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Introduction

 

Kendo, meaning "Way of The Sword", is a modern Japanese sport/martial art, which is widely practiced within Japan and many other countries across the world. It is a physically and mentally challenging activity that combines martial arts practices and values with sport-like strenuous physical activity. Kendo as it is known now has been practiced since the mid-1800s. This sport uses armor and swords that are reminiscent of those of the samurai in feudal Japan. There are many traditions and rituals in the study and practice, making it more a way of life than a sport, again something very reminiscent of the samurai.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Statement of Principles

 

Kendo is traditional Japanese martial art that is not as well-known as other forms are, like karate. There are not many kendo dojos in the United States, but most can be found around areas where there is a large Japanese community. Beginners starting off in kendo generally have a lot to learn about, including terms, traditions, etiquette, philosophy, as well as how to buy and take care of equipment. This thesaurus is intended for the use of all kendoka (kendo students), but mostly for beginners and anyone that is interested in learning more about kendo. This thesaurus can provide a good overview of kendo without being overwhelming, as I focused on what an interested person or beginner would need to know

 

 

User's Guide

This thesaurus is comprised of a hierarchical list and an alphabetical list of terms used in kendo. The first list is the hierarchical list, which presents the primary terms with the related terms under them. This list can be skimmed quickly to find out where a term is listed to aid with a one’s search.

For example, one can find the terms used in the grading system under level/advancement.

 

The second list is the Alphabetical list of terms. The list has all the terms from the hierarchical list in alphabetical order. Some terms that are not in the hierarchical list can also be found in this list as they are likely a related term to one in the hierarchical list or a form of the term. For example, the hierarchical list would not contain the term “wrist guard” as it is not the term used in kendo. However, the correct term, “kote,” might not be one that the person searching knows or remembers. The alphabetical list, though, would contain the term “wrist guard” as it is related to the term “kote."

 

Terminology

 

ENTRY TERM                                   The terms in bold throughout the Alphabetical List in this thesaurus. Can be both preferred and/or a non-

                                                          preferred term

SN: (SCOPE NOTE)                         Provides a definition and/or description of the entry term in relation to the scope of this thesaurus

BT: (BROADER TERM)                    Provides the term that is more general in meaning than the entry term

NT: (NARROWER TERM)                Provides the terms that have a more specific or narrow meaning than the entry term

RT: (RELATED TERM)                      Provides the terms that are related to or associated with the entry term

UF: (USE FOR)                                 Provides the non-preferred term or terms for the entry term

USE:                                                  Provides the preferred term for the entry term

 

Sample Entry

 

First Kenjutsu Ryu                                                            [Entry Term]

SN: Provided the foundations of modern kendo       [Scope Note]

 

BT: Ashikaga Shogunate Wars                                       [Broader Term]

 

NT: Sen-ha Kenjutsu                                                        [Narrower Term]

NT: Ryu-ha Kenjutsu

 

UF: Nagahide Chujo (1380)                                             [Use For]

UF: Bunguro Hukida (1437)

UF: Choisai Iizasa (1488)

UF: In-Ei (1521)

UF: First Kendo School

 

 

First Kendo School                                                            [Entry Term]

USE: First Kenjutsu Ryu                                                    [Non-Preferred Term]

 

 

 

Hierarchical List
  • Clothing

    • Hakama

    • Keikogi

    • Tenugui

    • Hachimaki

    • Obi

  • Equipment

    • Bogu

      • Men

      • Tare

      • Do

      • Kote

    • Bokken

    • Bokuto

    • Shinai

  • History

    • Bushido (9th-12th centuries)

      • Code of Bushido

    • Ashikaga Shogunate Wars (1333-1568)

      • First Kenjutsu Ryu

        • Sen-ha Kenjutsu

        • Ryu-ha Kenjutsu

      • Nagahide Chujo (1380)

      • Bunguro Hukida (1437)

      • Choisai Iizasa (1488)

      • In-Ei (1521)

    • Edo period (1603 - 1867)

      • Three Great Dojo of Edo

  • Level/advancement

    • Grading system

      • Kyu

      • Dan

    • Examination

      • jitsugi

      • Nihon Kendo Kata

      • Written exam

    • Titles

      • renshi

      • kyōshi

      • hanshi

  • Modern practice

    • Foundation of modern kendo

      • Yamada Heizaemon Mitsunori

      • Naganuma Sirozaemon Kunisato

      • “Three Great Dojo of Edo”

        • Genbukan

          • Chiba Shusaku

        • Renpeikan

          • Saito Yakuro

        • Shigakkan

          • Momoi Shunzo

    • Kiri-kaeshi

    • Waza-geiko

    • Kakari-geiko

    • Ji-geiko

    • Gokaku-geiko

    • Hikitate-geiko

    • Shiai-geiko

    • Kata

    • Ashi sabaki

    • Suburi

  • Organizations

    • International Kendo Federation (FIK)

    • Zen Nippon Kendo Renmei (ZNKR)

    • All Japan Kendo Federation (AJKF)

    • All United Stated Kendo Federation (AUSKF)

    • Dai Nippon Butoku Kai (DNBK)

    • International Martial Arts Federation (IMAF)

  • Philosophy

    • Concept and Purpose

    • Physical Benefits

    • Mental Training

    • Discipline

    • Respect

  • Waza

    • Shikake-waza

      • Tobikomi-waza

      • Hikibana-waza

      • Katsugi-waza

      • Nidan-waza

      • Harai-waza

      • Debana-waza

    • Oji-waza

      • Nuki-waza

      • Suriage-waza

      • Uchiotoshi-waza

      • Kaeshi-waza

  • Vocabulary

    • Kendoka

    • Kenjutsu

    • Samurai

    • Ryu

    • kiai

    • Dojo

    • Reigi

    • Reishiki

    • Mokuso

    • Kiritsu

    • Seiza

    • hajime

    • zanshin

    • Sei retsu

    • Ki o tsuke

    • Sonkyo

    • Rei

    • Yame

    • yūkō-datotsu

    • tai-kai

    • shimpan

    • Ippon

    • Hansoku

 

 

Alphabetical List

 

AJKF

 

USE: All Japan Kendo Federation (AJKF)

 

 

All Japan Kendo Federation (AJKF)

SN: International name for the ZNKR. The national non-governmental organization in Japan, founded in 1952

 

BT: Organization

 

UF: AJKF

 

RT: Zen Nippon Kendo Renmei (ZNKR)

 

 

All United Stated Kendo Federation (AUSKF)

SN: US organization that manages and promotes kendo activities.

 

BT: Organization

 

UF: AUSKF

 

 

Armor

 

USE: Bogu

 

 

Ashi sabaki

SN: Footwork. In kendo, one’s footwork must be precise and is counted for matches and advancing

 

BT: Foundation of Modern Kendo

 

UF: Footwork

 

 

Ashikaga Shogunate Wars (1333-1568)

SN: The wars of the Ashikaga Shogunate gave the art of fencing an upsurge as the art of sword warfare became necessary for the samurai to master sword fighting.

 

BT: History

 

NT: First Kenjutsu Ryu

 

 

Attack techniques

 

USE: Shikake-waza

 

 

Attention

 

USE: Ki o tsuke

 

 

AUSKF

 

USE: All United Stated Kendo Federation (AUSKF)

 

 

Belt

 

USE: Obi

 

 

Black Belt

 

USE: Dan

 

 

Body Armor

 

USE: Bogu

 

 

Bogu

SN: Armor used for Ji-geiko

 

NT: Men

NT: Tare

NT: Do

NT: Kote

 

UF: Armor

UF: Body Armor

 

 

Bokken

SN: A rigid wooden replica of a sword

 

BT: Equipment

 

UF: Sword, Wood

 

RT: Bokuto

 

 

Bokuto

 

USE: Bokken

 

 

Bow

 

USE: Rei

 

 

Breastplate

 

USE: Do

 

 

Breastplate Armor

 

USE: Do

 

 

Bunguro Hukida (1437)

 

USE: First Kenjutsu Ryu

 

 

Bushido (9th - 12th centuries)

SN: Means “The Way of the Sword,” originating from the samurai moral code. A set of principles that a warrior should pursue in his life in order to be capable to fight without losing his humanity, as well as be capable to lead and command without losing contact with important basic values.

 

BT: History

 

NT: Bushido Code

 

UF: The Way of the Sword

 

 

Chest Armor

 

USE: Do

 

 

Chiba Shusaku

SN: Systemized the Waza of bamboo sword training by the “Sixty-eight Techniques of Kenjutsu.” Led the Genbukan school, one of the three great dojos of edo

 

BT: Genbukan

 

Choisai Iizasa (1488)

 

USE: First Kenjutsu Ryu

 

 

Clothing

 

NT:     Hakama

NT:     Keikogi

NT:     Tenugui

NT:     Obi

 

 

Code of Bushido

SN: Developed between the 9th and 12 century, originating from the samurai moral code, which had been passed down verbally.

 

BT: Bushido

 

UF: Samurai Moral Code

 

 

Concept and Purpose

SN: AJKF (or ZNKR) developed and then published The Concept and Purpose of Kendo. A way to discipline the human character through the application of the principles of the katana.

 

BT: Philosophy

 

 

Counter-attack techniques

 

USE: Oji-waza

 

 

Court

 

USE: Shiaijo

 

 

Dai Nippon Butoku Kai (DNBK)

SN: "Greater Japan Martial Virtue Society." Promotes international peace and harmony through the education and training of the traditional martial arts disciplines

 

BT: Organization

 

UF: DNBK

 

 

Dan

SN: Ranks above kyu levels equivalent to Black belt in other martial arts. Progress uses an ascending order, with hachi-dan (8th dan) as the highest.

 

BT: Grading system

 

UF: Black Belt

UF: Upper levels

UF: Upper ranks

 

 

Dan exam

 

USE: Written exam

 

 

Dan level exam

 

USE: Written Exam

 

 

Dan questions

 

USE: Written Exam

 

 

Debana-waza

SN: Striking at the moment when your opponent intends to strike

 

BT: Shikake-waza

 

 

DNBK

 

USE: Dai Nippon Butoku Kai (DNBK)

 

 

Discipline

SN: Kendo is a way to discipline the human character through the application of the principles of the Katana.

 

BT: Philosophy

 

 

Do

SN: a breastplate covering the stomach and parts of the chest

 

BT: Bogu

 

UF: Breastplate Armor

UF: Breastplate

UF: Chest armor

UF: Torso Armor

 

 

Dojo

SN: literally means "place of the way." The formal gathering place for students of any Japanese martial arts.

 

BT: Vocabulary

 

UF: Martial arts studio

 

 

Dojos of the Edo period

 

USE: Three Great Dojo of Edo

 

 

Edo period (1603 - 1867)

SN: Period that left the Samurai unemployed of active warfare, enabling them to teach swordsmanship in the many schools that flourished during this time period

 

BT: History

 

NT: Three Great Dojo of Edo

 

 

Equipment

 

NT: Bogu

NT: Bokken

NT: Shinai

NT: Bokuto

 

 

Exam kata demonstration

 

USE: Nihon kendo kata

 

 

Exam skill demonstration

 

USE: Jitsugi

 

 

Examination

 

NT: Jitsugi

NT: Nihon Kendo Kata

NT: Written Exam

 

 

Face Guard

 

USE: Men

 

 

Federations

 

USE: Organizations

 

 

Fencing

 

USE: Kenjutsu

 

 

FIK

 

USE: International Kendo Federation (FIK)

 

 

First Kendo School

 

USE: First Kenjutsu Ryu

 

 

First Kenjutsu Ryu

SN: Provided the foundations of modern kendo

 

BT: Ashikaga Shogunate Wars

 

NT: Sen-ha Kenjutsu

NT: Ryu-ha Kenjutsu

 

UF: Nagahide Chujo (1380)

UF: Bunguro Hukida (1437)

UF: Choisai Iizasa (1488)

UF: In-Ei (1521)

UF: First Kendo School

 

 

Footwork

 

USE: Ashi sabaki

 

 

Forms

 

USE: Kata

 

 

Foundation

 

USE: Foundation of Modern Kendo

 

 

Foundation of modern kendo

SN: The terms, steps, armor, etc. that is the kendo taught now. Where these principles started

 

BT: Modern practice

 

UF: Foundation

 

 

Gokaku-geiko

SN: Practice between 2 kendokas with equal ability

 

BT: Foundation of Modern Kendo

 

 

Grades

 

USE: Grading System

 

 

Grading system

SN: The grading system created in 1883 to indicate the kendoka’s proficiency.

 

BT: Level/advancement

 

NT: Kyu

NT: Dan

 

UF: Grades

 

 

Hachimaki

 

USE: Tenugui

 

 

Hajime

SN: Command to begin. Used after an instruction was given for class.

 

BT: Vocabulary

 

UF: Start

 

 

Hakama

SN: wide skirt-like trousers

 

BT: Clothing

 

UF: Trousers

UF: Pants

 

 

Hakama Belt

 

USE: Obi

 

 

Hanshi

SN: Title earned after eight years as a hachi-dan (8th level dan). Requires a screening by the kendo organization, a recommendation from the regional organization president as well as one from the national kendo organization president, and passing an exam on kendo theory.

 

BT: Titles

 

RT: Hanshi hachi-dan

RT: Hanshi 8-dan

 

 

Hanshi 8-dan

 

USE: Hanshi

 

 

Hanshi hachi-dan

 

USE: Hanshi

 

 

Hansoku

SN: Penalties such as unnecessary roughness, bad sportsmanship, Shiaijo, and dropping one’s shinai. If the kendoka gets two hansoku, the opponent gets ippon.

 

BT: Vocabulary

 

UF: Penalty

 

 

Harai-waza

SN: Striking after deflecting the opponents shinai.

 

BT: Shikake-waza

 

 

Head Protection

 

USE: Men

 

 

Hikibana-waza

SN: body and shinai lose balance as you strick or when being attacked.

 

BT: Shikake-waza

 

 

Hikitate-geiko

SN: Practice in which a senior kendoka guides a junior.

 

BT: Foundation of Modern Kendo

 

 

History

 

NT: Bushido

NT: Ashikaga Shogunate (1333-1568)

NT: Edo period (1603 - 1867)

 

 

IMAF

 

USE: International Martial Arts Federation (IMAF)

 

 

In-Ei (1521)

 

USE: First Kenjutsu Ryu

 

 

International Kendo Federation (FIK)

SN: International organization that manages and promotes kendo activities outside of Japan.

 

BT: Organizations

 

UF: FIK

 

 

International Martial Arts Federation (IMAF)

SN: Promotes martial arts (not just Kendo) worldwide.

 

BT: Organization

 

UF: IMAF

 

 

Ippon

SN: Means “one point.” One needs 3 ippon to win a match.

 

BT: Vocabulary

 

UF: point

 

 

Jacket

 

USE: Keikogi

 

 

Ji-geiko

SN: Sparring practice. Free practice using what the kendoka has learned

 

BT: Foundation of Modern Kendo

 

 

Jitsugi

SN: A demonstration of the kendoka’s skill in examinations.

 

BT: Examination

 

UF: Exam skill demonstration

 

 

Kaeshi-waza

SN: Blocking the opponents shinai with your own and attacking by making use of the reflexive power of your own shinai

 

BT: Oji-waza

 

 

Kakari-geiko

SN: Attack practice. Sensei starts and attack and the kendoka counters

 

BT: Foundation of Modern Kendo

 

 

Kata

SN: Kendo forms or fixed patterns that teach kendoka the basic elements of swordsmanship.

 

BT: Foundation of Modern Kendo

 

UF: Forms

 

 

Katsugi-waza

SN: a surprise attack by lifting the shinai over your shouder

 

BT: Shikake-waza

 

 

Keikogi

SN: heavy cotton jacket worn over undershirt

 

BT: Clothing

 

UF: Jacket

 

 

Kendo Federations

 

USE: Organizations

 

 

Kendo Organizations

 

USE: Organizations

 

 

Kendoka

SN: A kendo student

 

BT: Vocabulary

 

UF: Student

 

 

Kenjutsu

SN: Japanese swordsmanship, the art of fencing.

 

BT: Vocabulary

 

UF: Fencing

 

 

Ki o tsuke

SN: Command for attention. Calling all to attention

 

BT: Vocabulary

 

UF: Attention

 

 

Kiai

SN: Strong voice or a yell. Must be used when the kendoka is about to strike or attack.

 

BT: Vocabulary

 

 

Kiri-kaeshi

SN: A warm up practice with shinai

 

BT: Foundation of Modern Kendo

 

 

Kiritsu

SN: A command to stand up from Seiza. Used during Dojo Reigi

 

BT: Vocabulary

 

UF: Stand

 

 

Kote

SN: Gauntlets, that protect the hands and wrists, padded over the knuckles, and uses cotton wadding to protect the wrist and forearms

 

BT: Bogu

 

UF: Wrist Armor

UF: Wrist Protection

 

 

Kyoshi

SN: Title earned after two years as a shichi-dan (7th level dan). Requires a screening by the kendo organization, a recommendation from the regional organization president, and passing an exam on kendo theory.

 

BT: Titles

 

RT: Kyoshi shichi-dan

RT: Kyoshi 7-dan

 

 

Kyoshi 7-dan

 

USE: Kyoshi

 

 

Kyoshi shichi-dan

 

USE: Kyoshi

 

 

Kyu

SN: Ranks below Dan levels. Progress uses a descending order, with ikkyu (1st kyu) as the highest of the kyu levels.

 

BT: Grading system

UF: Lower Ranks

UF: Lower levels

 

 

Level/advancement

 

NT: Grading system

NT: Examination

NT: Titles

 

 

Lower levels

 

USE: Kyu

 

 

Lower Ranks

 

USE: Kyu

 

 

Martial arts studio

 

USE: Dojo

 

 

Men

SN: a mask made of cotton which protects the head and has an iron/ steel/ titanium face guard

 

BT: Bogu

 

UF: Face Guard

UF: Head Protection

 

 

Mental Training

SN: This is the natural part of kendo, aims to teach focus. Known as a “secret” of kendo.

 

BT: Philosophy

 

 

Modern practice

 

NT: Foundation of modern kendo

NT: Kiri-kaeshi

NT: Waza-geiko

NT: Kakari-geiko

NT: Ji-geiko

NT: Gokaku-geiko

NT: Hikitate-geiko

NT: Shiai-geiko

NT: Kata

NT: Ashi sabaki

NT: Suburi

 

 

Mokuso

SN: A deep breathing meditation done during the Dojo Reigi before and after class.

 

BT: Vocabulary

 

 

Momoi Shunzo

SN: Led the Shigakkan school, one of the Three Great Dojos of Edo

 

BT: Shigakkan

 

 

Nagahide Chujo (1380)

 

USE: First Kenjutsu Ryu

 

 

Naganuma Sirozaemon Kunisato

SN: Developed the modern shinai and bogu along with his father.

 

BT: Foundation of Modern Kendo

 

RT: Yamada Heizaemon Mitsunori

 

 

Nidan-waza

SN: two step attack

 

BT: Shikake-waza

 

 

Nihon Kendo Kata

SN: Demonstration of the kendoka’s knowledge of kata. Consists of ten forms of kata.

 

BT: Examination

 

UF: The ten forms of kata

UF: Exam kata demonstration

 

 

Nuki-waza

SN: Lure opponent to swing through the air then counterattack at the end of the move.

 

BT: Oji-waza

 

 

Obi

SN: Belt attached to Hakama

 

BT: Clothing

 

UF: Belt

UF: Hakama belt

 

 

Oji-waza

SN: A group of defensive counter-attack techniques

 

BT: Waza

 

NT: Nuki-waza

NT: Suriage-waza

NT: Uchiotoshi-waza

NT: Kaeshi-waza

 

UF: Counter-attack techniques

 

 

Organizations

 

NT: International Kendo Federation (FIK)

NT: Zen Nippon Kendo Renmei (ZNKR)

NT: All Japan Kendo Federation (AJKF)

NT: All United Stated Kendo Federation (AUSKF)

NT: Dai Nippon Butoku Kai (DNBK)

NT: International Martial Arts Federation (IMAF)

 

UF: Federations

UF: Kendo organizations

UF: Kendo Federations

 

 

Pants

 

USE: Hakama

 

 

Penalty

 

USE: Hansoku

 

 

Philosophy

 

NT: Concept and Purpose

NT: Physical Benefits

NT: Mental Training

NT: Discipline

NT: Respect

 

 

Physical Benefits

SN: Aims to improve a person’s strength, endurance, and overall fitness.

 

BT: Philosophy

 

 

Point

USE: Ippon

 

 

Referee

 

USE: Shimpan

 

 

Rei

SN: A command to bow. Used during Dojo Reigi, as well as before and after sparring.

 

BT: Vocabulary

 

RT: Sensei ni rei

RT: Shomen ni rei

 

UF: Bow

 

 

Reigi

SN: Etiquette. Also, a ritual in which the etiquette is practiced

 

BT: Vocabulary

 

RT: Reishiki

 

 

Reishiki

SN: Etiquette. Also a ritual in which the etiquette is practiced

 

BT: Vocabulary

 

RT: Reigi

 

 

Renshi

SN: Title earned after one year as a roku-dan (6th level dan). Requires a screening by the kendo organization, a recommendation from the regional organization president, and passing an exam on kendo theory.

 

BT: Titles

 

RT: Renshi roku-dan

RT: Renshi 6-dan

 

 

Renshi 6-dan

 

USE: Renshi

 

 

Renshi roku-dan

 

USE: Renshi

 

 

Reishiki

SN: Etiquette. Also a ritual in which the etiquette is practiced

 

BT: Vocabulary

 

RT: Reigi

 

 

Respect

SN: a principal value of Kendo. Taught and practiced for all and with all.

 

BT: Philosophy

 

 

Ryu

SN: A school. Place of training, not meaning the actual place or building

 

BT: Vocabulary

 

RT: Kenjutsu Ryu

 

UF: School

 

 

Ryu-ha Kenjutsu

SN: One of 2 schools which included a more scientific approach to the art of war and war strategy.

 

BT: First Kenjutsu Ryu

 

 

Saito Yakuro

SN: Led the Renpeikan school, one of the Three Great Dojos of Edo

 

BT: Renpeikan

 

 

Samurai

SN: A warrior class of feudal Japan; the military nobility.

 

BT: Vocabulary

 

 

Samurai Moral Code

 

USE: Code of Bushido

 

 

School

 

USE: Ryu

 

 

Shimpan

SN: A referee in a kendo match

 

BT: Vocabulary

 

UF: Referee

 

 

Sonkyo

SN: A way of greeting one’s opponent before a match.

 

BT: Vocabulary

 

 

Scorable Point

 

USE: Yuko-datotsu

 

 

Scoring Point

 

USE: Yuko-datotsu

 

 

Seiza

SN: Acommand to kneel. Used during the Dojo Reigi.

 

BT: Vocabulary

 

UF: Sit

 

 

Sen-ha Kenjutsu

SN: One of 2 schools of kendo which concentrated on sword techniques to be used in battle

 

BT: First Kenjutsu Ryu

 

 

Shiai-geiko

SN: Competition practice. May be judged.

 

BT: Foundation of Modern Kendo

 

 

Shiaijo

SN: The match court

 

BT: Vocabulary

 

UF: Court

 

 

Shigakkan

SN: One of the Three Great Dojos of Edo. Led by Momoi Shunzo

 

BT: Three Great Dojos of Edo

 

NT: Momoi Shunzu

 

 

Shikake-waza

SN: A group of offensive techniques

 

BT: Waza

 

NT: Tobikomi-waza

NT: Hikibana-waza

NT: Katsugi-waza

NT: Nidan-waza

NT: Harai-waza

NT: Debana Waza

 

UF: Attack Techniques

 

 

Shimpan

SN: A referee in a kendo match

 

BT: Vocabulary

 

UF: Referee

 

 

Shinai

SN: A flexible sword that makes it possible to simulate combat with full power.

 

BT: Equipment

 

UF: Sword, Bamboo

 

 

Shogo

 

USE: Titles

 

 

Sit

 

USE: Seiza

 

 

Soft Head Cloth

 

USE: Tenugui

 

 

 

Sonkyo

SN: A way of greeting one’s opponent before a match.

 

BT: Vocabulary

 

 

Sparring

 

USE: Ji-geiko

 

 

Stand

 

USE: Kiritsu

 

 

Start

 

USE: Hajime

 

 

Stop

 

USE: Yame

 

 

Student

USE: Kendoka

 

 

Suburi

SN:  Means “striking the air,” practicing how to swing your shinai

 

BT: Foundation of Modern Kendo

 

 

Suriage-waza

SN: Fending off the shinai by pushing it up and immediately delivering a stroke

 

BT: Oji-waza

 

 

Sword, Bamboo

 

USE: Shinai

 

 

Sword, Wood

 

USE: Bokken

 

 

Tai-kai

SN: A kendo competition

 

 

Techniques

 

USE: Waza

 

 

Tenugui

SN: soft cloth/towel wrapped around the head and worn under the men

 

BT: Clothing

 

RT: Hachimaki

 

UF: Towel

UF: Soft head cloth

 

 

The ten forms of kata

 

USE: Nihon kendo kata

 

 

The Way of the Sword

 

USE: Bushido

 

 

“Three Great Dojos of Edo”

SN: The three dojos that contributed to Kendo as it is practiced now.

 

BT: Foundation of Modern Kendo

 

NT: Genbukan

NT: Renpeikan

NT: Shigakkan

 

UF: Dojos of the Edo period

 

 

Titles

 

NT: Renshi

NT: Kyoshi

NT: Hanshi

 

UF: Shogo

 

 

Tobikomi-waza

SN: when you notice that your opponent is weak, strike quickly

BT: Shikake-waza

 

 

Torso Armor

 

USE: Do

 

 

Towel

 

USE: Tenugui

 

 

Trousers

 

USE: Hakama

 

 

Uchiotoshi-waza

SN: Striking the opponents shinai downward and striking immediately afterward

 

BT: Oji-waza

 

 

Upper Levels

 

USE: Dan

 

 

Upper ranks

 

USE: Dan

 

 

Valid Strike

 

USE: Yuko-datotsu

 

 

Vocabulary

SN: beginning terms that are used in Kendo

 

NT: Kendoka

NT: Kenjutsu

NT: Samurai

NT: Ryu

NT: kiai

NT: Dojo

NT: Reigi

NT: Reishiki

NT: Mokuso

NT: Kiritsu

NT: Seiza

NT: Jigeiko

NT: hajime

NT: zanshin

NT: Sei retsu

NT: Ki o tsuke

NT: Sonkyo

NT: Rei

NT: Yame

NT: yūkō-datotsu

NT: tai-kai

NT: shimpan

NT: Ippon

NT: Hansoku

 

 

Waist Armor

 

USE: Tare

 

 

Waist Protection

 

USE: Tare

 

 

Waza

SN: Japanese word for technique. There are 2 groups that are fundamental in kendo.

 

NT: Shikake-waza

NT: Oji-waza

 

UF: Techniques

 

 

Waza-geiko

SN: Technique practice in which the student practices techniques on a sensei

 

BT: Foundation of Modern Kendo

 

 

Wrist Armor

 

USE: Kote

 

 

Wrist Protection

 

USE: Kote

 

 

Written Exam

SN: Added part of the exam for dan levels. The dan levels are much more difficult and require thought behind the actions. Questions require discussing or listing of concepts, principles, and opinions on various aspects of Kendo.

 

BT: Examination

 

UF: Dan level exam

UF: Dan questions

UF: Dan exam

 

 

Yamada Heizaemon Mitsunori

SN: Developed the modern shinai and bogu along with his son.

 

BT: Foundation of Modern Kendo

 

RT: Naganuma Sirozaemon Kunisato

 

 

Yame

SN: Command to stop.

 

BT: Vocabulary

 

UF: Stop

 

 

Yuko-datotsu

SN: A valid strike is scorable point defined as a strike or thrust that hits one of the scorable locations of the bogu, with good kiai and notable zanshin.

 

BT: Rules

 

UF: Scorable Point

UF: Scoring point

UF: Valid Strike

 

 

Zanshin

SN: Focus, awareness. One must show strong zanshin in competition in order for the strike to count.

 

BT: Vocabulary

 

 

Zen Nippon Kendo Renmei (ZNKR)

SN: Japanese name for the AJKF. The national non-governmental organization in Japan, founded in 1952. Both names are used.

 

BT: Organization

 

UF: ZNKR

 

RT: All Japan Kendo Federation (AJKF)

 

 

ZNKR

 

USE: Zen Nippon Kendo Renmei (ZNKR)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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