The following is a short (but growing) list of terms that you will hear frequently mentioned in class. While not a comprehensive list of all relevant terminology, familiarity with these will help to orient you during our training. We will keep adding to this list over time.
A term that refers to the overall stance and posture of the warrior prepared for battle. There are many variations, each appropriate for different situations and techniques. The most basic (yet versatile) is the seigan (also called chudan).
A diagonal cut from shoulder to opposite waist. Refers to both migi (right) and hidari (left).
Partnered practice with bokken. Students should not view these exercises as representations of actual combat, but rather as carefully choreographed sequences that are meant to help train and reinforce specific techniques. Of greatest importance is that each partner engages the other with sincerity and focus, so that both may benefit from the opportunity to discover areas they need to improve.
This term refers to the distance between the partners/combatants. Maai is a constantly shifting and changing aspect of combat, requiring a high degree of mental alertness, overall situational awareness, and familiarity with one's weapon. To strike and cut effectively with one's sword, the warrior must engage the opponent by finding the optimal maai with the corresponding footwork. As a general rule, the warrior who controls the maai, with courage and fortitude, controls the engagement.
A frontal cut/strike to the forehead and/or face.
Refers to thrusting/piercing attacks.
While we use these terms interchangeably in class, the latter terms (uchidachi and shidachi) are technically more appropriate for kenjutsu. In our partner exercises (kumitachi), the uke/uchidachi initiates the attack and the nage/shidachi receives and counters.
An angled cut/strike to the side of the head/temple. For simplicity, we use the former term to refer to both migi (right) and hidari (left) attacks.
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