Glossary for Aikido
Aikido: 52 documented terms. Of those: concept / principle (29), etiquette (6), title (6). Among them Sensei, Dojo, Zanshin.
Precision strikes aimed at vital anatomical targets to disrupt an attacker before a throw or joint lock.
JapanTraditional wooden sword shaped like a katana for safe practice in Kenjutsu, Aikido, and Iaido.
Umbrella term for Japanese martial ways focusing on spiritual and personal growth.
Advanced master rank in Asian martial arts denoting black belt status.
Traditional training hall for Japanese martial arts and meditation.
State of an unshakeable, immovable mind that remains calm amidst absolute chaos or danger.
Modern Japanese martial arts developed after the Meiji Restoration (post-1868) focusing on physical education and sport.
Traditional uniform worn for training in Japanese martial arts.
Traditional wide pleated trousers worn in certain Japanese martial arts.
Lower abdomen representing the physical and energetic center of balance.
Japanese number 'One' (1) used when counting exercise repetitions in a dojo.
A fundamental Aikido movement principle of stepping directly into the attacker's space rather than evading.
Medium-length wooden staff (approx. 128 cm) used in Jodo and Aikido.
Physical guard posture and mental state of combative readiness.
Seat of honor or upper wall in a dojo reserved for honoring founders and masters.
Title designating the director, president, or head of a martial organization or central dojo.
Category of joint manipulation techniques hyperextending elbows, shoulders, or wrists.
Wrist or forearm, also referring to the padded wrist guard in Kendo.
A wrist lock used to off-balance the opponent and subsequently throw them to the ground.
First and essential phase of any throw in Judo or Aikido: breaking the opponent's balance.
Student technical grade prior to attaining the master Dan ranks.
Anatomically vulnerable pressure points on the human body targeted for strikes and joint manipulation.
Dynamic combative engagement distance and temporal timing between opponents.
Short quiet meditation practice performed in kneeling posture before and after class.
State of 'no-mind' where action occurs intuitively without mental hesitation.
Category encompassing all throwing and takedown techniques in Judo, Aikido, and Jujutsu.
Japanese number 'Two' (2) used when counting repetitions in a dojo.
Belt used to secure the training jacket and indicate technical rank.
Traditional method of tying the martial arts obi belt with a symmetrical knot centered at the Hara.
Concept of vital life energy and internal breath in Chinese and Japanese martial arts.
ChinaFreestyle practice sparring without fixed pre-arranged moves in Judo, Aikido, or Karate.
Traditional bow expressing respect, humility, and proper etiquette.
Comprehensive system of formal manners, courtesy, and correct conduct inside a dojo.
Comprehensive code of etiquette, courtesy, and correct conduct in Japanese martial arts.
Japanese number 'Three' (3) used when counting repetitions in a dojo.
Traditional Japanese formal kneeling posture sitting on the heels.
Tactical principle of striking the opponent simultaneously as they launch their attack.
Honorific title for a teacher or instructor in Japanese culture.
Honorific title awarded to senior master instructors within martial organizations.
Martial triad of Mind (Shin), Technique (Gi), and Body (Tai) forming balanced mastery.
Natural, relaxed standing posture with feet parallel shoulder-width apart.
First degree black belt rank (1st Dan) in Japanese and Korean martial arts.
Zen concept of 'beginner's mind' – maintaining openness, eagerness, and lack of preconceptions.
Intense, rigorous, and austere training aimed at forging mind and body resilience.
Art of fluid whole-body movement to step off the attacker's line of force.
Traditional and modern impact-absorbing mat forming the floor of a dojo.
A fundamental Aikido movement principle of turning the body 180 degrees, redirecting the force of an attack.
Practitioner who executes the technique (throw, lock, or defense) in partner training.
Practitioner who initiates the attack and receives the partner's defensive technique.