AI – Harmony, the central concept of budo. In Japanese philosophy, harmony is regarded as the fundamental essence of nature and all living beings. “Ai” is always represented as a circle, and it is very similar to the Chinese concept of Tao.

AIKIDO – Path to harmony

ATEMI-WAZA – Attack to the location of nerve and pressure or weak points

BO – A long wooden staff (160–280 cm), most commonly made of oak.

BU – Combat.

BUDO – Fighting path. A common name for Japanese martial art.

BUDOKA – A practitioner of budo.

BUSHI – Warrior.

BUSHIDO – The Way of the Warrior.

Giri – Duty
Shiki – Determination
Ansha – Nobility
Fudo – Strength of character
Dougo – Magnanimity
Ninyo – Humanity
These principles were published by Nitobe Inazo in his book Bushido, which was released in 1899.

CHUDAN – Middle (at height of chest)

DAN – Master level, degree (black belt)

DO – The Way. A path of spiritual discipline through which a person seeks to achieve balance with oneself and the surrounding environment.

DOJO – Training hall or studio.

EMPI – Elbow

GEDAN – Lower (at height of hip).

GERI – Kick.

HAJIME – Start!

HIDARI – Left.

HIZA – Knee.

JO – A 128 cm long wooden staff. The jo can be used for strikes, thrusts, sweeps, and joint locks. It is also suitable for sword defense. Strikes and thrusts are typically aimed at the body’s nerve points, with the most common targets being the bridge of the nose, temples, and upper part of the diaphragm.

JODAN – Upper (at height of head).

JU – Soft, adaptable, and flexible technique.

JU-JUTSU – Soft technique.

JU-JUTSUKA – Devotee of ju-jutsu.

JU-JUTSU GI – Ju-jutsu uniform/suit.JODO – Kamppailutaito, kepin tie.

JUDO – Soft path.

KAKATO – Foot heel.

KANSETZU-WAZA – Joint techniques.

KARATE – Empty hand.

KATA – Form. A kata is a sequence of movements consisting of techniques performed against an imagined opponent.

KATANA – A slightly curved, long sword with a single cutting edge. It is one of the weapons used by samurai and was carried in the belt so that it could be drawn quickly.

KIRITZ – Stand up.

KOTE – Wrist.

KIMONO – A traditional Japanese long and wide garment kept in place with a belt, called an obi. Historically, both men and women wore kimonos, but today they are mainly worn by women. Sumo referees wear kimonos during official events and competitions. The European adaptation of the kimono is called a yofuku.

KYU – Trainee/student level, degree (colour belt)

MAE – Front.

MAITTA – Surrender (if unable to tap).

MIGI – Right.

MOKUSO – Meditation.

MOROTE – Two-handed.

NAGE – Throw.

NAGE-WAZA – Suuri.

NE-WAZA – Throwing techniques.

NIKKYU – Second joint lock to the wrist.

OBI – Belt for ju-jutsu uniform.

RANDORI – Sparring.

REI – Bow, salute.

RYU – Dragon, school, or style.

SAN – “Three.” A syllable added after a name to show respect, equivalent to Mr., Mrs., or Miss, depending on gender and marital status.

SEIZA – Formal way of sittin (kneeling).

SEIZA – Formal way of sittin (kneeling).

SEMPAI – Older, senior, instructor (student belt, kyu)

SENSEI – Master, instructor (black belt, dan)

SHIME-WAZA – Choke hold technique.

SHUTO – Outer side of the hand, knife hand.

SOKUTO – Foot edge.

TAI-SABAKI – Body movement.

TANTO – A sword-shaped dagger, approximately 30 cm long, carried in the belt.

TATAMI – Mat, rice mat.

TETTSUI – Iron hammer/bottom fist.

TORI – Executor of a technique in partnered practise.

TSUKI – Punch/strike.

TSUKI-WAZA – Striking techniques.

UKE – Receiver, opponent.

UKE-WAZA – Blocking techniques.

UKEMI-WAZA – Falling techniques, break falls

USHIRO – Backwards.

YAME – Stop.

YOKO – Side.