Beginners' Terminology
Kendo is a traditional Japanese martial art. Therefore, we use
Japanese terms for most of the techniques and to express the principles and concepts
of Kendo, in the same way that French terms are used in ballet or
European fencing. The following are terms you will hear during your first two months of Kendo. Try to learn them as soon as possible.
Click on the  icon next to each word to hear the word pronounced. This can help you learn the terms very quickly. |
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Kendo |
the way of the sword (ken = sword, do = way or path)
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kenshi |
a Kendoist |
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dojo |
training hall; a place for learning the "way", in this case, the way of the sword, including Kendo techniques, disciplines and patterns of behavior |
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rei |
to bow; also means practicing courtesy, politeness and respect in any form; putting others first |
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reigi |
the 'techniques' of politeness |
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seiza |
a formal sitting position; legs tucked under you and sitting on your heels |
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hai |
yes!; to answer emphatically with spirit when spoken to |
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sensei |
teacher |
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sempai |
a more experienced or older kenshi |
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kohai |
a less experienced or younger kenshi |
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counting 1 - 10 |
ichi, ni, san, shi, go, roku, shichi, hachi, kyu, ju |
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ashi sabaki |
footwork, how to use your legs |
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okuri ashi |
gather step; for fast, short-range movements in any direction; snap the trailing foot into a good stance |
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renzoku ashi |
smooth, continuous stepping without pauses |
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suburi |
sword swinging techniques |
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jogeburi |
full sword swing; an exercise used for relaxing and warming up the shoulders and upper back
jo = high area
ge = low area
buri (suburi) = sword swing |
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hayasuburi |
fast paced sword swing; used as warm up, endurance and strengthening exercise |
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men uchi |
men (helmet) strike |
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shomen uchi |
striking the middle of the opponent's helmet |
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sayumen uchi |
left and right men strike; a men strike slightly to the left or right of center |
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kote uchi |
wrist/forearm strike |
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do uchi |
ribcage strike |
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shizentai |
natural standing posture |
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hajime |
begin! |
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yame |
stop! |
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kamae |
physically, its an on-guard position; mentally, your spirit and mental attentiveness should be fully on your opponent |
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kiai |
shout; a way of building up and extending / expressing your spirit |
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bokuto (or bokken) |
a hardwood sword in the shape of a Japanese sword (katana), used to learn sword handling and for kata practice |
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shinai |
bamboo sword used for striking kendo armor |
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| shinai parts: |
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tsuka |
handle |
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tsuba |
hand guard |
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tsuru |
string |
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kensen |
tip of the blade |
