Yoshinkan Aikido Terminology: Complete Japanese Glossary
The complete Japanese glossary of Yoshinkan Aikido: dojo commands, etiquette, stances, control pins, throws, and weapon terms.
When entering a traditional Japanese martial arts dojo, newcomers are often struck by the crisp, rhythmic cadence of verbal commands called out in Japanese. In Yoshinkan Aikido, Master Gozo Shioda (1915–1994) established a standardized pedagogical vocabulary so that whether you train in Tokyo, London, Sydney, or at Shoreikan Dojo in Kuala Lumpur, the language of instruction remains identical.
Understanding authentic Yoshinkan terminology is not merely an exercise in language—it is the key to executing techniques with precision. Each Japanese term encapsulates specific biomechanical mechanics, spatial angles, and traditional samurai courtesies (Reigi). This canonical guide provides an exhaustive glossary of all essential Yoshinkan Aikido terms, commands, and technique names.
- Shite (仕手): The Yoshinkan term for the defender/performer executing the technique (contrasting with Tori or Nage in Aikikai and Judo).
- The -kajo System: Joint immobilizations are named Ikkajo, Nikajo, Sankajo, and Yonkajo (the 4 Clauses/Controls).
- Kihon Dosa: The 6 foundational movement drills that form the alphabet of all 150 basic techniques.
- Reigi (礼儀): The protocol of mutual respect, safety, and humility on and off the tatami.
Hear the vocabulary come to life — Katatetori (the grip) and Nikajo Osae (the control) called and demonstrated exactly as named in the glossary below.
1. Dojo Etiquette, Titles & Courtesies (Reigi · 礼儀)
Courtesy in traditional Budo is not empty ritual; it creates an atmosphere of safety, focus, and mutual trust:
| Japanese Term | Kanji | English Meaning & Context |
|---|---|---|
| Onegai shimasu | お願いします | "Please teach me / Let us practice together." Spoken with a bow when initiating practice with a partner or instructor. |
| Domo arigato gozaimashita | どうもありがとうございました | "Thank you very much." Spoken with a bow at the conclusion of paired practice or the end of class. |
| Rei | 礼 | A formal bow. Includes Ritsurei (standing bow) and Zarei (seated kneeling bow). |
| Seiza | 正座 | Formal kneeling posture with tops of the feet flat on the tatami, knees two fists apart, and spine aligned. |
| Mokuso | 黙想 | Silent breathing meditation performed in Seiza before and after training to clear the mind. |
| Sensei | 先生 | "Born before." The teacher or chief instructor. |
| Sempai / Kohai | 先輩・後輩 | Senior student (Sempai) and junior student (Kohai). |
| Kancho | 館長 | The Head / Director of the School (traditionally Master Gozo Shioda). |
| Shomen / Kamiza | 正面・上座 | The front of the dojo / upper seat displaying the portraits of O-Sensei and Shioda Kancho. |
| Tatami | 畳 | Traditional dense padded training mats designed for safe breakfalls. |
| Dogi / Keikogi | 道着・稽古着 | The white cotton martial arts training uniform. |
| Hakama | 袴 | Traditional 7-pleated samurai wide-leg trousers worn by Yudansha (Black Belts). |
2. Classroom Commands & Numbers (Shiji · 指示)
In Yoshinkan training, classes are conducted with prompt verbal cues to ensure synchronized movement and prevent accidents:
Essential Commands
- Kamae-totte (構え取って): "Take your stance!" (Adopt foundational Kamae).
- Naore (直れ): "Return to natural standing position" (Shizentai).
- Yame (止め): "Stop / Freeze immediately."
- Hajime (始め): "Begin training."
- Kotai (交代): "Switch roles" (Shite becomes Uke and vice-versa).
- Suware (座れ): "Sit down into Seiza."
- Tatte (立て): "Stand up."
Directions & Counting (1 to 10)
- Migi (右) / Hidari (左): Right / Left.
- Mae (前) / Ushiro (後): Forward / Backward.
- Ichi (一), Ni (二), San (三), Shi (四), Go (五): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
- Roku (六), Shichi (七), Hachi (八), Ku (九), Ju (十): 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.
3. Training Roles: Shite vs. Uke
A defining feature of Yoshinkan Aikido is the specific terminology used for training partners:
- Shite (仕手 · The Performer / Doer): The person applying the technique and neutralizing the attack. In Aikikai and Judo, this role is often referred to as Tori or Nage, but Yoshinkan strictly uses Shite.
- Uke (受け · The Receiver): The partner who initiates the strike or grab with genuine intent, maintains realistic connection, and receives the throw or pin safely through Ukemi.
- Aite (相手): The training partner.
- Tandoku Dosa (単独動作): Solo movement practice without a partner.
- Sotai Dosa (相対動作): Paired movement practice with a partner.
4. Foundational Posture & Movement (Kamae & Kihon Dosa)
Kamae (構え · Basic Stance)
The core triangular posture (Sankakutai) with 60% body weight on the front foot, 40% on the rear, back straight, and hands aligned as Tegatana (Hand-Sword).
Seichusen (正中線 · Central Axis)
The vertical plumb line extending from the crown of the head down through the pelvic floor (Chushin-ryoku).
Tai no Henko I & II (体の変更 一・二)
Body pivoting movement: Mode I from a static grip; Mode II blending with a dynamic forward rush. Explore our 6 Kihon Dosa Guide.
Hiriki no Yosei I & II (肘力の養成 一・二)
"Cultivation of Elbow Power." Biomechanical exercises that harness hip drive to project power through rigid elbows.
Shumatsu Dosa I & II (終末動作 一・二)
"Concluding / Finishing Movements." Dynamic body turns that finish throwing techniques and reset environmental awareness (Zanshin).
5. The 4 Fundamental Control Pins (Kansetsu Osae Waza · 関節抑え技)
In Yoshinkan Aikido, joint immobilizations are named using the -kajo (ヶ条) system:
| Yoshinkan Pin | Kanji | Anatomical & Biomechanical Mechanism |
|---|---|---|
| Ikkajo Osae | 一ヶ条抑え | First Control: Downward center-line cut locking the elbow and shoulder flat against the tatami. |
| Nikajo Osae | 二ヶ条抑え | Second Control: Inward wrist flexion and pronation targeting the carpal bones and elbow joint. |
| Sankajo Osae | 三ヶ条抑え | Third Control: Upward spiral wrist torsion and supination unbalancing the entire spinal column. |
| Yonkajo Osae | 四ヶ条抑え | Fourth Control: Pressure point compression against the radial nerve on the inner forearm. |
| Hijishime | 肘締め | Elbow Armbar / Lock: Upward or downward hyperextension across the triceps tendon. |
6. Major Throws (Nage Waza · 投げ技)
Shihonage (四方投げ)
Four-Direction Throw: Raising the partner's arm like a katana, stepping underneath their center, and cutting downward over their shoulder.
Iriminage (入り身投げ)
Entering Body Throw: Entering deep into the attacker's blind flank, controlling their cervical spine, and projecting them backward.
Kotegaeshi (小手返し)
Forearm / Wrist Reverse: Outward rotational torque applied to the wrist, forcing a high dynamic fall.
Tenchinage (天地投げ)
Heaven and Earth Throw: One hand extends upward toward heaven while the other drives downward toward earth, splitting the attacker's balance.
Kokyunage (呼吸投げ)
Breath Timing Throw: Flowing throw executed purely through timing, breath harmony, and unbalancing without grasping small joints.
Jiyu-waza (自由技)
Freestyle Continuous Defense: Unscripted spontaneous defense against continuous single or multiple attackers (Taninzu-gake).
7. Attacks, Grips & Weapons
Strikes (Atemi & Uchi Waza)
Shomenuchi (正面打ち): Downward vertical strike to the forehead / bridge of nose.
Yokomenuchi (横面打ち): Diagonal 45-degree strike to the temple or neck.
Tsuki (突き): Straight forward punch / thrust to the solar plexus.
Atemi (当て身): Preemptive distracting strike to break the opponent's sensory focus. Read Atemi and Self-Defense.
Grips & Holding Attacks (Kumi & Te-dori Waza)
Katatetori (片手取り): One hand gripping one wrist.
Ryotetori (両手取り): Two hands gripping both wrists.
Munemochi (胸持ち): Chest or lapel grasp—a common pre-attack control in real confrontations.
Katatori (肩取り): Shoulder or lapel grab.
Munedori (胸取り): Direct chest grab.
Ushiro Ryotetori (後ろ両手取り): Grasping both wrists from behind.
Ushiro Kubijime (後ろ首締め): Rear chokehold with wrist control.
Weapons & Disarms (Buki & Dori Waza)
Bokken (木剣): Wooden Japanese katana used for Suburi cutting drills.
Jo (杖): Straight wooden staff of approximately 4 shaku 2 sun (~127 cm / 50 inches).
Tanto (短刀): Wooden dagger / knife.
Tanto Dori (短刀取り): Bare-hand disarming of an edged knife attack. Read our Weapons Training Guide.
Experience Authentic Yoshinkan Training in Kepong, KL
At Shoreikan Dojo in Kepong, Kuala Lumpur, we preserve this precise technical vocabulary and direct Tokyo Honbu curriculum under Chief Instructor Tony Chung (6th Dan). Beginners are guided patiently through every Japanese command, movement drill, and joint lock. Explore our Weekly Class Timetable or read our First Class Beginner's Guide.
Canonical Literature & References
- Shioda, Gozo. (1996). Total Aikido: The Master Course. Kodansha International.
- Aikido Yoshinkai Foundation (AYF). Yoshinkan Aikido Examination Syllabus. Tokyo Honbu.
- Shioda, Gozo. (1968). Dynamic Aikido. Kodansha International.
- Twigger, Robert. (1997). Angry White Pyjamas: An Oxford Poet Trains with the Tokyo Riot Police. William Morrow.
About the Author & Reviewer
Ben Ong
AuthorStudent & Yoshinkan Practitioner
Student and Yoshinkan Aikido practitioner at Shoreikan Dojo, documenting classical techniques, biomechanics, and martial principles.
Tony Chung
Reviewer6th Dan Chief Instructor · Co-Founder
Authentic Yoshinkan instruction in Malaysia since 2001, maintaining direct technical syllabus standards from Tokyo Honbu.
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