student handbook - Eagle Rock Aikido

STUDENT HANDBOOK
Version 1.0 | 22 April 2014
Table of Contents
ABOUT AIKIDO.................................................................................................................................. 4
The Nature and History of Aikido.................................................................................................... 4
Dynamics of Aikido ........................................................................................................................... 4
Aikido Practice................................................................................................................................... 5
Centering ........................................................................................................................................... 6
Ukemi ................................................................................................................................................ 6
ETIQUETTE ......................................................................................................................................... 7
Bowing ............................................................................................................................................... 7
Important points to remember ......................................................................................................... 8
Rules for Observing Class ................................................................................................................. 9
Requirements for Promotion .............................................................................................................. 13
Testing Procedures .......................................................................................................................... 13
RANK REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................................................. 14
Eagle Rock Aikido Language and Terms............................................................................................ 17
COUNTING IN JAPANESE ......................................................................................................... 17
HELPFUL PHRASES ..................................................................................................................... 18
TYPES OF AIKIDO TRAINING ................................................................................................... 19
How techniques are built and called .............................................................................................. 19
ATTACKING TERMS ................................................................................................................... 19
BODY .............................................................................................................................................. 20
STANCE .......................................................................................................................................... 20
BASIC BODY MOVEMENTS ....................................................................................................... 21
MODIFIERS, DIRECTIONS, ETC ............................................................................................... 21
ATTACKS ....................................................................................................................................... 22
AIKIDO TECHNIQUES................................................................................................................ 23
OTHER COMMON AIKIDO TERMS ......................................................................................... 24
1
O-Sensei Morihei Ueshiba 1883-1969
2
Nidai Doshu Kisshomaru Ueshiba
1921-1999
Sandai Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba
1951
Clyde Takeguchi Shihan is the
founder and director of Capital Aikikai. Takeguchi Sensei is
a shichidan — a seventh degree black belt — and a Hombucertified shihan instructor. He began his study of aikido in 1958
in his native Hawaii. In addition to founding Capital Aikikai in
1973, Takeguchi sensei founded the aikido clubs in Madison,
WI, and Charleston, SC. He has taught aikido at the police
departments in Honolulu and Madison, as well as at the US
Customs Academy in Washington, DC
Bill Plank is the chief instructor of Capital
Aikikai. He holds the rank of rokudan— sixth
degree black belt — and is a Hombucertified shidoin instructor. He has been training
with Takeguchi Sensei since 1981. Plank Sensei
teaches several beginning and advanced classes
during the week and is also chief instructor of
the Jackson Hole Aikikai, in Jackson, Wyo.
3
ABOUT AIKIDO
The Nature and History of Aikido
The Japanese word Aikido is written with three characters which translate as "the way of spiritual
harmony." Aikido is a budo or "martial way," evolved in the tradition of Japanese warrior arts, yet
has a unique approach to self-defense. Aikido is more than a martial science of strategy and tactics;
it is a discipline for training the mind and spirit.
Aikido was developed by Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969), known to Aikido students as O
Sensei (Great Teacher). As a young man, he overcame debilitating childhood illnesses through
martial arts practice, eventually becoming a master of the sword, the staff, the spear, and the art of
ju-jitsu. O Sensei also held strong Shinto religious convictions concerning the ultimate futility of
conflict and the illusory character of victory based on strength. This internal contradiction, which
drove O Sensei to adopt a life of austerity and rigorous training, was resolved through an
enlightenment experience which led to the development of Aikido, a martial art influenced by a
philosophy of universal harmony.
Dynamics of Aikido
All Aikido techniques and movements are based on the idea of harmony. Aikido emphasizes
blending with an attacker by moving in such a way as to neutralize the force of the attack itself and
thus neutralize the attacker. This is done by using spherical movements which allow the Aikido
student to deflect the attacker's energy while simultaneously entering close to the attacker; "to
blend with the attack," and so neutralize it.
Properly executed, some techniques are spectacular, sending the opponent flying through the air.
Others are more subtle: small deft movements that immobilize the aggressor. Both results are
achieved not through the use of brute strength, but by blending and neutralizing the attack,
followed by circular and flowing techniques to unsettle the opponent, and completing the
movement with a throw or immobilization. Because great strength is not required, Aikido can be
practiced by men and women of all ages.
4
Aikido Practice
Aikido training has also been shaped by its philosophy of harmony. There are no competitions or
tournaments in Aikido. Rank is awarded through a testing procedure which emphasizes selfdiscipline, rather than the mastery of others. Daily practice focuses on the development of
technical skills and awareness through the constant repetition of techniques in a controlled
environment in order to master the fundamentals of moving, timing, and breathing.
Most practice is done with a partner: each working at his or her own level of ability, alternating
as uke (the attacker) and nage (the one who is attacked). Both roles are stressed; each contributes
skills that enhance overall sensitivity and control.
Wooden practice weapons — a sword (bokken), staff (jo) and knife (tanto) — are sometimes used in
aikido training, not to understand how to use the weapon, but to better understand the
techniques and movements of aikido itself.
(photo of Morihei Ueshiba courtesy of North Bay Aikido)
Students train to neutralize the energy of the opponent's attack and to redirect and focus it into
techniques of martial efficiency and power. At the same time, the student can use the same
philosophy to deal with stress and conflict in daily life, and learn to remain calm under all
conditions.
5
Centering
The final aim of Aikido is to integrate physical and mental training to develop a confident person
who can think clearly and react instantly on and off the mat. It is only through constant training
that an Aikidoist can acquire the habits of mind which make this integration possible.
In Aikido, such an integrated person is said to be "centered." A centered person displays a
confident and relaxed posture, and centering gives Aikido movements their appearance of grace
and simple elegance. Thus, Aikido training helps a student to become calm and centered and
enables the student to deal with stress and aggression in an efficient and decisive manner on the
mat, at home, at school, or at work.
"Capital Aikido Federation." Capital Aikido Federation. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Apr. 2014. <http://www.capitalaikido.org/>.
Ukemi
In order to be a good uke, you must get rid of all thoughts regarding defeating your training
partner. You must forget about how you are going to be thrown. You must forget about how to
stop your partner’s technique. Your primary goal as uke is to work with nage using your body and
energy to explore a particular principle by way of technique with regard to a particular situation.
To do this, uke must have a great deal of trust in nage; trust that nage will not abuse the power
invested in him by uke to borrow the latter’s body to study aiki principles.
Many times I’ve observed that uke is primarily concerned with stopping nage’s technique. There
seem to be three primary reasons for this:
uke believes it is his responsibility to not be thrown or pinned
uke simply does not know how to take the proper ukemi or
uke is being incorrectly led by nage
Please remember ukemi training is a vital part of aikido training. Try to give of yourself as much as
you’d want your partner to give.
6
ETIQUETTE
"Etiquette." Tam Aikido. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Sept. 2011. <http://www.tam-aikido.org/about/etiquette.html/>.
In order to train safely, all students are encouraged to follow basic rules that help to ensure a safe
and friendly dojo. Please take the following guidelines seriously.
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When entering or leaving the dojo, it is proper to bow in the direction of the kamiza or
shomen. You should also bow when entering or leaving the mat.
Remove your shoes as you enter the Dojo. No shoes on the mat.
Be on time for class. If you do happen to arrive late, sit quietly in seiza on the edge of the
mat until the instructor grants permission to join practice.
If you should have to leave the mat or dojo for any reason during class, approach the
instructor and let him/her know.
Avoid sitting on the mat with your back to the picture of O Sensei. Do not lean against
the walls or sit with your legs stretched out.
Remove watches, rings and other jewelry before practice.
Do not coach, or teach others, unless the instructor asks for your help.
Please keep your finger and toe nails cut short.
Please keep talking during class to a minimum.
Carry out the directives of the instructor PROMPTLY. Do not keep the rest of the class
waiting for you!
Do not engage in rough-housing or needless contests of strength during class.
Keep your training uniform clean, in good shape, and free of offensive odors.
Please pay your membership dues promptly. If, for any reason, you are unable to pay your
dues on time, talk with the person in charge of dues collection. Sometimes special rates are
available for those experiencing financial hardship.
Do not change your clothes on the mat.
Remember that you are here to learn, and not to gratify your ego. An attitude of receptivity
and humility is therefore advised.
Preserve common-sense standards of decency and respect at all times.
Bowing
Class starts with a formal bow-in with all students lined up in order of grade with the highest
graded students on the right hand side of the dojo facing the front (shomen) of the dojo.
1. On the command “Shomen ni rei”, the class bows to the front of the dojo. This is the formal
start of class.
2. On the command “Sensei (or Sempai) ni rei”, the class bows to the instructor and he/she returns
the courtesy by bowing to the class. This is a sign of respect and reinforces the fact that the
instructor is in charge of the class.
Class ends with all students lined up in order of grade with the highest graded students on the
right hand side of the dojo facing the front (shomen) of the dojo.
7
1. On the command “Shomen ni rei”, the class bows to the front of the dojo. This is the formal
end of class.
2. On the command “Sensei (or Sempai) ni rei”, the class bows to the instructor and he/she returns
the courtesy by bowing to the class. This is a sign of respect and thanks to the instructor teaching
the class.
The class then walks off the dojo floor in a dignified manner.
Important points to remember
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When Sensei speaks, answer “hai” (pronounced 'hi') if you understand or say that you do
not understand what was just explained or asked.
While Sensei is speaking, do not:
o talk or fool around
o stand with your arms folded
o stand with your hands on your hips or behind your back
These actions are seen as discourteous and disrespectful and show bad manners.
Before practice begins, you should be warmed up. Before the instructor is ready to begin,
you should be seated formally in seiza, and in quiet meditation. These few minutes are to
clear your mind and prepare for study.
The class is opened and closed with a formal ceremony. Be on time to participate in this
ceremony. If you are unavoidably late you should wait, formally seated beside the mat,
until the instructor signals permission for you to join the class.
Perform a formal seated bow as you get on the mat; do not disrupt the class in doing so.
The proper way to sit on the mat is in seiza. If you have a knee injury, you may sit crosslegged, but never sit with legs outstretched and never lean against the walls or anything else.
You must be alert at all times.
Do not leave the mat during practice except in the case of injury or illness. If you must
leave the mat for personal reasons, request permission before doing so. Although it is
important to push your body to discover your limits, it is permissible to rest if necessary.
Do so by moving to the edge of the mat and sitting seiza until able to rejoin the class.
During class, when the instructor demonstrates a technique for practice, you should sit
quietly and attentively in seiza. After the demonstration, bow to the instructor and then to
a partner and begin practicing the technique.
During class, practicing of techniques is normally done in pairs, with sempai taking four
turns as nage and then four as uke. If there are an odd number of students in the class, a
group of three may be formed, with practice proceeding by twos instead of by fours.
When the end of a technique is signaled, stop immediately. Bow to your partner and
quickly line up with the other students.
Never stand around idly on the mat. You should be practicing or, if necessary, seated
formally, awaiting your turn.
If for some reason it is absolutely necessary to ask a question of the instructor, go to him or
her (never call out), bow respectfully, and wait for acknowledgement. A standing bow is
acceptable.
8
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When receiving personal instruction during class, sit in seiza and watch intently. Bow
formally to the instructor when the personal instruction is finished. When the instructor is
instructing another, you may stop your practice to watch. Sit formally, bow when he or she
has finished.
Respect those who are more experienced. Never argue about technique.
You are here for practice. Do not force your ideas on others.
If you know the movement being studied and are working with someone who does not,
you may lead the person through it. Do not attempt to correct or instruct your training
partner if you are not of senior yudansha level.
Keep talking on the mat to an absolute minimum. Aikido is experience.
Do not lounge around on the mat before or after class. The space is for students who wish
to train. There are other areas in the dojo for socializing.
The mat should be swept before class each day and after practice is over. It is everyone's
responsibility to keep the dojo clean.
No eating, drinking, smoking, or gum chewing on or off the mat during practice, nor on
the mat at any time.
No jewelry should be worn during practice unless properly secured.
Never drink alcoholic beverages while still wearing practice gi.
Respond to new situations with common sense.
Rules for Observing Class
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Sit respectfully, never with legs propped up on the furniture or in a reclining position.
No eating, drinking, or smoking when class is in progress.
Do not talk to anyone on the mat.
Do not talk or walk around while the instructor is demonstrating or lecturing.
9
Seiza
(from northcountryradio.org)
Lotus or Cross legged
Sitting options
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Tying your belt (obi)
(Option 1)
(from tjska.com)
(Option 2)
(from loblerdelany.co.uk)
11
Folding Hakama
(from Wazajournal.com )
12
Requirements for Promotion
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Minimum training hours and time period requirements must have been met.
The student to be tested must have been training regularly (at least twice per week) for the
month prior to the examination. If special considerations apply, please speak with the
instructor.
The student must have permission of the instructor to test. If you have met the minimum
time and training requirements for kyu promotion, you may inquire of the instructor as to
your testing eligibility. Students do not normally inquire about dan examinations.
An individual’s courtesy, attentiveness, and respect toward the human and physical
environment in the dojo are a factor in Aikido promotions.
A kyu test fee is due prior to testing for adult ranks.
Testing Procedures
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At the beginning of the examination, the student testing and his or her uke should
perform three seated bows:
o To the shomen or the front of the dojo
o To the examiner(s)
o To your partner
The student testing may choose his or her own uke to begin the exam. Uke’s experience
level should not greatly exceed that of the person testing. Please stay within two kyu levels
of your own in choosing an uke.
A technique should be demonstrated continuously both right and left until there is a signal
to stop.
Demonstrate both omote and ura movements whenever applicable. The omote version
should precede the ura version.
When a specific technique is requested, demonstrate the appropriate pin. This does not
apply on variations, jiyu waza, or when the technique does not normally end in a pin (i.e.,
kokyu nage or forward roll techniques).
Students testing will be expected to know and respond to Japanese terms.
In addition to the understanding of basic technique appropriate to the level being tested,
consideration will be given to the student’s focus and awareness throughout the
examination, the appropriateness of response to attack, and ukemi.
When the examiner signals the end of the exam, student and uke again perform three
seated bows in the same order as at the beginning: shomen, examiner, partner.
Testing is an opportunity to organize and fine tune what has been learned in regular
practice and to demonstrate your current training progress. Mastery of technique is not
expected! Enjoy your test as a chance to give back to the art some of what Aikido currently
means to you – with your energy, your center, your courage, and your heart.
“In your training, do not be in a hurry, for it takes a minimum of ten years to master the basics and advance to the first rung. Never think
of yourself as an all-knowing, perfected master; you must continue to train daily with your friends and students and progress together in the
Art of Peace.” – Morihei Ueshiba O Sensei
13
RANK REQUIREMENTS
Children’s Ranks Age 6 -13
(1) White Belt with Yellow Stripe
1. Wrist Exercises: Ikkyo, Nikkyo, Sankyo,
Kotegaeshi, Stretch
2. Funekogi undo
3. Ikkyo undo, Zengo undo (2 directions)
4. Tenkan undo
5. Ukemi (rolling):
a. kneeling, forward & backward
b. standing, forward & backward
6. Tai no henko irimi and tenkan
(2) Orange Stripe
1. Ukemi:
a. cross-tumble
b. standing tumble on one leg
2. Happo undo (8 directions)
3. Ukemi from throws by Sensei, forward and
backward
4. Katatetori Kokyunage
5. Katatetori Shihonage
6. Kokyu Dosa
(4) Blue Stripe
1. Ukemi:
• long, standing tumbles
• breakfalls
2. Jo katas
3. Bokken
a. Shomen uchi
b. Yokomen uchi
c. Tsuki
4. Shomenuchi iriminage
5. Gyakute dori iriminage (cross-hand grab)
6. Ryotetori Kokyunage
(5) Brown Stripe
1. Ukemi:
• breakfalls (throws by Sensei)
2. Shomenuchi & Tsuki Iriminage
3. Shomenuchi & Tsuki Kotegaeshi
4. Ushiro Tekubitori Kokyunage
5. Randori (freestyle)
6. (one attacker with one attack)
(3) Green Stripe
1. Ukemi:
• tumble over one person
2. Morotetori Kokyunage (2 ways)
3. Tsuki Kotegaeshi
4. Ryotetori Nikkyo
5. Kokyu Dosa
6. Jo tsuki series
After White Belt with Brown Stripe, tests follow the guidelines for adult tests and will be taken during adult
testing times. Student will graduate to adult ranks at 5th or 4th Kyu (white belt).
14
Adult Ranks: Time and Technique Requirements - Capital Aikido Federation
Rokyu (6 kyu) Minimum 20 Practice Days
Nikyu (2nd kyu) Minimum 200 Practice Days
1. Proper Etiquette
1. Shomenuchi Shihonage
2. Mae ukemi / ushiro ukemi
2. Shomenuchi Kaitennage
3. Tenkan, double tenkan, tsuri ashi, happo undo
3. Yokomenuchi Gokyo
4. Katate dori tai no henko (tenkan/irimi)
4. Ushiro Tekubitori Shihonage
5. Shomenuchi ikkyo
5. Ushiro Tekubitori Jujinage
6. Shomenuchi irimi nage
6. Ushiro Kubishime Koshinage
7. Kokyu tanden ho
7. Morotetori Nikkyo
8. Hanmi-Handachi:
th
a. Shomenuchi Iriminage
Gokyu (5 kyu) Minimum 60 Practice Days
b. Katatetori Nikkyo
1. Shomenuchi Ikkyo (omote/ura)
c. Yokomenuchi Kotegaeshi
2. Shomenuchi Iriminage
9. Tachitori & Jotori: Shomenuchi/Tsuki
3. Katatetori Shihonage (omote/ura)
10. Freestyle - two people
4. Ryotetori Tenchinage
5. Tsuki Kotegaeshi
6. Ushiro Tekubitori Kotegaeshi
Ikkyu (1st kyu) Minimum 300 Practice Days
7. Morotetori Kokyuho
1. Katatori Menuchi - five techniques
2. Yokomenuchi - five techniques
th
3. Morotetori - five techniques
Yonkyu (4 kyu) Minimum 80 Practice Days
4. Shomenuchi - five techniques
1. Shomenuchi Nikkyo (omote/ura)
5. Ryotetori - five techniques
2. Yokomenuchi Shihonage (omote/ura)
6. Koshinage - five techniques
3. Tsuki Iriminage
7. Tantotori
4. Ushiro Tekubi Sankyo (omote/ura)
8. Hanmi-Handachi (Ushiro Waza – five
5. Ushiro Ryokatatori Kotegaeshi
techniques)
6. Suwari Waza:
9. Tachitori & Jotori
• Shomenuchi Ikkyo
10. Freestyle - three people
• Katatori Nikkyo (omote/ura)
• Katatori Sankyo
Shodan Minimum 400 Practice Days
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1. All of 1st Kyu requirements
Sankyu (3 kyu) Minimum 100 Practice Days
2. Tachitori
1. Yokomenuchi Iriminage (two ways)
3. Jotori
2. Yokomenuchi Kotegaeshi
4. Henkawaza**
3. Tsuki Kaitennage
5. Freestyle - four people
4. Ushiro Ryokatatori Sankyo (omote/ura)
5. Morotetori Iriminage (two ways)
6. Shomenuchi Sankyo (omote/ura)
Nidan Minimum 600 Practice Days
7. Suwari Waza:
1. Attend two seminars per year after Sho-Dan
a. Shomenuchi Iriminage
2. All of Sho-Dan requirements
b. Shomenuchi Nikkyo (omote/ura)
3. Tachitori - two people
8. Hanmi-Handachi: (uchi and soto mawari*)
4. Freestyle - five people
a. Katatetori Shihonage
5. Kaeshiwaza***
b. Katatetori Kaitennage
9. Tachitori & Jotori: Shomenuchi/Tsuki
Sandan Minimum 700 Practice Days
1. Attend two seminars per year after Ni-Dan.
Subject of exam to be determined by examiner
at the time of the exam.
th
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* Uchi and Soto Mawari - both inside (uchi) and outside (soto) movements.
** Hankawaza - switching from one technique to another. Examiner will call the first technique.
*** Kaeshiwaza - counter techniques. Uke applies the technique to nage. Original technique will be called by
examiner (e.g., to apply sankyo against nikkyo).
16
Eagle Rock Aikido Language and Terms
The most important things to learn are the terms on the promotion requirements. You do not need to
memorize this entire section. It is meant to help you discover what the terms used in class mean.
Pronunciation
VOWEL
a
PRONOUCED LIKE
father
e
i
o
u
day
see
Ohio
food
COUNTING IN JAPANESE
English
Japanese
Meaning
【hiragana】
Ichi
一
(eech)
【いち】
Ni
二
(knee)
【に】
San
三
(sahn)
【さん】
Shi
四
(she)
【し】
Go
五
(go)
【ご】
Roku
六
(rohk')
【ろく】
Shichi
七
(sheech')
【しち】
Hachi
八
(hahch')
【はち】
Ku or Kyu
九
(coo or queue)
【く、きゅ】
Juu
十
(zhu)
【じゅう】
Hyaku
百
(h’-yack-oo)
【ひゃく】
Sen
千
(sen)
【せん】
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
100
1,000
http://www.guidetojapanese.org/learn/grammar/numbers
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HELPFUL PHRASES
Expression or saying
Japanese
(approximate pronunciation)
【hiragana】
Translation
douzo
どうぞ
please, go ahead, by all means
ohayo gozaimasu
お早うございます
good morning. (< 10:00 am.)
(ohio go-zah-ee-mahs)
【おはようございます】
konnichi wa
今日は
(cone-knee-chee-wah)
【こんにちは】
komban wa
今晩は
(comb-bahn wah)
【こんばんは】
oyasumi nasai
お休みなさい
(oh-yah-sue-me nah-sigh)
【おやすみなさい】
sayonara
左様なら
(sigh-yoh-nah-rah)
【さようなら】
arigato gozaimasu
有難うございます
(ah-ree-gah-toe go-zah-ee-mass)
【ありがとうございます】
arigato gozaimashita
有難うございました
(ah-ree-gah-toe go-zah-ee-mash-tah)
【ありがとうございました】
onegai shimasu
お願いします
(oh-neh-guy she-mahss)
【おねがいします】
oshiete kudasai
教えて下さい
(oh-shee-ay-tay koo-da-sigh)
【おしえてください】
(dough-zhou)
misete kudasai
見せて下さい
(me-se-tay koo-da-sigh)
【みせてください】
gomen nasai
御免なさい
(go-men nah-sigh)
【ごめんなさい】
dou itashimashite
どう致しまして
(doe e-tah-she-mash-tay)
【どういたしまして】
ogenki desu ka
お元気ですか
(oh-ghen-key des-kah)
【おげんきですか】
okagesama de
お蔭様で
(oh-kah-ghe-sah-ma day)
【おかげさまで】
hajimemashite
始めまして
(ha-gee-may-mahsh-tay)
【はじめまして】
shitsurei shimasu
失礼します
(she-tsu-ray-she-mahss)
【しつれいします】
hello; good day. (10:00 am >)
good evening
good night
goodbye
thank you
thank you for what you previously did
Polite phrase to ask someone to do
something
Please teach me
please show me
I'm sorry or excuse me
You're welcome
How are you? (do you have good ki?)
I’m fine, thank you. (a response to "ogenki
desu ka".)
Literally, under the gods’ shadow
How do you do? Used for introductions.
Discourtesy, impoliteness
Expression used when performing an
action that is impolite, to mean excuse me
for being rude.
18
TYPES OF AIKIDO TRAINING
kihon waza
tachi waza
suwari waza
hanmi handachi waza
kaeshi waza
henka waza
jiyu waza
randori
tachidori
katai
ki no nagare
Basic Technique
Standing Technique
Technique executed from a kneeling or seated position by way of shikko
Technique executed with nage kneeling and uke standing
Countering techniques
modifying or shifting to another technique during execution
Free flowing, any attack, any technique
Multiple attackers
Techniques of taking an opponent’s sword
Technique started from a static position; rigid (We normally just say static)
Flowing ki
How techniques are built and called
In Aikido, techniques are normally called by the attack, some body part or area, the desired technique, and
any modifiers like front and back. It is useful to become familiar with the building blocks of how these are
built to understand what is being called for. For example: katate dori ikkyo omote – side hand grab 1st
technique in front. It is not necessary to be able to read Japanese or break these down in a detailed way.
What is important is to be able to recognize what is being asked for. This detailed breakdown is to help
remove confusion for terms like kata which can mean different things and to help students build a language
repertoire. Read the kyu and dan examination requirements and refer back to this list to build your
understanding of what’s required at each level.
ATTACKING TERMS
English
Japanese
Meaning
【hiragana】
atemi
当て身【あてみ】
strike to the body
osae
押さえ【おさえ】
mochi
持ち【もち】
shime
締め【しめ】
holding down (esp. in judo); holding technique; pinning down;
immobilizing; bringing under control
Hold; mochi and tori are interchanged in different styles of
Aikido. We use tori or dori in our dojo.
choking or strangling techniques
tori
取り【とり】
tsuki
突き【つき】
Grab, pronounced dori when used as a suffix.
Also used to denote attacker (one who grabs) in Judo and some
styles of Aikido (as opposed to uke.)
thrust, lunge, or stab
uchi
打ち【うち】
strike
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BODY
English
atama
Japanese【hiragana】
頭【あたま】
Meaning
head
ashi
足【あし】
foot
ashi
脚【あし】
leg
eri
襟【えり】
collar
hara
腹【はら】
hiza
膝【ひざ】
Center, both physical and spiritual; below the belly button right
around where your belt knot is
knee
hiji
肘【ひじ】
elbow
kata
肩【かた】
shoulder (not to be confused with kata – side)
koshi
腰【こし】
hips, waist
kote
小手【こて】
forearm, literally “little hand”
kubi
首【くび】
neck
men
面【めん】
face, face guard, striking the head in Kendo
mi
身【み】
body; see also: irimi, hanmi
mune
胸【むね】
chest, torso
sode
袖【そで】
sleeve
te
手【て】
hand
ude
腕【うで】
arm
Japanese
Meaning
STANCE
English
【hiragana】
ai hanmi
相半身
Nage and uke being in the same hanmi. Eg both left hanmi
【あいはんみ】
hanmi
hidari hanmi
半身
【はんみ】
Han= half, mi=body. Triangular stance where one foot is
brought back on the line
左半身
Left foot forward triangular stance
【ひだりはんみ】
gyaku hanmi
逆半身
Nage and uke being in opposite hanmi.
【ぎゃくはんみ】
kamae
構え
Posture, stance in martial arts
【かまえ】
migi hanmi
右半身
Right foot forward triangular stance
【みぎはんみ】
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BASIC BODY MOVEMENTS
English
Japanese
Meaning
【hiragana】
irimi
入り身【いりみ】
Entering. Literally means “entering body”.
kaiten
回転【かいてん】
Rotation, usu. Around something, revolution, turning
tenkan
転換【てんかん】
Pivoting 180 degrees and stepping back with forward foot
tenshin
転進【てんしん】
Retreating, stepping back
tsuriashi
釣足【つりあし】
Sliding foot
MODIFIERS, DIRECTIONS, ETC
English
Japanese
Meaning
【hiragana】
ai
合【あい】
To meet, join, come together; harmony
chudan
中段【ちゅだん】
middle
gyaku
逆【ぎゃく】
Reverse, opposite
gaeshi
返し, 反し【かえ
gedan
下段【げだん】
Reversal, return. Pronounced kaeshi when not used as a suffix.
Eg. kote gaeshi (forearm reversal)
low
guchi
口【くち】
Opening, normally kuchi, but guchi when used as a suffix.
han
半【はん】
hidari
左【ひだり】
Prefix meaning half
Ex: hanmi (half body) handachi (half standing). Tachi changes
to dachi when used as a suffix.
left
ho
方【ほう】
direction
jiyu
自由【じゆう】
Free, unrestricted
jodan
上段【じょうだん】
high
kata
方【かた】
side
mae
前【まえ】
Front, before
migi
右【みぎ】
right
moro
諸【もろ】
omote
表【おもて】
Both; together. Example: both hands grabbing together on
nages wrist as in moro te dori
in front, face
ryo
両【りょう】
Both, as in both hands
sho
止【しょう】
front
soku
側【そく】
Side, normally used with men. Sokumen side of head
soto
外【そと】
Outside, normally outside both uke’s arm and body
し】
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uchi
内【うち】
Inside, normally between uke’s arm and body
ura
裏【うら】
ushiro
後【うしろ】
rear; back; behind; bottom, or another side that is hidden from
view
back, behind
ATTACKS
English
Japanese
Meaning
【hiragana】
eri dori
襟取り
Collar grab
【えりどり】
kata te dori
方手取り
Side hand grab
【かたてどり】
gyaku te dori
逆手取り
Opposite hand grab
【ぎゃくてどり】
hiji dori
肘取り
Elbow grab
【ひじどり】
moro te dori
諸手取り
Both of nage’s hands grasping one hand of uke
【もろてどり】
mune dori
胸取り
Grasping the chest or lapel
【むねどり】
ryo te dori
両手取り
Grabbing both of nage’s hands
【りょてどり】
kata dori
肩取り
Shoulder grab
【かたどり】
ryo kata dori
両肩取り
Both shoulder grab
【りょかたどり】
sode guchi dori
袖口取り
Grasping the opening of the sleeve
【そでぐちどり】
ushiro ryo te dori
後両手取り
Both hands grasped from behind
【うしろりょてどり】
ushiro ryo kata
dori
kubi shime
後両肩取り
Both shoulders grasped from behind
【うしろりょかたどり】
首締め
Neck strangle
【くびしめ】
ushiro kubi shime
後首締め
Neck strangle from behind
【うしろくびしめ】
sho men uchi
止面打ち
Strike to top of head
【しょめんうち】
yoko men uchi
横面打ち
Strike to side of head
【よこめんうち】
gyaku men uchi
逆面打ち
Strike to opposite side of head
【ぎゃくめんうち】
kata dori men uchi
肩取り面打ち
Shoulder grab followed by strike to the head
【かたどりめんうち】
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tsuki
突き
Punch, thrust
【つき】
AIKIDO TECHNIQUES
English
ikkyo
Japanese【hiragana】
一教【いっきょう】
Meaning
1st teaching
nikyo
二教【にきょう】
2nd teaching
sankyo
三教【さんきょう】
3rd teaching
yonkyo
四教【よんきょう】
4th teaching
gokyo
五教【ごきょう】
5th teaching
shi ho nage
四方投げ【しほなげ】
Four corner/direction throw
kote gaeshi
小手返し【こてがえし】
Forearm return
irimi nage
入身投げ【いりみなげ】
Entering throw
kaiten nage
回転投げ【かいてんな
Rotary arm throw
げ】
koshi nage
腰投げ【こしなげ】
Hip throw
kokyu nage
呼吸投げ【こきゅうな
Breath throw
げ】
ju ji nage
十字投げ【じゅじなげ】
Figure ten throw, locks arms against each other like in a
Japanese number 10 “十”
sumi otoshi
隅落【すみおとし】
Corner drop
soku men irimi
nage
ten chi nage
側面入身投げ【そくめ
んいりみなげ】
Entering throw where nage’s arm comes across the side of
uke’s head
天地投げ【てんちなげ】
Heaven (ten 天 ) and earth (chi 地 ) throw
ude garami
腕絡み【うでがらみ】
Arm entanglement
tai no henko
体の変更【たいのへん
tai – body, position, posture
no – of
henko – change, modification
こ】
Change of body, position, posture.
Basic blending practice. Versions are irimi and tenkan.
Normally performed katai (static) or ki no nagare (flowing
ki)
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OTHER COMMON AIKIDO TERMS
English
abunai
Japanese【hiragana】
(ah-boo-nai)
【あぶない】
危ない
Aikido
合氣道
(eye-key-doe)
【あいきどう】
aikidoka
合氣道家
(eye-key-doe-kah)
【あいきどうか】
aiki taiso
合氣体操
(eye-key-tie-so)
【あいきたいそう】
ai uchi
相打ち
(eye-oo-chi)
【あいうち】
bokken
木剣
(bow-ken)
【ぼっけん】
bushido
武士道
(boo-she-doe)
【ぶしどう】
dan
段
(dahn)
【だん】
deshi
弟子
(deh-she)
【でし】
dojo
道場
(doh-joh)
【どうじょう】
dojo cho
道場長
(doh-joh chou)
【どうじょうちょう】
doshu
道主
(doh-shoo)
【どうしゅ】
gambatte kudasai
頑張って下さい
(gahm-bah-‘te khoo-da-sai)
【がんばってください】
Meaning
Dangerous, risky, hazardous, perilous; “watch out!”, “be
careful!”
compound from “ai” (harmony), “ki” (spirit), and “do”
(Way): the Way of harmonious spirit.
one who practices aikido, an aikidoist.
Aikido exercises.
Equal strike, equal kill; draw, tie
wooden sword used in practice.
warrior’s code; the way of the warrior.
aikido grade holder, black belt rank.
student, pupil, disciple.
training hall; place of the Way. In Buddhism also refers
to the place of worship.
Head of a dojo
Chairman of the Aikikai (Aikido World Headquarters)
Keep up the good work, keep striving toward your goals
gambarimasu
頑張ります
(gahm-bah-ri-mah-su)
【がんばります】
To persevere, to persist; to keep at it; to hang on; to
hold out; to do one’s best
gi
着
training clothing. (a synonym is keikogi.)
(ghee)
【ぎ】
hajime
始め
(ha-gee-may)
【はじめ】
hakama
袴
(hock-kah-ma)
【はかま】
hai
はい
Imperative form for begin, usually as a beginning to
formal randori.
a divided, pant-like skirt: a formal Japanese garment
also worn by aikido dan-grade holders.
yes, affirmative
hantai
反対
in reverse order
(Hahn-tie)
【はんたい】
(high)
hasso
八双
(Ha-soh)
【はっそう】
hasso gaeshi
八双返し
(Ha-soh-ga-eh-she)
【はっそうがえし】
Posture where jo or ken is held vertically at right
shoulder
Movement from basic stance to hasso posture
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いいえ
No, negative
itai
痛い
Painful, sore, “it hurts”
(ee-tie)
【いたい】
jo
杖
(joh)
【じょう】
kamiza
神座
(kah-me-zah)
【かみざ】
keiko
稽古
(kay-koh)
【けいこ】
keikogi
稽古着
(kay-koh-ghee)
【けいこぎ】
ken
剣
(ken)
【けん】
ki
氣
(key)
【き】
iie
(ee-eh)
kiai
気合い
(key-eye)
【きあい】
kohai
後輩
(co-high)
【こうはい】
kokyu
呼吸
(coke-you)
【こきゅう】
kokyu dosa
呼吸動作
(coke-you doe-sah)
【こきゅうどうさ】
Kokyu-Ryoku
呼吸力
(coke-you ree-oh-kyoo)
【こきゅうりょく】
kyu
級
(cue)
【きゅう】
ma-ai
間合い
(ma-eye)
【まあい】
ma’te
待って
(ma-‘-te)
【まって】
misogi
禊
(me-soh-ghi)
【みそぎ】
mudansha
無段者
(moo-don-sha)
【むだんしゃ】
mushin
無心
(moo-shin)
【むしん】
musubi
結び
(moo-soo-bee)
【むすび】
nage
投げ
(nah-gay)
【なげ】
obi
帯
(oh-bee)
【おび】
wooden staff
shrine; literally "seat of the spirit(s)"
practice session; training
training clothing. (a synonym is gi)
Japanese sword
spirit: the vital force of the body; universal energy; a
stream or flow of positive energy
a piercing scream or cry with practical and psychological
value; literally "meeting of the spirits"
student junior to oneself; someone with a lower rank or
who attained the same rank at a later date. (see sempai)
breath power; the coordination of ki flow with
breathing
a method of off-balancing and pinning your partner
with ki instead of physical power
breath power
the aikido ranks held by undergraduates, prior to
attainment of dan ranking
distance between uke and nage. literally, "harmony of
space"
Wait
Purification of body and mind, also of the environment
someone who has not yet attained dan ranking: an
undergraduate. (see yudansha)
No mind, a mind without ego
Connection, blending, or harmonizing
a throw or the person who throws
belt
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O'Sensei
大先生
(oh-sen-say)
【おおせんせい】
rei
礼
(ray)
【れい】
samurai
侍
(sam-ooh-rye)
【さむらい】
seiza
正座
(say-zah)
【せいざ】
sempai
先輩
(sem-pie)
【せんぱい】
sensei
先生
(sen-say)
【せんせい】
senshin
洗心
(s)
【せんしん】
shihan
師範
(she-hahn)
【しはん】
shikaku
死角
(she-ka-koo)
【しかく】
shikkou
膝行
(she-kohh)
【しっこう】
shinai
竹刀
(she-nigh)
【しない】
shisei
姿勢
(she-say)
【しせい】
shodan
初段
(show-don)
【しょだん】
shomen
正面
(show-men)
【しょうめん】
shugyo
修行
(shoo-gyo)
【しゅぎょう】
suburi
素振り
(suh-boor-ee)
【すぶり】
sutemi
捨て身
(suh-teh-me)
【すてみ】
tachi
太刀、立ち
(tah-chee)
【たち】
taijutsu
体術
(tie-jute-sue)
【たいじゅつ】
tanto
短刀
(tahn-toe)
【たんとう】
tegatana
手刀
(tay-gah-tah-nah)
【てがたな】
tekubi
手首
Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of aikido; literally, "great
teacher"
salutation, bow
military retainer (from the feudal period of Japanese
history)
formal sitting posture in which the insteps and shins
rest against the floor
student senior to oneself; someone with a higher rank
or who attained the same rank at an earlier date.
(see kohai)
teacher, instructor; generally a title earned at 4th dan
A purified and cleansed spirit
Master teacher, very high ranked instructor
Blind spot; dead space; dead angle, no counter possible
A technique of walking on the knees. Note that the last
“o” is held twice as long: shikkou.
Bamboo and leather practice sword used in kendo
Attitude, posture, stance; carriage of the body
holder of the first grade of black belt
1. the front or top of the head; 2. the front of the dojo,
where the kamiza is
Rigorous daily training
a single movement using the ken or jo, done as a solo
practice
a hard fall; literally "casting aside one's body"
1. Japanese sword; 2. standing (as opposed to sitting)
body arts; the techniques of aikido performed without
weapons
dagger
hand blade; sword edge of the hand
Wrist (literally hand neck)
26
(tay-koo-be)
【てくび】
uke
受け
(ooh-kay)
【うけ】
ukemi
受身
(ooh-ke-me)
【うけみ】
waza
技
(wah-zah)
【わざ】
yame
止め
(ya-may)
【やめ】
Imperative form for stop. Usually said to end
formal randori
yudansha
有段者
black belt grade holder(s). (see mudansha)
(you-don-sha)
【ゆうだんしゃ】
zanshin
残心
(zahn-shin)
【ざんしん】
zazen
座禅
(zah-zen)
【ざぜん】
a person who receives an attack; generally speaking, the
person being thrown
the art of receiving the energy of a technique; literally,
"receive with the body"
technique(s)
Remaining mind
Seated Zen meditation, usually in a cross legged
position or in seiza
If you are interested in learning more about the Japanese language, one excellent resource is
http://www.guidetojapanese.org/learn/
Online Japanese Dictionary Service: http://www.csse.monash.edu.au/~jwb/cgi-bin/wwwjdic.cgi?1C
THIS DOJO IS AN ASSOCIATE DOJO OF THE CAPITAL AIKIKAI FEDERATION
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