List of Key Aikido Terminology, Words & Commands - Section supported by Aikido books

Here are some of the key words, terms and commands used in Aikido. This martial arts style uses Japanese words and commands. In addition, you will find the Japanese name for individual techniques in the main Aikido Techniques section.

To learn how to count in Japanese for Aikido, please visit the Aikido Numbers page.

Terms & Commands used in Aikido

1. Attacker or Person receiving the technique from the Tori - Uke
2. Attention - Keiotsuke
3. Backward - Ushiro
4. Begin or Start - Hajime
5. Block - Uke
6. Blocking Techniques - Uke Waza
7. Body Movement - Tai Sabaki
8. Bow - Rei
9. Chest - Mune
10. Corner Throw - Sumi Nage
11. Counter Techniques - Kaeshi Waza
12. Defender or Person applying the technique to the attacker (Uke) - Tori
13. Dislocation Techniques - Kansetsu Waza
14. Entering Throw - Irimi Nage
15. Form or Pattern - Kata (Aikido Katas)
16. Hand - Te
17. Hip Throw - Koshi Nage
18. Kick - Geri or Keri
19. Knee Walking - Shikko
20. Knife (Wooden) - Tanto
21. Martial Arts School - Dojo
22. No - Iie
23. Opposite (i.e. Opposite Hand) - Hantai
24. Pinning Techniques - Katame Waza
25. Please - Dozo
26. Punch - Tsuki or Zuki
27. Sit Down - Suwatte
28. Stop - Yame
29. Staff (Wooden) - Jo (short staff) or Bo (long staff)
30. Stance - Daichi
31. Striking Techniques - Uchi Waza
32. Sword (Wooden) - Bokken
33. Teacher/Instructor - Sensei
34. Throwing Techniques - Nage Waza
35. Turn Around - Mawatte
36. Thank You (Formal) - Domo Arigato
37. Thank You (Informal) - Domo
38. Uniform - Gi
39. Uniform Pants - Hakama
40. Wrist - Kote
41. Wrist Turn-Out - Kote Gaeshi
42. Yes - Hai (Hi)