To add to the complexity, each kanji can have a number of possible readings. These are derived from the original Chinese pronunciation and from the native Japanese words that shared the same meaning as the kanji. For example, another kanji, (truth or reality), can be pronounced shin (Chinese reading) or ma (Japanese reading). In general, when is pronounced shin it refers to truth in an abstract moral sense—as in Shingon (), the name of a Buddhist sect—whereas when the ma reading is used it more often expresses truth in the sense of exactness—as in mayokogiri (), which means “exactly horizontal cut.” In general, compound words use either the Chinese reading or the Japanese reading. In the previous example, yoko and giri are also in the Japanese reading.
In other cases, the meanings of homophones with different kanji are subtly related and convey shades of meaning. For example, aiuchi, referring to a mutually damaging combative encounter, can be written , indicating mutual defeat or killing (as was common in encounters with swords), or as , which merely indicates simultaneous strikes (as in a karate match).
To help in clarifying these sort of issues, this glossary includes kanji for both Japanese and Chinese entries as well as common variants of both kanji and readings. Japanese entries also include the additional kana required to complete the words. Sanskrit words are in Romanized form. All entries are Japanese words unless otherwise specified.
Aiuchi (): mutual-defeat killing
Aiuchi (): simultaneous strikes
Ampuku (): abdominal massage
Ashisabaki (): foot movement, footwork
Awase (): joining (of swords)
Ayumi ashi (): alternating feet (as in walking)
Battojutsu (): a martial system of drawing and striking with the sword
Battodo (): a way of self-cultivation based on such a system
Biwa (): loquat wood
Bogu (): protective equipment used in kendo
Bokken (): wooden sword
Bokuto (): wooden sword
Budo (): martial ways (of self-cultivation)
Budoka (): one who practices budo
Bunkai (): analysis of movements within a kata and their applications
Chado (or sado) (): the Way of Tea (Japanese tea ceremony)
Chambara (): stylized portrayal of swordfighting in Japanese samurai TV dramas or films, performed with lightweight imitation swords
Chakin shibori (): the wringing-out action used to tighten the grip on the sword (as in squeezing out the Chakin, a cloth used in the tea ceremony)
Chi (): the element earth
Chi (): blood
Chi ( or ): wisdom
Chiken inkei (): “wisdom sword” hand mudra; the seventh in the kujiin sequence (also known as the “wisdom fist” hand mudra, )
Chiburi (): a ritualized gesture to convey the throwing off of blood from a sword blade (in reality ineffective)
Chika ma (): combative distance where less than a full step is required to strike the opponent
Chi gong (or Qi gong) (; Chinese): energy work (the same kanji are pronounced ki ko in Japanese)
Chudan (): middle level (in space)
Chudan (no) kamae (): mid-level ready posture
Daisan no me (): the third eye, an energetic center associated with enlightenment and paranormal vision
Daito (): a long sword, carried in the belt together with a short sword (shoto)
Dan (): level, grade
Dharani (): a mantra (magical incantation) or chant (from Sanskrit dhr, to hold)
Dharma (Sankrit): lit. “that which supports”—refers to the essential constituents of the universe but also to the true, virtuous truths and teachings that uphold the human world
Do (): road, way, means
Do (): protective breastplate in kendo (a permitted target)
Dokyo (): the teachings of the Way, Taoism
Dojo (): place of practice
Dojo yaburi (): “dojo defying,” challenging members of another dojo to duels
Eishin Ryu () or, more properly, Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu (): the most widely practised school of Iaido, founded by Hayashizaki in the sixteenth century
Enkeisen (): circular line or path
Eizoku (): swimming legs, a tanren exercise
Fajing (; Chinese): explosive release of internal energy (, hakei, in Japanese)
Fu (or kaze) (): the element air or wind
Fudo Myo O (): “the shining king (called) ‘Unmoving’ ”
Fudochi Shinmyoroku (): The Miraculous Record of Unmoving Wisdom, a text written by the Zen master Takuan
Fukuro shinai (): a sword made from one thick piece of bamboo that is split and then enclosed in a leather sheath
Furikaburi (): bringing the sword up over the head in preparation for a downward cut
Gedan kamae (): lower guard position
Gochi (): five wisdoms (panca-jnana in Sanskrit)
Godai (): “five great”; the “five great elements” of Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space (or Ether) (Maha Bhuta in Sanskrit). Godai should not be confused with the Gogyō (), the “five transformations” of Chinese medicine and philosophy.
Goju Ryu (): the “hard-soft” style of Okinawan karate
Gorin no Sho (): The Book of Five Rings, the preeminent text on Japanese swordsmanship by Miyamoto Musashi
Gyoja (): one pursuing gyo or shugyo (); usually an ascetic and spiritual path (e.g. shugendo)
Hachinoji (): the character “eight” (); an exercise moving the kensen in this pattern
Hakama (): the pleated skirt worn in sword arts
Hamon (): blade decoration; the pattern formed along the blade edge during the differential hardening that occurs when the heated blade is quenched
Happo Giri (): the eight cutting techniques (of Nakamura Ryu); cutting in the eight directions
Hara (): the abdominal area and the powers associated with it
Hatha Yoga (Sanskrit): integration (yoga) through power; melding the sun (ha) and moon (tha) powers within the body
Hasso kamae (): the combative posture of eight phases or aspects
Hassuji (): angle of blade during cutting
Heart Sutra (Hanya Shingyo): very abbreviated form of the Prajna Paramita Sutras (Sanskrit for “Perfect Wisdom Verses”), intended to convey the essence of that text
Hida Harumichi (): (1883–1956) martial artist and philosopher; originator of Hidashiki kyouken jutsu () or the Hida method of strengthening health, a system of tanden tanren that aims to develop a powerful and energetic center in the abdomen
Hikinuki (): extraction; pulling out the sword after a thrust
Hsing (; Chinese): form, practice pattern (kata in Japanese)
Hyoshi (): rhythm
Iaido (): the way of drawing (and striking) with the sword
Ikasu (): to enliven
Inkei (): seal, hand gesture, mudra
Issoku itto no ma (): the combative interval from which one step brings one into striking distance of the opponent
Jigen Ryu (): lit. reality-revealing school, the Satsuma Clan School of swordsmanship
Jikken (): test, experiment
Jikken shugi (): experimental approach
Jiyu jizai (): “free freedom” (freedom from all attachments)
Jiyu kumitachi (): free sparring
Jo (): short staff
Jodan (): upper level
Jodan kamae (): upper-level ready posture
Jotanden (): the upper tanden (red field)
Jukendo (): the way of the bayonet
Junkanho (): method of circulation (of energy)
Jutsu () technique, skill
Juzu (): rosary or string of beads used in the counting of dharani (mantra)
Ka () (also pronounced “Hi”): the element Fire
Kabuto ( or ): helmet
Kabutowari (): helmet crusher or breaker; a heavy, often blunt, sword
Kaizoku Gyakuten (): lit. reverse-turning circle legs (tan
ren exercise)
Kaji (): interpenetration, mutual empowerment, grace
Kamae (): guard or combative posture
Kami (): deity (residing within a natural phenomena, associated with the Japanese Shinto religion)
Kamidana (): household shrine (also in dojo)
Kamiwaza (): a divine martial technique, one of supernatural quality
Kan (): insight, deep seeing
Kannon (): Kanjizai Bosatsu, the bodhisattva of compassion, who sees all suffering (Chinese Kwannon; Sankrit Avaloketeshvara)
Kashima Shinto Ryu (): a Shinto Ryu school associated with Tsukahara Bokkuden (1489–1571)
Kata (): form, pattern (Chinese Hsing)
Katana (): the single-edged sword originating in the late fourteenth century, designed to be wielded with one or both hands and worn in the belt blade facing up
Katori Shinto Ryu () or, more properly, Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto Ryu (): an ancient school (koryu) linked to the Katori shrine and established by Iizasa Ienao in the fifteenth century
Katsujinken (): the life-giving sword
Keikogi (): garment worn over the upper body in sword arts
Kendo (): the way of the (drawn) sword
Kendoka (): a practitioner of kendo
Kenjutsu (): a martial system of sword fighting
Kensaki/Kensen (): the tip of the sword
Kesagiri ( or ): diagonal downward cut following the line of the cloth worn across a Buddhist monk’s upper body
Ki (): energy
Kiai (): the integration of energy
Kibun (): mood, feeling
Kigai (): courage, spirit, backbone
Kihaku ( or ): great spirit, soul, deep power
Kihon (): basic movement, element (composed of , foundation or fundamental, and , origin)
Kikentaiichi (): unification of energy, sword, and body
Kiko (): see Chi Gong
Kirikaeshi (): repeated cutting (carried out by striking an opponent’s sword or body while moving forward and backward)
Kirioroshi (): vertical downward cut
Kiryoku (): energy, vigor, mettle
Kissaki (): the tip of the sword (see also Kensaki/Kensen)
Kongosho (): see Vajra
Koryu (): ancient martial arts school (pre-Meiji Era)
Kote (): kendo hand and forearm protector (a permitted target in kendo)
Ku (): the element Space (or Ether)
Kujaku (): See Mayurasana
Kujiin (): a sequence of nine mudras or hand gestures used to activate and integrate inner energy and mental power
Kujigiri (): a pattern of nine cuts used in ritual empowerment (corresponding to and used in combination with the kujiin) to disperse negative mental patterns
Kukai (): lit. the sea of void; the legendary founder of the Shingon sect of esoteric Buddhism (posthumously named Kobo Daishi)
Kumitachi (): formalized sparring with swords
Kumiuchi (): grappling
Kundalini (from the Sanskrit kundaly): serpent power, referring to a potent internal energy residing within the spinal column that can lead to spiritual liberation
Kurikara (): the sword of discriminative consciousness wielded by Fudo Myo O; the transformative power arising from this sword, symbolized by the dragon sharing the same name (from Sanskrit Kulika, referring to one of the Naga Rajas or “Snake Kings”)
Kurikara Dharani Kyo (): the sutra of the Kurikara mantra that relates the story of Fudo Myo O’s battle with a demon, in which he transforms himself first into a sword and then into a dragon to overcome his opponent
Kusari Obi (): a thin chain belt covered in silk or other fabric, used to support the waist in takigyo (waterfall training)
Kuzushi (): breaking the balance or guard of an opponent
Ma (): space, time, or mental interval
Maai (): interval or intervening space
Makiwara (): straw-covered target for striking practice
Mandara (): a ritually constructed image of the universe; the gyoja’s body is a microcosm of this (mandala in Sanskrit)
Mayokogiri (): true/exactly horizontal cut
Mayurasana (Sanskrit): peacock asana; position in which the entire weight of the body is balanced at the navel on the bent elbows, with hands on the ground (kujaku in Japanese)
Men (): kendo helmet (with shoulder protectors), a permitted target in kendo
Metsuke (): way of looking
Mikkyo (): esoteric Buddhism (lit. secret teaching)
Mine() or Mune ( or ): back ridge of sword
Mine uchi (): striking with the back of the sword (such striking was more likely done with the shinogi or side-ridge, which is stronger than the back of the sword)
Miyamoto Musashi (): (1584–1645) the most famous swordsman in Japanese history and author of the supreme text on the subject, Gorin no Sho ()
Misogi (): purification ritual
Mogito (): imitation sword or practice sword (usually made of alloy and with a blunt edge)
Monouchi (): the top section of the blade, which is used for cutting or striking
Morote tsuki (): two-handed thrust
Mudra (Sanskrit): seal; the use of internal pressure to stimulate and store energy within the body; also hand gestures used to trigger these processes
Mushashugyo (): a path of discipline and self-cultivation through martial arts
Muso Shinden Ryu (): popular Iai school, derived from Eishin Ryu and formulated by Nakayama Hakudo (1869–1958)
Nakamura Taisaburo (): (1912–2003) the founder of Nakamura Ryu Battodo
Nami (): wave
Naname johogiri (): diagonal upward cut (alternative term for Gyakukesagiri)
Nei Gong (): (Chinese) internal work/training
Ninja (): (shinobi no mono) warriors belonging to families highly trained in espionage and assassination
Niten Ichi Ryu (): lit. Two Heavens As One School; the school of kenjutsu founded by Miyamoto Musashi
Nito (): the simultaneous use of two swords in combat or training
Nito Ichi Ryu (): lit. Two Swords As One School; an alternative name for Miyamoto Musashi’s school
Nodo (): throat
Noto (): sheathing of sword
Nukiuchi (): one-handed draw and instantaneous strike
Omoni-kokkyu (): heavy-burden breath (accompanied by uddiyana retention)
Omote (): external or surface aspect
Pranayama (Sanskrit): lengthening and eventual suspension of breathing process
Rengeza (): (padmasana in Sanskrit) lotus position; the best sitting position for meditation and for maintaining inner energy
Renma (): polishing, cultivation
Ryoguruma (): a test cut across the hips, severing pelvic bones and spine
Ryuha (): school or style
Ryu (): dragon
Sangyo daigyo (): a system of exercises that reproduces the benefits of mountain training
Sanmittsu (): (triguhya in Sanskrit) the three secrets or symbolic activities of body, speech, and mind (which are mudra, mantra, and mandala)
Satsujinken (): the murdering sword
Satsuma Han (): a Kyushu clan famed for the ferocity of its swordsmen
Saya (): scabbard or sheath
Seichusen (): correct middle line (of body)
Seigan (): correct or exact eye; looking
Seishin (): mind, heart, and spirit
Seishin toitsu (): unification of seishin; concentration or contemplation
Seiza (): correct sitting (kneeling and sitting on feet)
Seiza (): quiet sitting (the same position as above, but assumed for meditation)
Seme (): attack
Sen (): having initiative in attack
Sensei (): lit. “one born before”; teacher
Shadow Yoga: a system of Hatha Yoga founded by Natanaga Zhander (Shandor Remete) emphasizing thorough preparatory training and energetic cultivation
Shaku (): unit of length; approximately 30.3 cm or one foot
Shakuhachi (): bamboo flute so named because of its length (one shaku and eight sun)
Shakujo (): monk’s staff with metal rings hooked into metal top
Shin (): the body, the self
Shin (): heart, mind
Shin (): spirit, god
Shinshintoitsudo (): the way of unification of mind and body taught by Nakamura Tempu () following his studies of yoga in India and incorporated into the training method of the Tohei school of Aikido
Shinai (chikuto) (): bamboo sword used in kendo
Shingon (): real or true word (the name of a Buddhist sect)
Shinken (): bladed sword
Shinken ni (): with utmost attention (as if handling a real sword)
Shinken Shobu (): fighting with real swords or in the spirit of such combat
Shisei () lit. form of power; posture
Shidachi (): receiver of attacks in kumitachi (two-man) kata
Shobu (): victory or defeat (used as an exclamation to indicate wholehearted participation in a contest)
Shodan (): first level (first-degree black belt)
Shodo (): way of calligraphy
Shogunate: English term used to describe the military government ruled by a shogun (); in Japanese, the term is bakufu
Shomen giri (): front cut
Shoto (): the shorter sword carried in the belt together with regular katana (daito)
Shugendo (): the way of cultivating and testing (spiritual power)
Shugenja (): a practitioner of shugendo
Shugyo (): intense path; cultivating mastery
Shumisen undo (): Mount Sumeru (squatting) exercise; tanren exercise to trigger energy of central channel
Sojutsu (): technical system of wielding the spear