a pulling technique after grabbing the opponent. It provides a torque force to the other arm through reverse rotation. Hiki te produces movement in the opponent by linking the tori's seika tanden with uke's. Hiki te uke, , means withdrawing hand block. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Yonkyu. Hiki wake means a draw or tie in a contest Hiki waza, , means drawing techniques. It is used to describe techniques performed while stepping back. Hikizue gamae is a technique done by holding the staff with one end at the hip and the other end skimming the ground. Hima means forehead. Himo are the ties or cords on a practice uniform or a kendo helmut. Hineri, refers to turning something in its normal direction.

Hineri te, , means twisting hand, or applying a joint lock against the wrist. Hinin is another term for eta. Hioki Ryu was a martial art style of archery, kyujutsu. Hira means flat, level, or even. Hira jiro means plains castle. It means a fort built on flat ground. This is as opposed to a mountain castle, yama shiro. Hira ken zuki means fore knuckle fist punch. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Shichikyu. Hira no kamae means a one line receiving posture in nin jutsu. Hira shuriken means flat bladed throwing knives. Hira te means the foreknuckle. Hira te means the open or flat hand, palm side. Hira te uchi means a open handed strike, or a slap. Hirayamajiro means plains mountain castle. It refers to a fort built on a rise that is surrounded by flatland. Hiriki means elbow power. Hiryuran means flying dragon confuser. In kyusho, vital points, it is used to describe the eyeballs. Hishi means diamond. Hishi were dried water chestnuts used as caltrops by the ninja. Hiso ken means secret spear fist. It was a nin jutsu striking technique. Hisui, , means the mineral jade. Hitai, , means forehead. Hito means a human being. Hito e mi, , means the blending with the motion of an attack. Hito emi means an equal stance with both feet parallel forward. Hitori waza means invisible partner practice. Practicing by ones self. Hitosashi ippon ken means forefinger knuckle one point fist. The fist is formed such that the index finger's middle joint knuckle protrudes forward providing a single hitting surface during a punch. The index finger is supported by the thumb. Hiza, , means knee. Hiza ate or Hiza uchi means knee strike. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Shichikyu. An example is found in Heian Yondan kata. Hiza gamae, , means knee posture, kneeling on one knee. Hiza gashira means kneecap. Hiza geri, , means knee kick. Hiza guruma, , means knee wheel. It is a Kodokan Judo throwing technique. Hiza uke, , means knee block. Hiza waza, , means knee striking technique(s). Ho, , means direction or corner. Ho, , means method. Hodoki were nin jutsu methods of getting loose, getting untied, or escaping when captured. Hogen means any dialect of Japanese. The Japanese islands have several dialects. Hoi means encircling.

Hojo means binding or securing. Hojo jutsu is the art of binding or tying up a prisoner or opponent with cords. It is found in various classical martial art schools. Jujutsu styles including hojo jutsu in their training include: Seigo Ryu, Seishin Ryu, Koden Enshin Ryu, Nanbu Handen Hojo Jutsu, Kurogawa Ryu, Kurama Yoshin Ryu, Mitsuo (Mippa) Muteki Ryu, Bo Ryu, and Tenfu Muso Ryu. Ho jutsu is the art of firearms. Firearms were first introduced into Japan by the Portuguese in 1543. Ho jutsu concerns itself solely with the use and strategies of firearms. The early firearms were muskets imported by the Portuguese. Later, the Japanese made their own muskets. Firearms were the deciding factor in the overthrow of the Tokugawa Shogun in the Meiji Revolution of the 1860's. The imperial army's guns defeated the Shogun's sword carrying samurai. Hoki Ryu was a martial art school featuring kenjutsu, iaijutsu, and kyujutsu. Hoko means walking or stepping. Hoko means military service, especially after 1590 C.E. Hoko means encircling tiger. It is a nin jutsu technique. Hoko means a spear. Hokobu means Northern Okinawa. Hoko no kamae means encircling tiger receiving posture. It is a nin jutsu fighting stance. Hokusai Ryu was a martial art style of jujutsu. It began at the beginning of the 1700's C.E. Hoku Shin Itoh Ryu means north star single sword school. It was a martial art school of sword fighting created about 1830 C.E. by Chiba Shusaku (17941855). It features the use of a straight bokken and the use of the naginata. Hombu refers to the head office of an organization. Hombu Dojo is a term referring to the headquarters or central dojo of an organization. Hon, , means basic, original, fundamental, principal, main, foundation, or true. Hone means bone. Hone nashi means useless. Hone sei means bone setting. An alternative term to hone setsu. Hon gamae means basic posture or stance. Hon gyaku means basic reversal. It is used in nin jutsu and jujutsu to describe a wrist reversal technique. Hon haito uchi, , means basic ridge hand strike. It is a requirement for Koyamakan karate Hachikyu. Hon jime means basic choke or strangle. Honjin was the headquarters of a daimyo or general while on a campaign. Honjin hatamoto was the samurai who was responsible for the guard of the field headquarters of a campaigning daimyo or general. He was the commander of a headquarters staff. Honjo is a primary fort. The primary fort would be supported by satellite forts known as shijo. Honkucho means the Northern court. Honma Shinto Ryu was a kenjutsu, sword fighting, style created by Honma Masayoshi. Hontai means true body. It implies the unattached to life or death and the aware of all of the surroundings state of a trained warrior. It is also used to mean main body.

Hontai means morality. Hontai Takagi Yoshin Ryu is a jujutsu style. Hontai Yoshin Ryu is a jujutsu style. Hontei means true or basic hand. The holding or grasping of something with a natural grip. Horagai is a conch shell used as a signaling device. It was used for battle field communications. It is used today for ceremonial purposes. Horan No Kamae means egg in the nest ready posture. It is a posture used in some karate routines where the fist is covered by the other hand. Hori is a water filled moat around a fort. It is intended to increase the difficulty of attacking the fort. Horo was a type of cape armor worn during the Heian period. The exact purpose is not known today. Hoshi means star. It is used in kyusho, vital points, to mean the nerve point near the armpit. Hoshi means an arrowhead. It was also a term for a 16th century C.E. battle formation intended for attacking. Hoshin Ryu is a martial art school featuring the use of the naginata. Hoshi shite means under the stars. In kyusho, vital points, it is used to mean the elbow joint. Hotoke means Buddha. Hotoke gamae means Buddha hand posture. Hozan Ryu is a martial art style of kendo, sword fighting. Hozo-in Ryu was a martial art school featuring the use of kenjutsu, jujutsu, and yari-jutsu, the spear art. It was founded by the Buddhist monk, Hozo-in Ei (1521-1607), who lived in a temple in the city of Nara. Hyaku, , means hundred. Hyakusho is a farmer, cultivator, or a villager. Hyobusho was a court rank and office established as part of the Taiho code. It established the ministry of war with the hyobusho as head of the ministry. In later times it became strictly a ceremonial title in the imperial court. Hyoho means strategic method. Hyo Ho Niten Ichi-Ryu means two heavens as one school. It is the style of swordsmanship created by Miyamoto Musashi in the early seveneeth century C.E. It features the use of a long sword and a short sword at the same time. Hyoshi means equilibrium or timing. Hyoteki means target area.

Dictionary of Japanese Martial Art Terms

-I

I means stomach. I means heart, mind, will, or intention. Iaido means the way of drawing the sword. Its usage dates from 1932 C.E. Iai goshi, , means relatonship hip. It is a posture with one knee one the ground with the ball of the foot touching the ground and the other leg with the foot flat on the ground. This is a lowered stable position permitting a quick response. Iai hiza, , is a sitting posture, kneeling on one calf, used in sword drawing to enable a quick draw from a kneeling posture. Iai jutsu is the art of drawing the Japanese swords. Ibuki, is a breathing method featuring a long exhalation followed by a short cough to empty the lungs. Ichi, , means one. Ichi means a market or marketplace. Ichido means once. Ichikyo, , means first teaching. It is the same as the more commonly used . ikkyo, Ichimonji, , means in the shape of the character for the number one. This character is a straight line. Therefore, this means something in a straight line. Ichimonji no kamae means one line posture. It is a defensive stance in some nin jutsu lineages. Ido, , means movement. Idori, , are techniques practiced from a sitting posture, seiza. Ie means a household or a family. Iemoto means house founder. This is an old, classical term for a leader of a style. The more common modern term used is soke. Iemoto is sometimes used as a term for a named future soke in a ryu. Igadama are spiked metal balls used as caltrops. They were mostly made out of iron. Sometimes, they were made of steel. Iga ninja means ninja of the Iga clan. Igen means dignity. Iie, , means no. The Japanese try to avoid saying no. Ifu means a school tradition. Iki means the physical breath. Ikken kissatsu means one punch death blow. It is the concept that one single correctly performed technique is capable of killing an opponent. This is a skill level goal in some Japanese karate styles. Ikki is an alliance or league. During the time from the 15th century C.E. into the Edo period, this term was used to describe riotous or rebellious peasant groups. Ikki ni, , means in one breath. It is used to mean instantly. Something which happens during the course of one breath. Ikko ikki was a rebellious group made up of commoners, village samurai, and Buddhist laymen and monks associated with the Honganji sect of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism. They were most active during the 15th and 16th centuries C.E.

Ikkoku ichinai soden no shihan is a teaching title used in Kashima Shinryu that is given to some individuals upon being granted a menkyo kaiden by the shihanke, the headmaster. Ikkyo, , means first teaching or first principle. Ikkyo undo means first teaching exercise. Ikkyu, , means first class. Ikoi is muscular strength with the connotation of physical power or brute strength. Ima, , means now. Imon, , is the location on the front of a jacket where the two sides cross. In, , means an institute. In, , is the Japanese pronunciation of the Chinese character for 'yin' in yinyang. It carries aspects considered to be female, yielding, soft, passive, or negative. In means receiving assistance or shelter. In is a term meaning a retired emperor. In means shadow. In kyusho, vital points, it is used to mean the xiphoid bone. Ina, , is a rice plant. Inashi gata is a method of avoiding an opponent's attack by skillfully evading the line of the attack. Inasu is the evasion of an in-coming attack by moving the body off the line of attack. Inazuma, , means a lightning flash. Inazuma is the stomach wall at the level of the lower ribs, below the nipples. In ibuki, , means internal, quiet breathing. Inka is a license entitling the people receiving it to teach on their own authority. It is used in some traditional martial art lineages to authorize senior students to open their own schools. They are also issued by some Zen masters to signify that a student had achieved some degree of enlightenment. Inko is the throat. In no te means the yin hand. The yin hand is defensive and yielding. Inpo means the way or method of hiding. Insei is a modern term used to describe the rule from behind the scenes by a retired or abdicated emperor. The Emperor Go-Daigo abolished this system in 1321 C.E. Inton means camouflage and concealment. Inyo means yin and yang. Inyo shintai means yin-yang body motions. The body moves back and forth. Inyomu means yin, yang, and that which is both or neither yin or yang. These are concepts from traditional Chinese cosmology. Ippon means one cylindrical object. Usually translated one point. In Kodokan Judo competition, the concept of ippon is throwing your opponent on their back with force. It is a technique which ended the match in the sense that the opponent didn't get back up. Ippon ashi dachi means one leg stance. Ippon dori means one point garb. It is the Daito-Ryu aiki jujutsu technique upon which aikido's ikkyo is based. Ippon ken, , means one point fist, using one knuckle as the point of contact on the fist to reduce the surface area impacting the opponent. Ippon kumite means one point or one step sparring.

Ippon nukite zuki means one point/fore finger spear hand thrust. It is a requirement for Koyamakan karate Yonkyu. Ippon seoi nage means one point shoulder throw. Ippon shobu is a competition match decided by one point. Iri, , means enter. It comes from hairu meaning to enter. Irimi, , means to enter or to penetrate the body. Usually describes moving towards the attacker while avoiding or deflecting their attack. Irimi issoku, , means to enter with a single step. Irimi nage, , means entering throw. Iri oshi otoshi means entering pressing drop. It is also known as tai atari otoshi. It is an aiki budo technique. Iri tegatane oshi uke means entering hand sword pressing block. It is an aiki budo technique. Isami, , means courageous. Ishi, , means stone. Ishigaki means stone castle walls. Ishiku means a stone mason. Isshin means one heart or one mind. Isshin denshin means one mind telegraph, i.e. telepathy. Isshin-Ryu means one heart style. There is a karate style and a kenjutsu style that are called this name. Itai means it hurts. Itaken means broad blades. Itami means pain. Itami jime means pain strangle. Itami wake means to win because the opponent is accidentally injured. Itto means sword. Iwa, , means rock.

Dictionary of Japanese Martial Art Terms

-J

Jakkotsu jakkin means weak bone weak muscle. In kyusho, vital points, is the a point located on the upper arm between the bicep and the bone. Jaribako is a container of beans, sand, or pebbles, used to harden the hands and fingers by striking into the contents. Ji, , means blood. Ji, , means earth.

Ji, , means character or shape. Ji means tender or gentle. It is the 'Ji' of Jiin kata. Ji is a suffix meaning a temple. Jibusho was a court rank and office established by the Taiho code as the minister of civil affairs. In later times, it became a ceremonial title. Jigai was the woman's method of ritual suicide. It involved cutting open both neck arteries. Jigo hon tai means basic defensive crouching posture. Jigoku, , means earth prison or hell. Jigoku otoshi, , means hell drop. It is an aiki budo throwing technique. Jigoku jime, , means hell strangle. This is a Kodokan Judo grappling technique. Jigotai dachi means basic defensive stance. In karate, it is done with the feet at shoulder width, knees bent, and the feet are angled out about 45 degrees.

Jiin kata, Jihi no kokoro means benevolent or kind heart. , means gentle or tender shelter or receiving assistance form. It is sometimes translated as place of mercy or in the shadow of kindness. It may have been the name of a temple. This routine is required for Koyamakan Nikyu.

Jikan means time has ended. Jiki deshi means direct student. A student who studies under the headmaster of a style. Jiki keshosha is the term generally used by traditional lineages, ryu, to mean the headmaster designate. Jiko no kansei means to strive for perfection. It is a Kodokan Judo maxim. Jiku ashi is the supporting leg when doing a stance on one leg such as crane stance. Bend the support leg as deeply as possible. Jime means to strangle or choke. It comes from shimeru meaning to constrict or to tighten. It is the same word as shime. Jin means person. Jin means low. Jin means benevolence. Jin, , means kidney. Jinai were temple complexes frequently associated with the Jodo Shinshu Buddhist sect. They included religious, economic, and militant aspects of the sect's attempts at influencing the government. Jinan means second son. Jinbaori was a sleeveless jacket or surcoat worn over armor by important 16th century C.E. samurai. Jinchu means man center. In kyusho, vital points, it is the philtrum, the dimple, pressure point located above the upper lip and below the nose. It is also spelled as junchu.

Jingasa was a simple iron helmut used in the 16th century C.E. by the foot soldiers. It could and was used as a shallow pot for cooking food while in the field. Jinkai kyusho means the vital points of the body. Jinmaku were cloth camp curtains enclosing the campaign field headquarters. They might even be made of silk. They were not a tent for it did not include a roof. Rather they were just soft walls. Jin no kokyu means a person's breath. Jintai means the body. Jintai kyusho means the vital points of the body. Jinzo means the kidney area.

Jion, , means gentle kindness. It was the name of a Buddhist temple, Jion-ji, and the name of an Buddhist abbot. This routine is required for Koyamakan Karate Nikyu. Jisha means an attendant. This is an individual who acts as an assistant to an instructor. Jissen means real battle or real combat. Jita kyoei is pronounced as 'jee-tah kyoh-eh-ee'. It means jointly shining together. This is usually understood to mean mutual welfare and benefit. It is one of the major concepts in Kodokan Judo. Jiten means a dictionary. Jito means an estate steward. An individual running an estate for what was frequently an absent property owner. The owner might be a court noble, a government official on assignment, or even a wealthy warrior working away from home. The position of jito was created by the Kamakura bakufu. This individual collected taxes and enforced the law on an estate. He would report to a shugo. Jitsu means lacking, fake, or deficient. Jitsu means truth. Jitte is a short metal rod with an even shorter side rod used by the feudal Japanese police, yoriki. It was normally made out of iron. It is more commonly known as jutte. Jitte kata is a regional variation in the way of saying the character meaning ten hands form. It is more commonly known as Jutte. It is a requirement for Koyamakan karate Nikyu. Jiyu, , means free. Jiyu ippon kumite means one step free sparring. Jiyu kumite means free fighting, sparring. Jiyu waza, , means free style techniques. Jizamurai were land owning warrior families, buke. The rural sumurai often lived close to the land and were not entirely separated from the peasantry. Jo, , means a wooden stick about 4 to 5 feet long. Jo means upper or high. Jo is a suffix indicating a castle.

Jodan, , means upper section or upper level. It is also used to describe a room with a raised floor. This raised floor being reserved for important people to put them above the average person. Jodan age uke, , means upper level rising block. It is a requirement for Koyamakan karate Hachikyu. Jodan no kamae means upper level posture. The sword is held above the head in kendo and kenjutsu. Jodan tate haito uke means upper level vertical ridge hand block. It is a requirementfor Koyamakan karate Rokkyu. Jodan tate haiwan uke means upper level vertical forearm block. It is a requirement for Koyamakan karate Rokkyu. Jodan tsuki, , means upper level thrust. Jodan uke, , means upper level block. It is a requirement for Koyamakan karate Gokyu. Jodan waza, , means upper level technique. Jodan zuki, , means upper level thrust. It is the same as jodan tsuki. Jodo means stick way. Jo dori, , are techniques for disarming an opponent using a short staff, the jo. Jo dori means stick grabbing. Techniques to grab the stick from an opponent. Jodo Shinshu means true, pure land. It was a Buddhist sect popular with the peasants. They worship the Amida Buddha. Jogai means outside area of the contest area. Joge means up and down. Joge uke means middle-lower block. It is a requirement for Koyamakan karate Shichikyu. Jojutsu means stick art. The techniques of using a stick to strike and block against an opponent. Jokamachi was the term for a town that grew up around a castle during the 16th and 17th century C.E. Jorei means dojo rules. Joro was a prostitute catering mostly to the lower classes. Joseki means upper place or side in a dojo. It is reserved for senior black belts. Joseki ni rei, , is a command to bow to the upper side of the dojo. Joshu means an assistant. Usually this means an assistant instructor. During the 16th century C.E., this was the term for a prestigious posting for a retainer of a daimyo as a castle keeper, a castellan. Josokutei means the ball of the foot. Jotai means the upper part of the torso. Jowan means the upper arm. Joza means upper seat or seat of honor in a dojo which is reserved for senior black belts. Jozu means skillful. Ju, , means ten. Ju means flexible, suppleness of mind and body, adaptability, or gentle. Juban is an under kimono worn in cold weather. Judan, , means tenth degree black belt. Judo, , means supple way, flexiable way, or gentle way. Judogi, , is the judo uniform.

Judoka is commonly connoted to imply a pracitioner of Judo. It used to be reserved for Judo black belts of 4th degree or higher. Jugyo means instruction, teaching, or lessons. Juizo, , means the kidney area. Juji, , means cross. Juji gatame, , means cross lock. It is a Kodokan Judo joint locking technique. Juji garami nage, , means crossed entangled throw. The opponent's arms are crossed and entangled setting them up to be thrown. This is an aiki budo throwing technique. Juji nage, , means cross throw. A simple cross being the Japanese character for the number ten, this throw is sometimes known as the figure ten throw. Jujiro means cross roads. In kyusho, vital points, it is used to mean the front of the shoulder. Juji uke, , means cross block. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Shichikyu. Jujutsu, , means flexiable or supple art. Some of the styles include: Seigo Ryu, Seishin Ryu, Koden Enshin Ryu, Nanbu Handen Hojo Jutsu, Kurogawa Ryu, Kurama Yoshin Ryu, Mitsuo (Mippa) Muteki Ryu, Bo Ryu, and Tenfu Muso Ryu. Juku is a private school. Juku gashira means school mask. The senior student in a traditional lineage receives the gokui. Jukumite means free sparring. Jukuren means skills. Jukyu, , means tenth class. Jumonji means the Japanese character for ten, which is cross shaped. Jumonji no kamae means cross posture. It is an offensive stance in nin jutsu. Jun means quasi. Jun means close. Junan taiso means conditioning exercises. Junbi taiso o hajimemasu means begin warm up. Junbi taiso o owarimasu means warm up is finished. Junbi undo means warm up exercises. Junchu, , is an atemi waza point on the upper lip. It is also spelled as jinchu. Ju nin gake means ten man take down. A test of skill which pits one Judoka against ten successive opponents. Jun shi means dying with the master. In feudal times, loyalty to the lord was demonstrated by killing one's self when the lord died. Junshi was outlawed in the Edo period Jun zuki means close punch. It is the Wado-Ryu term for a lunge punch. Ju no kata is a Kodokan Judo kata called forms of gentleness or suppleness. Jushin means the center of gravity. Jutai jutsu is a nin jutsu term for all forms of grappling techniques, including: throwing, strangling, joint locking, and pinning the opponent. Jutsu, , means art, tactic, techniques, or skill. Jutte is a samurai-era weapon mostly carried by the police. It has a single short side prong along a longer main prong. They were made of steel. Legend has the

application being to catch the samurai's sword between the main prong and side prong, turning the jutte to trap the sword blade bewteen the two prongs. More likely this truncheon was used to club or poke the opponent. Jutte kata, , means ten hands form. Also known as Jitte. Some people think that the name comes from an individual having learned this routine can fight as if he had ten hands or could fight off ten opponents. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Nikyu Juu dai is a term for a teenager from 11 through 19 years old. Jyogai is a kendo term for stepping outside of the contest area. It is a hansoku, an illegal act resulting in a violation of the rules of the contest.

Dictionary of Japanese Martial Art Terms

-K

-ka is a suffix meaning a practitioner of an art. A Judoka is a person who practices Judo. A kendoka practices kendo. A karateka practices karate. Ka, , means fire. Ka, , means a pouch or cave. Kabe, , means a wall. Kaburaya is a turnip head bulbous arrow. It makes a distinctive sound while in flight. Kabuto was the traditional helmet of the samurai. They were often decorated with a sometimes elaborate crest. The Heian period and Kamakura period samurai often wore ornate helmets that were designed for protecting against opponents' arrows while using a bow and arrrow. By the 16th century C.E., the most common sort of helmet had become a cheaper, more conservative version. made of eight applied plates, that was called hachi mai bari. Kachi means victorious. It is used to mean a win in a tournament. Kachinuki shiai is a form of Kohaku shiai in which the winner continues to compete until defeated or a match is judged a draw. Kaden are hereditary family secrets. Kaeshi, , means counter or overturning of an opponent's offensive action. If preceeded by another word is is spelled as gaeshi. It comes from kaesu meaning to turn over something. Kaeshi waza, , means counter technique. In sword fighting, kenjutsu, it refers to a reverse side technique. Kaeshi zuki, , means a counter punch.

Kagashigakure jutsu means the art of hiding like a scarecrow. This is a ninjutsu skill. Kagami means mirror. Kagami biraki means mirror cleaning. This is the ritual first workout of the new year for a dojo. Kagami geiko means mirror training. This is any partnered training exercise where the partners mirror each other actions. Kagayaki, , means shining. Kage, , means shadow. Kage aruki jutsu means the art of silent walking. This is a ninjutsu skill. Kagemushi means shadow warrior. They were individuals who acted as the double for a daimyo when his appearance on the battlefield or elsewhere needed to be feigned. Kage no jutsu means the art of shadow infiltration. This is a ninjutstu skill. Kagi means hook. Kagi means key. In ancient Japan, keys were made of metal spiral coils. Kagi jime means key strangle. It is named this because it cuts off, strangles, the nerve to the hand. It is known as second technique, nikkyo, in Aikido, second principle, nikajo, in Daito-ryu aiki jutsu, and by other names in other arts and styles. Kagi zuki means key punch or hook punch. It is known as kagi zuki because it curves like an old Japanese key. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Gokyu. Kaho was daimyo house law, the set of guidelines and rules by which the daimyo and his retainers operated. They were also known as kakun. Kai means an association, society, or federation. Kai, , means sea. Kai, , means neck. Kaicho, , means the owner of a school organization, i.e., Japan Karate Association or Aikikai. The head of a organized group or society. Kaiden are the final teachings of a style. Kaikyu shiai means a type of tournament which pits contestants of similar rank together. Kaishaku was the individual who cut off the head of the person committing seppuku. This was usually a kinsman or friend ending the dying person's pain. Some kenjutsu and iai jutsu styles still retain and teach a kata for this purpose. Kaisho is linear calligraphy somewhat like Western printing. Kaishu means the open hand. It refers to strikes in which the hand is not clenched in a fist. Kaiso is a term refering to a founder, such as the founder of Aikido. Kaiten, , means rotation. Kaiten juki, , means the axis of rotation of a technique. Kaiten nage, , means rotary throw. Kakae te is a trapping, wrapping, locking grab. Kakari geiko is a Judo training method in randori to develop endurance by taking on consecutive opponents within a defined time period. Kakato means the heel of the foot. Kakato geri means heel kick. Kake means a hook or rack. It is also written as gake. Kake means execution stage of a throwing technique.

Kake geri means hook kick. Kake te means hooking hand. Kake te uke means a hooking block. Kake te uke nagashi means hook and sweep block. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Yonkyu. Kake uke means wrist hook block. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Shichikyu. Kakitsubo means side bowl. In kyusho, vital points, this is used to describe the hollow area in the armpits. Kakiwake uke means reverse wedge block. It is a two handed block using the outside of the forearms to neutralize a two handed attack. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Rokkyu. Kakon is the chin. Kaku, , means corner or angle. Kakun were daimyo house laws, the set of guidelines and rules by which the daimyo and his retainers operated. Kaku obi is a wide belt worn to support weapons being carried in or from it. Kakushi means hidden weapon. It includes the hidden fist. Kakushi buki means hidden weapons. Normally, it refers to all small weapons that are, or could be, hidden from sight. Kakushi geri means hidden kick. It is a sweeping crescent kick that is unseen by the opponent. Kakushi tsuki means hidden weapon thrust. Kakushi waza refers to hidden techniques. Kakusu means to hide. Kakuto, , means the back of the wrist. Kakuto means hand to hand combat. Kakuto means crane head. Kakutogi means wrestling. Kakuto uke means crane head block. The block uses the back of the wrist joint as the contact surface for the technique. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Shichikyu. Kaku tsuki means square thrust. Kakuyoku means crane's wing. It is a term describing a type of battle formation that was used by certain 16th century C.E. daimyo. Its purpose was to envelop a retreating or surprised enemy. Kama, , is a sickle. The farm version is found in karate. The samurai version is found in various koryu, traditional martial art schools. The karate style of useage is different from the koryu methods. Kamae means a posture, stance or attitude. Kamae gata is a ready stance. Kamae te is the command for students to get into position. Kame is an earthen ware jar. They were traditional training tools used to strengthen the gripping power of the hand. As the student began to be able to lift the jar by gripping the rim, sand would be added to increase the weight of the whole container. Kami means upper body. Kami means spirit, god, heavenly, or high. Culturally, the multiple kami were are more like ghosts than gods. They were most often believed to be deceased family members looking after the affairs of the living relatives.

Kamidana is the sacred shrine sometimes placed at the front of the dojo training area. Commonly, this is a small shelf with ritual symbolic items used to represent the spirit or the spirit's home. Kami no ke means high of the hair, i.e., the hair on the head. Kami shiho gatame means upper four corners lock. It is a Kodokan Judo pinning technique. Kamishimo was formal samurai attire consisting of a kimono, hakama, and kataginu. During the Edo period, the kamishimo became more everyday wear. Kami yari means a sickle spear. Kamiza means seat of the spirits. In a dojo, the kamiza side is the upper side of the floor area. It sometimes contains a Shinto shrine, photographs, or a written scroll. Kamiza ni rei, , means bow to kamiza. Kami zeme means an upper attack. Kamoku is a special class taught by a guest instructor. Kampaku was the title of the regent. A regent was an individual who ruled the government until a ruler was old enough or healthy enough to assume direct rule. The Shogun were regents. Kampo means Chinese medicine. The Japanese acquired knowledge of Chinese herbal medicines early in their history. So, when the Japanese talk about Chinese medicine, they are meaning herbal medicine. Kan was a monetary unit of cash consisting of 1,000 mon. Kan, , means intuition. Kan, , means hall or building. Kan means the liver. (LV) Kanadaka was the value of a real estate holding expressed in a cash sum. Kanbun Shinto - One of the reasons was the Kanbun Shinto effect. What happened in Kanbun = 1661 - 1673 was that Japan had not been to war for some time. Some of the Sword Sensei had a theory that a straight sword points more naturally so was desirerable. So they preached that the swords should be straight. Then some fighting happened and the Samurai with the straight swords discovered just what the Sori was for = it decreased the shock tranmitted to the wrist and arm. So the readily identifiable Kanbun Shinto swords came and went very quickly. From Jim Kurrasch, President and Newsletter Editor Nanka Token Kai = Japanese Sword Society of Southern California in an email to the Iaido-L list group. Kancho, , means the owner of a school building or hall. The owner of a dojo. Kan geiko means special winter training during the coldest time of the winter. Kani, , means crab. Kanjo was a letter of commendation issued by a daimyo to a valued retainer who had performed some valuable deed or service worthy of meritorious attention. Kankai ryu was a martial art lineage that taught swimming in armor. Kan ku is a phrase with kan meanng good observance and ku meaning universe or air or emptiness.

Kanku Dai, , is a routine or kata meaning major observing the sky form. It is required for Koyamakan Sankyu.

Kanku Sho, , is a routine or kata meaning minor observing the sky form. It is required for Koyamakan Nikyu. Kanna-zen means introspecting the koan. A Zen concept refering to meditation which involves thinking. Kanpaku was an imperial regent. It was a court rank dating from the 9th century C.E. Toyotomi Hideyoshi assumed the title in 1586 C.E. and passed it to his adopted son, Hidetsugu, in 1591 C.E. Kanrei was the title of the deputy or vice shogun. The position was established in the late 14th century C.E. Later, the position was divided into two positions. One was the Kyoto Kanrei. The other was the Kanto Kanrei. The Kanto Kanrei acted as the shogun's administrative office in the Kanto region of Japan. Kansetsu means knuckle or joint. Kansetsu geri means joint kick, i.e., a side kick through the knee. Kansetsu waza means joint locking or dislocation techniques. Kanshi was the act of committing suicide in remonstration to a lord or in protest; committing suicide to get a point across. Kantsui hasami uchi means hammer fists scissor strike. The hammer fists circle into a scissoring action at the opponents mid-section. An example is found in Bassai Dai kata. Kanzashi means a hairpin. A long needle-like metal spike worn to hold the hair in place. They were sometimes removed from the hair and used as a dagger to provide a method of self-defense. Kanzo means liver as an organ.(LV) Kao means face. Kao ate means face strike. Kappi means lively jump. Kappo, , are techniques for resuscitating people who have suffered a shock to the nervous system. Kara, , is the Chinese character 'tang'. The Japanese pronounce it as 'kara' or 'to' and sometimes use it to mean the country of China. The Okinawans used this character to describe the fighting skills which they had learned from the Chinese as 'tode' or 'tote' or 'karate'. These are all different ways of saying the same characters. Kara means empty or void. Karade means body. Karame, , means to tie up or arrest. Karami, , means entwined or entanglement. It is also spelled as garami. It comes from karamu meaning to entwine or to entangle. Karamiti are Okinawan trapping hand techniques. Karate means China hand, , or empty hand depending on the characters used. It sounds the same with either set of characters. Most Okinawan karate

instructors changed from using the China hand characters during the 1920's and 1930's to using the empty hand characters due to the political climate of this period in Japan. For various reasons, the Japanese of this time period tended to look down upon all things Chinese. Therefore, to gain popularity, the Okinawans swapped characters for a non-political one. Karate-do means the way of karate. Karate gi means the uniform normally used while practicing karate. Karate-jutsu, , means the art of karate. Karateka means a person who practices karate. Karo were clan elders. They were trusted retainers of a daimyo whose service hopefully was long and loyal. Karui means light. Karui geiko, , means a light easy practice. Karuma means wheel. It is also spelled as garuma. Karuma, , is a sword posture with the sword held horizontal and back along the side. Kashaki uchi, , means continous attack. Kashi is the wood, Japanese oak. Oak is frequently used for Japanese weapons due to its hardness. Kashi, , means legs. Kashin was a retainer or vassel. Kashindan was a daimyo's band of retainers. Kashira means mask. It is the pommel fitted over the end of the handle. Kashira ate means mask striking. It is a generic term for any strike using the pommel of the weapon as the hitting surface. Kassatsu is the spine or the middle of the back. Kasso teki is the term for the imaginary opponent in iaido and iai jutsu. He is always your own size. The sword is aimed at the cener of the opponent. Kasumi, , means dim, blurred, hazy, or mist. Kasumi means the temple area on the side of the head. Kasumi, , means the arms are crossed over to hide the actual technique setup. It is sometimes used to mean a feint. Kata, , means shoulder or shoulder area of the upper back. Kata, , means single or one of a pair. Kata, , means to shape or the style of a form. Kata, , means a model, prearranged set, form, or routine. A prearranged set of movements used to teach a student how to perform a technique. Kata ashi means single leg or one foot. Katachi means correct form. It refers to 'form only'. Applied in training which requires only basic movement without the full effect. Kata dori, , means shoulder grab. Kata gassho means single-handed prayer position. One hand opened vertically in front of the chest with the palm towards the side. Kata gatame, , means shoulder lock. It is a Kodokan Judo pinning technique. It is also an aiki budo throw as a variation of the throw kaiten nage. This lock is also known as taki otosu odori. Kataginu was a stiff shouldered sleeveless jacket worn by the samurai over a kimono along with the hakama for formal situations. It is commonly seen in Edo period drawings of the samurai.

Kata guchi means the top of the shoulder. Kataha means one half Kataha jime means half strangle. It is a Kodokan Judo strangling technique. Kata hiza, , means one knee. Kata hiza dachi is a posture done kneeling on only one knee. Katai means hard or stiff Katai means the lower half of the torso, from the waist down. Kata juji jime means half cross strangle. It is a Kodokan Judo strangling technique. Katakake is an arm bar, a joint lock against the elbow. Kataki means an opponent. Katame, , means grappling or lock. Also known as gatame. Katame no kata, 'forms of grappling'. , is a Kodokan Judo prearranged routine called

Katame waza, , means grappling techniques. Katana is the traditional long curved sword of the samurai constructed through the folding and refolding of a bar of hot metal thousands of times. They are reknowned for their toughness and cutting ability. The katana replaced the straight sword during the later Kamakura period. Until then, the bow and arrow had been the primary battlefield weapon. Katanagari was a term used to describe the confiscation of weapons from all non-samurai at the end of the 16th century C.E. Katanakaji is the term meaning sword smith. It status was at the top of the artisan class. Kata nashi means that nothing of value will come of it. Katanatogi means a sword sharpener. This craftsman sharpened and polished the sword blade. Kata otoshi means shoulder drop. In Aikido, this technique is called ikkyo. Katasaki is the point of the shoulder. Kata shime means shoulder constriction. It is also written as kata jime. Katsuninken means life giving sword. Katate, , means a single hand. Katate dori, , means one hand grab (same side, right to left or left to right). Katate osae, , means single handed press. Katate tori, , is the same as katate dori. Katate uchi, , means one handed strike. Katate waza, , means a single hand technique. Can be used in refering to a long sword, katana, cutting technique. Kate means a win Katei means currriculum. Katsu, , is a method of resuscitating a person who has lost consciousness due to strangulation or shock. Katsujin no ken means the sword or fist, depending upon the characters used, that takes life. Katsugi waza, , is a shouldering the sword technique. Katsuri means speed.

Katsuse Yoshimitsu Kagehiro is the 15th Soke, headmaster, of the Suio Ryu, a traditional Japanese martial arts school including ken jutsu, iai jutsu, jo jutsu, naginata jutsu, kusarigama jutsu, and kogusoku techniques. It is said to date from the early 1600's C.E. The headquarters, known as the Hekiunkan, is located in Shimizu, Japan. Kawashi means evasion. Kaze, , means wind. Kaze Arashi-Ryu is a jujutsu style having movements which are similar to a hurricane or tornado. This gives the opponent little chance to counter the techniques. Keage means snapping or whipping upward. Keage geri means a snapping kick. Kebiki odoshi was a type of close lacing used to construct armor. Kega means an injury. Kegutsu were fur boots popular with high ranking samurai during the Heian period. They were often made of bear fur. By the Edo period, they had fallen out of fashion and had become rare. Kei means formal. Kei is a system or line. It can refer to a familial lineage or a guild lineage. Keibu seimyaku is the jugular vein. Keichu is the atemi waza point on the back of the neck at the base of the cerebellum. Kei domyaku is the carotid artery located on the sides of the neck. Keiko has the fingertips joined to form a chicken beak hand. The Chinese call this technique crane's beak. Keiko, , means practice. Keikogi means a practice uniform. Keiko hajime means beginning practice. Keikoken means a foreknuckle, index finger knuckle, fist. The Chinese call this a phoenix eye fist. Keikoku means warning. Keiko osame means final practice. It is the last class of the end of the year. Keiraku means channel, pathway, or meridian. Keirei means a formal bow. Keiseimachi means the district of destroyers of cities. These were pleasure areas in cities for the courtesans. These red light districts were grudgingly permitted by the Tokugawa bakufu during the Edo period. They catered to all the social classes. Keisohei were lightly equiped soldiers, ie. light infantry.

Keito is a kenjutsu term for the sword held in a position at the left side as if it were being held in the belt, obi. The thumb is placed on the guard, tsuba, ready to release the sword from the scabbard. Keito is the upper part of the thumb used for striking an opponent. Keito uke means chicken head block. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Yonkyu. Kekomi means thrusting. Kekomi geri means trusting kick.

Kempo means fist way or fist law. It is a generic Chinese term, chuan-fa describing fighting styles using the fist. Ken, , means sword. As a type of sword, it was a pre-9th century C.E. double edged straight sword. Ken means fist. It is the same as the kem in kempo. Kendo, , means the way of the sword. It is implied that the sword is already drawn. The usage of this term by what is meant currently dates to 1895 C.E. Kenjutsu, , means sword art, ie. sword fighting. The practice and study of fighting with a sword. Kenko jutsu means health restoration art. Kenkokotsu means the shoulder blades. Kenkyuka means a seminar. Kenkyukai means research association. Kenkyusha means a rearcher. Ken no sen means to initiate an attack. Kenpo is the same as Kempo. Kensei is a technique performed with a silent kiai, , or shout. Kenshusei is a research student specially chosen for advanced study. Ken tori means sword grabbing. These are techniques to take away an opponent's sword. Ken tsui means hammer fist. It is done by striking with the little finger side of the fist. Ken tsui uchi means hammer fist strike. This technique is also known as tettsui uchi. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Hachikyu. Ken uke means fist block. It is using the fist to intercept and deflect an attack by using a punch. Ken zen ichi is an Okinawan karate saying translated as the fist and zen are one. Keppan means blood seal as a method of swearing an oath. Traditionally, it is done by cutting the fourth finger on the left hand with a knife and smearing the resultant blood on an oath below the signer's signature or chop. Some involved signing in one's own blood. Kerai was a retainer. Keri, , is the same as geri in meaning a kick. Keri age means a rising kick. It is done by using the knee as the striking surface. Keri gaeshi means counter kick or returning kick. Keri komi means to kick and then step into the opening created by the kick. Keri waza means kicking technique(s). Kesa, , is the blanket which Buddhist monks wear over one shoulder and tied at together at the opposite hip. It is sometimes translated as scarf. It was sometimes worn over the armor by samurai who were also Buddhist monks. Kesa gatame, , means scarf lock. The kesa is the blanket which Buddhist monks wear over one shoulder and tied at together at the opposite hip. It is a Kodokan Judo pinning technique. Kesa giri means a diagonial downward cut with bladed weapon across the body through the line where a kesa would be worn. A gyaku kesa giri is a diagonial upward cut. Kesa uchi is a diagonal downward strike. Ketsuryoku means effort. Ki means breath, air, or energy.

Kiai, , means to shout or yell with spirit, not what is shouted. If you hear someone yelling 'kiai', they are yelling 'shout.' Various arts and styles have shouts specific to their arts and styles. Kiba dachi means horse straddling stance. It is a requirement for Koyamakan karate Shichikyu. Kichigai means a maniac or insane person. Kichigaikan means a training hall for maniacs. Kiesareta uke means disappearing reception. A generic term for techniques where the receiving, i.e. block, technique is not seen nor perceived as a threat to the attacker. Kihon, , means basic or fundamental techniques. Kihon kote waza means basic wrist techniques. Kihon kumite means a method of basic sparring consisting of a number of prearranged movements done with a partner. Normally the basic attack is done an odd number of times, such as five, three, or once, with the defender counter attacking after the final attack. Kihon renshu means the fundamental practice of basic elements necessary to establish good technique. Kihon waza means basic or fundamental technique(s). Kikan is the trachea or throat. Kikan uchi means a strike to the trachea. Kiken means renunciation or to submit by tapping out. Kikkosha was a wheeled, armored device used to protect as many as 12 warriors as they attacked a walled fort. Kiku means chrysanthemum. The flower is used as an imperial symbol. A white chrysanthemum with a red center is used as the symbol of Kodokan Judo. Kiku means lower. Kime means the focusing of one's energy at the end point of a technique such as a punch, block, or kick. Kime waza means a finishing technique. Kimono is a type of Japanese clothing. Basicly it is a long robe. Sometimes, it is very plain. Women sometimes wear very elaborate kimono that may cost thousands of U.S. dollars. Kin, , means the testicles. Ki nagare means a circular energy flow. Ki nagashi means a circular energy flow. Kin geri, , means a groin kick normally done using the instep. Kinhin means walking meditation. Kinniku means muscles. Kinpatsu, , means blond haired. Ki no nagare means flowing techniques. Kinsa is used as a competition term meaning a slight superiority. Kinsa refers to a marginal inequality between people. It is as if you weigh them in your hands, and one is slightly more. There is a subtle difference between them that makes you evaluate the one higher. This implies that the kinsa may not even be something you can verbalize or identify by specifying a technique that they did or something. You may have just liked their style or something. By Steve Cunningham 14 May 1997. Ki o tsukete means attention or be careful. Kinteki is the groin.

Kiri means to cut. Kiri age means rising cut. Kiristu means stand up. Kiri-sute gomen means permission to kill and depart. This was a Tokugawa period privilege of the warrior caste, the samurai. They were supposed to report the killing to the local police before leaving. Kiseru was a long handled wooden tobacco pipe that became popular among the samurai during the late 16th century C.E. Kiri te means cutting hand. It is a sword fighting term for when the back of the wrist, at the thumb, is straight. The thumb of the right hand should be touching the second finger and matching pads with the index finger. If your thumb is above, toward the guard, the index finger you are gripping the handle too square across the palm and the edge of the sword will not reach the opponent. The cut is made using the muscles between the shoulder blades, while opening, or expanding, the chest. You do not try to cut by flexing the wrist, but with the back muscles. Kishu conveys the meaning of a family's social lineage or pedigree. It carrys a strong sense of social status, almost to the extent of being caste-like in the psychological limits it places on personal aspirations. Sugawara Michizane turned down an appointment to chancellor in the government because he was not born into a high enough kishu status family. Kitae means forging. Kito-Ryu is the 'rise fall' style of jujutsu. It was one of the ancestors of Kodokan Judo mastered by Dr. Jigoro Kano. The pair of opposites are expressions of yin and yang, the two basic types of natural energy in Asian cosmology. Using them both in the name of the ryu demonstrates that the ryu is all encompassing, that all types of attack and defense are utilized. Kiza, , means kneeling, but up on the balls of the feet. This is called live toes. Kizami geri means cutting kick. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Gokyu. Kizami zuki is a jab punch. Ko means red. Ko, , means tiger. Ko, , means small, minor, or short. Ko, , means ancient or old. Ko, , means behind. Ko, , means fox. Ko, , means high, tall, or expensive. Ko, , means a light ray. Ko, , means mouth or oral. Ko, , means retrospect or to look back. Ko means filal piety, especially to one's lord. Ko means back of the fist. Ko ashi means to walk in little steps. Kobaya was a small open roofed ship manned by 20 oarsmen during the Japanese medieval period. Ko bo ichi means attack and defense are one. It is the concept of the attackdefense connection being a single unit of action. Kobudo means ancient fighting way. It usually is referring to non-battlefield use of weapons in self defense.

Kobu jutsu means ancient fighting art. Ko dachi means a small sword. This is the companion to the o dachi, large sword carried by the samurai. Kodansha means high grade black belts at 5th degree and above. Koden, , means oral transmission. Koden means ancient transmission. Kodokan means hall for studying the way. The home school for Judo located in Tokyo, Japan was founded in December 1882. A previous school by this name was established by Mito Tokugawa for the training of the samurai. Koe, , means voice or tone. Kogai is a skewer. Sometimes they are found as a part of a scabbard. Koga kubo was the rank by which the Kanto region Ashikaga branch was known. Kogan geri means the instep (top of the foot) kick. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Shichikyu. Koga ninja means ninja of the Koga clan. Kogatana means small blade. It is a small knife carried in a built in sheath as a part of a scabbard. Kogeki means attack or an offensive strike. Kogi means lectures. Kohai, , means another person junior to oneself. Kohaku shiai means a red and white tournament. Koho ukemi means rear falling method. Koi guchi means carp's mouth. It is the term used to mean the scabbard opening where the sword is slid into the scabbard. Kojiri is the fitting at the end of the scabbard. Kojo undo means weight training. Kokei means a succesor. Koken means wrist. It is used in karate to mean the back of the bent wrist. Koken tsuki means bent wrist thrust. Kokka was the region that a daimyo directly ruled. Koko, , means tiger mouth. It is the fleshy arc between the thumb and index finger. (LI-4) Kokoro, , means spirit-heart. In Japanese culture the spirit is in the heart. It is also used to mean will, mood, or intuition. Kokoro-e is an atttitude of mind in sincere understanding and appreciation of values. Kokoro kamae means mental attitude. Kokotsu means the shin bone. Koko uke means tiger mouth block. It is the region of the hand between the thumb and the index finger. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Yonkyu. Koku was a unit of rice that was used to measure an individual's wealth and a farm's theoretical productivity. A koku was considered the amount of rice that one individual needed to eat to live for one year, about 180 liters. a daimyo owned property that generated al least 10,000 koku annually. A low ranking samurai retainer might be paid 100 koku by his daimyo annually during the Edo period. Larger productive farm lands permitted daimyo to hire more samurai who in turn increased the power of a daimyo. More power permitted the daimyo to increase his land holdings. Kokudaka was the value of a real estate holding as expressed in koku of rice.

Kokujin was a Muromachi period term meaning a man of the province. It was used to describe rural locally powerful samurai families. Because they were often not far removed from the peasantry in terms of priorities and concerns, they were for all intents and purposes very much like the jizamurai. Kokutsu means backward leaning. Kokutsu dachi means back stance. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Hachikyu. Kokyu means breath. Kokyu chikara means internal strength. Kokyudosa, , is a seated aikido exercise dealing with a two handed grab. Kokyuho means breathing way or method. It is a method of breathing where inhalation is done on upward and inward motions and exhalation is done with downward and outward motions. Kokyu nage means breath throw. Kokyu tanden ho is a seated aikido exercise from a two handed grab. Komaku was a armored shelter used to protect an archer from opponents. Koman kai is a board of advisors. Komban-wa means good evening. Komekami means the cheek bone. Komi means within or against. Komi, , means drawing near or coming close. Kongo, , is a posture with a blade held vertically in front of one's own face. Konida bugyo was the samurai charged with supervising the movement of the supply train. It was not a very heroic duty. But, it is a very important part of moving an army. Konidatai was the supply and baggage caravan for an army in the field. Konnichi-wa means good afternoon. Koppu means cupping. It is a health restoration technique used to draw off excess energy from an individual. Kori is the area of the foot around the toes. Kori was a subsection, a district, of a provnice, kuni. Koroshi, , means to kill or death blow. It is sometimes used to mean a delayed death touch technique. Ko-ryu, , means an ancient or old stream, this is taken to mean an ancient school(s) or lineage. These are usually considered to be schools which existed before the beginning of Meiji, 1865 C.E.; some say they have to be a couple of hundred years old or more. Koryu is shifting the body away from an opponent into a front stance. Kosa means lecture. Kosa means crossed. Kosa dachi means crossed leg stance. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Shichikyu. Kosa dori, or left to left). , means cross handed grab (opposite sides, right to right

Kosei, , means offensive. Kosei o gaisuru koi is a kendo contest term for an illegal act or move. It is given a hansoku, a penalty for a violation of the contest rules. Koshi means ball of the foot. Koshi, , means hip, loin, waist, same word as goshi.

Koshi guruma, , means hip wheel. It is a Kodokan Judo throwing technique. Koshi hineri, , means hip twist. It is a technique to generate power. Koshiki no kata is a Kodokan Judo routine called forms of antique. Koshigatana means a short sword normally between 12 and 24 inches long. Koshi ita, , is the small back plate on the traditional wide legged pants, hakama. Koshin means rearward. Koshi nage, , means hip throw. Koshi o ireru means to put in the hips as a way of drawing power from the proper movement of the hips. Koshi waza, , means hip techniques. Kosho Ryu Kempo means old pine tree style fist law. It is the name of the martial art style taught by James Mitose in Hawaii and California. Most American kempo styles trace their lineage to this style. Ko soto gake means minor outside clip. It is a Kodokan Judo throwing technique. Ko soto gari means minor outside reap. It is a Kodokan Judo throwing technique. Kotae means change. Kote means the forearm or wrist. Kote gaeshi, , means forearm reversal refering to reversing the normal position of the forearm. The little finger side of the hand is turned up and then out away from the body. Kote hiniri, , means turning the forearm in its normal direction. It is a technique found in various jujutsu styles, aikido, and Kodokan Judo. Kote kitae means forearm forging, toughening of the forearm. Kote mawashi, , means wrist turn or wrist rotation. It is an old jujutsu technique. Kote ori means wrist break. Koten shiai is a form of competition requiring no teams and useful in individual evaluations. Ko tsuka means small handle. It is the name of the handle of a kogatana, a small knife carried in a scabbard. Ko uchi gari means minor inside reap. It is a Kodokan Judo throwing technique. Ko uke is a crane block or arch block. Ko waza, , means minor or small technique requiring only a slight amount of body movement. Koyamakan, , means small mountain hall. A small karate style having forms similar to Okinawan Shorin-ryu and Goju-ryu versions. Most of the kata names are the current Japanese versions. The emphasis is on technical excellence expressed through strong, smoothly flowing kata. Sporting aspects are not stressed. Due to the number of police officers and military officers in the style, individual combat effiency has continued to be the main focus of training. Koyatte means do it like this. Ko yubi, , means the little finger. Kozo means structure. Kozuka means a small knife. Sometimes small knives were fitted in to a sword scabbard as an additional tool.

Ku, Ku,

, means nine. , means air, sky, emptyness, or void.

Kubi, , means neck. Kubi bukuro means head bag. It was a net bag used to carry the heads of defeated enemies. Kubi naka, , is the atemi waza point at the base of the skull. Kubishime, , means a neck choke. Kubo sama is the term used by the ordinary people to refer to the shogun. Kuchi means mouth. Kuchibiru means the lip. Kuchi bushi means mouth warrior. It is an insult meaning an individual who talks like a warrior but doesn't have the skills to perform as a warrior. Kudaki, , means to break, smash, shatter, or to destroy. Kudan, , means nineth degree black belt. Kuden means oral teaching. Kuge means a courtier or court noble in the Emperor's court. Kuge seiken means courtier government. This is used to mean the early Japanese government run from the imperial court. Kuge seiken is what preceded the warrior government, buke seiken, of the shoguns. Kugi nuki means pincers or scissors throw. An old jujutsu throwing technique. A printed example can be found in the old text, The Text-Book of Jujutsu, by S. K. Uyenishi. Kuguri, , means to hide or submerge. Kugyo were the high nobility. Kuji was services rendered in corvee labor. Frequently, it was a requirement to send men for work in the provinces clearing forests for farm land and road building. Kujiki, , means to crush, shatter, or strain. Kuki, , means air. Kukishin Ryu is a traditional martial arts ryu specializing in pole arms, such as the rokushakubo, six foot staff, and the hanbo, half staff. Kukyo means nineth principle. Kukyu, , means nineth class. Kuma, , means bear. Kumade, , means bear hand. The palm is held flat with the finger hooked. Kume is the command to grab each other during contest. Kumi means a set. Kumi ai means grappling. Kumijo, , means stick meeting. It is an Aikido and jujutsu paired jo exercise. Kumikata are methods of grabbing the opponent. Kumi odori is traditional Okinawan weapons dancing. Kumitachi, , means sword meetings. It is a paired bokken exercise. Kumite means hands meeting. It is used to mean free style sparring or fighting. Kumi uchi is a term meaning grappling. Kunai was a tool used by the ninja as a sometimes weapon. Kuni was a province in Japan. Kunoichi are female ninja. Kura, , means to receive a blow.

Kurigata is the knob on the scabbard where the cord, sageo, attaches to the traditional wide legged pants, hakama. Kuro, , means black. Kuro obi, , means black belt. Kuruma, , means wheel. Kururunfa, , is a Goju-Ryu routine, kata meaning holding ground. Kuruwa was the term for a castle compound. Kusa, , means grass or weeds. Kusari fundo is a short weighted chain used as a weapon. This weapon was used by the ninja. Kusari gama is a short bladed weapon attached to a short handle at an angle, similar to a farming sickle, with a chain attached to the handle. This weapon was used by both the samurai and the ninja. The chain or weighted rope would be used to entangle an opponent. Then the sickle would be used to kill the opponent. Kushin, , means to spring in to attack an opponent. Kussinuke, , means to dodge an attack. Kusuri means medicine. Kusuri yubi means medicine finger. This is the ring finger, the finger next to the little finger. Kutaku means the inner wrist. Kuzure means modified or broken position. Kuzushi means means breaking the opponent's balance or centeredness. Kyo, , means chance. Kyo means full or excessive. Kyo, , means chest. Kyo, , means armpit. Kyobu means chest. Kyobu geri means chest kick. Kyogetsu shogei is a bladed weapon combining a knife with a edged hook. They were used by the ninja. Kyoka means the curriculum of a style of martial arts. Kyokotsu means the sternum. Kyosei means a student teacher. Kyosen means the sternum, the area of the rib cage between the base of the throat and the solar plexus. Kyoshi, , is a teacher of teachers, a knowledgeable person. The middle of the teaching titles. It is awarded by various organizations to senior teachers in different Japanese martial arts. The ZNKR requires that an individual be at least a 7th dan in kendo or iaido before being awarded this teaching title. Kyoshi no kamae is a kneeling posture. Kyouryoku, , means strength. Kyu, , means a class of student below black belt level. Kyuba no michi means the way of the horse and bow, ie. horseback archery. It is a Heian period and Kamakura period term for martial values. Kyudo means the way of archery. It is the modern, contemplative form of shooting an arrow at a target.

Kyuju dairi is a traditional teaching license in some of the classical Japanese martial arts. Kyu jutsu means the art of archery. Kyusho, Kyusho jutsu, Kyusho waza, , means pressure or vital points. , means vital point striking found in Okinawan karate. , means pressure point techniques.

Dictionary of Japanese Martial Art Terms

-M

Ma means horse. Ma means space and time. Maai, , means the effective or proper distance between opponents. Ma ai ga to means not the proper distance. Machi dojo means a private dojo. Small independent dojo outside of a central school. Machigai means mistake. Mae, , means front or forward.

Mae ashi geri, , means front foot kicking. Kicking with the front leg is a common technique. Mae empi, , means forward elbow strike.

Mae geri, , means front kick. Mae geri keage means front snap kick. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Hachikyu. Mae geri kekomi means front thrust kick. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Hachikyu. Mae no sen, , means front attacking. This is attacking at the instant the opponent thinks about attacking. Mae ukemi, , means a front or forward fall. Mae uki otoshi means front floating drop. It is an aiki budo throwing technique. Magetori means turning, twisting, or rising grabbing hands. Maitta means I give in or I submit. Makete katsu means discovering vistory in defeat. Makibishi is a multi-point sharp object used by the ninja as an escape aid. The idea is to throw several of them on to the ground in hopes of the individuals

following would step on the makibishi. The points are long enough to penetrate footware. Maki, , means wrapped around. Maki atama otoshi means wrapped around head drop. It is an aiki budo sutemi throw. Makikomi, , means winding action. Makimono means a hand written scroll. These were the traditional form of books containing information about a style's history and techniques. Some contain drawings of techniques. Others may contain poems explaning principles or insights from the style using words only insiders to the style can relate to their training and information told to them in class. Maki te, , means wrapped around hand. It is a knife grip where the handle is held between the middle and ring fingers. Maki te uke means wrapping hand block or interception. Makiwara means wrapped straw. The Okinawans used to wrap straw around posts as punching targets. It has become a generic term used to mean a striking surface or the padded targets. Makoto is a feeling of absolute and total sincerity freed from the pressure of the moment. Man means 10,000. Manabu is learning by imitating. Manji uke is a double block combining a lower level sweeping block and an upper level rising block. Mannaka means exact center. Manrikigusari is a chain weighted at both ends used as a weapon by the samurai and the ninja. Maru means circle. Marui means circular. Masakatsu, agatsu means correct victory is self victory. It is one of many maxims in Aikido. Massugu, , means straight ahead. Mata, , means the thigh or the groin. Mata dachi, , is the term for the split in the side of a pair of hakama. Mate, , means to wait. Matsu means crane. Matsu, , means pine tree. Matsu Higa no Kun kata means staff form of Matsu Higa. It is required for Koyamakan Sankyu. Matsu Higa no Sai kata means sai form of Matsu Higa. It is required for Koyamakan Sankyu. Matsu Higa no Tonfa kata means tonfa form of Matsu Higa. It is required for Koyamakan Sankyu.

Matsukaza, , means pine wind. It is the name of a karate form. It is also one of the names given to the carotid artery as it describes the sound of arterial bleeding.

Matte, , means to wait. It is a referee command to stop the action. Mawaru means to turn. Mawashi, , means a turn or rotation. Mawashi empi uchi means round house elbow strike. It is also known as Mawashi hiji ate. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Hachikyu. Mawashi geri, , means round house kick. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Hachikyu. Mawashi hiji ate is a round house elbow strike. Mawashi hiza geri, means round house knee kick. It is a requirement fof Koyamakan Gokyu. Mawashi shuto uchi means round house knife hand strike. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Ikkyu. Mawashi uke means round house block. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Yonkyu. Mawashi zuki, , is a round house punch. Mawatte, , is the insructor's command for the students to turn around. Me means the eye or eyes. Mei means the name of a sword. Meikon literally means name list. It is an encyclopedia about people. Meikyo means bright mirror. It is a karate routine. The name refers to the opening movement because the performer appears to be looking into a mirror held in his hands. Me kata means eye form. It is a routine done just to be pleasing to the eye of the observer. A me kata is a form done for showing off physical abilities rather than training real techniques and applications. Mekugi is the retaining peg used to hold the handle onto the tang of a sword or knife. Men, , means the head. Men himo are the cords used to tie a kendo helmut. Menkyo kaiden means license of complete and total transmission. It is given in traditional arts as the certificate of full proficiency for a lineage or style. It normally means just a license denoting a very high level of skill. For some lineages, it might be given to the headmaster designate or the headmaster. Men uchi, , means a strike to the head. Mete means the forward hand that can be seen by the opponent. Metsubushi means to throw ash in the eyes. Genericly, to throw something that acts as a distraction to the opponent. Metsuke means eye contact. It is also used to mean the target of a strike. Mi, , means eyebrow. Michibiku , means leading or guiding. Midare geiko means free training. Midori, , means the color green. Mienai a tournament judge's call to indicate that he cound not see a certain technique. Migi, , means right.

Migi do, , means the right side of the body. Migi jigo tai means right defensive posture. Migi mawari means clockwise in direction.

Migi shizen tai means right natural posture. Mikazuki, , is the atemi waza point at the corner of the jaw. This term is generally used to mean the jaw. Mikazuki geri means a crescent kick. Mikazuki geri uke means crescent kick block. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Gokyu. Mikomi means a penetrating look or gaze. Mimi, , means ear. Miru means to look. Misekake means a feint or false attack to mislead an opponent. Misogi is a spiritual purification ceremony. Mitori geiko means eyes grab practice. It means to observe and learn while watching a class or instructor by grabbing, i.e., understanding, what is being taught. This is the recommended way to practice when injured. Mitsu tomoe is the in/yo/mu symbol that is used in the Okinawan flag. It is also a symbol of the Japanese war god, Hachiman. Miyagi means gift. Miyama-ryu is an American jujutsu style blending elements of Kodokan Judo and Aikido, field tested on the streets of the Bronx, New York. Mizu means unheated water. Mizu nagare zuki means water flow punch. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Rokkyu. Mizu no kokoro means a mind like water. The idea of staying calm before an attack. Then responding appropriately. And finally, mentally returning to a state of calm after the fight. Mochi, , means wrist or grip. Mochi yari is a type of spear. Modotte is a command meaning to return to the original position. Mo ichido means one more time. Mokuroku, , means a catalog of techniques. In some traditional Japanese martial arts, the instructor would create a catalogue of techniques to give to a student reaching a certain level of knowledge and skill listing the techniques contained in the style. This term is used by some traditional lineages as the highest level license an individual can earn. Mokusho, , means guiet contemplation. It is used as a command normally done at the beginning and ending of a class to clear your mind and consider what you will be doing or have just completed. It is not meditation and has no religious aspect, even to the Japanese. Mokusho yame, , is the command to finish the quiet contemplation. Mokusho-zen means silent illumination Zen refering to silent meditation without any thinking. Momji, , is a red leaf maple tree. Momo, , means thigh. Momo means peach. Mo motte means more. Momoyana period in Japanese history is from 1573 to 1599. This is when the samuarai started wearing two swords, daisho. Mon, , is a family crest. The mon is the Japanese form of hearldry. It crest was used on clothing, weapons, and armor was a means of identification. Most warrior families had more than one crest for various uses.

Mon is a formal school with an actual physical location. Mondo means questions and answers. Mono uchi is the best part of a sword blade to cut with the best mechanical advantage. It is the one third of the blade closest to the kissaki. Mon shin means the diagnostic method of asking questions to determine the symtoms of sickness. Montei means an accepted disciple. Montsuki, , is the kimono top worn on formal occasions. It would have the family crest, the mon, on the front and on the wide sleeves. Morote, , means two hands or both hands. Morote dori, , means a two handed grab. Two hands on one. Morote seoi nage, , means two handed shoulder throw. It is a Kodokan Judo throwing technique. Morote uke, , means two handed or augmented block. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Shichikyu. Morote zuki, , means two handed punch. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Gokyu. Mo sukoshi is the referee command of 'a little more'. Moto no ichi the referee command of original position. Every one goes back to their starting lines. Mu, , means void, emptiness, or negative. Mudansha, , means individuals without rank. These are students without black belt rank, the kyu classes. Muga mushin means no self or no mind. It is the condition in which the attacked individual reacts without concern about the out come of the fight. Mukai ryu was a martial art lineage that taught swimming in armor. Mukozune, , is the atemi waza point in the middle of the shin. Mumobi is a referee command of warning for lack of regard for ones own safety. Mune, , means chest. Mune dori, , means chest grab. Mune gatame, , means chest lock. It is a Kodokan Judo pinning technique. Munen mushin, , means striking with out conscience concern about the outcome. Munen muso, , is the goal of zazen meaning no mind. Mune tsuki, , means chest strike, a punch to the chest. Mura, , means a village. Murasame, , are the pressure points on each side of the neck behind the collar bone. Generally used to mean the clavicle. Musha shugyo was the traveling around by samurai testing themselves out against the various local weapons experts. Mushin, , means no mind. It is used to mean the state of being without thought, or original mind. Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu is a martial art style of sword drawing, iaido. It is also known as Hasegawa Eishin Ryu. Muso Shinden Ryu is a martial art style of sword drawing, iaido. It was founded by Nakayama H. It is related to the Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu style. Musubi, , means knot, union, ending or conclusion. It is used to mean informal.

Musubi dachi means informal stance, the heels are together with the toes apart about one fist width. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Hachikyu. Mutekatsu means victory without hands. This is considered the best situation, winning without having to fight. Muto means no sword. Muto waza means no sword techniques. These are techniques where an unarmed individual defends against an armed attacker. Myaku means vessel. Myosho means the navel area of the abdomen.

Dictionary of Japanese Martial Art Terms

-N

Nabori were banners showing the daimyo's family crest. The banner was held out away from the shaft of the pole by another short pole sticking out at 90 degrees. The banner was attached on one side and the top. This caused the banner to be held out so that all could see it. Nafuda is a wooden placard used as a traditional name tag. Nafuda kake means the name board used in a dojo to show the name and rank of individuals. Nagaishi uke means sweeping block. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Shichikyu. Nagare, , means flow. Nagashi, , means flowing.

Nagashi zuki, , means flowing thrust. Nagashi undo means flowing exercise. Nagashi waza means flowing from one technique to another technique. Nage, , means throw. Nage komi, , means to throw through to completion. Nage no kata means Kodokan Judo throwing routine called 'forms of throwing' It demonstrates five categories of throws using three throws from each category. The categories include hand throws, hip throws, foot throws, back sacrifice throws, and side sacrifice throws. Nage waza, , means throwing techniques. Nage yari, , means throwing spear. They were a type of short spear about 17 inches long with a 5 inch head. They are often fitted with tassels behind the head which may aid in drag stabilisation. They are thrown by hand. They may

be thrown javelin fashion or end over end knife fashion. The nage yari can be considered a type of throwing knife, shuriken. Nagimaki is a curved blade on a pole. It is similar to a naginata with a shorter pole. Naginata is a long staff with a long curved blade at the end of the staff. It started out as a weapon used by infantry against horses and their riders. Later, it became a weapon used by the samurai women for self defense. Naginata jutsu is the art of using the naginata. Naibu means interior or inside. Naidaijin means inner great minister. It was a government title. Naike, , is the pressure point on the inside of the ankle. Naira means the Achilles tendon. This is located between the heel and the calf muscles on the back side of the lower leg. Naiwan is the inside of the forearm. Naka, , means the center or the middle. Nakadaka means the middle knuckle. Nakadate ippon ken means middle finger one knuckle fist. Nakago is the tang of a sword blade. It is the metal part of the sword blade under the handle cover. Nakago jiri is the end of the tang. Nakani, , means to the center. Naka yubi is the middle finger of the hand. Nakayui is the term for the middle knot that holds the staves of a bamboo practice sword, shinai, together. Naka yui ippon zuki means middle finger one knuckle punch. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Sankyu. Nakazumi is the center line of the body. Nami, , means normal. Nami, , means a wave. Nami ashi, , means normal foot. It is a method of walking with smooth sliding steps where the ball of the foot slides lightly over the surface of the ground or floor. Nami ashi geri, , means wave foot kick. Nami gaeshi geri, means wave counter kick. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Gokyu. Nami gaeshi uke, , means wave counter block. It is an inside snapping block with the bottom of the foot. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Gokyu. Nami juji jime, , means normal cross strangle. It is a Kodokan Judo strangling technique. Nana means seven. Nana korobi ya oki is a phrase meaning seven falls, eight rise. It is used to mean persevere or never give up. The maxim is attributed to the Indian Chan Buddhist monk Bodhidharma. Nanakyo, , means the seventh principle. Naname, , means diagonal or oblique.

Naname geri, , means diagonal kick. There are two variations, uchi, inside, and soto, outside.

Naname katate dori, , means diagonal single hand grab. It is a cross hand grab, right grabbing right or left grabbing left. Nanbu is the region of southern Okinawa. Nanken means false sword. It is used to mean having a bad style of sword usage or a twitchy tournament style. Narabi means side by side. Nasake-no ichigeki is a term used to mean a finishing sword cut, i.e., a coup de grace. Natsu, , means the summer. Nawa, , means a rope or a cord. Naza means why. Ne means ground, root, or base. Nebaru means to stick to. Neko ashi dachi means cat foot stance. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Shichikyu. Nen, , means an idea or sense. Ne waza means ground techniques. It is used as a description of grappling techniques. Ni means in. Ni, , means two. Nibon means two step. Nidan, , is used to mean a second degree black belt. Nidan geri, , means two step or double jump kick. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Rokkyu. Nidan waza, , means two step technique. Nihon means the land of the rising sun. Nihon ken zuki means two knuckle punch. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Yonkyu. Nihon nukite zuki means two finger spear hand thrust. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Yonkyu. The two fingers are the index and middle fingers. Nihon shobu means match decided on the basis of two points. Nijugo kihon no kun means the twenty-five staff basics. They are required for Koyamakan Yonkyu. Nikyo, , means second teaching or second principle. Nikyu, , means second class. Ninja means stealing in. They were spies hired by the daimyo to inform them about the happenings in the neighboring provinces. They sometimes were used as assasins. During the Tokugawa shogunate, they were employed as police assistants. Ninja-to is a ninja sword. Ninjo, , means a required thing. Something that one must do. It is also used to mean emotions or wants. Ninpo means the way of the ninja. Ninso means the ability to visually read another individual's character. No, , means of. No, , means brain. Nobashi means stretched out.

Nobi te is a hand position that does not permit a cutting action with the sword. It is a dead hand. It is the same concept as in shini te. Nobori ryu means ascending dragon. No dachi is a type of long sword. Nodo means the throat. Nogare, , means a breathing method used by some karate styles. It involves a long exhalation ending in a sharp final gasp. Nogare kata means methods of escape. Noroshi was a Japanese signaling beacon. Noto means the returning of a blade to the scabbard. Nuki, , means to pull or draw. Nuki ashi, , is a pulling step where the back foot maintains its grip while being brought forward by the waist. Nuki dashi means extract. Nuki te, , means sword drawing hand or spear hand. Nukite kansetsu tsuki means to thrust the fingertips into a joint. Nukite uchi, , means spear hand strike. Nukite zuki, , means spear hand thrust. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Shichikyu. It can also be used to mean drawing ans thrusting in the same motion. Nuki uchi , , means pulling strike. It is a combination block, strike, and cut all in one action and done in one direction. Nuki waza, , means avoiding, dodging, or displacement technique. Nuki zuki, , means a simultaneous drawing of the sword and continuing into the strike. It is the same technique as Kiri zuke. Nunchaku are rice flails adapted to be used as a weapon by Okinawan farmers. Nunte is a trident with one outer prong reversed in direction.

Dictionary of Japanese Martial Art Terms

-O

O, , means major, great, large, or principle. O means small. Obi, , means belt. Denotes rank in some martial arts styles. Obi musubi means belt knot. O chiburi means a large motion of a sword to shake off the opponent's blood. Odome is a name for the secret techniques of the Daito Ryu.

Odori are Okinawan folk dances with a similarity of movement to karate routines. O gesa means a large form. O goshi, , means major hip. A Kodokan Judo throwing technique. O guruma, , means major wheel. A Kodokan Judo throwing technique. Ohaiyo is a rude version of saying good morning. Oi waza means chasing or following strikes attacking the opponent as he retreats. Oi zuki means lunge punch or pursuing thrust. This is one of the requirements for Koyamakan karate Hachikyu. Oji, , means a response. Oji waza, , means receiving technique(s). In practice, this is done by blocking and then counter attacking. Oki means big. Okinawa is the main island of the Ryukyu archipelago. Oku means deep or secret. Okuden, , means hidden teachings or a secret technique scroll. Oku iri, , means introduction to the secrets. It is a rank in some traditional styles. Okuri, , means chasing, pursuing, or sliding. Okuri ashi harai, , means pursuing foot sweep. It is a Kodokan Judo throwing technique. Okuri eri jime, , means sliding lapel strangle. It is a Kodokan Judo strangling technique. Omoiyari means thoughtfulness. Omote, , means front, refers to entering movements or to obvious techniques. When omote is used refering to a sword, it is the side of the sword that faces out from the hip when it is in the scabbard. This is the side of the sword that is signed by the sword smith. When omote is used refering to the body, it means an open palm of the hand. It can also refer to something being obvious or openly taught or shown to the public. Omote waza means obvious techniques. These are techniques that can be revealed to the public. On means a favor. This is something that requires repayment. Onaka means the great middle, i.e., the stomach area. Ondoku is the Sino-Japanese reading for a kanji. Onegai otsukaresamadeshita is the thank you used after training with a partner. Onegai shimasu is the phrase requesting one's partner to practice with them. Oni fumi komi means devil stomping. A phrase in sumo describing an action in the ritual opening of a bout to dispel evil spirits. Orei means etiquette. Oroshi means downward. Osae, , means to press, to push, or to immobilize. Osaekomi, , is a contest term used by the referee to indicate an immobilization is in effect. Osaekomi toketa is a contest term used by the referee to indicate that an immobilization has been broken or stopped.

Osaekomi waza, , means pressing technique. The term used for pinning the opponent's body to the ground. Osae uke, , means pressing block. It is a downward open handed pressing technique. It is a requirement for Koyamakan karate Shichikyu. Osae waza, , means pinning techniques. Osame to means to replace the swords into the scabbards. O sensei, , means a great or major teacher. It does not refer to only Ueshiba of Aikido. Sekigushi Takaaki Komei from the Nippon Komei Jyuku, 10th Dan, President of Nippon Budokan and 21st Grand Master of the Muso Jidiken Eishin Ryu (MJER)Iai Jutsu has also been referred to as Osensei. It is not an award teaching title. It is just a term of great respect. Oshi means to push. Oshi ate means pushing strike. It is a strike followed by a push using the same hand. Oshidashi is used in kendo to mean unfair pushing of an opponent outside of the contest area. Oshikiuchi was a jujutsu style which was the ancestor to Daito Ryu aiki jutsu. The lineage included Saigo, Tonomo (the Soke) who taught Takeda who named Daito Ryu in the early 1900's. Saigo, Tonomo adopted Saigo, Shiro, but would not teach him martial arts. At age 14, Saigo, Shiro left home and joined the Kodokan to start learning Judo. Oshikomi geri means pressing in kick. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Gokyu. Oshimasai means please stand up. Oshi odori means push dance. O soto gari means major outside reap. A Kodokan Judo throwing technique. O soto makikomi means major outside winding. It is a Kodokan Judo throwing technique. O soto otoshi means major outside drop. It is a Kodokan Judo throwing technique. Osu is an impolite word that is not used in normal society. It should not be used by women. Some karate schools use it as a catch all phrase as a greeting or as a response to commands. It may be a contraction of osu-shinobu. A better term to be used genericaly is "hai" as it means simply that you heard the instructor and nothing more. Otagai ni rei, , means bow to each other. Ote means the rear, attacking hand. Otoshi, , means drop or dropping. Otoshi empi uchi means dropping elbow strike. This is a requirement for Koyamakan Hachikyu. Otoshi uke, , means dropping block. Otoshi zuki, , means dropping thrust punch. O tsukare sama deshita is an expression of thanks for getting tired because of the hard training afforded by having such a skillful training partner. O uchi gari means major inside reap. It is a Kodokan Judo throwing technique. O uma jirushi was a large standard symbolising the headquarters of the commanding general. Owari no saho means finishing etiquette.

O waza, , means major or large technique requiring a large movement of the body. Oyasumi nasai means goodnight. Oyayubi ippon ken is a thumb knuckle fist strike. Oyo means fighting applications which are learned through the practice of bunkai. Oyo waza means close quarters practical applications interpreted from technique in the forms. O yubi is the thumb.

Dictionary of Japanese Martial Art Terms

-P

Pinan means peace and harmony. Five forms were created by Ankoh Itosu in the period 1903 through 1905 to introduce karate to Okinawan public middle school and high school students. The techniques are thought to come from the Kusanku Kata and the Chinen Kata.

Dictionary of Japanese Martial Art Terms

-R

Randori,

, means free practice.

Rei, , means courtesy or bow. Reigi, , means etiquette. Reigisaho means dojo etiquette or mat manners. Reiho means etiquette or method of bowing. Reikishi means history. Reishiki means etiquette or ceremony.

Renko ho are methods of immobilizing an opponent by blocking or locking his arms. Ren mai means the conception vessel. This is an acupunture point. (CV) Renmei means a federation of styles or organizations. Re no ji dachi means the L stance. This is a requirement for Koyamakan Hachikyu. Renraku means to make combinations. Renraku henka waza means connection variation techniques. Renraku waza means connecting or combination techniques. Rensei is a practice tournament. Renshi, , is a training teacher. It is the lowest of the teaching titles given by various organization for various martial arts. A renshi is fully qualified to teach independently. Renshu means hard work, i.e., hard practice. Renzoku, , means continuous. Renzoku waza, , means continuous techniques. Ren zuki means continuous or alternating attack. Ri was a measure of length equal to about 2.4 miles. Riai means the unification of theory and action. Ri ari are ancient root techniques. Rinkioken means the principle of adaptability to all circumstances. It is having the ability to adapt to changing circumstances with other than rigid responses. Risshi means setting a purpose. Ritsu rei, , means standing bow. A standing bow may also be called tachi rei. Ristu zen, , means standing meditation. Rofuse means arm locking methods. Roku, , means six. Rokudan, , means 6th degree black belt. Rokukyu, , means 6th class. Most frequently spelled as Rokyu Rokushaku bo is a six foot staff. Rokyo, , means the sixth teaching or the sixth principle. Rokyu, , means 6th class. Sometimes spelled as Rokukyu or as Rokkyu. Ronin were masterless samurai. The term means wave man. In effect, a ronin was an unemployed warrior. A major source of a samurai's pay was in form of food, mostly rice. No employer meant no food for the family. So a ronin would seek out other employers among the daimyo. The alternatives were to become a farmer and thereby lose warrior class status for himself and his family or to become a bandit. Because of the very long term emphasis by the various governments in expanding farm lands, most ronin became farmers. Ryo, , means both, two handed or using both hands. Ryo hiji suihei ni haru uke means both elbows horizontally spread block. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Gokyu. Ryo ho means in both directions. Ryokata dori, , means double shoulder or both shoulders grab. Ryo te, , means both hands. , means two handed grab, each hand grabs one of the

Ryo te dori, opponent's hands.

Ryote kubitori, , means grabbing both wrists attack. Ryote mochi means grabbing both wrists attack. Ryo tomoe means the yin-yang symbol. Ryoyaku, kuchi ni nigashi means good medicine tastes bad. Ryu, , means a dragon. Ryu, , means a stream. It has come to mean a school or a lineage style or tradition. This term is used by many classical systems. Ryugi are the individual sub-arts of a comprehensive martial arts school or lineage. Ryuha are branch schools of a main stream lineage or school. Ryukyu is the island archipelago between the main islands of Japan and Taiwan. They are located East of China. Ryu no shita no kamae means dragon tongue posture. Ryu Ryu Ko is the Japanese way of saying the Chinese characters for the individual who was the kung-fu instructor of Nakaima Kenri, the founder of the Ryuei Ryu style karate, and Higaonna Kanryo, the teacher of the Goju Ryu style karate founder, Miyagi Chojun. He taught at a five ancester fist style kungfu school in Fukien Province in China.

Dictionary of Japanese Martial Art Terms

-S

Sa means the left side. Sabaki means motion. It refers to the body moving. Sadaijin means minister of the left. It was one of the highest of imperial court titles. Sagaru means to hang. Sage makiwara is a punching bag. Sageo are utility cords carried on some sword cases. In some modern sword schools, these cords are tied to the swordsman's belt to keep the sword case from sliding out of the belt. Sagi means herron, a bird, which like the crane stands on one leg. Sagi ashi dachi means herron foot stance. The foot being held off the ground has the instep hooked around the back of the other knee. It is the same as Saji ashi dachi . Saguru means to probe or grope. Sagurite means searching hand. Sagurite no kamae means searching hand posture. Sagurite uke means searching hand block.

Saho means method of etiquette. Saho means the left direction. Sai is an traditional Okinawan karate weapon. It has three prongs, so some people call it a trident. The center prong is normally longer than the two side prongs. Saika tanden means the center of the body. Saiumen is the sword practice drill of alternately attacking the left and right sides of the opponent's head. Saji ashi dachi means heron leg stance. The instep of the raised leg is hooked behind the knee of the base leg. it is the same as Sagi ashi dachi. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Shichikyu. Sake is rice wine. Sakki is the awareness and sensitivity to aggressive behavior by others. Sakugawa no Kun Dai kata means major staff form of Sakugawa. It is required for Koyamakan Ikkyu. Sakugawa no Kun kata means staff form of Sakugawa. It is required for Koyamakan Ikkyu. Sakugawa no Kun Sho kata means minor staff form of Sakugawa. It is required for Koyamakan Ikkyu. Sakusen means skill in strategy. Same means ray fish skin. The skin of the ray fish is used to cover the handle of a sword or knife. Its rough skin is thought to provide a good durable gripping surface that would not slide out of a hand wet with sweat. Samurai, , means one who serves. They were a class of warriors, bushi. Originally they were the bodyguards and retainers of nobility. Later the term was expanded to include all bushi of a certain rank belonging to warrior families. Samurai dokoro means a board of retainers. An advice giving committee retained by a noble or government official. San, , means three. San as a suffix means Mr., Ms, Miss, or Mrs. It is a title of respect. Sanaka means back of the body. Sanbon kumite means three point sparring. The attacker steps in three consecutive times with an attack, a punch, strike, or kick. The defender steps back three times and blocks each attack. After the third block, the defender counter attacks once. Sanbon shobu is a three point match in a tournament. Sanchin dachi means three conflicts stance. It is done with the feet shoulder width apart and the heel of the one foot in line with the toes of the other foot. The back foot is pointed forward with the front foot turned inward 45 degrees. The weight is evenly balanced between the feet. The knees are turned in with the thigh muscles tensed. The knees do not touch. Sandan, , means three step. It is used to mean third degree black belt. Sandan waza, , means three step technique in kenjutsu. Sankaku, , means three sided, a triangle. Sankaku gatame, , means triangle lock or hold. It is a Kodokan Judo grappling technique. Sankaku jime, , means triangle strangle. It is a Kodokan Judo grappling technique. It is the same as Sankaku gatame, just with a different emphasis, strangling versus pinning.

Sankyo, means third teaching or third principle. Sankyu, , means third class. Sannin means three people. Sannin waza means three people technique. Three attackers against one defender. San sho means three heater. It is an acupuncture point. (TH, TB, CS) Sasae, , means to prop up or support. Sasae hiji ate means supported elbow smash. Sasae tsuri komi ashi, , means propping lift pull foot. It is a Kodokan Judo throwing technique. Sasae uke, , means support block. Sashi is a stone or iron hand grip used in Okinawan karate training to strengthen the grip and arm strength. Sashini was the small banner carried by an individual samurai. Sashite means raising the hand to strike, block, or grab. Satori means enlightenment. The goal of Buddhism. Satsujin ken means the sword or fist that gives life. Satsujin to means killing sword. Saya is a scabbard of a sword or knife. It is traditionally made of wood with magnolia being the most common wood type. It is made in two halves with the center carved out to fit the blade. It is glued together and lacquered. Saya biki means the movement of the scabbard. Saya banare means the position of the tip of the sword at the koi guchi, the scabbard opening, during the draw. The point at which the sword tip comes out of the scabbard. Just before the strike. Sayai waza means small wrist swing technique. Sayonara means goodbye. Sayu means left and right. Sayu uke means left and right blocks. The concept is of simultaneous, identical blocks done with both arms. Sayu zuki means left and right thrusts. The concept is of simultaneous, identical punches done with both arms. Se, , means back, such as the back of the body. Sei means natural, true, correct, or righteous. Seigan, , means natural step. It is a fundamental posture in aikido, kenjutsu, and iaido. Seigyo means control. Sei-i taishogun means barbarian subduing great general. It is usually shortened to just shogun. Seika tanden, , means the lower abdomen. Seiken, , means front of the fist or forefist. Seiken mawashi zuki, requirement for Koyamakan Yonkyu. , means round house punch. It is a

Seiken zuki, means front of the fist thrust. It is the basic thrust punch taught in karate. Seikichu, , is the spine. Seimo means the eye socket. Seinen means young man or youth.

Seiryoku zenyo kokumin taiiku is a Kodokan judo routine called Forms of National Physical Education. Seiryuto means ox jaw hand. It is a hand technique where the contact area is the base of the knife hand. Seisan, , means thirteen. It is the name of an Okinawan karate routine. Seishi is a written pledge from a beginning student to his sensei upon joining a style. Sometimes they were written in the student's own blood or just signed in the student's blood. Seishin means proper mind. Seitei means basic or fundamental. Seitei gata means fundamental forms or techniques. Seito means student. Seito means orthodox. Seiza, , means correct sitting. It is the formal Japanese sitting position with the legs tucked underneath the body, kneeling on both calves. The insteps are resting flat on the floor and the buttocks rest on the heels. Sekai taikai means world championships. Seki were guarded gates on major routes at inter-province boundaries and in mountain passes. Seme means pressure or attack. Seme guchi, , means attack mouth. It is an opening or vulnerability for an attack. Seme kata means an attacking technique. Semeru means push or press forward. Semete, , means pushing hand. It is the action of pressing forward with a sword blade or the attacking hand. It is used for the partner who carries out the attacks against the shitachi during paired kata performance. Sempai, , means an individual senior by way of rank or status. Sen, , means a folding fan. Sen, , means initiative in applying mental power, technical skill, and physical strength togain advantage over the opponent. The concept comes from the Japanese sword arts. Sen involves a well-made attack or series of movements that constitute a single attack. The character Sen can be used as future or to precede. This character is also used for the number one thousand. Be aware whether the term is being used as a number or some other meaning. Look at the context. Senaka, , means the back of the torso. Sen jutsu, , means tactics. Sen ken means literally to 'see first,' so this is usually taken to mean 'anticipate.' The Nelson characters are 871 and 4284. The ken character as in 'miru' meaning 'to see.' Senken can be used to mean foresight. Sen no sen, , means to attack at the exact instant the opponent attacks. This can be described as simultaneous initiative. Sensei, , means one who was born before, i.e. someone with more experience. It is used frequently as a respectful term for school teachers lawyers, and doctors. In Japan, when doing martial arts, it is usually reserved for 4th dans and above. Sensei ni rei, , means bow to the instructor. Sen sen no sen, , means the highest form of initiative by which mental power, technical skill, and physical power are applied to gain advantage over the

opponent before he can institute an attack. Sen sen no sen has the sense of taking control early, before your opponent can initiate an attack, thus taking the 'first initative'. Another way of describing this is pre-emptive initiative. This is often subtle, andinvolves causing your opponent to inititate the attack or movement you want him or her to make. Senshuken taikai means a 'championship great gathering'. This get together is much more than just a tournament. Sente, , means literally 'first hand', which is taken to mean initiative, with the implied taking of real, tangible action. It is to act. This is the sente in Gichin Funakoshi's famous statement 'Karate ni sente nashi' (in karate never take the initiative). The Nelson numbers are 871 and 1827. Se oi means the upper back or the back side of the shoulder area. Seoi nage means shoulder throw. Seppa are the oval metal plates, the washers, on a knife or sword which secure the guard, the tsuba. Seppuku is ritual suicide by pulling a dagger or short sword through the stomach. Normally, this is followed by another individual, a friend or kinsman, cutting off the head with a long sword. This practice was mostly done among the buke, warrior family, caste. Sesshin is a period of rigorous discipline used to achieve intense concentration. Shaken are bladed throwing weapons. It is a category of throwing knives, ie. shuriken. Sometimes known as ninja stars. Traditionally there were ten designs of throwing stars. These were cross-shaped, four pointed, six pointed, eightpointed, ten-pointed, triangular, swastika-shaped, hexagonal, pentagonal, and three-pointed one. Shaku is a length of measure of appromately 11.93 inches. Shi, , means fourth. Because it sounds like death, the more acceptable way of saying this character is yon. Shi means death. Shi means an expert. Shi means a person of the samurai class or an expert. An example would be the term bushi, meaning war person. Shiai means contest, competition, or tournament Shiaijo means the contest area Shiatsu means finger pressure. It is a generic term for Japanese acupressure massage. Shibori means wringing. This is a twisting motion of the hands inward while gripping the sword handle during a cut. Shichi, , means seven. A more acceptable way to say this number is nana. Shichidan, , means 7th degree black belt. Also called a nanadan. Shichikyu, , means 7th class Shido geiko means way person practice. It is learning by teaching. An individual gains insights into techniques by having to explain them to other individuals. Shidoin means way expert person. It is a junior instructor who is formally recogized as an instructor, but not yet recognized as a sensei. Sometimes used as an Assistant Instructor. Shidosha means junior instructor that can help you by pointing out things to you and make suggestions, but is not qualified to really teach. In common Japanese parlance, athletic coaches are referred to as shidosha. If you think about the

differences between what a coach does and what a teacher does, this will make some sense. Shi giri means death cut. It is a kenjutsu technique. Shigoki is brutual training popular in some Japanese university martial art clubs to build spirit and foster unity among the club members. It is against Okinawan karate traditions. Shihan, , means a teacher of teachers, a professor. Shi translates as teacher. Han translates as wise. Commonly translated as master. It is not part of the series of teaching titles; renshi, kyoshi, hanshi. However, the characters are the same as in hanshi. It is correctly used only in a school, never outside the dojo. Sensei is used outside the dojo, instead to refer to an instructor. Shihanke means the family's senior teacher or headmaster. The previous shihanke chooses the next shihanke. The shihanke is the final authority of all questions relative to the philosophy, traditions, techniques, and kata of a lineage, ryu. The shihanke is the living tradition. There is only one in a style. The shihanke defines what the ryu is. Shiho, , means four corners or four directions. Shiho gatame, , is the Kodokan Judo pin whose name means four corners lock. Shiho nage, , means four directions throw. Shikake means offensive or attacking. Shikake waza means any offensive technique. Shikaku, , is the dead corner, the vulnerable angle. Shikantaza means sitting for meditation. Shike is one possible term used for a teacher of a ryuha, a branch lineage, of a martial art style. Shi is the same character as in shihan meaning teacher. Ke means house or family. Therefore, shike is a house teacher. Shiki was a way station along a highway. Shiki means ceremony, form, or style. Shikkaku is a referee term meaning disqualification. It can be from the match, or the tournament if the competitor commits an act which harms the honor and prestige of karate. Shikken means a regent. A regent is an individual who rules in the name of another individual, normally one who is to young to actually rule. Shikko, , means to walk on one's knees. Shiko dachi means a sumo stance, similar to horse stance. However, the toes are turned outward instead of forward. Shime, , means strangle or choke. Also known as jime. Shime waza, , means strangle techniques. The category of this type of techniques. Shimmei Muso Ryu is a martial art style of sword drawing, iaijutsu. It is also known as Hayashizaki Ryu. Shimoseki is the lower side or place in a dojo at which students line up. Shimoza is the lower seat in the dojo where students line up. Shin means heart or spirit. (HT) Shin means spirit. It can also be pronounced as kokoro. Shin means upper. It can also be pronounced as kami. Shinken shobu means death match. A real fight to the death. Shinai is a bamboo sword.

Shinai hanashi is a kendo term maining dropping the bamboo sword, a shinai. Shinden ryu was a martial art lineage that taught swimming in armor. Shindo Munen Ryu means divine path to serenity. It is a sword school. Shin ho means heart organ. (HC or HG) Shinkyu shiai means a type of Judo promotional tournament for students below black belt rank. Shinobi means stealth or stealing in. It was an old term used for assassins. This is an alternative term for ninja. Shinobi ashi means creeping, sneaking, or tiptoeing. Shinobi gatana means an assassin's sword. This is an alternative term for a ninja type straight sword. Shin no Shindo Ryu is a jujutsu style related to Takeuchi Ryu. It is one of the source styles blended to create Tenshin Shin'Yo Ryu jujutsu. Shinpa kata means mind wave form. Shinpan means judge, referee, or umpire. Shinshin means stopped or fixed mind. This mental state is open to attack. Shinshin means mind and body. It is a generic term for Japanese yoga-type exercises. Shinshin shugyo, , means mind and body training. Shin shinto means new sword. This is used to mean any sword made after 1870, the date of the Meiji Restoration. This is considered the beginning of the modern era in Japanese history. Shinshin toitsu means mind and body unified. It is the name of the aikido style founded by Koichi Tohei. Shintai means the human body. Shintai means body movement of a linear variety. Shintai means divine body. It is a shortened nick name for Tenshin Shintai Ryu. Shinto means new sword. Among sword collectors, this is the period between 1596 and 1870, the date of the Meiji Restoration. Shinza means spirit seat. It is another name for the kamiza. Shinza ni rei means to bow towards the shrine. Shinzen means an alter or shrine. It is the same place as kamiza. Shinzen ni rei means to bow towards the shrine. Shin zo means heart organ. (HC or HG) Shiro means the color white. Shiro means a castle. Different characters from white. Shiro ippon means white scores a point. The referee raises his arm at an oblique angle towards the contestant scoring the point. Shiro no kachi means white wins the match. The referee raises his arm at an oblique angle towards the contestant winning the match. Shisei means posture or stance. Shita means under, down, or below. Shitachi is the defender in prearranged kumite. Shita hara means the lower abdomen. Shite means down. Shito kokyu means one breath. Shitsu means to bend the knees. Shi tsuki means beak thrust. Shiugo was the title of a military governor over a province.

Shi waza death technique. It is a counter to a dangerous defense. Shizen means natural body. Shizen dachi means natural stance. Shizen hontai means basic naturnal standing posture Shizentai means natural position. Shizoku means safe spot. Shizukani means gentle or soft. Shizuki means crane's beak. A method of striking an opponent with the tips of the thumb and fingers held tightly together. Sho, , means beginning. This is the sho of shodan. Sho, , means small or minor. This is the sho of Kanku sho kata and Bassai sho kata. Shobu hajime is a referee command meaning to start the extended match. Shobu sanbon hajime is a referee command meaning start the three point match. Shochin means vigorous suppression. It is a karate routine. Sho cho means the small intestine. (SI) Shochu geiko means special summer training during the hottest time of the year. Shodai means beginning generation or first generation. Shodan, , means beginning degree or beginning step. It is incorrectly called first degree black belt. Shoden means new scroll. This is the name give in some styles to the first full transmission certication. Shodo means the art of calligraphy or the way of the brush. Shoen means estate. Real property was frequently given as a reward to retainers as a method of tying their loyalty to an individual or clan. Sho gatsu shitaku means the New Year preparations. Shoge is a type of grappling hook. It is a pointed metal spike-like object with a curving bladed side prong. It has a hole on the non-pointed end to attach to a rope or line. It was used to climb walls and as a fighting weapon. Shogun means barbarian subduing general. The full title is sei-i taishogun, which means barbarian subduing great general. Shoji is a wooden lattice covered with paper that is used for doors and windows in a traditional Japanese building. Shomen, , is the face or forehead. Shomen, , means straight ahead. Shomen uchi, , means front of the head strike. It is an overhead strike to the opponent's forehead. Shomon means the skull. Shonen means young boy. Shorin in the Matsubayashi karate lineage means pine forest. Shorin in the Kobayashi karate lineage means old forest. Shorin in the Shobayashi karate lineage means small forest. Shorinji Kempo is related to jujutsu, but has a lot of other influences. Shorinji-ryu Kenkokan Karate-do is the karate styled founded by ? in ?. Shorinji-ryu Renshinkan Karate-do is the karate style founded in 1955 C.E. by Master Isamu Tamotsu in Kagoshima, Japan. He died May 31, 2000 at the age of 80. (1) Shoshin, , means beginner mind. It is a mind state that is alert and empty to receive all possibilities.

Shoshinsha means beginner's mind person. An individual new to training in the martial arts. Shotei means palm heel. Shoto wakizashi means a short sword. Normally it is between 12 to 24 inches, 30 to 60 centermeters, long. Shotokai means tiger's tail association. This is the name which Gichin Funakoshi's college students took as their karate style name. Shotokan means tiger's tail hall. Tiger's tail is the name of a hill in Okinawa near where Gichin Funakoshi lived. He took Shoto as his pen name. One group of his Tokyo students took his nick name as the name of their karate style. Shoujo means young woman. Shu means hand(s). Shucho enbu means a public demonstration. Shuchu, , means concentration. Shugeki, , means attack. Shugo is the referee command of 'judges called' to make a decision in a tournament match. Shugyo, , is daily, austere practice that is maintained over a protracted period of time. Shugyosha is an individual undergoing intense training. Shuhai, , means the back of the hand. Shuko means the back of the hand. Shuko is an iron claw-like device(s) strapped to the hands to assist in climbing. The invention of this tool is cedited to ninja. Shuko jutsu means the art of using claws. Shumatsu undo means cooling off exercises. Shunkan saiminjutsu is a term meaning hypnosis or mind control techniques. Shuriken means secret sword. It is a generic term used for throwing knives or for throwing stars. Today, these are considered as ninja weapons. The throwing stars are called shaken. The throwing knives came in a variety of styles including spikes. The spikes come in various lengths and shaft shapes including: completely round, hexagonal, triangular, and rectangular. Star shaped throwing knives require less skill to use. Shuriken jutsu means the art of using throwing knives. Training in throwing knives requires learning various gripping methods, throwing positions, drawing, trajectory methods, penetration characteristics, sighting methods, acquired skills of accuracy, concentration, fighting tactics, knowledge of target areas, moving targets, throwing multiple knives, and rapid throwing of a series of knives. Shushin means the center referee of a contest match. Shuto, , means hand sword. It is more commonly, and misleadingly, called knife hand. Shuto otoshi means knife hand drop. It is an aiki budo technique. Shuto te, , means a knife hand block. Shuto uchi, , means knife hand strike. Shuto uke, , means knife hand block. Shuzen means repairs or restoration work. So means all. Soatari shiai means a round robin tournament or a league tournament. Soba is a term for the split in the side of a pair of hakama.

Sochin is made of two characters meaning vigorous suppression. It is the name of an Okinawan karate routine. Sochin dachi means immovable stance. Sode, , means sleeve. Sode dori, , means sleeve grab (at elbow level). Sode guchi dori means sleeve mouth grab. It is used to mean a cuff grab. Sode tsuri komi goshi, , means sleeve lifting pulling hip. A Kodokan Judo throwing technique. Soe means augmented or assisted. Soete means augmented hand. Sogo means intregrated. Sogo means fake or made up. Sohei were warrior monks attached to various mostly Buddhist temples. Soin means the instep, the top side of the foot between the toes and ankle. Soji means the cleaning of the dojo. In some dojo, it is ritualized into a ceremony for the beginning of the new year. In other dojo, it is a ritual cleaning performed as the beginning of the normal training session. So jutsu is the art of using the spear or lance. Sokatsu is the critiquing of a performance, usually by senior ranking students. Soke, , is the head of the family or lineage, a ryu, and is typically, therefore, outside of its rank system. Sokei, , means the groin. Sokko means the instep of the foot. Soko, , means there or that position. Sokuho ukemi means side falling method. Sokui is rice glue. This rice glue is used to glue the wooden handles on to the tang on a traditional Japanese style sword. Sokumen means the edge of the head. Sokuso, , are the tips of the toes. Sokutei, , means the sole or the bottom of the heel. Sokutei mawashi uke is a circular block using the bottom of the foot. Sokutei osae uke is a downward pressing block using the bottom of the foot. Sokuto, , means foot sword. It is the edge of the foot between the heel and the little toe joint. Soma means the calves of the legs. Sonkyo means the squatting or crouching position in kendo. Sono mama is a referee command to freeze in position, to not move. Sonota means miscellaneous. Sorashi means a feint. Sore made is a referee command that time has expired. Sori the curvature of a sword blade. Sosho means grass writing. It is the Japanese cursive form of writing. Sotai means correct body. The putting of the body into structurally correct postures. Sotai renshu means partner practice. Two people training together. Soto, , means outer or outside. Soto kote, , means the outside of the forearm. Soto makikomi, , means outer winding. It is a Kodokan Judo throwing technique.

Soto mikazuki geri means outside crescent kick. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Shichikyu. Soto shakutaku means the outer wrist. Soto ude means the outside of the forearm. Soto ude nage means outer arm throw. It is an aiki budo technique. Soto yoko te means outer side hand block. It is the same as inside forearm block. Suburi, , is solo practice with a jo or bokken in aikido or kendo done repetitively to develop strength and endurance. Sudori, , means momentum. Sui means water. Sui getsu means the solar plexus. Sui getsu means moon reflected in the water. A practitioner's mind should trained to be like water, reflecting the moon without distortion. The water remains still and unaffected by the reflection of the moon. Likewise, the warrior's mind should remain still and unaffected by actions happening around him. Sui getsu means maintaining a constant fighting distance from an opponent by adjusting the distance every time the opponent moves. This means staying unapproachable, like the reflection of the moon in still water. Suirakan no kamae means drunkard fight posture. Suirakan no renshu means drunkard training. Suirakan sabaki means drunkard footwork or drunkard body shifting. Suiku means axis of rotation. Sukashi means evasive action in avoiding an attack. Sukashi waza means evasive techniques performed without letting the opponent finish an attack. Suki is a gap in the opponent's concentration permiting an attack. Sukoshi means a little or a small amount. Sukui means to scoop up. Sukui nage means scooping throw. Sukui te means scooping hand. It is the same technique as Sukui uke. Sukui uchi means scooping strike. Sukui uke means scooping block. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Shichikyu. Sumi, , means corner Sumi gaeshi, , means corner counter. It is a Kodokan Judo technique. Sumimasen, , means excuse me. It is politely used to get the attention of an instructor. Sumi otoshi, , means corner drop. It is the name of a Kodokan Judo throwing technique and the name of a different throw taught in aikido. Sun is a measurement of length about 1.2 inches. Ten sun equals one shaku, about one foot. Sune is the shin. Sune gakoi is a block to protect the shin in kenjutsu and iaido. Sunsu kata means strong man or iron man form. Sunsu was the nick name for Shimabuku Tatsuo, the creator of this form and the founder of the Isshin-ryu style of karate. Suri age waza means sliding up technique. It is any attacking technique involving creating an opening by sliding up the opponent's weapon.

Suri ashi means sliding foot. It is the method of walking from the hips with the feet lightly sliding over the ground. It is the opposite of walking in a controlled fall. Sushi no Kun Dai kata means major Sushi's staff form. It is a requirement for Koyamakan karate Yonkyu. Sushi no Kun kata means Sushi's staff form. It is a requirement for Koyamakan karate Yonkyu. Sushi no Kun Sho kata means minor Sushi's staff form. It is a requirement for Koyamakan karage Yonkyu. Sute geiko means a training method of throwing without regard to points. It is a timing practice, usually high speed uchikomi. Sutemi means self sacrifice Sutemi waza means sacrifice techniques. The techniques are achieved by sacrificing your body position by falling down. Suwari waza, , means seated technique. Both the attacker and defender are in seated positions. Suwatte, , means to sit or kneel down.

Footnotes
(1) Revised information on the founding date and the date of death was supplied by Olli Kihlberg in an email dated Thursday, 21 March 2002.

Dictionary of Japanese Martial Art Terms

-T

Tabi, , are a type of Japanese socks. The big toe is separately enclosed from the other toes. The divide permits the wearing of zori or geta. Tachi, , is a generic name for an older type of Japanese sword mounted edge downwards. Tachi, , means standing. Tachi dori, , are techniques for disarming an opponent using a sword. Tachi jutsu, , means the art of using the older Japanese sword. Tachi kata means forms of standing, i.e., stances. Tachi mei is the side of the sword contain the sword smith's signature. Tachi rei, , means a standing bow.

Tachi waza, , means standing techniques. Tai, , means the body

Tai atari, , means body contact. Tai atari otoshi means body contact drop. It is an aiki-type throw used to defend against a strike to the side of the head by entering close to the opponent. The attacking arm is blocked and the defender drops his weight onto the attacker's arm. Tai chikara, , means using external muscle power. Taiho means a cannon. Taijo meira means 'body place banish'. Therefore, meaning banish the body from the place, i.e. thrown out. Sometimes used to mean that you are no longer in the tournament and are being asked to leave the premises. Taiko is a drum. Taiko means being face to face with an opponent. Tai jutsu, , means body art. It implies using empty handed technique. Taikai is a 'big get together' or 'big meeting'. It is a social gathering including the tournament, demonstrations, lectures, classes, randori sessions, etc. Or it can mean a match within a competition. Taiko is a ceremonial drum used to start training in some dojo. Taikyoku means taking the overview or the large view, the great ultimate. Taikyoku ken means the great ultimate fist. This is the Japanese reading of the Chinese characters for Taiji quan. Taikyoku Shodan kata means taking the overview or universal beginning step form. It is a requirement of Koyamakan Hachikyu. Tai nagare means body flow. It is an aiki-type technique. Tai no henko, , means body change or shift. An exercise to develop the ability to turn correctly. Tai otoshi, , means body drop, a Kodokan Judo throw. Tai ryo otoshi means body weight drop. Dropping the body's weight, settling into stance, is a method of generating power. Tai sabaki, , means body shifting or body turning. Tai sabaki is not just a means for achieving entry for techniques, or the avoiding of attacks, but also a means for generating power. Tai sabaki can be divided into three types of motion: hip turning, foot turning, and hand turning. Tai seigyo means body controls. It is used in the sense of takedowns.

Taisho means team captain. Taishi means the time period between 1912 to 1926 C.E. Taiso means calisthenics. Taisoku means arch. Taito means putting the sword into the belt. Takeda ryu was a martial art lineage that taught swimming in armor. Takemusu are spontaneously created martial skills. It is based on the idea that with correct training, the individual can create on the spot appropriate responses to unexpected attacks. Takemusu aiki means aiki, progenitor of martial techniques. This is the highest level of spontaneous execution of aikido techniques. Take ori means finger breaking. Taketa means break. It is a referee command in a contest to separate opponents. Takeuchi Ryu is a jujutsu style related to Daito Ryu aiki jutsu. Taki means waterfall. It is a basic technique in aikibudo.

Taki otosu odori is a variation of the throw kaiten nage. It is a shoulder lock. It is also called kata gatame in aiki budo. Takudo means selecting the way to accomplish a purpose or goal. Tameshigiri is test cutting with a sword to really practice getting the correct feeland handling against resistance. Tameshiwari means breaking. Tan, , means short. Tan means gall bladder. Tanden, , means the abdomen below the navel. It is used to mean the center of balance of the body. Tandoku renshu means solo practice. Tani means valley. Tanin geiko, , means practicing with multiple attackers. Tani otoshi means valley drop throwing technique in Kodokan Judo. Tanko was a type of armour worn during the Kofun period of Japanese history. Tanko is the bladder. (BL) Tanomo, , are the large sleeves on formal traditional Japanese jackets. Tanshiki kumite means sparring modified by the instructor limiting which techniques can be used during the sparring. Tanto, , means a knife or dagger sized short sword. Tanto dori, , are techniques for disarming an opponent using a knife. Tanto jutsu, , is the art of using the knife, tanto. Taoshi, , means to tip over. Tare is the protective skirt like armour protecting the lower body in kendo and kenjutsu. Tatami, , means a rice straw mat commonly used in homes to soften the hard wooden floors. It is used in Judo and Aikido dojos as a practice surface. Tate, , means vertical, upright, or standing. Tate empi, , means vertical (upward) elbow. Tate hiza means vertical knee. It is the posture of kneeling with one knee on the ground and the other up right. It is also a modified iaigoshi. Tate ichi mon ji, , means a vertical line. Tate ken means vertical fist. It is also called sun fist. Tateki means multiple attackers. Tateki geiko, , means practicing with multiple attackers. Tateki uchi, , means fighting with multiple attackers. Tatemae, , literally means vertical front, a facade. When used about a person it means keeping an expressionless face. Tate mawashi ura ken uchi means vertical round house back fist strike. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Rokkyu. Tate noto means vertical replacing the blade in the scabbard. The blade is returned to the scabbard with the edge facing upwards. Tate shiho gatame means vertical four corners lock. It is a Kodokan Judo pinning technique. Tate shuto uke means vertical knife hand block. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Rokkyu. Tate zuki means vertical punch. It is a requirement for Koyamakan karate Gokyu. Tatte, , means to raise.

Tawari means bale of rice straw. Tawari gaeshi means bale counter throwing technique of Kodokan Judo. Te, , means hand. It is sometime said as 'de' as in 'tote', 'tode', or 'karate'. Te was the native Okinawan fighting method before the influence of Chinese fighting techniques. Te gatane, , means hand sword. Tegumi is close quarter sparring or grappling exercises taught in Okinawa. Teiji dachi is a stance with the feet in th shape of the character for hand. It is basicly a T-shape. Teisho, , means palm heel. Teisho ate means palm heel strike. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Shichikyu. Teisho hasami uke means palms heels scissors block. It is a requirement for . Koyamakan Rokyu, Teisho otoshi means palm heel drop. Teisho uchi means a palm heel strike. Teisho uke means palm heel block. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Shichikyu. Teisoku means sole of the foot. Teito means holding the sword loose by the left side with the arm relaxed downward. It can also be used to describe the body posture when the sword is in the belt and the hands hang loosely at the sides of the body. Teito shisei means holding the sword by the left side as if it were in the belt. The thumb is on the guard, tsuba, ready to release the sword from the scabbard. Tekemitsu is an imitation sword made of bamboo carried by poor unemployed samurai, ronin, instead of a real sword. Teki means opponent. Tekki Nidan kata means iron horse second step form. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Gokyu. Tekki Sandan kata means iron horse third step form. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Gokyu. Tekki Shodan kata means iron horse beginning step form. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Gokyu. Tekubi, , means wrist. Literally it means neck of the hand. Tekubi kake uke means bent wrist block. It is a block done by deflecting an attack with the hand bent at the wrist covering the attacking arm or leg with the hand. Tekubi kansetsu waza means wrist joint techniques. Tekubi osae means wrist press. It is a pressure point on the radial nerve. It is also known as Gakun or Gyakon. It is also known as yonkyo in Aikido. Tekubi undo means the wrist exercises used to stretch the tendons of the forearms. Tenbin nage is a throw with the projection done underneath uke's elbow. It is also known as hiji nage. It means yoke or scale throw. Tenchi, , means heaven and earth. It is the concept of combining high and low together into a single body. Tenchi buri is a kusarigama technique of spinning a chain or rope above the head. Tenchi hasso no kamae is a sword or staff technique posture where the weapon is held vertical next to the ear.

Tenchi nage, , means heaven-earth throw. Tenchi no kamae is a posture or technique where the weapon is held vertically with one end towards the ground and the other end towards the heavens. Tendo is the atemi point on the top of the head, the frontal coronal suture. Tengu is a mythological Japanese pointy-eared hobgoblin, a demon. Tengu nage is sometimes translated as 'demon throw.' It is an old Kodokan Judo throw which was a favorite technique of Yokoyama Sakujiro. Tenkai means rotation. Tenkan , is a turning movement done by moving one foot behind the other to pivot 180 degrees. The idea is to change directions so as to harmonize or flow with the attack by moving. Tenmon means astronomy, the study of the stars. Te no hira, , means the palm of the hand. Te no uchi is to grip a sword with the fingers pulling into the palm. It is sometimes used to genericaly mean gripping. Tenshin means sideward body shifting. Tenshin Shin'Yo Ryu is a blending of Yoshin Ryu and Shin no Shindo Ryu jujutsu styles. It uses powerful joint locks, throws, and has very effective techniques with the knife. Tensho, , means rolling hand or fluid hand. Tensho kata means rolling hand form. Its creation is credited to Chojun Miyagi of Naha, Okinawa. Tento, , is the atemi point on top of the head. Tentori shiai means direct elimination tournament. Tenugui, , is the small hand cloth used by kendo practioners under their helmets to absorb sweat or to wipe their face. Teppo was a musket or early gun. Tesaki means finger tips. Tessen is an iron fan. It was sometimes carried by highly ranked samurai as a symbol of their authority. Tessen jutsu is the art of using the iron fan as a weapon. Tetsu bishi are spiked pyramid-shaped pieces of metal. They are intended to be stepped upon by the opponent with the intention of piercing his foot. This injury would preclude the opponent from following after a ninja. Sometimes they were poisoned to kill the opponent rather than just injury. Tetsu bo means an iron staff. It may be solid iron or it may be wooden with iron reinforcements. Tetsui, , means hammer fist. Tetsu yari is a spear made of steel. Teura, , means the inside of the wrist. It is the same as uchi te. Te waza, , means hand techniques. Te yari is a short spear between 3 and 4 shaku length. To, , means a dagger or a curved sword with a single edge. To, , is the Chinese character for 'tang'. The Japanese say this as 'to' or 'kara', therefore it is the same whether someone says 'tode', 'tote', or 'karate'. Tobi means jumping. Tobi geri means jumping or flying kick.

Tobi kaiten means jumping rotation. These are jumping rolls for break falling. Tobi kata is a term for a method of jumping. Tobi mae geri means jumping front kick. It is a requirement for Koyamakan karate Rokkyu. Tobi roppo is a term for the six main ways of jumping, tobi kata in nin jutsu. Tobi yoko geri means jumping side kick. It is a requirement for Koyamakan karate Rokkyu. Tode, , means China hand. It is also spelled as todi and tote. Todi, , means China hand. It is also spelled as tode and tote. Todome-no ichigeki is a term used to mean a finishing sword cup, i.e., a coup de grace. Togakure means creating the illusion of being distant while actually being very close. Togakure Ryu is a nin jutsu or ninpo style. Toi means long range, out of range, or far. To jutsu is a term for using the long sword, daito. Toki was the term for the most senior position of a member of the government according to a law decreed by Shotoku Taishi changing the social structure of Japan. Toki is a term meaning climbing tools. Tokonoma is an alcove in the wall of a main room. It may contain flowers, a painting, or a stand for swords. Normally, the contents are a display of beauty. Tokui waza means favorite technique. Tome te means stopping hand. It is a hand that is defensive. Tomoe means circular. Tomoe nage means circular throw. It is a Kodokan Judo throwing technique. Tomoe tsuki is a circular deflection and thrust punch. Tonfa is a tool developed into a weapon by the Okinawans and Chinese. It is a short stick with a side handle. It is frequently used in pairs. It is also spelled as tuifa, tunfa, tunfua, and tuifua. Toranai is the referee command of no point. To rei means bow to the sword. Tori, , means taking. It implies grabbing or grasping something. Tori is the giver, the active person doing a technique to another or the attacker. Tori means bird. Tori-i means bird perch. This is the stylized gate found at the entrance to Shinto shrines. It is also a term used for a type of sword rack. Torimasen is the referee command of unacceptable as a scoring technique. Tori te, , means grabbing hand. Tori te uke, , means grabbing hand block. Toshikoshi geiko means New Year's Eve practice. This is a tradition in some dojo. Tote, , means China hand. It is also spelled as tode and todi. It is a pre1930's term for what is now known as Okinawan karate. Tsuba is the hand guard on a knife or sword. Frequently it is round or oval. It is intended to prevent the opponent's weapon from sliding down and cutting the swordman's hands. Tsuba dome is the rubber that keeps the guard from sliding down on a shinai. Tsubame is a swallow (bird). Tsubame gaeshi means swallow counter.

Tusba moto is the 1/3 of the sword blade nearest the handle and guard. Tsuba zeri ai is a kendo contest term for stalling without any intention of making a strike. Tsubo means a jar. It is used for acupressure points on the skin. Tsugi ashi means thrusting step or following foot. A method of stepping where by the front foot steps forward, followed by the back foot coming up behind the front foot. The kenjutsu method of this stepping is by having the back foot step up to the front foot. Then the front foot steps forward. In both versions the rear leg propels the body forward with the trailing leg always remaining in the rear. Tsuji Gettan Sukemochi, who founded Mugai-ryu style of swordmanship in 1693, was as reknowned as a swordsman as he was as a Zen philospher. Tsuka means the hilt or handle. It is always made of wood, frequently magnolia. The two halves are held to the tang with a peg going through all three pieces. Tsuka gashira is the pommel or metal end cap of the handle of a sword. Tsuka gawa is the leather handle on a shinai. Tsuka ito means hilt thread. The thread wrapping on the handle, the hilt, of a knife or sword can be made of silk, leather, or other material. Tsuka maki is the method, style, or pattern of wrapping a sword handle. Tsukami tsuka means to seize and immobilize. Tsukami uke, , means grasping block. It is a requirement for Koyamakan karate Yonkyu. Tsukami waza, , means catching techniques. Tsuki means the moon. Tsuki, , means thrusting or shoving, either with a weapon or empty handed. Tsuki age, , means raising thrust. It is found in the karate kata Heian Godan. Tsukidashi is used in kendo to mean unfair shoving of an opponent outside of the contest area. Tsukinami shiai means monthly dojo contest. Tsuki no kokoro means to have a mind like the moon. It sees all, but is not fixed on anything. Tsuki uke, , means punching block. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Gokyu. Tsuki waza, , means thrusting technique. Tsukubo is a long wooden staff with a perpendicular cross piece full of spikes. It was used to restrain opponents. Tsukuri means a fitting or blending action taken after the opponent is off balanced. Tsuma means toes. Tsuma saki means toe tips. Tsuma saki geri means toe tip kick. Some individuals practice kicks using their toes as the impact surface. Tsuri means crane. Tsuri ashi dachi means crane foot stance. The foot of the raised leg is kept beside the knee, instead of being hooked around the knee. The stance is similar to sagi ashi dachi. Tsuri komi, , means to pull and lift in a circular motion, similar to hooking a fish.

Tsuri komi goshi, throwing technique.

, means lifting pulling hip. A Kodokan Judo

Tsuri te, , means lifting hand. It is a way of generating movement in an opponent by linking the tori's seika tanden to the uke's. Tsuru is a bow string. Tsuru ashi dachi means crane stance. It is done by placing all of the weight on to one leg and lifting the other foot up beside the base leg's knee. Tsurugi is a sword with a straight, double edged blade. Tsutomureba kanarazu tassu means if there is effort, there is always accomplishment. Tsutsushimi bukaku means an attitude of carefulness, discretion, and modesty. Tsuyoi means strong Tsuzukete is a referee command to 'fight on.' Tsuzukete hajime is a referee command to 'resume fighting - begin!' The referee standing at his line, steps back into a front stance and brings the palms of his hands toward each other. Tuite are Okinawan grappling tecniques involving the joint manipulations found in karate routines. Turigane are the testicles.

Dictionary of Japanese Martial Art Terms

-U

U means right, as in right side. Uchi, , means inside. Uchi, , means strike. Uchi deshi, , means an inside student. A student who lives at the dojo and devotes his time to training and careing for the dojo. Uchi gatana means inner sword, the longer of the two swords worn by a samurai. Uchiko is a powder made from polishing stones used to clean off dirt and minor oxidation. It is used on a powder ball used to dust powder on a real Japanese sword to clean it. A word of advice on an iaito, a practice sword, - DON'T!!!! Uchiko is a mild abrasive and will scratch - even remove - the chrome finish on your iaito. Uchi komi means practicing form by repeating a technique many times with a partner. Uchi kote means inside of the forearm.

Uchima, , means to be within striking distance by taking a single step. Uchi makikomi means inner winding. It is a Kodokan Judo throwing technique. Uchi mata, , means inner thigh. A Kodokan Judo throwing technique. Uchi mawashi geri, , means inside round house kick. It is a requirement for Koyamakan karate Hachikyu. Uchi mikazuki geri means inside crescent kick. It is a requirement for Koyamakan karate Shichikyu. Uchi ne resembles a short stocky arrow about 12 inches long with a 4 inch head. It was thrown by hand. Due to its size, they most likely were thrown end over end knife fashion rather than spear fashion. Sometimes, they might have a tassel attached behind the blade. According to some books, these short missiles were used in defense of palanquins, riding chairs used by elite individuals. The uchi ne can be considered a type of throwing knife, shuriken . Uchi otoshi, , means falling strike. It is a requirement for Koyamakan karate Sankyu. Uchite, , means striking hand, i.e., the attacker. Uchi ude, Uchi ude uke, Uchi waza, , means the inside of the forearm. , means inside forearm block. , means striking techniques.

Uchi yoko te, , means inner side hand. It is the same as an outside forearm block. Udaijin means minister of the right. It was one of the highest of the imperial court titles. Ude, , means arm or forearm. , means entangled arm. It is a Kodokan Judo joint locking

Ude garami, technique.

Ude gatame, , means arm lock. It is a Kodokan Judo joint locking technique. Ude kansetsu means arm joint. Ude kansetsu nage means arm joint throw. A generic term for a throw which dislocates the opponent's elbow joint during the action of the throw. Ude otoshi, , means arm drop. It is a sutemi technique. Ue, , means up, above, or over. Uho means right direction. Uke, , means receiving. This is usually translated into English as a block. Uke, , is the person receiving the technique. Ukemi, , means receiving with the body. It is a method of falling. Ukemi waza, , means falling technique. Uke nagashi means flowing reception. The concept is of going with the attacker's direction of motion. Uke waza, , means receiving techniques. It is the techniques that are considered to be blocking motions. Uki, , means floating. Uki ashi, , means floating foot. It is a leg without weight upon it.

Uki goshi, , means floating hip. A Kodokan Judo throwing technique. Ukimi no jutsu is the art of walking on ice normally while wearing traditional Japanese sandels called getaI> Uki otoshi, , means floating drop. A Kodokan Judo throwing technique. Uki waza, , means floating technique. A Kodokan Judo throwing technique. Undo means exercise. Ura, , means back, rear, or reverse. It is sometimes used to mean that a technique is done with the nage in back of uke or nage moves behind uke. Ura gamae means back posture. It is commonly used to mean ducking. Ura ken, , means back of the fist. Ura ken uchi, , means back fist strike. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Shichikyu. Ura uke, means back hand block. It is a requirement for Koyamakan karate Shichikyu. Ura zuki, , means close punch. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Shichikyu. Ushiro, , means back, rear, backwards, or behind. Ushiro age zuki means reverse upward punch. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Rokkyu. Ushiro ashi geri, , means back foot kick or kicking with the rear foot. Ushiro denko means the back ribs. It is used to mean the kidney area of the back. Ushiro empi uchi means back elbow strike. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Hachikyu. Ushiro eri dori means rear collar grab. It usually describes a choke from the rear. Ushiro geri, , means rear kick. Ushiro geri keage means back snap kick. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Hachikyu. Ushiro geri kekomi means back thrust kick. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Hachikyu. Ushiro goshi, , means rear hip. A Kodokan Judo throwing technique. Ushiro inazuma means the buttocks. Ushiro kakato means back of the heel. Ushiro kubi jime means rear neck strangle. Ushiro otoshi, , means rear drop. An aiki budo throwing technique done to the opponent's rear direction. Ushiro ryokata dori means rear two shoulder grabbing. Ushiro ryote dori, , means rear two handed grabbing. Ushiro tekubi dori, , means rear two wrist grabbing. Ushiro tsuki, , means rear thrust. This is a stick or staff technique. Ushiro udoroshi is a throw achieved by pulling the opponent down from his rear. This is an aiki budo technique. Ushiro waza, , means rear techniques. These are techniques defending against attacks from the rear. Uto means the bridge of the nose. Utsuri means changing

Utsuri goshi means changing hip. It is a Kodokan Judo throwing technique. Uwagi, , means the practice uniform's jacket. Uye, , means up. It is the same as Ue.

Dictionary of Japanese Martial Art Terms

-W

Wa means accord or harmony. An example of one usage is the karate style name 'Wado-ryu' meaning 'Accord way style'. Wado-ryu means the accord way style of karate. It was founded in 1939 by Ohtsuka Hidenori after studying Shotokan karate with Funakoshi Gichin. Wakaimasen means I don't understand. Wakarimasu, , means I understand. One does not want to say "Hai, wakarimashita" to an instructor. If you understood, the instructor would not need to correct your technique. It will be thought of as a closing-off of the teacherstudent relationship stopping all future instruction. Waki, , means the armpit. Waki gamae, , is a sword fighting posture where the sword is pointed down and back along the side. Wakikage, , is the atemi point located in the armpit. (HT-1) Wakizashi means worn on the side. The short sword worn by the warrior class in addition to the long sword. Wan means arm. Wankan , is an Okinawan karate routine meaning king's crown. Wankan is also a proper name. It is thought that the name refers to the shape of the first three techniques. Waraji are traditional straw sandels used for traveling longer distances than in zori, which are for local use. Wari means split. Wari uke means spliting block. Washide means eagle hand Wa uke is a circular block done with the little finger edge of the palm in an action similar to wiping a wall. Waza, , means technique Waza ari means 'almost a technique' meaning almost an ippon. It has come to mean a half point. Waza ari awasete ippon is a referee command indicating the scoring of one point by adding two half points.

Waza ari ni chikai has the meaning of emphasizing that this action is 'a wazaari in the sense of almost at technique (ippon)'. By Steve Cunningham 14 May 1997

Dictionary of Japanese martial art terms

-Y

Ya means arrow. Yaburi dojo means storming another martial arts school. It has the same meaning as Dojo arashi. Yado aratame is the term for hotel and inn inspectors. Yagyu-Ryu was a martial art school founded by Yagyu Muneyoshi Tajima no Kami (1527- 1606) in 1603. It teaches kenjutsu and jujutsu. Yagyu is the name of a village near to the city of Nara where he was born. Yagyu Shinkage-Ryu was a martial art school founded by Yagyu Munenori in 1603. It teaches kenjutsu, iai-jutsu, and jujutsu. Munenori became the instructor to the Tokugawa Shoguns. Yako means the inner thigh. Yakuso means medicinal herbs and their useage. Every culture discovered some herbs that it could use for healing. Yakusoku means promise or prearrange. Yakusoku keiko is a training method where each partner takes turns attacking with little or no resistance. Yakusoku kumite is a type partner sparring where each partner takes turns attacking and defending. Yakuza are the organized criminal gangs of Japan. They are organized in family like structures. The members are famous for their tatoos. Yama , , means mountain. Yama arashi , , meaning mountain storm, is a Kodokan Judo throwing technique. Yamabushi, , means mountain warriors. Various Buddhist temples employed armed guards for their protection and sometimes used them against the local establishment or even other temples. Yamabushi hyoho means the strategies of the mountain warriors. Yamaga-Ryu was a martial art school emphasizing kenjutsu and jujutsu. It was founded by Yamage Soko (1622-1685). Yamaji uke means mountain form block. This is a block performed with the defender ending with his arms and head looking like the Japanese character for mountain. The upper arms are held out horizontially towards the sides with the forearms held vertically. The hands can be either closed into fists or held open.

Yamane means at the base of the mountain. Yamane ryu is a school of Okinawan bojutsu. It was influenced by the Jigen ryu. Yamanouchi ryu was a martial art lineage that taught swimming in armor. Yamato-ryu was a martial art style of archery founded in the seventeenth century. It was modified into kyudo by Morikawa Kozan in 1664. Yama uke , , means mountain block. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Yonkyu. Yama zuki , , means mountain punch. The technique is a wide Ushaped double punch frequently done at upper and lower levels. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Yonkyu. Yame, , is the command meaning stop. Yanone means arrowhead. Yari, , means a generic spear. There are various types and shapes of spears with shafts ranging from 6 feet to 12 feet in length. The spear blades may range from one foot to three feet in additional length. Yari jutsu, , means the art of the spear. Yasumi is the intructor's command to rest or relax. Yawarakai means soft Yo, , is the Japanese pronunciation of the Chinese character 'yang' in yin-yang. It can mean positive, male, hard, inflexible, rigid, or bright. This is the light part of the 'in-yo' diagram common in Chinese influenced societies. Yo means willow. Yoi, , means ready. Yoinbuke , , means external power breathing. Yoko, , means side Yoko aruki means walking sideways. Yoko empi uchi , , means side elbow strike. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Hachikyu. Yoko furumi, , means sidewards motion. Yoko geri, , means side kick. It is not a separate kick, rather is is a category of kicks done to the side. Yoko geri keage means side snap kick. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Hachikyu. Yoko geri kekomi means side thrust kick. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Hachikyu. Yokoha is the term for the side hook on the Japanese weapon called a jutte. Yoko mawashi empi uchi , elbow strike. , means sideward round house

Yoko mawashi shuto uchi , means sideward knife hand strike. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Rokkyu. Yoko mawashi ura ken uchi , , means sideward back fist strike. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Rokkyu. Yoko men, , means the side of the head. Yoko men uchi, , means side of the head strike. It is usually done on a diagonal angle of attack.

Yoko otoshi means side drop. This is a generic term for throws requiring the thrower to fall down on to his side. It is also the name of a specific Kodokan Judo throwing technique. Yoko shiho gatame , , means side four corners lock. It is a Kodokan Judo pinning technique. Yoko tobi geri means a flying side kick. Yoko tomoe nage means side circle throw. Yoko uchi, , means sidewards strike.

Yoko uke, , means sidewards receiving. This is a sword fighting term for a group of techniques against various cutting attacks. Yomawari were the community night watchmen employed during the winter to watch for fires. Yon, , means four. Yondan, , means fourth step or fourth degree black belt. Yonkyo, , means fourth teaching or fourth principle. Yonkyu, , means fourth class. Yoriki is a term used to mean a police officer during the Edo period of Japanese history. Yoroi means armor. Yoroi nage means armor throws. Some jujutsu styles and Kodokan Judo still teach throwing while in armor and against an opponent wearing armor. Yo-Ryu was a martial art style founded in the seventeenth century with a speciality in firearms. Yoshi means go, continue, all right Yoshin-Ryu was a martial art school founded in 1732 using kenjutsu and jujutsu devised by a doctor from Nagasaki, Japan named Akiyama Shirobei Yoshitoki who went to China in the 1600's to study. While there he studied medicine, katsu and kappo, and various martial arts, especially striking (atemi). He may have known some martial arts before he went to China. The center piece of his martial art was a syllabus of 300 techniques. He passed on to us many things including the focus on softness. Eventually the Yoshin was merged with Shin No Shin Do Ryu to form Tenshin Shin'Yo Ryu, of which Jigoro Kano was a master. Information supplied by Steve Cunningham on 25 July 1995. Yoten means key point. Yousai, , means a fortress town. Yowai means weak or a weak focus. Yowaiki means weak energy. It can means an individual lacking a strong personality or a strong presence. Yubi, , means finger(s) Yubi bo means finger stick. It is a weapon in some traditional jujutsu systems. Yubi hasami translates as finger scissors. This means finger pinch. Yubisaki means fingertip. Yubi waza, , means finger technique(s). Yubu means a friendship society. Yudansha, , means a degree holder or black belt. Yudanshakai is an association of black belts. Yuga means elegant or graceful. Yugen means dynamic stillness. It is one of the aesthetic elements of Bu.

Yuki means bravery or courage. Yuki means snow flake. Yuki otoshi means snow flake drop. It is an aikibudo knife technique. Yukuri, , means slow. Yume no Uchi is a throwing technique in the Kodokan Judo kata called Koshiki no Kata. It is usually translated as throwing in a dream. More accurately would be 'a blow in a dream' or 'to take someone in a dream.' The opponent runs backward early in the throw. This develops the dream-like floating quality of the technique while generating considerable horizontal velocity, making the throw feel effortless. Some individuals use this throw as a counter throw to the Kodokan Judo throw called tai otoshi, body drop. Yumi, , is a bow. The art of shooting a bow and arrow is called kyu jutsu. The way of shooting a bow and arrow is called kyudo. Yumiya means bows and arrows. Yukuri, , means slow. Yuru yaka ni, , is a phrase meaning smooth. Yusei gachi is a contest win by superiority. Yusho means first place. Yuyo semarazu is an composed attitude reflecting calmness and sincerity.

Dictionary of Japanese martial art terms

-Z

Za means sitting or to be seated. Zaiteki is an advanced skill level at which appropriate actions no longer require conscious thought. Zanki is the perception of an opponent's intention to cut or attack. Zanshin, , literally means remaining mind/heart. It is a state of readyness or alertness for a potential attack, a state of cautiousness. It is perfect awareness exemplified by perfect posture. Za rei is bowing from a kneeling position. Za zen is kneeling motionless in meditation or concentrated thought. Zekken, , is a chest patch embroidered with your own name and your dojo name on it. Zen means all. Zen is a type of Dhyana Buddhism brought from India to China by Bodhidarma and later conveyed to Japan by various individuals. In China, it is known as Ch'an. The Chinese divided Ch'an into five sects. The five sects all crossed over to have Japanese connections. Zengaku, , means the forehead.

Zenkoku taikai means national championships. Zenkutsu means forward leaning. Zenkutsu dachi - front or forward stance. It is a requirement for Koyamakan karate Hachikyu. Zenpo, , means the front or forward. Zenpo kaiten ukemi, , means forward rolling breakfall. Zenpo ukemi, , means forward falling breakfall. Zenshin, , means the entire body. Zentai, , means total. Zenwan, , means the forearm. Zo is a suffix meaning organ. An example would be shinzo meaning heart organ. Zoko means continue fighting. Zori, , are sandels. In most schools, the students wear sandels between the changing room and the workout area. Zubon means the pants or trousers of a practice uniform. Zuki, , means thrust. It is the same word as tsuki. Zuri ashi dachi means dragged foot stance. It is a requirement for Koyamakan Shichikyu.