Terminology

A lot of the words used in iaido are borrowed from kendo, or other budo. Some of the commonly used words and phrases in our dojo are listed below:

You can also find an excellent list on the Fighting Arts iaido terminology page by Ms. Deborah Klens-Bigman.

Contents

Contents

Budo	Etiquette	Ranks and Titles
Dojo Arrangement	Commands in the Dojo	Directions for Movement
The Uniform	Postures	Sword Cuts and Blocks
Parts of Kata	Holding the Katana	Body Motions
Katana - diagram, descriptions, measuring, parts	The Swordsman	Philosophical Concepts

Pronunciation

Japanese is not a tonal language like Chinese or Thai, and is comparatively easy to pronounce.

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Budo

Iaido

The way of drawing the sword.

Kendo

The way of the sword, already drawn.

Koryu

Old school or lineage.

Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu

A style or school of Iai. Named for Hasagawa Eishin.

Muso Shinden Ryu

style related to the above, originated by Nakayama Hakudo.

Seitei

Basic, fundamental. Seitei gata, fundamental techniques (kata).

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Etiquette

Etiquette names:

Hajime no Saho

Beginning etiquette.

Owari no Saho

Finishing etiquette.

Reigi

Etiquette.

Reiho

Etiquette, method of bowing. Done before and after class.

Reishiki

Same as above.

Saho

Method of etiquette.

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Sword positions:

Datto

Taking sword from belt.

Keito

Same as teito shisei.

Taito

Putting sword into belt.

Teito

Holding the sword loose by the left side. Also used when sword is in belt and both hands loose at sides.

Teito Shisei

Holding the sword by the left side, as if in the obi. Thumb on tsuba.

Bowing:

Joseki ni Rei

Bow to the high section of the dojo.

Kamiza ni Rei

Bow to kamiza (gods) usually in front.

Otagai ni Rei

Bow to each other.

Rei

Bow.

Ritsu Rei

Same as tachi rei.

Sensei (Gata) ni Rei

Bow to teacher(s).

Shinzen ni Rei

Bow to shrine.

Tachi Rei

Standing bow.

To Rei

Bow to sword.

Za Rei

Kneeling bow.

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Commonly Used Words:

Arigato

Thank you (informal).

Domo

Thanks (informal).

Domo Arigato

Thank you (formal).

Domo Arigato Gozaimasu

Thank you very much (very formal).

Dozo

Please go ahead.

Gomennasai

Excuse me, I'm sorry.

Onegaishimasu

Please (when asking for something, usually as in Please let's practice together).

Oshiete (Kudasai)

"(Please) teach me", such as a polite way to get a game with an older better player at a Go club, or before keiko with a visiting high ranked sensei.
Onegai shimasu is used when asking someone to do something for you, but unlike kudasai, which needs to be attached to the verb, onegai shimasu can stand by itself, such as in giving an item to buy to the cashier, or to a waiter to get a dirty plate removed, or as an additional exhortation after the initial please, as in "Oshiete kudasai. Onegai shimasu." Yarimasho-ka might also be better for "Let's practice (play) together, shall we?"

Onegai Otsukaresamadeshita

A thank-you that is used after training.

Otsukaresamadeshita

You have become tired (because of the hard work you have done teaching). An expression of thanks.

Sumimasen

Excuse me (to attract attention). Can also be used a basic "I'm sorry."

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Ranks and Titles

Kohai

Junior student.

Senpai

Senior student.

Sensei

Instructor.

Shihan

A senior teacher, properly used within the school only, when outside, use sensei.

Kyu

Student grade, from 5 to 7 up to 1, the highest.

Dan

More advanced grades, from 1 to 10.

Yudansha

Members with dan grades.

Mudansha

Members with kyu grades.

Hanshi

Highest title from ZNKR, must be 55 or older and 8 dan.

Kyoshi

Middle title from ZNKR, must be 7th dan.

Renshi

Title bestowed from ZNKR in addition to Dan ranks. Basically designates someone as eligible to judge.

Soke

Head of style (actually head of family, unifier of gods and lineage).

Kaicho

"Owner" of school (organization) eg. Musoshindenryu Dojo, Moorhead.

Kancho

"Owner" of school (building, hall).

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Dojo Arrangement

Dojo

Practice hall.

Ge

Side of dojo opposite shinzen.

Joseki (Jo)

High side, Shinzen.

Shomen

Front of room.

Shinzen, Kamiza

Altar, gods place.

Shimoseki, Shimoza

Opposite of the Sensei, where students sit.

Students line up on one side of the room, instructors on the other. Shinzen is one of the two remaining sides, usually depending on where the door to the room is. If the door is in a corner, usually that corner is where the lowest ranked students would sit. Preferably, shinzen is to the east.

                    Shomen
                    Sensei
S
h
i J                                                G
n o                                                e
z
e
n

     Sempai    -> decreasing rank                  door
                   Shimoza

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Commands in the Dojo

Ato

Move back.

Hajime

Start.

Hayaku

Quickly.

Iai Kisogeiko

Fundamental practice.

Ijyo

That's all (after recitation).

Junbitaiso O Hajimemasu

Begin the warm-up.

Junbitaiso O Owarimasu

Warm-ups are finished.

Katana O Motte

Get your sword(s).

Kiyotsukette

Be careful.

Matte

Wait.

Mawatte

Turn around.

Mo Motte

More, eg. mo oki, bigger.

Mokuso

Close the eyes, meditation. Done before and after practice.

Osame To

Replace swords into saya.

Yame (Yamete)

Stop.

Yoi

Ready.

Yukkuri

Slow.

Yuru Yaka Ni

Smoothly.

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General Vocabulary

Age

Lift or raise up.

Atto De

Afterwards.

Batto

Draw the sword.

Chigau

That's different, wrong.

Chiisai

Small.

Chikaku

Near, close.

Dame

Not like that, wrong.

Hai

Yes. I understand.

Heta

Unskillful, poorly done.

Iie

No.

Jozu

Skillful.

Kyojun

Standard, basic level.

Machigaimasu.

It's a mistake, wrong.

Miru

Look.

Naze

Why.

Okii

Big.

Semeru

Push, press.

Shita

Under, below.

Shito Kokyu

One breath.

Shizuka ni

Softly, gently, quietly.

Sukoshi

A little, a small amount.

Tate

Standing, upright.

Wakarimasu

I understand.

Waruii

Bad.

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Directions for Placement or Movement

Mae

Forward.

Migi

Right.

Hidari

Left.

Ushiro

Rearward, behind.

Omote

Front.

Ura

Back.

Uchi

Inside.

Soto

Outside.

Jodan

High.

Chudan

Middle.

Gedan

Low.

Fukaku

Low.

Ichi Mon Ji

A straight line.

Tate Ichi Mon Ji

A vertical line.

Yoko Ichi Mon Ji

A horizontal line.

Chokakku

Right angles.

Do

Degrees, eg. kyu ju do is 90 degrees.

Heiko

Parallel.

Kakudo

Angle.

Massugu

Straight ahead.

Naname

Diagonal.

Otoshi

Dropping.

Shomen

Straight ahead.

Ue

Up.

Yoko

Horizontal, to the side.

Asoko

Over there.

Biki

To move, as in saya biki or hakama biki.

Gyaku

Reverse, opposite, inverted.

Hantai

The other way around. Backwards.

Kiku

Lower.

Komi

Coming close or drawing near.

Soko

There, that position.

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The Uniform

Keiko Gi

Practice uniform.

Embu Gi

Demonstration top / uniform.

Gi

Refers to top only.

Kamishimo

Over vest / jacket.

Kesa

Lapel / part of monk's costume hanging from left shoulder.

Mon

Family crests on uniform (There are usually five on a formal montsuki.)

Montsuki

Wide sleeved top with mon on chest, sleeve and back.

Sode

Sleeve, on practice top.

Tanomo

Large sleeves on formal tops.

Uwa Gi

Practice top.

Zekken

Chest patch embroidered with own name and dojo name.

Obi

Belt.

Hakami

Split skirt, wide legged pants.

Himo

Straps / cords

Hera

Peg in back of hakama.

Matadachi

Split in side of hakama.

Koshita

Back plate on hakama.

Tabi

Japanese sock-slippers used in the dojo.

Zori

Japanese sandals for use outside dojo.

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Postures

Hanmi

Half forward stance.

Hitoemi

Equal stance, feet parallel forward

Iai Goshi

Hips lowered, stable position.

Iai Hiza, Tate Hiza

Kneeling on one calf.

Kamae

Posture, stance.

Kiza

Kneeling, but up on the toes.

Seiza

Kneeling on both calves.

Tachi

Standing.

Chudan

Middle kamae, sword in middle, seigan is a chudan gamae.

Gedan

Lower level, sword pointed down.

Hasso Gamae

Figure 8 stance, sword by side of head. Usually hasso hidari, sword on right, left foot forward.

Jodan

Upper level, sword above head. Usually hidari jodan, left foot forward.

Karuma

Like waki gamae, blade horizontal.

Kasumi

Arms crossed over to hide technique (mountain mist).

Kongo

Blade vertical in front of face.

Seigan

Natural step, fundamental kamae.

Waki Gamae

Sword pointed down and back, for a sutemi (sacrifice) waza. Usually sword on right side (migi waki gamae), left foot forward. Other purpose - hiding length of sword, especially in case of a broken one.

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Sword Cuts and Blocks

Aiuchi

Strike together.

Ate

Strike.

Gyaku Kesa Giri

Diagonal upward cut.

Katate Uchi

One handed cut.

Kesa Giri

Diagonal downward cut. A kesa is a sash worn diagonally across the chest by buddhist priest.

Kiri

Cut. (kiru: to cut)

Kiri Age

Same as gyaku kesa giri.

Kiri Gaeshi

Large diagonal cut, sword finishing in waki gamae position. Different meaning in kendo, refers to partnered practice with attacker performing successive yokomen and defender blocking.

Kiri Kudashi

Finishing cut.

Kiri Otoshi

Dropping cut, straight down.

Morote Uchi

Two handed cut.

Shomen Uchi

Strike on front of head.

Sune Gakoi

Block to protect the leg (shin).

Tsuki

Thrust.

Uchi

Strike.

Uke Nagashi

Receive and deflect.

Yokomen Uchi

Strike on side of head.

Yoho Giri

Horizontal cut.

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Types of Practice

Embu

Demonstration.

Kata

- structured practice; form or pattern.

Ji Geiko

Free practice (kendo).

Jogeburi (Jogesuburi)

Suburi with the finishing position with tip about 2" above floor.

Keiko

Practice.

Nanamae Men

Suburi with the "corners" of the head as target, 45 degree angle - same technique as in kiri-kaeshi

Oji Waza

Receiving techniques.

Saiumen

Suburi practising left and right yoko-men alternately.

Shiai

Competition.

Taikai

Match within a competition. Tournament.

Tameshigiri

Test cutting with a live blade.

Uchikomigeiko

- continuous attack practice

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Parts of an Iaido Technique (Kata)

Henka Waza

Small variations in same basic technique.

Kae Waza

Substitute or totally different techniques.

Waza

Technique.

Kokyu

Breath control.

Chosoku

Breathing.

Metsuke

Gaze.

Enzen No Metsuke

Gaze at the far mountains.

Batto

To unsheath a sword.

Nukitsuke or Kiri Tsuke

Simultaneous draw and strike.

Tate Ha

Standing edge, draw with edge up.

Jo Ha Kyu

Acceleration in technique, buildup to climax.

Seme

Pressure.

Semeru

Pressing forward.

Saya Biki

Movement of scabbard (usually to rear during nukitsuke).

Saya Banare

Tip at koiguchi during draw, just before strike, the flight from the scabbard.

Kime

Focus

Furi Kaburi

Lifting sword from nuki to morote jodan.

Kiri Kudashi or Kiri Tsuke

The finishing strike.

Hiki Taoshi

Pulling down. (Usually the opponent).

Hiki Kiri

Pulling cut, usually when pulling over teki.

Hane Age

Flipping over. (Flipping up the blade.)

Chiburi

Shaking off the blood, cleaning the blade.

O-Chiburi

Large or circular chiburi.

Yoko Chiburi

Horizontal chiburi, move to the side.

Chinugui

Wiping off the blood, as is done in Uke Nagashi.

Noto

Replacing the blade in the saya.

Tate Noto

Standing noto, blade replaced with edge facing up.

Zanshin

Awareness, watchfulness, "lingering heart".

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Holding the Katana

Te No Uchi

Grip on sword with fingers pulling into palm.

Shibori

Wringing. Twisting the hands inward over the handle on the cut.

Hasuji

Angle of movement of the edge. Where the edge is "pointing".

Kiri Te

Grip that allows cutting action with blade.

Seme Te

Pushing hand. Pressing forward with the blade.

Mamori Te

As for seme te. Covering or protecting hand.

Shini Te

Hand position that does not allow a cut. Dead hand.

Tome te

Stopping hand, one that is defensive.

Nobi Te

As for shini te.

Kata Te

One handed.

Moro Te

Two hands on tsuka.

Soe Te

"Assisting hand" One hand on tsuka, one on blade.

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Diagram of Katana and Saya

(Click on image to open a larger image in a separate window)

Descriptions of the Katana

Sword names:

Aikuchi

a dagger with no tsuba, typically worn by women

Bokken

Hardwood replica of sword.

Bokuto

Hardwood replica of sword.

Daisho

Great small, the set of two swords, daito and shoto.

Daito

Great sword, larger of the set of two, daisho along with shoto.

Gunto

War sword, usually refers to those made just prior to and during WWII.

Iaito

Practice sword for Iaido, usually not sharp.

Katana

Same as Daito. Mounted edge up.

Ken

Sword, usually refers to the straight double edged type.

Kodachi

equivalent to SHOTO, lit. "small TACHI" with the same fittings as a tachi.

Koto

"Old sword". Blades before about 1600.

Suburito

Wooden sword, usually heavy. Used to build strength.

Shinai

Bamboo practice sword, used for Kendo.

Shinken

A real or "live" blade.

Shinto

New swords, from about 1600 to 1870.

Shin-shinto

Modern blades.

Shoto

the smaller of a pair of daisho, the other is the daito.

Tachi

Old style sword, (koto) mounted edge down.

Tanto

a knife-sized short sword, typically less than 1 SHAKU in length

To

Sword, curved type, single edge.

Uchi Gatana

Inside sword, forerunner of Katana, worn in belt.

Wakizashi

equivalent to SHOTO, the shorter sword in a DAISHO pair, typically less than 2 SHAKU in length

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Measuring the Katana:

Shaku

30.2 cm. or 11.9 inches.

Sun

1/10 of a shaku.

Bu

1/10 of a sun, 0.3 cm

Nagasa

Measure of length of blade from kissaki to mune machi in a straight line

Sori

Measure of curve of blade from nagasa to mune at deepest point.

Sword length parameters:

Tachi, Daito, Katana, = 2+ shaku.
Shoto, Wakizashi, 1-2 shaku.
Tanto, &LT1 shaku.

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Parts of the sword:

Omote

For Tachi. That side that faces out from the hip when it is in the saya in its usual mounting. This side is signed by the swordmaker.

Ura

For Tachi. Side that faces the hip.

Sashi Omote

(Katana) Side facing out.

Sashi Ura

(Katana) Side facing hip.

Tachi-Mei

The side with the signature.

Katana-Mei

The side with the signature.

Points on the sword blade (tang to tip):

Tang:

Nakago

Tang of blade.

Nakago Jiri

End of tang.

Mei

Signature on tang.

Yasuri Mei

File marks on tang.

Hitoe

Back of tang, meets mune at mune machi. Also called Nakago-mune.

Mekugi Ana

Hole through tang.

Mune Machi

Notch for habaki, at back of blade.

Ha Machi

Notch for habaki, at edge side of blade.

Blade:

Tsuba Moto

1/3 of blade nearest tsuba.

Chu O

Middle 1/3 of blade.

Mono Uchi

1/3 of blade nearest tip, cutting area.

Katahaba Measurement

at thickest part of blade.

Mune

Back of blade.
MUNE TYPES: Mitsumune (3 surfaces), Marumune (rounded), Iorimune (standard 2 surface)

Shinogi Ji

Area of blade near back from shinogi to mune.

Hi

Grooves down shinogi ji.

Shinogi

Line of blade between shinogi ji and jigane, ridge at widest point of blade.

Hiraji

Area of blade between hamon and shinogi.

Jigane

Refers to the steel material. Jigane = skin steel. Shingane = core steel. These have different carbon contents. Appearance of the jigane is controlled by the smith's folding technique. Can be of different patterns, courseness, etc.

Hamon

Ha = edge, Mon = Pattern. The shape or style of the yakiba. This does not necessarily exactly follow the shape of the yakiba. A polisher will "improve" it sometimes.

Hira

Face of the blade between shinogi and ha, includes hiraji and hamon.

Yakiba

Yaki = fired, Ba (Ha) = edge. The hardened part of the blade near the edge.

Habuchi

Boundary of the yakiba.

Ha

Cutting edge.

Tip:

Yokote

Line between edge plane and tip plane.

Mitsukado

Point where shinogi, yokote, and ko shinogi meet.

Ko Shinogi

Shinogi line through tip area.

Kissaki

Tip area, from yokote to end.
KISSAKI SIZES:
Ko kissaki = small, Chu Kissaki = medium, O kissaki = large.

Fukusa

Cutting edge in tip area.

Boshi

The hamon of the kissaki. Hardened area in tip / the curve leading to the point.

Fittings of the sword:

Tsuka

Handle.

Kashira

Fitting at end of handle, end of handle.

Tsuka Maki

The style, or pattern, or method of wrapping the handle.

Tsuka Ito

The material used to wrap the handle. Silk, Leather, etc.

Same

Belly skin from a type of Ray. However, the word SAME means "shark", not "ray fish".

Menuki

Decorative fixtures on handle.

Mekugi

Retaining peg.

Mekugi Ana

Hole for peg.

Fuchi Gane

Fitting between handle and guard.

Seppa

Spacers on either side of tsuba.

Tsuba

Sword guard.

Habaki

Fitting between tsuba and blade, wedge for koiguchi.

Kogai

Skewer.

Kogatana

Ko = small, Katana = blade. Small knife carried in a pocket on the Saya.

Kodzuka

Ko = small, Tsuka = handle. Handle of the Kogatana.

The scabbard:

Saya

Scabbard.

Shirasaya

lit. "white scabbard", a plain storage-only scabbard

Koiguchi

Scabbard mouth (literally carp's mouth).

Kurigata

Knob for tying sageo.

Shitodome

Metal fittings inside the kurigata.

Sageo

Cord from saya (kurigata) to hakama himo.

Kojiri

Fitting at end of saya, end of saya.

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Body motions

Tai Sabaki

Body motions. TAI Body. SABAKI Movement.

Hikari Ashi

Rear foot moves forward and turns to face opponent, front foot turns to establish feet again in kamae but with opposite foot forward.

Irimi

Entering.

Jiku Ashi

Turning foot, the main axis of rotation.

Kaiten

Turning.

Mawari

Swinging around.

Seme

ASHI Pushing or pressing foot.

Suri Ashi

Sliding foot.

Tenkan

Moving one foot behind the other to face 180 degrees.

Walking:

Ayumi Ashi

Normal walking motion, back foot slides up to become front foot.

Chidori Ashi

"Bird walk" as in ayuma ashi.

Fumi Komi

Shift forward, as in a strike, using the hips.

Fumi Komi Ashi

Foot motion as shifting forward, front and back slide together, not two different movements.

Okuri Ashi

Following foot, step forward with front foot, then rear foot moves same distance forward to regain original distance apart.

Tsugi Ashi

Half step, rear foot up to front then front forward again.

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The swordsman

Names of roles:

Kasso Teki

Invisible opponent.

Motodachi

Defender, teacher side in waza practice.

Nage

Performer of technique.

Shidachi (SHI TACHI)

Completing sword. Finishes partner practice.

Teki

Opponent

Tori

Attacker.

Uchidachi (UCHI TACHI)

Entering sword. "Attacker" in partner practice.

Uke

Receiver (of technique)

The body (top down):

Nakazumi

Centreline of body

Atama

Head

Men

Head.

Shomen

Front or top of head.

Yokomen

Side of head.

Shamen

Side of head, temple

Gammen

Point on face between the eyes.

Sunmen

Same as gammen.

Me

Eye.

Mimi

Ear.

Jinchu

Centre of upper lip.

Kubi

Neck

Nodo

Throat

Do

Chest / side of body at ribs

Sui Getsu

Solar plexus.

Mune

Chest. Particularily the area over the heart, in kendo, the embroidered part of the do above the do target.

Te

Hand.

Te Kubi

Wrist.

Omote

Open / palm of hand.

Kote

Wrist (forearm).

Hiji

Elbow

Kata

Shoulder

Ude

Arm in general.

Ura

Back of hand

Yubi

Finger / toe

Koshi

Hip.

Hara

Abdomen.

Tanden

Centre of balance, below navel.

Seika Tanden

As per tanden.

Ashi

Foot or leg.

Ashi Kubi

The ankle.

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Philosophical concepts

Aiuchi

Mutual strike, strikes at the same time.

Budo

Way of war.

Bushido

Way of warrior.

Dai Kyo Soku Kei

Big strong fast smooth.

Dehana WAZA

Strike at the outset, as opponent moves, like sen no waza.

Do

Activity, motion.

Fushin

Frozen or stopped mind.

Fudoshin

Immovable mind, calm spirit.

Fukaku

Personal character.

Gokai

Grandeur, large feeling, full motions.

Go no Sen no Waza (GO NO SEN)

Strike at a suki, a mind stopping. Strike before the opponent forms the intention to strike.

Heijishin

Ordinary mind.

Jo Ha Kyu

Slow, faster, fastest.

Kake Goe

Yelling to get extra energy. Like Kiai.

Kensen

Pressure from the sword, esp. the tip.

Ki

Spirit, energy, inner strength.

Ki Ken Tai Ichi

Spirit, sword, body, one.

Kiai

Shout, yell.

Kime

Sharpness of movement, positive end of cut or thrust.

Kimochi

Feeling, sensation.

Kiryoku

Willpower.

Kokoro, Shin

Mind.

Kokyu

Breath, breath power.

Ma

Distance, space, interval (in time).

Mawai (MAAI)

Mutual distance (in space).

Mushin, Muso

No mind, no rationalization.

Muga

No ego.

Munen

No thought.

Oi Waza

Chasing or following strikes, attack as opponent retreats.

Riai

Unification of action and theory.

Sae of Swordsmanship

The skill beyond technique only.

Saya no Uchi no Kachi / Saya no Uchi de Katsu

Saya = scabbard, uchi = inside, kachi = victory. The sword in the saya, winning without drawing.

Sen

Initiative, to forestall.

Sen No Waza (SEN)

Strike faster than opponent, before attack delivered.

Sen Sen no Waza (SEN NO SEN)

Strike as opponent commits to an attack but before he moves.

Sei

Motionless, inactive.

Shu Ha Ri

Keep, break, leave. Memorize technique, question and understand, forget technique.

Suki

Opening.

Sutemi

Sacrifice technique, accept a blow to deliver one.