Terms


Iaido Basic Concepts
Iaido
I (居) = to be, Ai (合) = to match, Do (道) = way of life – “The way arising from one’s attitude toward life.”
Budo
The way of martial arts.
Bushido
The way of the warrior; the classical code of conduct assumed for an honorable samurai.
Ryu
School or style.
Seitei-Iai
The twelve Iai kata forming the standard base of the national federation; also called Zen Nihon Kendo Renmei Iai.
Koryu
Traditional (old) school of training.
Muso Shinden Ryu
The school found through inspiration; a globally represented collection of related ryū.
Shoshin
Beginner’s mind—openness and receptivity, valued even for advanced practitioners.
Fushin
Stagnant mind: constrained by preconceptions, fear, or doubt; mistrust, lack of freedom.
Heijoshin
Steady, unshakable mind—appropriate in daily life and in combat.
Mushin
Mind without obstruction: an experienced martial artist’s immediate, unhesitant response.
Mukamae
Natural readiness without fixed form or expectation.
Muga
Selflessness / absence of ego.
Dojo Orientation
Dojo
Place where the Dō is practiced; training hall.
Shomen
Agreed main practice direction / front of the dojo. Reference.
Regi
Behavior and conduct inside the dojo.
Reishiki
Etiquette, manners.
Reiho
System of formal behavior specific to Iaido.
Rei
Bow / salute.
Tachirei
Bowing while standing.
Seiza
Kneeling posture.
Iaihiza
Seated posture with the right leg upright.
Tatehiza
Upright seated posture with the right leg up, hips aligned.
Zarei
Bowing while seated.
To/To ni Rei
Bowing to the sword.
Kamiza/ni Rei
Honor seat / bow to the kamiza.
Sensei / Sensei ni Rei
Teacher / bow to the teacher.
Kohai
Junior student.
Sempai
Senior student.
Kyu
Student rank.
Dan
Advanced rank (e.g., black belt).
Dojo Vocabulary
Onegaishimasu
We request instruction.
Arigatogozaimashita
We thank you (for the teaching).
Hajime / Hajimemasho
Begin / let’s start!
Owari / Yame, Owarimasho
End / let’s finish!
Hai
Yes, understood.
Dame
Incorrect / not acceptable.
Mo hitotsu
Once more.
Datto
Sheathing or dropping the sword.
Kiritsu
Stand up.
Suburi
Swing practice.
Taiso
Physical warm-up / calisthenics.
Keiko
Training; Midori Keiko: learning by observation.
Embu
Demonstration.
Kotai
Partner change.
Taikai
Event / tournament.
Shiai
Match / competition.
Shobu ari
Result of the match.
Gogi
Interruption in the contest.
Hante
End of the contest.
Shinpan
Referee.
Techniques
Tategiri
Vertical cut.
Nukitsuke
Drawing the sword; initial action.
Sayabiki / Sayabanare
Pulling the saya / movement of the scabbard.
Kakaru Ashi
Foot placement in preparation for Nukitsuke.
Te no uchi
Rotation of hand and forearm for controlled cut.
Sae
Sharpness, clarity, and precision of a cut.
Sayanouchi
Victory without drawing the sword.
Hasuji
Cutting line / accuracy of the strike.
Furikaburi
Winding back / preparing the sword for the next cut.
Kiritsuke
Final cut from the end position.
Chiburi
Symbolic shaking off of blood; finalizing the encounter.
Chinugui
Wiping the blade before cleaning.
Hikinuki
Pulling out and lifting the blade.
Noto
Returning the sword into the saya.
Body
Men
Head.
Te
Hand.
Me
Eye.
Do
Torso / abdominal region.
Hara
Abdominal center, core / balance point.
Harakiri
Stomach cutting = ritual suicide (Seppuku).
Kesa
Lower abdomen.
Ashi
Foot.
Ayumi Ashi
Normal stepping movement, most often paired with sword technique.
Suri Ashi
Sliding foot movement, also called “shuffling.”
Ashizukai
The way steps are used; three variants are distinguished:

  1. Ugoki o okosu tame no ashizukai: Step to initiate movement or invite a reaction from the opponent to create an opening.
  2. Maai o hakaru tame no ashizukai: Step to measure and control Maai (distance/timing).
  3. Shōbu ni hairu tame no ashizukai: Step to enter the decisive phase—committed final step.

These are executed as Shō (small), Chū (medium), and Dai (large), referring to both step length and intensity.

Kata
Kata
Full sequence of movement; training form.
Ikita Kata
Fully lived, understood, and authentic kata.
Waza
Technique.
Tachiwaza
Standing technique.
Renzokuwaza
Continuous / connected techniques.
Kokyu
Breath; rhythm or flow in movement. Breathe three times before the kata, then perform it in one breath.
Kihon
Fundamental techniques; correct and continuous structural movement, practiced consistently starting from Seitei-Iai.
Ki Ken Tai Ichi
Spirit, sword, and body unified; seamless interaction in kata.
Stance / Position
Kamae
Ready posture; various positions possible.
Hasso no Kamae
Left foot forward, sword near the right side of the head.
Chudan no Kamae
Sword held in mid-level, forward-facing position.
Jodan no Kamae
Upper-level sword posture.
Katate Uchi / Waza
One-handed technique, e.g., snapping the sword forward.
Gedan no Kamae
Lower sword posture.
Waki no Kamae
Concealed side posture with the sword behind the body.
Shizentai
Natural stance, sword held to the side.
Sayaate
Contact of two sayas (to be avoided; can be used as challenge).
Ma-ai
Spatial distance to the opponent.
Kami no ashi
Foot closest to the kamiza.
Orientation
Embusen / Enbusen
Imaginary line of the kata’s pattern.
Seichusen
Correct central line to the opponent; advantageous for oneself, disadvantageous for the opponent.
Ma
Rhythm / timing between actions and movements.
Metsuke
Direction of gaze; focus of attention.
Kan Ken no Metsuke
Two aspects of seeing: Kan = looking; Ken = sensing the truth.
Enzan no Metsuke
Gaze toward distant mountains—holistic perception.
Equipment
Keikogi
Training clothing.
Gi
Jacket with traditional Japanese cut.
Obi
Wide belt, about 4 meters long.
Hakama
Wide pleated trousers / skirt.
Hakamasabaki
Arrangement of the hakama for sitting.
Koshiita
Back support of the hakama.
Zori
Sandals for dojo area.
Mon
Family crest on clothing.
Sword
Saya
Wooden scabbard.
Tsuba
Sword guard.
Tsuka
Hilt / handle.
Sageo
Cord attached to the saya.
Koiguchi
Opening of the saya (“carp mouth”).
Monouchi
The cutting part near the tip (roughly the last third); should appear “filled.”
Kissaki
Tip of the blade.
Bokken / Bokuden
Wooden practice sword.
Shinai
Bamboo sword used in kendo.
Iaito
Practice sword for Iaido.
Shaku
Length measure (~30.3 cm); commonly 2.4–2.8 shaku in Europe.
Mekugi
Bamboo peg securing the tang (check before use!).
Katana / Shinken
Sharp forged sword.
Tameshigiri
Cutting test with a sharp blade.
Understanding
Shuren
Discipline of training.
Zanshin
Continuous awareness; undistracted vigilance.
Mushin
Empty, unobstructed mind.
Jiri-Ichi
Theory and practice as one.
Shishin
Guiding intention / aspiration of the heart.
Heijoshin
Everyday mind: command of the situation in all circumstances.
Dai-kyo-soku-kei
Large, powerful, fast, soft/light: desired quality of body and sword movement.
Jo-ha-kyu
Gradation slow–medium–fast. See Nukitsuke.
Kan-kyu-kyo-jaku
Variation in tempo and power (hard/soft, fast/slow).
Meri-hari
Modulation between extremes; dynamic contrast.
Kigurai
Calm presence grounded in awareness.
Fukaku
Deep understanding / depth of character.
Hin-I
Dignity as opposite of brutality.
Kokoro
Heart / inner character.
Seme
Applying pressure to the opponent; controlling timing to mask one’s own vulnerability.
Shuhari
Learning progression in three stages: Shu (imitation), Ha (understanding), Ri (innovation).
Saya no uchi no kachi
Victory without drawing the sword; the conflict is decided mentally.
Kasōteki
Clear mental image of the adversary.


Scroll to Top