Glossary of Some Common Terms

Many terms and names are in Japanese. The following are a few terms you will here more frequently.

Aikido - The word "aikido" is made up of three Japanese characters: AI - harmony, KI - spirit, mind, or universal energy, DO - the Way. Thus aikido is "the Way of Harmony with Universal Energy." However, AIKI may also be interpreted as "accommodation to circumstances." This latter interpretation is somewhat non- standard, but it avoids certain undesirable metaphysical commitments and also epitomizes quite well both the physical and psychological facets of aikido.
O-sensei - Literally, "Great Teacher," i.e., Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of aikido
Dojo - This is the Japanese name for the place where we practice Aikido. Literally "place of the Way." Also "place of enlightenment." Traditional etiquette prescribes bowing in the direction of the shrine (Kamiza) or the designated front of the dojo (Shomen) whenever entering or leaving the dojo.
Dogi or Gi - Training uniform. Either judo-style or karate-style GIs are acceptable in most dojo, but they must be white and cotton.
Hakama - Training uniform. Divided skirt usually worn by black-belt ranks. In some dojo, including ours, the hakama is also worn by all practitioners.

Shomen - The front of the dojo, generally where the picture of O’Sensei is located.
Seiza - Sitting on one's knees with knees roughly two hand widths apart or more and big toes touching. Sitting this way requires acclimatization, but provides both a stable base and greater ease of movement than sitting cross-legged. You should sit in seiza when bowing into the mat for the first time or with the rest of the class.
Onegai shimasu - Is the phase said when bowing into the mat or to your partner when initiating practice. It literally translates into "I welcome you to train with me," or literally, "I make a request.
Domo Arigato Gozaimashita - Japanese for "thank you very much." At the end of each class, it is proper to bow and thank the instructor and those with whom you've trained.

Ma Ai - Proper distancing or timing with respect to one's partner. Since aikido techniques always vary according to circumstances, it is important to understand how differences in initial position affect the timing and application of techniques. Generally Ma Ai is the distance between Uke and Nage where the finger tips of their out stretched arms just barely touch. Roughly this distance, or more, requires Uke to make a significant movement to make contact with Nage.
Irimi or Omote - Entering movement to uke’s front.
Tenkan or Ura - Turning movement or movement to uke’s back.

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