Multilingual Terminology Dictionary

剣道

けんどう (kendo)

English: Kendo

Simplified: 剑道

Traditional: 劍道

The way of the sword; a modern Japanese martial art that disciplines character through the principles of the katana. Daily keiko applies this philosophy in every bow, strike, and interaction.

気剣体一致

きけんたいいっち (ki-ken-tai itchi)

English: Unity of spirit, sword, and body

Simplified: 气剑体一致

Traditional: 氣劍體一致

The moment when fighting spirit, sword strike, and footwork arrive as one decisive action. Judges look for this unity when awarding ippon; without it, even a loud strike may fail.

残心

ざんしん (zanshin)

English: Remaining spirit

Simplified: 残心

Traditional: 殘心

Alert readiness maintained after a strike, showing the kendoka is still prepared for the opponent's response. Dropping kamae or turning away immediately after striking can negate an otherwise valid ippon.

攻め

せめ (seme)

English: Pressure / offensive initiative

Simplified: 攻势

Traditional: 攻勢

Psychological and physical pressure applied to disrupt the opponent's kamae and create an opening. Effective seme uses the eyes, breathing, and subtle sword movement—not reckless charging.

間合

まあい (maai)

English: Combative distance

Simplified: 间合

Traditional: 間合

The distance between opponents where strikes can land with correct timing. Controlling maai—closing, opening, or holding—is central to both keiko and shiai strategy.

礼法

れいほう (rei-ho)

English: Etiquette and ceremonial conduct

Simplified: 礼法

Traditional: 禮法

The formal code of bowing, respect, and conduct that frames all kendo practice. Rei-ho is not decoration—it trains humility and awareness that carry into every exchange.

修行

しゅぎょう (shugyo)

English: Austere training / spiritual discipline

Simplified: 修行

Traditional: 修行

Sustained, demanding practice undertaken to refine skill and character over years. In kendo, shugyo means showing up through fatigue, failure, and repetition without losing sincerity.

平常心

へいじょうしん (heijoshin)

English: Calm, ordinary mind

Simplified: 平常心

Traditional: 平常心

A balanced mental state free from panic or arrogance during pressure. Maintaining heijoshin in shiai helps a kendoka strike decisively without overcommitting or hesitating.

武道

ぶどう (budo)

English: Martial way

Simplified: 武道

Traditional: 武道

Japanese martial arts pursued as a path of personal development, not mere combat skill. Kendo situates competition within this broader budo framework of character cultivation.

剣の理法

けんのりほう (katana no riho)

English: Principles of the sword

Simplified: 剑之理法

Traditional: 劍之理法

The combative logic, posture, timing, and spirit inherited from classical swordsmanship. Modern kendo preserves these principles through standardized technique even with the shinai.

竹刀

しない (shinai)

English: Bamboo sword

Simplified: 竹刀

Traditional: 竹刀

The four-strip bamboo practice sword used in nearly all kendo keiko and shiai. Proper shinai care—inspection, oiling, and replacement—prevents injury and maintains hasuji.

面

めん (men)

English: Head guard / head strike target

Simplified: 面

Traditional: 面

The helmet protecting the head, and one of the four valid strike zones. Men-uchi must strike the center of the men with correct hasuji and follow-through to score ippon.

小手

こて (kote)

English: Forearm guard / wrist strike target

Simplified: 小手

Traditional: 小手

Gauntlets protecting the wrists and forearms, and a primary scoring target. Kote-uchi is often practiced from debana timing when the opponent's hands rise.

胴

どう (do)

English: Torso guard / body strike target

Simplified: 胴

Traditional: 胴

The chest and abdomen protector, and a valid strike zone on the right side. Do-uchi requires a diagonal cut with the correct angle; striking the tare is invalid.

垂れ

たれ (tare)

English: Waist and thigh protector

Simplified: 垂

Traditional: 垂

The apron-like lower protector covering the waist and thighs. Strikes to the tare do not score; distinguishing do from tare is essential for both strikers and shinpan.

防具

ぼうぐ (bogu)

English: Protective armor (full set)

Simplified: 防具

Traditional: 防具

The complete set of kendo armor: men, kote, do, and tare. Bogu must fit properly so protection does not restrict movement or encourage sloppy posture.

剣道着

けんどうぎ (kendogi)

English: Kendo jacket

Simplified: 剑道着

Traditional: 劍道着

The thick cotton top worn during practice, designed to absorb sweat and withstand gripping. A properly tied obi keeps the jacket secure through vigorous keiko.

袴

はかま (hakama)

English: Divided skirt trousers

Simplified: 袴

Traditional: 袴

Traditional wide-legged trousers worn over the kendogi. Correct hakama length and tying allow free okuri-ashi without tripping or restricting the hips.

木刀

ぼくとう (bokuto)

English: Wooden sword

Simplified: 木刀

Traditional: 木刀

A solid wooden practice sword used for kata and some kihon. Bokuto demands precise control because there is no bogu to absorb impact.

手拭

てぬぐい (tenugui)

English: Head cloth

Simplified: 手拭

Traditional: 手拭

A cotton cloth worn under the men to absorb sweat and cushion the head. Folding and tying the tenugui correctly is part of basic dojo preparation before keiko.

礼

れい (rei)

English: Bow / respect

Simplified: 礼

Traditional: 禮

A formal bow expressing respect to partners, teachers, and the dojo. Rei opens and closes every keiko session and is performed before and after each shiai bout.

蹲踞

そんきょ (sonkyo)

English: Squatting bow position

Simplified: 蹲踞

Traditional: 蹲踞

The formal squat taken at the start and end of shiai, with shinai held at the left hip. Rising from sonkyo to chudan signals readiness when the referee calls hajime.

中段の構え

ちゅうだんのかまえ (chudan-no-kamae)

English: Middle-level stance

Simplified: 中段之构

Traditional: 中段之構

The foundational kamae with the shinai tip aimed at the opponent's throat. Nearly all modern kendo instruction begins here; unstable chudan undermines every technique built upon it.

構え

かまえ (kamae)

English: Stance / combative posture

Simplified: 构

Traditional: 構

Any combative posture positioning sword, body, and spirit relative to the opponent. Good kamae protects openings while projecting seme; losing kamae invites counterattack.

上段の構え

じょうだんのかまえ (jodan-no-kamae)

English: High-level stance

Simplified: 上段之构

Traditional: 上段之構

A raised stance with the shinai held above the head, threatening men from above. Jodan demands strong spirit and precise timing because the body exposes more openings.

下段の構え

げだんのかまえ (gedan-no-kamae)

English: Low-level stance

Simplified: 下段之构

Traditional: 下段之構

A lowered stance with the shinai tip directed toward the opponent's kote or lower body. Gedan can draw the opponent's strike upward, creating debana opportunities.

黙想

もくそう (mokuso)

English: Silent meditation

Simplified: 默想

Traditional: 默想

Seated meditation at the start and end of keiko to calm the mind and focus intent. Mokuso transitions practitioners from daily life into the disciplined space of the dojo.

正座

せいざ (seiza)

English: Formal kneeling

Simplified: 正座

Traditional: 正座

Kneeling with legs folded beneath the body, used during mokuso, instruction, and bowing. Maintaining upright seiza without slouching reflects discipline and respect.

お願いします

おねがいします (onegaishimasu)

English: Please (training request)

Simplified: 请多指教

Traditional: 請多指教

Spoken when requesting or beginning practice with a partner, expressing humility and readiness to learn. It is paired with arigato gozaimashita after keiko.

中心

ちゅうしん (chushin)

English: Center / core posture

Simplified: 中心

Traditional: 中心

The vertical axis of the body maintained through the hips and spine in kamae. Losing chushin—leaning, twisting, or rising—weakens strikes and invites counterattack.

頭を起こす

あたまをおこす (atama-o-okosu)

English: Raising the head

Simplified: 抬头

Traditional: 抬頭

Holding the head upright in kamae so the center of gravity stays over the hips and the eyes can take in the whole opponent. Because the head is the body's heaviest part, leaning it forward shifts balance outside the torso and makes movement unstable.

肩を縮こませる

かたをちこませる (kata-o-chikomaseru)

English: Hunching the shoulders

Simplified: 缩肩

Traditional: 縮肩

Pulling the shoulders inward and upward in kamae. This pushes the head forward and restricts arm mobility—avoid it by dropping the shoulders back and keeping the chest open.

左手

ひだりて (hidari-te)

English: Left hand (grip)

Simplified: 左手

Traditional: 左手

The lower hand on the shinai that anchors tenouchi. Keep the forearm off the do—a gap (kūkan) between forearm and torso lets the left-arm muscles engage.

送り足

おくりあし (okuri-ashi)

English: Sliding step

Simplified: 送足

Traditional: 送足

The fundamental footwork in which the rear foot pushes and the front foot glides forward, then the rear foot follows without crossing. Okuri-ashi preserves kamae and orientation toward the opponent.

踏み込み足

ふみこみあし (fumikomi-ashi)

English: Stamping step

Simplified: 踏込足

Traditional: 踏込足

A sharp stamping step that drives the body into striking distance with decisive sound. Poor fumikomi—too shallow, too heavy, or off-balance—disrupts ki-ken-tai-itchi.

歩み足

あゆみあし (ayumi-ashi)

English: Walking step

Simplified: 步足

Traditional: 步足

Normal walking footwork used when closing or opening maai without striking. Ayumi-ashi appears in kata and when repositioning during ji-geiko.

継ぎ足

つぎあし (tsugi-ashi)

English: Following step

Simplified: 继足

Traditional: 繼足

A step in which the rear foot advances to meet the front foot, maintaining balance after okuri-ashi or fumikomi. Tsugi-ashi completes the footwork cycle before the next action.

素振り

すぶり (suburi)

English: Practice swings

Simplified: 素振

Traditional: 素振

Repeated cutting motions performed without a partner to build tenouchi, hasuji, and shoulder endurance. Suburi is typically the first physical activity in daily keiko.

切り返し

きりかえし (kirikaeshi)

English: Cutting and returning drill

Simplified: 切返

Traditional: 切返

A core drill alternating men strikes with sayu-men (left and right cuts) while advancing and retreating. Kirikaeshi builds stamina, rhythm, and correct fumikomi in a structured format.

刃筋

はすじ (hasuji)

English: Blade angle / cutting plane

Simplified: 刃筋

Traditional: 刃筋

The angle and plane along which the shinai should travel for a valid cut. Incorrect hasuji—twisting or slapping—produces weak strikes that shinpan will not recognize as ippon.

手の内

てのうち (tenouchi)

English: Grip and hand technique

Simplified: 手内

Traditional: 手內

The way the hands grip and control the shinai through a strike, using the left hand as the pivot and the right to snap. Proper tenouchi creates sharp hasuji without excessive arm tension.

体当たり

たいあたり (taiatari)

English: Body check / body collision

Simplified: 体当

Traditional: 體當

A controlled body collision used to break the opponent's posture and close distance. Taiatari must stay low and centered; reckless charging without kamae is penalized in shiai.

体捌き

たいさばき (tai-sabaki)

English: Body evasion

Simplified: 体捌

Traditional: 體捌

Shifting the body off the line of attack while maintaining balance and kamae. Tai-sabaki is essential for oji-waza such as nuki and kaeshi.

面打ち

めんうち (men-uchi)

English: Head strike

Simplified: 面打

Traditional: 面打

A strike to the center of the men with correct hasuji, spirit, and follow-through. Men is the most frequently practiced and scored technique in kendo.

小手打ち

こてうち (kote-uchi)

English: Wrist strike

Simplified: 小手打

Traditional: 小手打

A quick strike to the opponent's kote, often timed as the hands rise. Kote-uchi requires precise distance and tenouchi because the target is smaller than men.

胴打ち

どううち (do-uchi)

English: Body strike

Simplified: 胴打

Traditional: 胴打

A diagonal cut to the right side of the opponent's do. Do-uchi demands correct angle and commitment; striking too low into the tare is invalid.

突き

つき (tsuki)

English: Thrust

Simplified: 突

Traditional: 突

A thrust to the throat (tsuki-dare) using the shinai tip. Tsuki is restricted in many junior divisions and demands exceptional control because of injury risk.

出鼻の技

でばなのわざ (debana-waza)

English: Technique at the outset

Simplified: 出鼻之技

Traditional: 出鼻之技

Striking the instant the opponent begins a movement, intercepting their intent before the attack fully forms. Debana-men and debana-kote are classic examples prized in shiai.

応じ技

おうじわざ (oji-waza)

English: Counter techniques

Simplified: 应技

Traditional: 應技

Techniques that respond to the opponent's attack rather than initiating first. Oji-waza includes kaeshi, nuki, suriage, and debana, requiring sharp reading of timing.

仕掛け技

しかけわざ (shikake-waza)

English: Initiating techniques

Simplified: 仕挂技

Traditional: 仕掛技

Techniques in which the kendoka creates the opening and strikes first. Shikake-waza relies on seme, footwork, and feints to draw the opponent into a vulnerable position.

返し技

かえしわざ (kaeshi-waza)

English: Return / deflecting counter

Simplified: 返技

Traditional: 返技

Blocking the opponent's strike on your shinai and immediately counterattacking. Kaeshi-men and kaeshi-do are staple oji-waza taught after basic strikes are established.

抜き技

ぬきわざ (nuki-waza)

English: Drawing-out counter

Simplified: 抜技

Traditional: 抜技

Evading the opponent's attack by moving off the line and striking as they pass. Nuki-men and nuki-do require precise tai-sabaki and calm reading of the opponent's intent.

引き技

ひきわざ (hiki-waza)

English: Retreating techniques

Simplified: 引技

Traditional: 引技

Strikes delivered while moving backward, drawing the opponent forward into your attack. Hiki-do and hiki-kote exploit overcommitment when the opponent pursues too eagerly.

稽古

けいこ (keiko)

English: Practice / training

Simplified: 稽古

Traditional: 稽古

The act of training in kendo, encompassing everything from suburi to shiai-geiko. Consistent keiko over years—not occasional intense sessions—is what builds true skill.

基本

きほん (kihon)

English: Fundamentals

Simplified: 基本

Traditional: 基本

Basic techniques practiced in fixed patterns with a motodachi, including men, kote, do, and tsuki from chudan-no-kamae. Kihon drills isolate correct form before adding speed and variation.

形

かた (kata)

English: Forms (paired patterns)

Simplified: 形

Traditional: 形

Prearranged paired sequences performed with bokuto, preserving classical sword principles. Kata is required for dan examinations and deepens understanding beyond shinai-only practice.

地稽古

じげいこ (ji-geiko)

English: Free sparring practice

Simplified: 地稽古

Traditional: 地稽古

Unstructured practice where partners strike freely within agreed intensity. Ji-geiko is where kihon meets reality—testing seme, timing, and composure against a live opponent.

掛稽古

かかりげいこ (kakari-geiko)

English: Intensive attack practice

Simplified: 挂稽古

Traditional: 掛稽古

One kendoka attacks continuously while the motodachi receives and counters, building stamina and spirit under pressure. Kakari-geiko is among the most demanding formats in keiko.

打込稽古

うちこみげいこ (uchikomi-geiko)

English: Striking-in practice

Simplified: 打込稽古

Traditional: 打込稽古

Repeated strikes against a motodachi who presents openings, focusing on correct form at speed. Uchikomi-geiko bridges kihon and ji-geiko by adding movement and timing.

互角稽古

ごかくげいこ (gokaku-geiko)

English: Practice between equals

Simplified: 互角稽古

Traditional: 互角稽古

Keiko between partners of similar skill who challenge each other without fixed attacker/receiver roles. Gokaku-geiko develops mutual growth and honest exchange.

試合稽古

しあいげいこ (shiai-geiko)

English: Match-style practice

Simplified: 试合稽古

Traditional: 試合稽古

Practice conducted under shiai rules and intensity to prepare for tournaments. Shiai-geiko trains decision-making, zanshin, and composure in a competitive frame.

元太刀

もとだち (motodachi)

English: Receiver / instructor partner

Simplified: 元太刀

Traditional: 元太刀

The senior or receiving partner in kihon and uchikomi who presents correct openings and gives feedback. A good motodachi adjusts intensity to the striker's level.

掛り手

かかりて (kakarite)

English: Attacker in kakari-geiko

Simplified: 挂手

Traditional: 掛手

The kendoka who attacks continuously in kakari-geiko, pushing spirit and stamina to the limit. The kakarite must maintain ki-ken-tai-itchi even as fatigue sets in.

試合

しあい (shiai)

English: Match / competition

Simplified: 试合

Traditional: 試合

A formal kendo match between two competitors judged by shinpan. Shiai tests technique under pressure but must be pursued within the larger frame of character development.

一本

いっぽん (ippon)

English: Single valid point

Simplified: 一本

Traditional: 一本

One full point awarded for a valid strike demonstrating ki-ken-tai-itchi, correct target, hasuji, spirit, and zanshin. In most formats, a single ippon wins the match.

三本勝負

さんぼんしょうぶ (sanbon-shobu)

English: Best of three points

Simplified: 三本胜负

Traditional: 三本勝負

A match format where the first competitor to score two ippon wins. Sanbon-shobu is common in team tournaments and many individual events.

始め

はじめ (hajime)

English: Begin

Simplified: 开始

Traditional: 開始

The referee's call to start or resume fighting after sonkyo or a pause. Competitors rise from sonkyo to chudan when hajime is announced.

止め

やめ (yame)

English: Stop

Simplified: 停止

Traditional: 停止

The referee's call to halt the match, whether for a scored point, infraction, or time limit. Upon yame, competitors return to sonkyo before the next hajime.

審判

しんぱん (shinpan)

English: Referee

Simplified: 裁判

Traditional: 裁判

A certified official who judges valid ippon, calls hajime and yame, and penalizes infractions. Three shinpan typically oversee each shiai bout from different angles.

延長

えんちょう (encho)

English: Overtime / extension

Simplified: 延长

Traditional: 延長

Additional time played when a match ends without a decisive winner. Encho continues until one ippon is scored or hantei is called.

判定

はんてい (hantei)

English: Decision (judges' verdict)

Simplified: 判定

Traditional: 判定

A judges' decision awarded when encho ends without ippon, based on superiority in spirit, technique, and dominance. Hantei is avoided when possible but resolves deadlocked matches.

仲介

ちゅうかい (chukai)

English: Match coordinator / timekeeper

Simplified: 仲介

Traditional: 仲介

The official who manages timing, announces scores, and coordinates between competitors and shinpan. The chukai ensures the bout proceeds smoothly and on schedule.

反則

はんそく (hansoku)

English: Foul / infraction

Simplified: 犯规

Traditional: 犯規

A rule violation such as stepping out of bounds, dangerous tsuki, or ignoring yame. Accumulated hansoku can result in penalty points or disqualification.

道場

どうじょう (dojo)

English: Training hall

Simplified: 道场

Traditional: 道場

The place where kendo is practiced, treated with respect as sacred training ground. Entering and leaving the dojo is always accompanied by rei toward the kamiza.

級

きゅう (kyu)

English: Kyu rank (student grades)

Simplified: 级

Traditional: 級

Student grades below dan, typically numbered descending (6th kyu to 1st kyu) as skill increases. Kyu examinations test kihon, rei-ho, and basic kata.

段

だん (dan)

English: Dan rank (black belt grades)

Simplified: 段

Traditional: 段

Advanced grades beginning at shodan (1st dan), recognizing sustained mastery and maturity. Dan examinations intensify in ji-geiko, kata, and tactical understanding.

初段

しょだん (shodan)

English: First dan

Simplified: 初段

Traditional: 初段

The first dan rank, marking the transition from student to qualified practitioner. Shodan candidates must demonstrate consistent ki-ken-tai-itchi and the ability to train independently.

先生

せんせい (sensei)

English: Teacher / instructor

Simplified: 老师

Traditional: 老師

A qualified instructor who guides keiko, corrects technique, and models rei-ho. The term sensei carries deep respect and is used for teachers one studies under directly.

先輩

せんぱい (sempai)

English: Senior practitioner

Simplified: 前辈

Traditional: 前輩

A senior member of the dojo who leads by example and assists juniors. Sempai responsibilities include helping kohai with equipment, etiquette, and basic technique.

後輩

こうはい (kohai)

English: Junior practitioner

Simplified: 后辈

Traditional: 後輩

A junior member of the dojo who learns from sempai and sensei with humility. Kohai show respect through attentive listening, prompt rei, and diligent keiko.

錬士

れんし (renshi)

English: Renshi title (6th dan+)

Simplified: 炼士

Traditional: 錬士

An honorary title awarded to accomplished 6th dan practitioners who demonstrate teaching ability and character. Renshi recognizes contribution to kendo beyond personal skill.

教士

きょうし (kyoshi)

English: Kyoshi title (7th dan+)

Simplified: 教士

Traditional: 教士

A senior teaching title awarded to distinguished 7th dan practitioners with proven instructional leadership. Kyoshi holders shape dojo culture and federation standards.

上座

かみざ (kamiza)

English: Upper seat / place of honor

Simplified: 上座

Traditional: 上座

The upper or head end of the dojo where a kamidana or flag may be placed, treated as the place of honor. Practitioners bow toward kamiza when entering and leaving the dojo.

正面打ち

しょうめんうち (shomen-uchi)

English: Straight men strike

Simplified: 正面打击

Traditional: 正面打擊

A straight strike to the center of the men, the most fundamental scoring cut in kendo. Shomen-uchi trains correct hasuji, tenouchi, and fumikomi as the basis for all other men variations.

近間

ちかま (chika-ma)

English: Close distance

Simplified: 近间

Traditional: 近間

A close ma-ai where swords may cross or nearly touch, increasing pressure and reducing reaction time. Techniques at chika-ma demand sharp seme and calm decision-making.

距離

きょり (kyori)

English: Distance

Simplified: 距离

Traditional: 距離

The spatial interval between opponents, closely related to ma-ai but emphasizing measurable spacing for strikes and footwork. Controlling kyori is essential for valid datotsu.

入り身

いりみ (ikimi)

English: Entering the body / closing in

Simplified: 入身

Traditional: 入身

Closing distance by advancing the body into the opponent's space while maintaining kamae, often combined with seme before striking. Effective ikimi creates openings without reckless charging.

正攻法

せいこうほう (seiko-ho)

English: Direct attacking method

Simplified: 正攻法

Traditional: 正攻法

A straightforward offensive approach that pressures the opponent's center line without deception. Seiko-ho relies on strong seme, spirit, and correct technique rather than feints.

拍子

ひょうし (hyoshi)

English: Rhythm / tempo

Simplified: 拍子

Traditional: 拍子

The rhythmic timing of movement, breathing, and strikes in an exchange. Reading and breaking the opponent's hyoshi is central to debana and oji-waza.

逆胴

ぎゃくどう (gyaku-do)

English: Reverse-side do strike

Simplified: 逆胴

Traditional: 逆胴

A strike to the left side of the opponent's do (when facing them), distinct from the standard right-side do-uchi. Gyaku-do requires precise angle and is less common in basic kihon.

一拍子

いちびょうし (ichi-byoshi)

English: Single beat / one tempo

Simplified: 一拍子

Traditional: 一拍子

Executing seme and strike within a single rhythmic beat, with no wasted motion between intention and datotsu. Ichi-byoshi embodies decisive ki-ken-tai-itchi.

三つの先

みっつのせん (mittsu-no-sen)

English: The three initiatives

Simplified: 三先打法

Traditional: 三先打法

The classical framework of sen (initiative), sensen-no-sen (seizing the initiative before the opponent acts), and go-no-sen (responding after the opponent begins). Understanding all three deepens tactical reading in keiko and shiai.

先

せん (sen)

English: Initiative / taking the lead

Simplified: 先

Traditional: 先

The initiative to strike first with correct spirit and timing. Sen is not mere speed—it is the right to attack earned through seme and reading the opponent's kamae.

先の先

せんせんのせん (sensen-no-sen)

English: Initiative before the initiative

Simplified: 先之先

Traditional: 先之先

Striking at the moment the opponent decides to attack but before their strike fully manifests—intercepting intent at its birth. Debana-waza often expresses sensen-no-sen.

後の先

ごのせん (go-no-sen)

English: Initiative within response

Simplified: 后之先

Traditional: 後之先

Allowing the opponent to move first, then seizing the initiative within their action to counterstrike. Oji-waza such as kaeshi and suriage embody go-no-sen.

上席

じょうせき (jo-seki)

English: Upper seat / senior side

Simplified: 上席

Traditional: 上席

The senior or honor side of the dojo, opposite shimoseki. Seating and bowing toward jo-seki reflects dojo hierarchy and respect for teachers and seniors.

着座

ちゃくざ (chakuza)

English: Seated position (formal)

Simplified: 着座

Traditional: 著座

The act of taking a formal seated posture, often used interchangeably with seiza in instruction. Chakuza emphasizes controlled lowering and upright posture before mokuso or receiving teaching.

九歩の間

きゅうほのま (kyu-ho-no-ma)

English: Nine-step distance

Simplified: 九步之间

Traditional: 九步之間

A traditional reference distance of roughly nine steps between opponents, used to conceptualize issoku-itto-no-maai and the space required to launch a valid strike.

足さばき

あしさばき (ashi-sabaki)

English: Footwork / leg handling

Simplified: 步法

Traditional: 步法

The overall skill of moving the feet—okuri-ashi, fumikomi, ayumi-ashi, and tsugi-ashi—to maintain balance, ma-ai, and readiness. Ashi-sabaki is often called the foundation of kendo.

剣先

けんせん (kensen)

English: Sword tip / point

Simplified: 剑尖

Traditional: 劍尖

The tip of the shinai, aimed at the opponent's throat in chudan-no-kamae. Controlling kensen expresses seme and threatens valid tsuki while protecting one's own openings.

目付

めつけ (metsuke)

English: Gaze / visual focus

Simplified: 目付

Traditional: 目付

Where and how the eyes focus during keiko—typically broad awareness of the opponent rather than staring at a single target. Correct metsuke supports reading intent and maintaining heijoshin.

稽古法

けいこうほう (keiko-ho)

English: Training methods

Simplified: 稽古法

Traditional: 稽古法

The systematic methods of dojo practice—kihon-geiko, uchikomi, kakari, ji-geiko, and gokaku-geiko—each serving a distinct purpose in building technique and spirit.

踏み込み動作

ふみこみどうさ (fumikomi-dosa)

English: Stamping-step movement

Simplified: 踏込动作

Traditional: 踏込動作

The coordinated body action of fumikomi-ashi combined with strike, kiai, and follow-through. Fumikomi-dosa is drilled repeatedly in suburi and kihon to make the stamping step instinctive.

打突

だとつ (datotsu)

English: Strike and thrust

Simplified: 打突

Traditional: 打突

The combined concept of striking (uchi) and thrusting (tsuki) as valid scoring actions. Datotsu must show correct spirit, sword path, and body movement to be recognized as ippon.

打突動作

だとつどうさ (datotsu-dosa)

English: Striking action

Simplified: 打突动作

Traditional: 打突動作

The full physical motion of delivering a strike or thrust, integrating footwork, hip rotation, tenouchi, and zanshin. Polished datotsu-dosa is the goal of daily kihon.

打突の機会

だとつのきかい (datotsu-no-kikai)

English: Opportunity to strike

Simplified: 打突机会

Traditional: 打突機會

A moment when the opponent's kamae opens and a valid strike becomes possible. Creating and recognizing datotsu-no-kikai is the essence of seme and waza application.

上下素振り

じょうげすぶり (joge-suburi)

English: Vertical suburi

Simplified: 上下素振

Traditional: 上下素振

Practice swings raising the shinai straight overhead and cutting down vertically. Joge-suburi builds shoulder flexibility and the basic men striking path used in kihon and warm-up.

結ぶ

むすぶ (mosubu)

English: Tying the sageo

Simplified: 结绳

Traditional: 結繩

The ritual of tying the shinai sageo after keiko, symbolizing respect for the equipment and closure of practice. Mosubu is performed calmly with attention to neatness.

払い技

はらいわざ (harai-waza)

English: Deflecting techniques

Simplified: 拨击招式

Traditional: 撥擊招式

Techniques that brush the opponent's shinai aside to create an opening, then strike. Common forms include harai-men, harai-kote, and harai-do.

巻き技

まきわざ (maki-waza)

English: Wrapping techniques

Simplified: 卷技

Traditional: 捲技

Techniques that wrap or spiral around the opponent's shinai to displace it before striking. Variants include maki-men and maki-kote.

二・三段技

にさんだんわざ (ni-san-dan-waza)

English: Two- and three-step combinations

Simplified: 连击招式

Traditional: 連擊招式

Continuous strikes delivered in two or three beats while maintaining pressure. Examples include kote-men, kote-do, men-men, and kote-men-do combinations.

かつぎ技

かつぎわざ (katsugi-waza)

English: Shouldering techniques

Simplified: 担击招式

Traditional: 擔擊招式

Techniques that lift the shinai to the shoulder (katsugi) before striking, often to draw a reaction from the opponent. Includes katsugi-men and katsugi-kote.

すり上げ技

すりあげわざ (suriage-waza)

English: Upward deflecting techniques

Simplified: 格击招式

Traditional: 格擊招式

Oji-waza that slide upward along the opponent's shinai to deflect their attack and counterstrike. Forms include suriage-men, suriage-kote, and suriage-do.

一本打ち技

いっぽんうちわざ (ippon-uchi-waza)

English: Single decisive strike techniques

Simplified: 一本打技

Traditional: 一本打技

Shikake-waza delivering one fully committed strike or thrust—men, kote, do, or tsuki—with perfect timing and ki-ken-tai-ichi. The foundation of proactive attack.

連続技

れんぞくわざ (renzoku-waza)

English: Continuous strike techniques

Simplified: 连续技

Traditional: 連續技

Chains of strikes that keep the opponent off balance, such as kote-men or kote-men-do. Often drilled in keiko as renzoku men or renzoku kote on the same target.

押さえ技

おさえわざ (osae-waza)

English: Pressing techniques

Simplified: 押技

Traditional: 押技

Shikake-waza that press the opponent's shinai to the side, creating an opening from which to strike—commonly osae-men or osae-kote.

張り技

はりわざ (hari-waza)

English: Slapping-aside techniques

Simplified: 张技

Traditional: 張技

Similar to harai-waza but uses a sharp slap on the opponent's blade to unbalance their guard and create an opening for men or kote.

気合

きあい (kiai)

English: Spirit shout

Simplified: 气合

Traditional: 氣合

The vocal expression of spirit and commitment during a strike. Kiai demonstrates resolve to shinpan and unifies breathing with ki-ken-tai-ichi.

鍔迫り合い

つばぜりあい (tsubazeriai)

English: Tsuba lock at close range

Simplified: 锷迫合

Traditional: 鍔迫合

Close-range engagement where tsuba meet and shinai are locked. Hiki-waza such as hiki-men and hiki-do are often launched by stepping back from tsubazeriai.

打ち落とし

うちおとし (uchi-otoshi)

English: Knocking-down techniques

Simplified: 打落招式

Traditional: 打落招式

Techniques that forcefully knock the opponent's shinai downward before striking. Variants include uchi-otoshi-men, uchi-otoshi-kote, and uchi-otoshi-do.

二刀

にとう (nito)

English: Two-sword style

Simplified: 二刀

Traditional: 二刀

The style of wielding two swords, historically associated with Miyamoto Musashi. In modern kendo, nito is a rare specialization with distinct rules and equipment.

一足一刀

いっそくいっとう (issoku-itto)

English: One step, one sword

Simplified: 一足一刀

Traditional: 一足一刀

The principle that one fumikomi step should carry the shinai into valid striking distance—issoku-itto-no-maai. This concept unifies footwork, distance, and datotsu timing.

片手技

かたてわざ (katate-waza)

English: One-handed techniques

Simplified: 片手技

Traditional: 片手技

Techniques executed with one hand on the shinai, requiring exceptional tenouchi and body control. Katate-waza appears in advanced practice and certain kata traditions.

五つの構え

いつつのかまえ (itsutsu-no-kamae)

English: The five kamae

Simplified: 剑道五形

Traditional: 劍道五形

The five classical combative postures in kendo pedagogy: jodan (fire), chudan (water), gedan (earth), hasso (metal), and waki-gamae (wood). Together they map strategic attitudes toward the opponent.

八相の構え

はっそうのかまえ (hasso-no-kamae)

English: Hasso stance

Simplified: 八相

Traditional: 八相

A side-raised stance with the shinai held near the right shoulder, associated with the metal element in the five kamae. Hasso appears in kata and teaches angled entries and counters.

脇構え

わきがまえ (waki-gamae)

English: Side-hidden stance

Simplified: 脇构

Traditional: 脇構

A low side stance concealing the sword along the body, associated with the wood element. Waki-gamae invites the opponent forward and punishes overextension with sudden strikes.