Glossary for Kendo
Kendo: 42 documented terms. Of those: concept / principle (20), equipment (7), etiquette (6). Among them Hara, Kata, Bokken.
Traditional protective armor worn during full-contact Kendo practice.
JapanTraditional wooden sword shaped like a katana for safe practice in Kenjutsu, Aikido, and Iaido.
Formal Japanese term for the wooden sword utilized in official Nihon Kendo Kata.
Umbrella term for Japanese martial ways focusing on spiritual and personal growth.
The symbolic shaking of blood off a Japanese sword's blade before returning it to its scabbard.
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.
Tactical principle of blocking or parrying an attack and delivering an immediate counter-strike.
Japanese command meaning 'Begin!', used to start exercises or sparring.
Traditional wide pleated trousers worn in certain Japanese martial arts.
Highest teaching title conferred upon grandmasters (typically 8th Dan and above).
Lower abdomen representing the physical and energetic center of balance.
Japanese number 'One' (1) used when counting exercise repetitions in a dojo.
Physical guard posture and mental state of combative readiness.
Command issued by an instructor or referee instructing practitioners to assume guard posture immediately.
Codified sequence of martial movements representing defense and attack against imaginary foes.
Repetitive practice of foundational techniques (blocks, strikes, kicks, stances) forming Budo's core.
Wrist or forearm, also referring to the padded wrist guard in Kendo.
Intermediate teaching title in the Shogo system (typically 6th to 7th Dan).
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.
Japanese number 'Two' (2) used when counting repetitions in a dojo.
Traditional method of tying the martial arts obi belt with a symmetrical knot centered at the Hara.
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.
Official competitive match governed by formal rules and referee scoring.
Martial triad of Mind (Shin), Technique (Gi), and Body (Tai) forming balanced mastery.
Bamboo sword constructed of four slats used for full-contact sparring in Kendo.
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.
Extra heavy wooden training sword designed specifically for solo cutting drills (Suburi).
Circular or oval handguard fitted to a Japanese sword or Shinai to protect the hands.
Hilt or handle section of a Japanese sword (Katana, Bokken) or Shinai.
Thrusting straight punch or weapon thrust in Japanese martial disciplines.
Japanese word and suffix classifying a specific martial technique, skill, or application.
Command meaning 'Stop!' or 'Halt!', used to end an exercise or bout.