Category: Training/Keiko

The literal meaning of ryōte 両手 is “both hands,” meaning two hands as a pair. In martial arts, ryōte refers to using both hands together in a coordinated, paired, or equal manner. It implies symmetry, balance, or equal engagement of…

Morote 諸手 means “both hands,” “all hands,” or “reinforced hands,” with both hands applied to one point. Unlike ryōte (両手), which simply means “both hands together,” morote implies reinforcement, strength, and doubling power. Two hands reinforce one thing: one wrist,…

In budō and koryū, suigetsu 水月 refers to the solar plexus or upper abdomen region. Anatomically, it corresponds roughly to the area just below the sternum, in the epigastric or solar plexus region. Suigetsu is a classic kyūsho (vital target)….

The general Japanese term for “directions” is Hōgaku — 方角. It can mean directions, orientation, or bearings. It’s used for cardinal directions, positioning in space, or orientation on a map. Related Terms Hōkō (方向) — direction / orientation / heading…

Tento Uchi 天頭打ち is an uncommon term used in koryu styles to mean a strike to the top of the head. A downward strike targeting the very top of the opponent’s head (the crown), which is a structurally vulnerable point…

Empty-hand strikes (無手打撃 mude dakyoku / 打撃 dageki) are offensive techniques delivered without weapons, using parts of the body as the striking surface. They’re fundamental across karate, aikidō, jūjutsu, kung fu, and other unarmed systems. What counts as an empty-hand…

In budō and koryū, kamae 構え is more than just a physical stance; it refers to a stance or guard position that dictates the placement of the sword, body posture, and mental readiness in combat. Each kamae has specific offensive…

Hanmi No Kamae 半身の構え means Half Body Stance. Hanmi is one of the core structural ideas of all Japanese martial arts essentially meaning “half-body posture.” You don’t face your opponent square-on. Instead, you stand sideways at an angle so that:…

In Japanese the general term for standing is tachi (立ち) but is changed to dachi when used as a suffix. It comes from the verb 立つ (tatsu), to stand. In martial arts, tachi refers to either a standing posture or…

Empi-uchi (肘打ち) is a standard Japanese martial-arts term meaning elbow strike. You may find it in karate, jujutsu, judo (kata only), and kobudo. Empi strikes include: horizontal elbow; vertical elbow; upward elbow; backward elbow; spinning elbow; dropping elbow. You can…

Ashisabaki (足捌き) is a standard Japanese budō term meaning “footwork.” It refers to the coordinated, efficient movement of the feet used to: maintain balance, control maai (間合い, distance), generate power, evade attacks, enter or turn smoothly (irimi/tenkan). It is one…

Anza (安座) is an old Japanese word meaning “peaceful sitting” or “sitting calmly.” 安 (an) means peace, calm, ease. It also appears in words like anzen (safety) or an-shin (peace of mind). 座 (za) means seat, sitting posture, place. It…

Koshi mawashi (腰回し) is a widely used Japanese term, both in martial arts and general body movement training. In budō and traditional martial arts, koshi mawashi refers to the rotational movement of the hips — generating power, balance, and connection…

Komekami (こめかみ) is the common everyday term specifically referring to the temple area on the side of the head. It is the most commonly used term in martial arts terminology — particularly in karate, aikido, judo, and various koryū —…

A breakfall, known in Japanese martial arts as ukemi (受け身), is a technique for safely absorbing the impact of a fall or being thrown. The goal is to protect the head and vital areas, disperse force across broader surface areas…