List of Aikido Terminology, Words & Commands
Here are some of the key words, terms and commands used in Aikido. This martial arts style uses Japanese words and commands. In addition, you will find the Japanese name for individual techniques in the main Aikido Techniques section. If you want to learn how to count in Japanese for Aikido, please visit the Aikido Numbers page.
To hear the proper pronunciation for many of these words, please watch the videos below.
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Terms & Commands used in Aikido
- Attacker or Person receiving the technique from the Tori – Uke
- Attention – Keiotsuke
- Backward – Ushiro
- Begin or Start – Hajime
- Block – Uke
- Blocking Techniques – Uke Waza
- Body Movement – Tai Sabaki
- Bow – Rei
- Chest – Mune
- Corner Throw – Sumi Nage
- Counter Techniques – Kaeshi Waza
- Defender or Person applying the technique to the attacker (Uke) – Tori
- Dislocation Techniques – Kansetsu Waza
- Entering Throw – Irimi Nage
- Form or Pattern – Kata
- Hand – Te
- Hip Throw – Koshi Nage
- Kick – Geri or Keri
- Knee Walking – Shikko
- Knife (Wooden) – Tanto
- Martial Arts School – Dojo
- No – Iie
- Opposite (i.e. Opposite Hand) – Hantai
- Pinning Techniques – Katame Waza
- Please – Dozo
- Punch – Tsuki or Zuki
- Sit Down – Suwatte
- Stop – Yame
- Staff (Wooden) – Jo (short staff) or Bo (long staff)
- Stance – Daichi
- Striking Techniques – Uchi Waza
- Sword (Wooden) – Bokken
- Teacher/Instructor – Sensei
- Throwing Techniques – Nage Waza
- Turn Around – Mawatte
- Thank You (Formal) – Domo Arigato
- Thank You (Informal) – Domo
- Uniform – Gi
- Uniform Pants – Hakama
- Wrist – Kote
- Wrist Turn-Out – Kote Gaeshi
- Yes – Hai (Hi)
Aikido Terminology