Archives: Glossary Terms

Ma 間 — Interval or timing; the space or moment between actions.

Maai 間合い — Combative distance and interval, including the timing required to enter or strike.

Makkō-giri 真向斬り | Straight downward cut — A sword cut delivered vertically downward along the opponent’s centerline, typically from an upper guard.

Maru 丸 | Circle – Circle or round shape; also the name of the circle symbol (○). In Asayama Ichiden-ryū kumitachi practice, maru designates the winning side of the paired form (kumitachi).

Mawatte 回って – turn around; a command telling students to turn and face the opposite direction.

Morote 諸手 means both hands used together. In martial arts, it refers to using two hands to reinforce one point—grabbing one arm with both hands, applying a two-hand block, or driving a reinforced thrust.

Mushin (無心) is a mind free from attachment or conscious interference, allowing spontaneous action.