JOURNEY - on Mastering Ukemi

and gyaku hanmi is opposite stance.

Hombu dojoA term used to refer to the central dojo of an organization. Thus this usually designates Aikido World Headquarters.

Ikkyo The first wrist pinning technique.

Ikkyu 1^st rank below black belt rank (dan rank).

Irimi Entering movement.

IriminageA throw that uses an entering motion and continues with a large pinwheel like movement. It is designed to kill.

KatatedoriAn attack in which Uke grabs one of Nage's hands in one of his hands.

KatadoriAn attack in which Uke grabs at Uke's shoulder or lapel.

Katana Two handed killing sword used by Samurai.

KiMind, spirit, energy, or vital force.

KohaiA student junior to oneself.

Kokyu Breath. Part of aikido is the development of breath power.

Kokyudosa Training technique done on knees to develop ki.

Kokyunage Breath throw.

Kotegaeshi An outer wrist throw.

Kung Fu Being of master level proficiency in martial matters. Also a style of fighting.

Kyu White belt rank or any rank below shodan.

Ma AiProper distancing or timing with respect to one's partner.

Munetsuki A strike to the lower mid section of the stomach.

Nage The person performing the technique.

Nidan 2^nd degree black belt.

Nikkyo The second wrist pinning technique.

Nikyu Second rank below black belt rank (dan rank).

O’Sensei Literally, Great Teacher, Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido.

RandoriThe practice of warding off multiple attackers in training.

Ryote Mochi Two hands attacking one wrist.

Sandan Third degree black belt.

Satori Instantaneous understanding, enlightenment.

Seiza Sitting on one's knees.

SempaiA student senior to oneself.

SenseiTeacher. It is usually considered proper to address the instructor during practice as ‘Sensei’ rather than by his/her name. If the instructor is a permanent instructor for one's dojo or for an organization, it is proper to address him/her as “Sensei” off the mat as well.

Shihan A formal title meaning, approximately, master instructor. A teacher of teachers.

Shodan First degree black belt.

ShomenuchiA strike to the top of the head.

TenkanTurning movement, turning the body 180 degrees.

Uke Person being thrown (receiving the technique).

Ukemi The art of falling in response to a technique. (Hah!)

UshiroBackwards or behind.

WazaTechniques.

Yokomen Referring to the side of the head.

YudanshaThose individuals of black belt rank.