Archives: Glossary Terms

Rei 礼 | Bow; respect — An expression of courtesy or respect, including the formal bow performed in Japanese martial arts.

Katana no Ukewatashi 刀の受け渡し | Handing over and receiving a sword — The act of transferring a Japanese sword from one person to another. Proper sword-handling etiquette (reihō) governs how the sword is presented and received, with procedures varying according…

Reihō 礼法 means etiquette; methods of showing respect. The proper methods of demonstrating respect and courtesy in Japanese martial arts, including bowing, sword handling, and dojo conduct.

Reishiki 礼式  means formal etiquette; ceremonial protocol. It’s the prescribed ceremonial procedures observed in Japanese martial arts, particularly formal bows and actions performed before and after training.

Uchidachi 打太刀 is the striking or attacking sword; partner who initiates the action and usually serves the teaching role in paired sword kata.

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

Kumitachi 組太刀 means paired sword practice or paired sword forms—literally swords working/engaging together.

Riai 理合 – the underlying logic or principles of a technique; understanding why and how the movements work in relation to an opponent.

Kasumi no Kamae 霞の構え – “mist guard”; a sword posture found in several traditional Japanese sword schools. Its exact form varies by ryūha, but often places the sword high across or beside the head. The name kasumi (“mist” or “haze”)…

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

Chūdan no Kamae 中段の構え is a middle-level guard. The sword is held in front of the body with the kissaki directed toward the opponent’s centerline. A balanced and versatile position that allows quick transitions between attack and defense.

Iaido (居合道) is the art of drawing the Japanese sword (katana), cutting, and resheathing it — performed with control, awareness, and grace.

Kiza 跪座 means kneeling posture and refers to a kneeling position in which the toes are flexed under so that the balls of the feet remain on the floor.

Agura (胡坐 / あぐら) which is the ordinary Japanese term for sitting cross-legged, typically with the legs folded loosely in front of the body.

Anza (安座) is an old Japanese word meaning “peaceful sitting” or “sitting calmly.”

Ukō 雨戸 is a traditional kyūsho (急所) of the side of the neck, targeting the lymph glands approximately two inches below the ear.

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

Kiriotoshi (切り落とし) — Cutting down/off. A descending cut that cuts through, suppresses, or defeats the opponent’s attack; in several classical schools it is also the name of a fundamental tactical principle or technique.

Kirioroshi (切り下ろし) — Downward cut. A descending sword cut delivered from above, usually along the centerline.

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

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

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.”

Ai-uchi is a mutual strike where both combatants hit each other—often fatally. Considered a strategic failure in classical swordsmanship.

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.

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.

In martial arts, ryōte 両手 refers to using both hands together in a coordinated, paired, or equal manner, such as grabbing with one hand on each side.

Dan 段 is a graded level or stage of advancement in Japanese arts, especially martial arts.

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

Kufū 工夫 is creative ingenuity in training; the application of personal insight and intelligent effort to refine technique.

Tanren 鍛錬 is intensive martial training designed to forge and harden body and spirit, like tempering steel through repeated hammering.

Keiko 稽古 means practice or training through the study and transmission of classical tradition; literally “to reflect on the past.”

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

Renshū 練習 is repetitive training and practice for technical improvement through refinement and repetition; the standard modern term for “practice.”

Aikidō is a Japanese martial art that blends with an opponent’s force to control and throw them without relying on strength.

Tabi 足袋 are traditional Japanese split-toe socks. Literally “foot bag,” from 足 (foot) and 袋 (pouch).

Ai-uchi 相打ち is a mutual strike in which both opponents hit each other simultaneously.

Bu 武 is the principle of disciplined martial power used to prevent chaos, guided by ethics, self-control, and responsibility.

Chi 地 means Earth. Composed of 土 (earth/soil) and 也 (phonetic). Represents ground, stability, and foundation in both language and martial arts philosophy.

Chiburi (血振り) is a ritual motion in Japanese sword arts representing the shaking of blood from the blade after a cut, symbolizing composure, readiness, and completion of a combative action.