Glossary

Sitting cross-legged

Ai-hanmi describes a stance, where both partners are facing each other in a parallel position, front to front ("shake-hands position").

Aikido exercises to improve body awareness, movements and focus

Non-violent Japanese martial art (Aikidō = "the path to the harmonisation of forces")

Aikijo is a collective term for staff techniques and exercises that have a clear relation to empty-handed Aikido techniques. It is practised with the wooden staff (jo).

International Aikidō umbrella organisation based in Tokyo (led by the descendants of the founder Morihei Ueshiba)

Aikiken is a sword practice that has a clear relation to empty-handed Aikido techniques. It is practised with the wooden bokken.

Partner or opponent

Moment of contact, establishing the connection, connection point (literally "hitting the target")

Direct strike to a sensitive point (e.g. the face)