Archives: Glossary Terms

Sankaku 三角 | Triangle – Triangle; literally “three angles” or “three corners.” In Asayama Ichiden-ryū kumitachi practice, sankaku designates the losing side of the paired form (kumitachi).

Sankaku-dachi 三角立ち | Triangle stance – A standing posture in which the feet form a triangular base, providing a stable position for movement.

Sashi-ai is a classical martial-arts term meaning “mutual thrusting” or “mutual engagement,” where two practitioners extend or attack simultaneously, meeting in a contest of timing and initiative.

Sen 先 | Initiative — Acting first or gaining precedence over an opponent.

Shidachi 仕太刀 – performing sword; partner who receives the initiating action and demonstrates the successful technique in paired sword kata

Shihō (四方) literally means “four directions,” usually the cardinal directions of north, south, east, and west, but in traditional Japanese language, shihō often means “all directions around you.”

Shikan-ken (指環拳) is a fist formation used in several Japanese martial arts traditions that uses the four finger knuckles folded over.

Shōmen ni Rei 正面に礼 | Bow to the front — A command to bow toward the front of the dojo or designated place of respect.

Shoshin (初心) means “beginner’s mind,” a Zen concept that emphasizes approaching training with an open, humble, and eager attitude.

Shugyō 修行 is the life-encompassing ascetic training and discipline aimed at personal transformation.

Shūren 修練 is training aimed at refining both skill and character through disciplined, self-cultivating practice.

Soete 添え手 | Supporting Hand — The use of one hand to support, guide, or reinforce the sword during a technique, particularly by placing the hand against the back of the blade. Found in Japanese sword arts, including iaidō and…

Suburi (素振り) refers to swinging a sword or another implement repeatedly without striking an opponent or physical target. In swordsmanship, suburi is used to develop correct cutting mechanics, coordination, posture, and control.