KeikoKeiko 稽古 means practice or training through the study and transmission of classical tradition; literally “to reflect on the past.” More 稽古 means practice or training through the study and transmission of classical tradition; literally “to reflect on the past.” In budō, keikoKeiko 稽古 means practice or training through the study and transmission of classical tradition; literally “to reflect on the past.” More is not just practice, but also means training by studying and transmitting tradition. KeikoKeiko 稽古 means practice or training through the study and transmission of classical tradition; literally “to reflect on the past.” More implies: learning by repeating classical forms; preserving lineage; and honoring what has come before. This is why dojo training is traditionally called keikoKeiko 稽古 means practice or training through the study and transmission of classical tradition; literally “to reflect on the past.” More instead of just “practice.”
KeikoKeiko 稽古 means practice or training through the study and transmission of classical tradition; literally “to reflect on the past.” More carries several overlapping connotations:
- Preservation of tradition and lineage
- Mindful, reflective training — not just repetition
- Respect, seriousness, and humility
- Training aimed at internalizing principles, not just mechanics
- Connection of practice to historical and moral context
That’s why many traditional dojos, classical schools (koryū), and older budō lineages use “keikoKeiko 稽古 means practice or training through the study and transmission of classical tradition; literally “to reflect on the past.” More” instead of “training,” “class,” or “practice.”
| Term | Core Meaning | Focus | Level | Definition | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KeikoKeiko 稽古 means practice or training through the study and transmission of classical tradition; literally “to reflect on the past.” More 稽古 | Study of tradition | Lineage, transmission | Dojo level | Traditional practice through study of classical forms. | |
| RenshūRenshū 練習 is repetitive training and practice for technical improvement through refinement and repetition; the standard modern term for “practice.” More 練習 | Practice & repetition | Skill-building | Technical | Repetitive skill training. | |
| ShūrenShūren 修練 is training aimed at refining both skill and character through disciplined, self-cultivating practice. More 修練 | Self-cultivating refinement | Character | Inner-personal | Self-cultivating training aimed at refining character. | |
| TanrenTanren 鍛錬 is intensive martial training designed to forge and harden body and spirit, like tempering steel through repeated hammering. More 鍛錬 | Forging through hardship | Strength & spirit | Hard training | Harsh forging of body and spirit through difficulty. | |
| KufūKufū 工夫 is creative ingenuity in training; the application of personal insight and intelligent effort to refine technique. More 工夫 | Creative problem-solving | Intelligence | Tactical | Creative insight and applied ingenuity in practice. | |
| ShugyōShugyō 修行 is the life-encompassing ascetic training and discipline aimed at personal transformation. More 修行 | Life-encompassing discipline | Transformation | Life path | Life-long ascetic practice for transformation. |
PROGRESSION: You begin with renshūRenshū 練習 is repetitive training and practice for technical improvement through refinement and repetition; the standard modern term for “practice.” More (simple practice) → Through discipline, it becomes tanrenTanren 鍛錬 is intensive martial training designed to forge and harden body and spirit, like tempering steel through repeated hammering. More (forging) → With awareness, it becomes shūrenShūren 修練 is training aimed at refining both skill and character through disciplined, self-cultivating practice. More (self-cultivation) → With insight, it becomes kufūKufū 工夫 is creative ingenuity in training; the application of personal insight and intelligent effort to refine technique. More (creative understanding) → Within tradition, it becomes keikoKeiko 稽古 means practice or training through the study and transmission of classical tradition; literally “to reflect on the past.” More (transmission) → When your entire life becomes training, it becomes shugyōShugyō 修行 is the life-encompassing ascetic training and discipline aimed at personal transformation. More
Translation
禾 — grain / rice plant (old symbol of harvest, foundation, livelihood); 尤 — even more / outstanding / especially. In classical usage, 稽 implies careful consideration and comparison, especially by looking to precedent or tradition. So in educational terms: 稽 = to investigate by referencing what has come before.
History
The term predates modern martial arts and comes from Confucian educational thought, where learning was seen as connecting to classical wisdom.
