Martial Arts Terminology Compendium

COMPLETE MARTIAL LEXICON

Japanese Sword Arts & Samurai Equipment

I. TRAINING CLOTHING & FORMAL WEAR

Keikogi (稽古着)

Training jacket worn in budo practice. Designed for durability and freedom of movement.

Shitagi (下着)

Undergarment worn beneath keikogi to absorb sweat.

Hakama (袴)

Pleated over-trousers symbolizing traditional virtues. Seven pleats often associated with moral principles such as rectitude, courage, benevolence, respect, honesty, honor, and loyalty.

Koshibita (腰板)

Stiff backboard of the hakama representing posture and character.

Hakama-dome

Spoon-shaped fastener tucked into the obi to secure the hakama.

Obi (帯)

Wide belt securing uniform and supporting the sword.

Montsuki (紋付)

Formal kimono jacket bearing family crests (mon), worn during ceremonies.

Tenugui (手拭い)

Cloth worn under helmet for sweat absorption and padding.

Tabi (足袋)

Split-toe socks.

Zori (草履)

Straw sandals.

II. KENDO ARMOUR (BOGU 防具)

Men (面)

Helmet with metal grill protecting face and head.

Do (胴)

Torso protector.

Tare (垂れ)

Waist and groin protector with name panel (zekken).

Kote (小手)

Padded gloves protecting wrists and forearms.

III. TRADITIONAL SAMURAI ARMOUR

(Katchū 甲冑 / Gusoku 具足)

A. Full Armour Types

Ō-yoroi (大鎧)

Large box-style armour for mounted archers.

Dō-maru (胴丸)

Wrap-around armour opening at the side.

Haramaki (腹巻)

Armour opening at the back.

Tōsei Gusoku (当世具足)

Later “modern” Sengoku-period plate armour.

B. Helmet (Kabuto 兜)

Hachi – Helmet bowl

Tehen – Opening at top

Mabizashi – Visor

Shikoro – Neck guard plates

Fukigaeshi – Flared side guards

Maedate – Front crest

Kuwagata – Antler-like crest

Shinobi-no-o – Helmet cord

C. Face Armour (Menpō 面頬)

Menpō – Half mask

Sōmen – Full mask

Hanbō – Lower face guard

Yodare-kake – Throat guard

D. Torso Armour (Dō 胴)

Dō – Cuirass

Munaita – Chest plate

Kusazuri – Hanging tassets

Watagami – Shoulder straps

E. Limbs

Sode (袖)

Large shoulder guards.

Kote (籠手)

Armoured sleeves with:

Tekko (hand guard)

Shino (metal splints)

Haidate (佩楯)

Thigh armour apron.

Suneate (脛当)

Shin guards.

F. Construction

Kozane (小札)

Small lamellar scales.

Odoshi (威し)

Lacing binding armour plates.

Urushi (漆)

Protective lacquer coating.

IV. JAPANESE SWORD ANATOMY (KATANA 刀)

A. Blade (Tōshin 刀身)

Cutting Edge & Body

Ha (刃) – Cutting edge

Monouchi – Optimal cutting zone

Hamon – Temper line

Shinogi – Ridge line

Mune (棟) – Spine

Ji – Blade surface

Sori – Curvature

Tip (Kissaki Section)

Kissaki (切先) – Tip

Yokote – Division line

Bosshi – Temper pattern in tip

B. Tang (Nakago 茎)

Nakago – Tang

Mei – Signature

Mekugi-ana – Peg hole

Yasurime – File marks

C. Handle (Tsuka 柄)

Tsuka – Handle

Samegawa – Ray skin

Tsuka-ito – Wrapping

Menuki – Grip ornaments

Mekugi – Bamboo peg

Fuchi – Collar

Kashira – Pommel cap

Tsuba (鍔) – Guard

Seppa – Spacers

D. Scabbard (Saya 鞘)

Saya – Scabbard

Koiguchi – Mouth

Kurikata – Knob for cord

Sageo – Cord

Kojiri – End cap

V. WEAPONS

Katana – Long sword

Wakizashi – Short sword

Tanto – Dagger

Daisho – Paired swords

Tachi – Earlier curved long sword

Bokken/Bokuto – Wooden sword

Shinai – Bamboo practice sword

Iaito – Blunt practice blade

Shinken – Live blade

Naginata – Polearm

Yari – Spear

Bo – Long staff

Jo – Short staff

Sai, Tonfa, Nunchaku – Okinawan weapons

VI. CUTTING & TECHNICAL TERMS

Nukitsuke

Drawing cut.

Kirioroshi

Vertical downward cut.

Kesa-giri

Diagonal cut (shoulder to hip).

Kiri Age

Reverse diagonal.

Tsuki

Thrust.

Chiburi

Blood shake.

Noto

Sheathing.

Tameshigiri

Test cutting.

VII. KAMAE (STANCES)

Jodan-no-kamae

High guard.

Chudan-no-kamae

Middle guard.

Gedan-no-kamae

Low guard.

Hasso-no-kamae

Vertical guard near shoulder.

Waki-gamae

Hidden rear guard.

Kasumi-no-kamae

Congo-no-kamae (crunched position sword verticalically infront of body)

Yoko-no-kamae (sword at horizontal position)

katate-ni-kamae (single handed jodan-no-kamae second hand placed on the back of the mune)

akeshi-no-kamae (variation of Gedan-no-kamae)

VIII. CORE MARTIAL PRINCIPLES

Ma-ai (間合い)

Distance and timing relationship.

Zanshin (残心)

Remaining awareness after technique.

Mushin (無心)

No-mind; mental clarity without attachment.

Kiai (気合)

Focused spirit shout.

Kokyu (呼吸)

Breath power.

Semé (攻め)

Psychological and positional pressure.

Sen (先)

Initiative (Sen no sen, Go no sen, Sen sen no sen).

IX. DOJO HIERARCHY

Sensei

Teacher.

Shihan

Master instructor.

Senpai

Senior student.

Kohai

Junior student.

Deshi

Disciple

Advanced Classical Terminology, Battlefield Tactics & Sword Theory

I. THE THREE FUNCTIONAL THIRDS OF THE KATANA

Traditionally not always described in modern dojo teaching, but functionally understood in classical combative application, the blade can be divided into three operational zones:

1️⃣ Monouchi (物打ち) – The Attacking / Cutting Third

Location: Upper third of the blade, just below the kissaki.

Function: Primary cutting zone.

This is the most efficient cutting section due to:

Optimal arc speed

Proper edge alignment

Maximum kinetic transfer

Used for:

Decisive cuts (kirioroshi, kesa-giri)

Finishing strikes

Battlefield killing blows

Symbolically:

Represents resolution, commitment, and finality.

2️⃣ Nakahara / Middle Third – The Defensive / Receiving Third

Location: Middle section of the blade between monouchi and moto.

Function: Defensive interaction zone.

Used for:

Uke (receiving techniques)

Deflections (harai, nagashi)

Controlling binds

Parrying without damaging the monouchi

In armored combat, direct edge-on-edge blocking was avoided. Instead:

The shinogi (ridge) or mune (spine) was used

Angled deflection preserved the cutting edge

Symbolically:

Represents adaptability and resilience.

3️⃣ Moto / Base Third – The Controlling Third

Location: Lower third near the tsuba and habaki.

Function: Close-quarters control.

Used for:

Tsuba-zeriai (guard clinch)

Blade trapping

Grappling integration (kumiuchi)

Levering and dominating centerline

This third is strongest structurally due to proximity to the hands.

Symbolically:

Represents authority and control.

II. BATTLEFIELD TECHNIQUES & TACTICS

Classical Japanese combat was not duel-focused alone — it was formation warfare.

A. Initiative & Timing (Sen 先)

Sen no Sen

Initiating simultaneously with opponent’s attack.

Go no Sen

Responding after attack begins.

Sen Sen no Sen

Preemptive strike before opponent fully commits.

B. Ma-ai (間合い) – Combative Distance

Different combative intervals:

Tōma – Long distance

Issoku-itto-no-maai – One step, one cut distance

Chika-ma – Close distance

Controlling ma-ai determines victory.

C. Hyōshi (拍子) – Rhythm & Timing

Breaking opponent’s rhythm is essential.

Regular rhythm invites prediction.

Irregular timing creates openings.

D. Kuzushi (崩し) – Breaking Structure

Before cutting, balance must be broken:

Physically

Mentally

Structurally

E. Tai Sabaki (体捌き) – Body Management

Includes:

Irimi (entering)

Tenkan (turning)

Hiraki (opening step)

Battlefield survival required lateral movement — not retreating in straight lines.

III. CLASSICAL BATTLEFIELD FORMATIONS

Ashigaru Infantry Tactics

Spear walls (yari formations)

Rotational volley archery

Coordinated advance under banner signals

Yari (槍) Spear Doctrine

Primary battlefield weapon of Sengoku period.

Techniques included:

Thrusting lines

Sweeping horse legs

Multi-rank rotational attacks

Cavalry Strategy

Mounted samurai used:

Tachi (longer curved sword)

Yumi (longbow)

Hit-and-withdraw strikes

Sashimono (指物)

Back banners used for:

Identification

Formation coherence

Psychological presence

IV. KORYŪ-SPECIFIC TERMINOLOGY

(Koryū = Classical pre-Meiji martial traditions)

Heiho (兵法)

Strategy or “military method.”

Not merely technique — but total warfare philosophy.

Heiho no Metsuke (兵法の目付け)

Strategic gaze: Seeing whole battlefield, not just opponent’s weapon.

Metsuke (目付け)

Types include:

Enzan no Metsuke – “Looking at distant mountains” (soft focus vision)

Kan no Metsuke – Observing intent

Ken no Metsuke – Observing the sword

Kigurai (気位)

Presence, bearing, dignified pressure.

Suki (隙)

Opening or vulnerability.

True mastery is creating suki without appearing to move.

Kiai (気合)

Not merely a shout.

It is:

Compression of breath

Structural unity

Psychological disruption

Fudoshin (不動心)

Immovable spirit.

Essential in armored battlefield chaos.

Zanshin (残心)

Continued awareness after technique.

In battlefield context: Failure of zanshin = death from second attacker.

V. ARMORED COMBAT (Katchū Bujutsu)

Fighting in armour changes everything:

Cuts target gaps (kote, sode ties, under helmet)

Thrusts preferred in close combat

Grappling (yoroi kumiuchi) essential

Yoroi Kumiuchi (鎧組討)

Armored grappling:

Throwing opponent in armor

Dagger (tanto) insertion into weak points

Joint destruction

VI. STRATEGIC PRINCIPLES FROM CLASSICAL SCHOOLS

Common themes across koryū:

Do not clash strength against strength

Enter while opponent thinks they attack

Control centerline (Seichusen)

Cut through intent before body moves

VII. FIVE ELEMENTAL STRATEGY (Gorin no Sho influence)

Chi (Earth) – Stability

Sui (Water) – Adaptability

Ka (Fire) – Aggression

Fu (Wind) – Awareness of others

Ku (Void) – Spontaneous mastery

VIII. PSYCHOLOGICAL WARFARE

Battlefield dominance required:

Metsuke control

Posture dominance

Silence before engagement

Initiative seizure

The fight was often decided before blades crossed.

IX. ADVANCED CONCEPT: CENTERLINE (Seichusen 正中線)

Imaginary vertical line dividing body.

Control the opponent’s center: You control their structure.

X. SUMMARY OF THE THREE SWORD THIRDS

Blade Third

Japanese Term

Primary Function

Combat Role

Upper Third

Monouchi

Cutting

Decisive attack

Middle Third

Shinogi/Nakahara

Deflection

Defense & redirection

Lower Third

Moto

Control

Grappling & dominance

A complete swordsman must understand all three — not just cutting.

THE STATES OF MIND IN CLASSICAL MARTIAL DISCIPLINE

The “Shin” (心) Framework

In Japanese martial traditions, shin (心) refers not merely to “mind,” but to the unified heart-mind-spirit state governing perception, intention, and action.

These are not abstract philosophy. They are survival conditions.

1️⃣ Fudōshin (不動心) – The Immovable Mind

Meaning: Unshakable spirit.

This is emotional and psychological stability under pressure.

In combat:

No panic.

No anger.

No hesitation.

It does not mean rigidity. It means nothing external disturbs internal balance.

On the battlefield: Chaos does not enter you.

2️⃣ Zanshin (残心) – The Remaining Mind

Meaning: Continuing awareness.

The fight does not end when the cut lands.

Zanshin means:

Awareness after execution

Readiness for secondary attackers

No collapse of posture after action

Without zanshin, victory becomes vulnerability.

3️⃣ Mushin (無心) – The No-Mind State

Meaning: Mind without obstruction.

Not emptiness — but freedom from interference.

No:

Fear

Ego

Analysis during action

Attachment to outcome

Technique flows without conscious delay.

In advanced kenjutsu: The sword moves before thought forms.

Mushin allows true timing (hyōshi) and initiative (sen).

4️⃣ Senshin (先心) – The Ahead Mind

Often overlooked but crucial.

Meaning: The mind that moves before the opponent.

This is psychological initiative.

Perceiving intent before movement.

Cutting through will before body shifts.

Owning the moment.

Senshin governs sen sen no sen (pre-initiative).

5️⃣ Heijōshin (平常心) – The Ordinary Mind

Meaning: Everyday calm mind.

The ability to remain as composed in battle as when sitting quietly.

This prevents:

Overexcitement

Emotional spikes

Tactical recklessness

Heijōshin is the foundation beneath fudōshin.

6️⃣ Soshin (初心) – The Beginner’s Mind

Meaning: Original or beginner’s heart.

Often misunderstood as naïve.

True meaning:

Openness

Non-assumption

Constant learning

Absence of arrogance

Even masters retain soshin.

Without it: Growth stops. Technique calcifies. Ego replaces clarity.

7️⃣ Kenshin (剣心) – The Sword Mind

A term used poetically and within certain traditions.

The mind aligned with the blade:

Direct

Precise

Unwavering

When body, breath, and blade are unified.

8️⃣ Isshin (一心) – One Mind

Complete unity of:

Body

Sword

Intent

No separation between action and awareness.

Often expressed as: “Ichi-go, ichi-e” — one moment, one encounter.

9️⃣ Shoshin vs Mushin

Important distinction:

Soshin (初心) – Openness before learning

Mushin (無心) – Freedom during execution

One governs growth. The other governs action.

10️⃣ Fudōshin vs Heijōshin

Heijōshin = Baseline calm

Fudōshin = Calm under direct pressure

Heijōshin builds Fudōshin.

INTEGRATION WITH THE THREE SWORD THIRDS

Now we combine mental states with blade function:

Blade Third

Function

Mental State

Monouchi

Decisive Cut

Mushin

Middle Third

Deflection & Adaptation

Fudōshin

Base Third

Control & Domination

Senshin

And governing all: Zanshin.

COMPLETE SHIN FRAMEWORK SUMMARY

Soshin – Openness to learn

Heijōshin – Calm baseline

Fudōshin – Unshakable under stress

Senshin – Initiative mind

Mushin – Action without obstruction

Zanshin – Awareness after action

Isshin – Total unity

This is the internal armour.

Just as katchū protects the body, Shin protects the warrior.

A. Initiative & Timing (Sen 先)

Sen no Sen

Initiating simultaneously with opponent’s attack.

Go no Sen

Responding after attack begins.

Sen Sen no Sen

Preemptive strike before opponent fully commits.

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