Glossary of Aikido Terms
The Basics
Aikido - the way of harmony with Ki (universal life force)
Dojo - practice hall (lit. "the place of the way")
Gi - practice uniform, also called Keikogi
Sensei - teacher (lit. "the one who has gone before")
Sempai - senior student
Kohai - junior student
Seiza - sitting on the feet
Kiza - sitting on the toes
Kyu - beginner's rank, starts at 5 th kyu and progresses through 1st kyu
Dan - graded or black belt rank, starts at 1 st dan, progresses through 10th dan
Kamiza - front of the dojo, with O'Sensei photo (lit. "where the spirit sits")
Nage (n.) - partner who executes technique
Uke (u.) - partner who attacks & receives technique
Ukemi - the art of attacking and receiving techniques, falling, and rolling
Omote - directed to the front side of uke
Ura - directed to the back side of uke
Tachiwaza - techniques from the standing position
Suwariwaza - techniques from sitting position
Hanmi-handachi - nage sitting, uke standing
Irimi - entering movement
Tenkan - pivoting movement
Attacks
Aihanmi - nage & uke have opposite side feet forward
Gyakuhanmi - nage & uke have same side feet forward
Katatetori - single-handed grab to wrist
Morotetori - two-handed grab of forearm
Ryotetori - both wrists grabbed from the front
Katatori - single-handed grab to shoulder
Shomenuchi - frontal strike to forehead
Yokomenuchi - diagonal strike to side of head
Tsuki - thrust or punch
Ushiro-ryotetori - both wrists grabbed from behind
Ushiro-katatori - both shoulders grabbed from behind
Ushiro-kubishime - wrist grab from behind + neck lock
Ushiro-eridori - collar grabbed from behind