Below is a list of terms used to describe techniques that are used in Martial Arts of
Japan like Ju-Jitsu , Judo , Karate and Aikido.
The terms are written firstly in Japanese then in English.(Alphabetical order)
Firstly some terms that are used to describe the various groupings of techniques.
Ju-Jitsu is the forefather of the other arts and hence it's terminology is part of all
3 Arts.
1. JUDO
2. KARATE
3.AIKIDO
Nage-waza } Throwing Techniques
Ne-waza(or Katame-waza) } Groundwork Techniques
Ashi-waza } Leg or Foot Techniques
Atemi-waza } Striking Techniques
Randori-waza } Free Practice Techniques
Ukemi-waza } Breakfalling Techniques
Kansetsu -waza } Armlock Techniques
Shime-waza } Strangle Techniques
Osaekomi-waza } Hold Down Techniques
Kaeshi-waza } Counter Techniques
Ai-yotsu Same grips(right against right or left against left)
Ashi Leg,foot
Ashi-waza Leg or foot techniques
Ashi-guruma Leg Wheel
Atemi-waza Stricking technique,blow
Ayumi-ashi Normal walking movements
Barai Sweep(verb harau-see also harai)
Butsu-kari See uchi-komi
Chu-gaeri Forward rolling breakfall
Dan Grade or step,black belt order
De To come out or advance
De-ashi-bari Advanced foot sweep
Do Path or Way;the trunk of the body
Dojo Place of fighting,the place practice takes place
Eri Collar or lapel of jacket
Garami To bend,entangle,trap
Gatame To hold,control,lock(verb guramu)
Gonosen-no-kata The form of counter throws
Go-shin-jitsu Techniques for self-defence
Gyaku Reverse
Hadaka Naked
Hajime Meaning:'Let it begin'
Hane-goshi Springing hip throw
Hane-makikomi Winding,springing hip throw
Hara-gatame Arm-lock using the legs and stomach
Harai Sweeping action,usually of the leg
Harai-goshi Sweeping hip throw
Harai-tsuri-komi-ashi Lifting,pulling foot sweep
Hidari Left-handed,left-hand side
Hikikomi-gaeshi Take-down
Hikite Sleeve grip
Hiza Knee
Hiza-guruma Knee wheel
Ippon-seoi-nage One arm shoulder throw
Jigotai Defensive posture
Joseki Place of honour in the dojo
Ju Soft.gentle,flexible
Judo Gentle way or way of flexibility.Sytem devised by Jigoro Kano
Judogi Suit worn when practicing judo
Judoka High grade Judo practitioner
Ju-Jitsu,ju-jutsu,jiu-jitsu Term used to describe the variety of unarmed combat
techniques.
Ju-no-kata The form of gentleness
Kaeshi,gaeshi To counter
Kaeshi-waza Counter technique
Kake The execution of a technique,the completion,the point of
maximum power
Kai,kwai Club or society
Kami-shiho-gatame Upper four quarters hold
Kansetsu Joint,such as the elbow
Kansetsu-waza Joint locking techniques
Kata A formal demonstration of pre-arranged techniques;shoulder;
single or one of a pair
Kata-eri-seoi-nage One side lapel shoulder throw
Kata-guruma Shoulder wheel
Katame,gatame To tighten,hold,pin(verb katameru)
Katame-waza Immobilizing techniques
Katsu,kappo Resuscitation techniques
Kenka-yotsu Opposing grips (left against right)
Kesa The surplice traditionally worn by Buddhist monks
Kesa-gatame Scarf hold
Kime-no-kata The form of self-defence
Kodokan The place for studying the way.The world headquarters of Judo in Tokyo
Koshi,goshi Hip
Koshiki-no-kata The ancient form.Formal demonstration of battlefield techniques used
by samurai in armour
Kosote-gake Minor outer hook
Kosote-gari Minor outer reap
Kouchi-gari Minor inner reap
Kouchi-gaeshi Minor inner counter (kouchi-gari countered with kouchi-gari)
Koshi-guruma Hip wheel
Kubi Neck
Kuchiki-taoshi Dead tree drop
Kumikata Gripping methods
Kuzure To break or crumble
Kuzushi The breaking of balance
Kyu A beginner's grade
Mae Front
Mae-mawari Stepping in turn
Makikomi Winding technique,throwing by pinning oneself to the opponent's
body and rolling to the floor
Mata Thigh
Matte Break or wait
Mawari Turn
Migi Right side
Mon Junior grade,gate
Morote Two-handed
Morote-gari Two-handed leg grab
Morote-seoi-nage Two-handed shoulder throw
Nage-waza Throwing techniques
Ne-waza Groundwork techniques
No Belonging to
Obi Belt
Obi-otoshi Belt drop throw
Ogoshi Hip throw
O-guruma Major wheel throw
Okuri-ashi-barai Sliding foot sweep
Okuri-eri-jime Sliding strangle
Osaekomi Hold-down
Osoto-gari Major outer reap
Osoto-guruma Major outer wheel throw
Oshi To push (verb osu)
Otoshi To drop (verb otosu)
Ouchi-gari Minor inner reap
Ouchi-gaeshi Major inner counter
Randori Free practice
Rei Bow,salutation
Renraku-waza Combination techniques
Renshu Practice
Renzoku-waza Linked techniques
Ryote-jime Two-handed strangle using the knuckles of the fingers
Ryu School
Sangaku-jime Triangular strangle
Sasae-tsuri-komi-ashi Propping,lifting,pulling foot
Sei-ryoku-senyo The principle of maximum efficiency in the use of mind and body
Sensei Teacher or Master
Senshu Competitor or champion
Seoi-nage Shoulder throw,carry on the back throw
Seoi-otoshi Shoulder drop
Shiai Contest,competition
Shime To tighten,strangle
Shime-waza Strangle technique
Shizen Nature
Shizentai Natural posture
Sode Sleeve
Sode-tsuri-komi-goshi Sleeve lift pull hip throw
Soto Outside,outer
Soto-makikomi Outer winding throw
Sukui To scoop up
Sukui-nage Scooping throw
Sumi Corner
Sumi-gaeshi Corner throw
Sumi-otoshi Corner drop
Sutemi Sacrifice
Sutemi-waza Sacrifice technique
Tachi-waza Standing techniques
Tai Body
Tai-otoshi Body drop
Tani Valley
Tani-otoshi Valley drop
Tatami Judo mat,rice straw mats
Tate Vertical
Tate-shiho-gatame Astride four quarters hold
Te Hand
Tomoe-nage Whirling or stomach throw
Tori The person who does the technique in a demonstration
Tsubame-gaeshi Swallow counter
Tsugi-ashi Following feet,a method of walking which involves drawing
the rear foot level with the leading foot
Tsukuri The action of pulling the opponent off balance
Tsuri To fish or draw,a pulling movement similar to the flicking action
of the wrist made when fishing with a rod and line
Tsuri-goshi Drawing hip throw
Tsuri-komi-goshi Lifting-pulling hip throw
Tsurite Lapel grip
Uchikomi Repetition practice of a given throw up to the point of kake.
Literally to beat against,to go in
Uchi-makikomi Inner thigh winding throw
Uchimata Inner thigh
Uchimata sukashi Inner thigh slip
Ude-hishigi-juji-gatame Straight arm cross armlock
Uke The receiver,the person to whom a technique is applied
Ukemi-waza Breakfall, falling technique
Uki Floating
Uki-goshi Floating hip throw
Uki-otoshi Floating drop
Uki-waza Floating technique
Ura-nage Rear throw
Ushiro-goshi Rear hip
Ushiro-mawari Rear turn
Utsuri-goshi Changing hip
Waza Technique
Yama-arashi Mountain storm throw
Yoko-gake Side hook
Yoko-guruma Side wheel
Yoko-otoshi Side drop
Yoko-shiho-gatame Side four quarters hold
Yoko-wakare Side seperation throw
Yoshi Command meaning "let's go,carry on",used after matte has been called
Yudansha Black belt or high grade in the early days of the Kodokan
Za-rei Kneeling bow
Zori Straw sandals worn by judo practitioners
Age zuki An uppercut type blow
Ashi-barai A leg sweep
Ashikubi Used in reference to the ankle or kicks made with the ankle
Ashi-no-achi-kata The ways of positioning the feet in readiness for an attacking or
defensive move
Ashiwaza Leg and foot techniques as used in kicking
Atemi The vital points of the body
Choku zuki A direct thrust or blow
Chudan The mid section of the body, one of the key target areas
chudan-mawashi-geri The roundhouse kick
Chosuku Contact point - the ball of the foot
Dachi Stance
Dan A senior grade
Dojo Training place
Gedan The lower part of the trunk
Gedan barai A lower sweeping block
Geri A kick
Gyaku-zuki The reverse punch
Haisoku Contact point - the instep
Hajime Meaning "to begin"
Hiraite A sweeping hand method of defence against an attack
by your opponent's hand or foot
Hiraken Contact point - the half clenched fist.The contact point are the
second joints of the index and middle fingers
Hitosashiyubi-ipponken Contact point - the knuckle joint of the index finger
Hiza The knee
Hizagashira The knee-cap
Hiza-geri An attack made with the knee cap
Hizatsui An attack on the vital parts of your opponent's body with the knee-cap
Ibuki A method of breathing involving the tensing of all muscles after inhaling
Jion A stance position with feet apart and centre of gravity low
Jodan The head area
Jodan zuki Front punch always made to the head area
Kakato Contact point - the heel
Kakato-geri A kick with the heel
Kakiwake A defensive action using a thrusting hand to sweep away an opponent's
wrist
Karategi The Karate suit.Often referred to as the 'gi'
Karateka A person who practices karate
Kata A fixed sequence of training exercises which incorporate aspects
of attack and defence and takes the form of imaginary fighting
Keiko Contact point - the fingertips and thumb
Kekomi A thrusting kick
Keriage An upwards kick using either the sole of the foot or front of the ankle
Keriwaza Kicking techniques
Kiai The shout given out by the karateka as he makes impact with his
opponent. The cry comes from the lower diaphragm
Kihon Basic technical training and fighting
Kizami-zuki Front hand jab
Koken Contact point - the wrist
Kokutsodachi One of the basic stances adopted by the karateka
Kote The forearm
Kumite Contest or match
Kyoshi A very high master,normally somebody of 6th,7th or 8th Dan
Kyu A student
Mae-geri The front kick
Makiwara A padded board or bag used for punching and kicking training
exercises
Mawashi-geri The roundhouse kick or turning kick
Mawashi-zuki Roundhouse punch or hook
Nakayubi-ipponken Contact point - the second joint of the middle finger
Neko-ashi-dachi Known as the 'Cat' stance.Most of the bodyweight is on the back
foot with the right foot ready in a kicking position
Nidan A 2nd Dan
Nukite Contact point - the fingertips or spearhand
Obi Another name for the coloured belt worn by karateka
Rei The traditional bow by each karateka to each other before and
after a contest
Renshi Senior expert grades,normally applied to 4th and 5th Dans.
Renshi grade karateka are entitled to be called Sensei
(honourable teacher) by their juniors
Sagi-ashidachi Known as 'Heron Leg' posture because the karateka raises
one leg to a position approximately level with the knee of
the supporting leg
Sandan A 3rd Dan
Seiken Contact point - the fist
Semete An attacking fighter in kata
Sensei A term of respect from a junior to a renshi.It means
' honourable teacher'
Shihan A term of respect by a junior for a karateka of 8th Dan or
higher.It means 'honourable professor'
Shiro The wearer of the white belt in a kumite(contest)
Shodan A 1st Dan
Shotei Contact point - the heel of the palm
Shuto Contact point - the knife hand
Sokuto Contact point - the knife foot
Sukuite A scooping-hand ,defensive technique in which you grasp your
opponent's hand,leg or foot
Tamashiwara The art of wood breaking
Te The hand
Tegatana The handsword technique effected with the thumb turned
into the palm and the fingers extended.The contact point
is the bottom edge of the palm
Tebuki The wrist
Tetsui Contact point - the fist edge
Tewaza Hand technique
Tobigeri A spectacular jumping kick with both feet making the opponent
uncertain with which foot the kick will be made
Tsuki or Zuki A punch made with the hand
Ude The arm
Uke A defensive action or block
Uraken Contact point - the inverted (or back) fist
Ushiro-geri The back kick which is made with the base of the heel
Ushiro-mawashi-geri A reverse roundhouse kick
Yoko-geri A side kick
Zanshin The state of continued commitment after a technique has landed.
In other words,the fighter must be ready for a potential counter
attack from his opponent
Zenkusudachi One of the basic stances adopted by a karateka
Zen-no Silent meditation
Ai Harmony or Unification
Ai hanmi Mutual stance where both partners have the same foot advanced.
Aiki Blending or harmonising of ki
Aikido The way of harmony of the spirit
Aikidogi Suit worn by persons practicing Aikido. This may be a lightweight karate or judo suit.
Aikidoka Person who practices aikido.
Aikiken Aiki sword techniques.
Atemi A defensive strike used to neutralise the ki of your opponent.
In Aikido, this is not meant to inflict major injury.
Awase To combine. The term used in Aikido to denote techniques executed by both partners
which mutually combine, such as ken or jo combinations.
Barai see Harai
Bo Straight pole about six feet long.
Bokken curved wooden practice sword.
Bu Martial ardour or spirit.
Budo Martial ways
Budoka One who practices the martial ways.
Bushido Way of the warrior. The strict code of ethical behaviour followed by the Samurai warriors
Choku tsuki Straight thrust, usually with the jo, to your partner's centre
Dan Rank or degree. The term used for anyone who has achieved at least first degree black belt.
Deshi Disciple or trainee.
Do The way, truth or path wherby one may harmonise body and mind.
Dojo Training hall where the way is practiced
Doshu Grandmaster. A hereditary position.
Empi Elbow.
Eri Collar or lapel that runs round the front of the aikidogi.
Fuchi The metal sleeve at the base of the handle of a katana , next to the guard.
Fudo no shisei Immovable posture , either sitting or standing.
Gaeshi (kaeshi) Outward turning movement or counter.
Gedan Lower area of the body.
Gedan gaeshi Circular jo movement aimed at the lower part of opponent's body.
Gedan tsuki Jo thrust aimed at the lower part of opponent's body.
Gi Uniform or suit.
Gokyo Fifth pinning technique.
Goshi (koshi) Hip.
Gyaku Opposite or alternate.
Gyaku hanmi Stance where partners have opposite feet advanced.
Habaki Collar around the blade of the katana. It ensures a tight fit between scabbard and blade.
Hachi no ji Jo movement based on the Japanese character for eight.
Hakama Traditional skirt-like trousers worn by aikidoka and other high-ranking martial artists.
Hanmi Stance or posture.
Hanmi handachi Situation where one person is sitting and the other is standing.
Happo giri Eight direction cut -- a sword exercise.
Hara Centre.
Harai (barai) Sweep. The sweeping of an opponent's ken or jo away and downwards.
Hasso no kamae Posture with ken or jo vertical at the right shoulder.
Hasso gaeshi Moving from basic posture to hasso no kamae.
Henke Blending.
Hidari Left.
Hito e mi Making the posture small.
Ho Direction.
Hombu Headquarters.
I dori Seated defence.
Iai Swordplay. Sword exercises using a series of cutting and thrusting techniques
while drawing and returning the blade.
Iaido The modern art of drawing the sword from its scabbard.
Ikkyo First pinning technique.
Irimi Entering movement.
Irimi nage Entering throw.
Irimi tenkan Combined entering and turning movement.
Iro obi Coloured belt.
Jo Straight pole about four feet long.
Jo dori Techniques for disarming an opponent armed with a jo.
Jodan Upper areas of opponent's body.
Jodan gaeshi Circular jo strike to upper part of your opponent's body.
Joseki Place where honoured guest is seated in the dojo.
Juji nage Crossed arms throw.
Kaiten Open and turn.
Kaiten nage Spiral throw.
Kamae The combative stance assumed when facing an opponent.
Kansha Gratitude.
Kata Predetermined sequences in set forms. Also means shoulder.
Kata dori Uke holds tori's upper arm at the shoulder.
Katana Long curved sword used by the Samurai warriors.
Katate dori Uke holds tori's wrist in one hand.
Ken Sword.
Ken no kamae Posture when holding sword or bokken in readiness for action.
Kenjutsu Aikido techniques performed while holding the sword.
Ki The vital force or energy of the body.
Ki musubi Uniting your ki with that of your opponent.
Kiai An explosive outpouring of vital energy,
manifested as a piercing shout from the depths of one's being.
Kogeki Attack.
Kokyu Breath power.
Kokyu dosa Exercise of extending ki.
Kokyu ho Breath meditation. Used as an exercise in kokyu dosa from a standing position.
Kokyu nage Throwing with breath power.
Kokyu undo Breath movement. Techniques used to develop breath power performed
from sitting or standing postures, individually or with a partner.
Koshi nage Hip throw.
Kote Wrist.
Kote gaeshi Throw by application on the wrist of a turn-out movement.
Kumi jo Partner exercises with the jo.
Kumi tachi Partner exercises with the sword.
Ma-ai Fighting distance.
Mae Front or forward.
Men Head.
Migi Right.
Morote dori One wrist held by two hands.
Mune Chest.
Mune dori One hand gripping the gi at the centre of the chest.
Mune tsuki Thrusting attack to the centre of the chest.
Nagare Flowing.
Nagare gaeshi Strike front and rear in a flowing movement.
Nage Throw.
Nikkyo The second pinning technique.
O Sensei Common way of referring to Sensei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido.
Oi Centre, abdomen.
Oi tsuki Thrust to the centre.
Omote Moving forwards.
Orenai te Unbendable arm.
Rei The bow, a formal gesture of respect and gratitude.
Renzoku Continuous.
Ryote dori Both wrists being held by your partner.
Sabaki Movement.
Sankyo The third pinning movement.
Seika no tanden One point (centre).
Seiza The formal sitting position.
Sensei The formal title used for the teacher.
Shihan Master instructor.
Shiho nage Four-direction throw.
Shiho giri Four-direction cut with the sword.
Shikko Knee walking.
Shimoza Lower seat of the dojo; The side where students sit between practices.
Shomen Centre of the head. Also the high side of the dojo.
Shomen uchi Strike straight down to the centre of the head.
Sode Sleeve.
Sode dori Attack holding the sleeve just above the elbow.
Suburi Solo practice of individual jo or bokken movements.
Suwari Kneeling.
Suwari waza Techniques performed in a kneeling posture.
Tacherei Standing bow.
Tachi Sword.
Tachi dori Techniques used to disarm an opponent who has a sword.
Tai Body.
Tai jutsu Body techniques performed without weapons.
Tai no henko Basic blending practice.
Tai sabaki Body movement.
Tanren uchi Bokken practice for developing the centre.
Tanto Knife.
Tatami The mat upon which you practice Aikido.
Tegatana Handblade technique where the hand, with fingers spread to project ki, functions as a sword.
Tenchi Heaven and Earth.
Tenchi nage Heaven and Earth throw.
Tenkai Stepping move with turn.
Tenkan Turning move with step.
Toma At a great distance.
Tori Person who performs the throwing technique.
Tsuki Thrust.
Tsuki no kamae Posture holding the jo in readiness to thrust.
Uchi Strike. Also means 'inside'.
Uchi deshi Inner disciple, who lives at the dojo acting as a twenty-four-hour trainee/attendant to the Master.
Uchi komi Stepping forwards and striking.
Uchi mawari To step inside your partner's arm.
Uchi tachi One of a pair practising kumi tachi (the attacking partner).
Uke Person who performs ukemi.
Ukemi Breakfall.
Uke tachi One of a pair practising kumi tachi ( the defending partner).
Ura Back (uke's).
Ura sankaku Back triangular stance.
Ushiro Back (tori's).
Ushiro waza Techniques applied when you are attacked from the rear.
Waza Technique.
Yoko Side.
Yokomen Side of head.
Yokomen uchi Strike to the side of the opponent's head.
Yonkyo The fourth pinning technique.
Zanshin Unbroken spirit. The concentrated connection that remains with your partner
even after the technique has been completed.
Zarei Kneeling bow.
Zengo Forward and backward.
Zori Slip-on sandal made of straw.