Hara / Tanden

腹 / 丹田

Lower abdomen representing the physical and energetic center of balance.

Quick Facts

CategoryBody Part

Pronunciation/[hah-rah] / [tahn-den]/

Alternative NamesBody center, Lower abdomen, Center of gravity

Definition

Hara (Seika Tanden) is located three finger widths below the navel. Asian traditions view it as the reservoir of vital energy (Ki) and core balance. All movement, breath, and power generation originate here.

Related Terms

Kiai気合

Martial shout used to focus energy, tighten core muscles, and project intent.

Zanshin残心

State of relaxed alertness and sustained mental focus before, during, and after a technique.

Kime決め

Instantaneous tightening of the body focusing maximum force into a single point of impact.

Associated Martial Arts

Tomari-te Satojuku Karate Takamura Shindo Yoshin-ryu Shorinji Ryu Renshinkan Enshin Karate Tenjin Shin-ryu Jujutsu Yoseikan Aikido Shorinji-ryu Kenkokan Seiwakai Goju-ryu Jikishin-ryu Jujutsu Iwama Ryu Kosen Judo Kawaishi Judo Yoshinkan Aikido Gensei-ryu Tomiki Aikido Chito-ryu Karate Shito-ryu Motobu-ryu Karate Ashihara Karate Byakuren Kaikan Shorei-ryu Uechi-ryu Asayama Ichiden-ryu Tenjin Shin'yo-ryu Jujutsu Shotokan Kyushin-ryu Jujutsu Matsubayashi-ryu Takagi-ryu Jujutsu Shorin-ryu Shidokan Shorin-ryu Seibukan Isshin-ryu Karate Kendo Chokushin-ryu Jujutsu Shindo Yoshin-ryu Jujutsu Unkei-ryu Jujutsu Seidokaikan Karate Shorin-ryu Sekiguchi-ryu Jujutsu Hontai Yoshin-ryu Jujutsu Kito-ryu Shuri-te Meibukan Goju-ryu Shorin-ryu Kyudokan Jundokan Goju-ryu Shinno Shinto-ryu Jujutsu Six Harmonies Praying Mantis (Liuhe Tanglangquan)Kyokushin Budokai Real Aikido Naha-te Shibukawa-ryu Jujutsu Shorin-ryu Shorinkan