Archives: Glossary Terms

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.

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

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

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

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

Ashi-sabaki 足捌き | Footwork — The coordinated movement and positioning of the feet in Japanese martial arts. In kenjutsu and iaidō, ashi-sabaki encompasses stepping, advancing, retreating, pivoting, and shifting the feet to maintain balance, control distance (maai), and position the…

Ate 当て — striking, hitting, making contact.