Glossary

Here are definitions for some common, and uncommon japanese terms, and their japanese characters, used in the Iaido world.

Aikidō ( 合気道 )

Way of Harmony with the Universe

Budō ( 武道 )

Way of the Martial (-arts)

Bugei ( 武芸 )

Martial Art

Bugeisha ( 武芸者 )

Martial Artist

Chūden ( 中伝 )

The middle tradition/transmission

Dan-to-kyu ( 段と級 )

The system used as a standard to evaluate skills in many Budo. Dan was first used in Kodokan Judo, and the first Shodan (1-dan) was issued in 1883.

Dō ( 道 )

A path, i.e. a path to follow through life. Also philosophy or lifestyle.

Fudōshin ( 不動心 )

Unmovable Mind, i.e. a state of mind that is not disturbed by external forces.

Hanshi ( 範士 )

The highest rank of the three levels of shôgô. Hanshi is awarded to Kyoshi holding 8-dan or above, especially ones who have a noble moral character, thorough knowledge of the principles of Do, and a fully developed technique, and who is at least 55 years of age.

Iaidō ( 居合道 )

Way of Preparedness

Jōdō ( 杖道 )

Way of the Staff

Jutsu ( 術 )

Technique. Also Art.

Kata ( 型 )

Movement pattern, standard form of movement.

Katana ( 刀 )

A Japanese Sword

Kendō ( 剣道 )

Way of the Sword

Kenshō ( 見性 )

Seeing ones nature, a term for enlightenment experiences.

Kihaku ( 気迫 )

Spirit, backbone, mental strength to face any hardship. Also called Kigai. The spirit of fighting back against an attacking opponent.

Kuden ( 口伝 )

Oral tradition/transmission

Kyōshi ( 教士 )

The middle rank of the three levels of Sh&3333;gō. In the ZNKR the recipient must be a Renshi holding 7-dan or above and who has the ability to lead and instruct.

Ma-ai ( 間合 )

Intervall or distance between two opponents. Also including mental distance.

Metsuke

Mushin ( 無心 )

No-mindedness, i.e. a state of mind that is open to everything, fluid and devoid of pre-conceived notions, typically about an opponents impending attack.

Omote ( 表 )

Surface, Front, Right side, Face, Exterior, Outside

Okuden ( 奥伝 )

Qigong

Renshi ( 錬士 )

The lowest rank of the three levels of shôgô. The recipient must have 6-dan and posess the ability to referee.

Satori ( 悟り )

Comprehension, Understanding, Buddhist enlightenment

Seme ( 攻め )

Attack or pressuring the opponent.

Shoden ( 初伝 )

Shōgō ( 称号 )

A title which indicates a certain status or qualification. Within the ZNKR, there are three levels of shogo: Renshi, Kyōshi, and Hanshi.

Ura ( 裏 )

Inside, Palm, Undersurface, Opposite, Wrong side

Zanshin ( 残心 )

Remaining Mind, i.e. a state of mental awareness and relaxed alertness. Often implied by the posture taken after having performed a technique.

Zazen ( 座禅 )

(Zen) meditaion

Zen ( 禅 )

Zen (Buddhism)