BUJINKANDOJO FOLLO
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WORDS & MEANINGS

The language
to training.

An introduction to some of the Japanese words you will encounter in Bujinkan.

Training glossary

50 terms

50 selected training terms, grouped by theme. This is a practical introduction, rather than a statistical ranking. Meaning must be understood in the particular exercise.

Showing 50 of 50

Start with ten terms

Directions and levels

Omote

Front, apparent or outer side

Bujinkan Omaha Dojo
Ura

Back, hidden or inner side

Bujinkan Omaha Dojo
Ushiro

Behind, backwards

Bujinkan Omaha Dojo
Jōdan

Upper level

Saku Bujinkan Dojo
Chūdan

Middle level

Saku Bujinkan Dojo
Gedan

Lower level

Saku Bujinkan Dojo

Body and movement

Tai sabaki

Body movement and repositioning

Saku Bujinkan Dojo
Ashi sabaki

Footwork and leg movement

Saku Bujinkan Dojo
Kaiten

Rotation; also rolling in training terms

Kukan Dōjō Recklinghausen

Attacks and actions

Tsuki

Thrust; often a straight punch in training

Bujinkan Omaha Dojo
Uchi

Strike (打ち); inside (内) is a different word

Fort Worth Aikikai · Vocabulary
Keri / geri

Kick

Saku Bujinkan Dojo
Shutō

Hand blade; used in names of hand-blade strikes

Saku Bujinkan Dojo
Keri kaeshi

Countering against or with a kick, depending on the form

Kukan Dōjō Recklinghausen
Nage

Throw; throwing in compound names

Bujinkan Lexington Dojo
Otoshi

Dropping or bringing down

Kukan Dōjō Recklinghausen
Osae

Pressing, holding down or restraining

Bujinkan Lexington Dojo
Oshi

Pushing or pressing

Kanjipedia · 押す
Gyaku

Reverse, opposite or reversal

Bujinkan Lexington Dojo
Kudaki

Crushing or breaking down in technique names

Kukan Dōjō Recklinghausen
Shime / jime

Tightening; used in names of strangulation techniques

Saku Bujinkan Dojo

Roles, postures and control

Kamae

Posture, readiness or attitude

Bujinkan Omaha Dojo
Uke

The person receiving the technique; often initiates the attack in a drill

Bujinkan Omaha Dojo
Tori

The person applying the technique in partner practice

Bujinkan Omaha Dojo
Ukemi

Receiving; breakfalls and rolls in training

Saku Bujinkan Dojo
Torite

Gripping and control work

Saku Bujinkan Dojo
Dori / tori

Grasping or taking, within a technique name

Bujinkan Lexington Dojo
Tehodoki

Releasing the hand from a grip

Saku Bujinkan Dojo
Kuzushi

Breaking or disturbing balance

Bujinkan Omaha Dojo
Sabaki

Handling and movement; understood through the compound word

Bujinkan Omaha Dojo
Henka

Variation or change

Saku Bujinkan Dojo

Distance, flow and foundations

Ma-ai

Engagement distance between practitioners

Bujinkan Omaha Dojo
Nagare

Flow or flowing movement

Bujinkan Lexington Dojo
Kihon

Foundations and basic techniques

Kukan Dōjō Recklinghausen
Kata

Form or agreed movement pattern

Saku Bujinkan Dojo
Waza

Technique or technical skill

Bujinkan Omaha Dojo

A SHORT GLOSSARY

Words you meet
along the way.

These are short explanations of words as used in training. Their meanings can be broader in Japanese and may vary between traditions.

What does Bujinkan mean?
武道BudōThe way of martial arts

A Japanese word for the way or tradition of martial arts. It describes a field that encompasses technical practice as well as attitudes towards training.

Source: Kanjipedia
体術TaijutsuBody technique

The body’s movement and technical work. In Bujinkan, the term covers footwork, breakfalls, grips, strikes, throws and control, among other things.

Source: CERN Bujinkan Dojo
道場DōjōTraining venue

The place where we gather to train. A dojo can be a dedicated training hall or a venue used for martial arts at set times. Our training takes place at Sogsti school.

Source: CERN Bujinkan Dojo; training venue supplied by the club
稽古KeikoPractice and training

To practise or study an art. The word is also used outside martial arts, for example in music and other skills.

Source: Kanjipedia
武器BukiWeapons

A general term for weapons. Bujinkan literature includes staves, swords, spears and flexible weapons, among other types.

Source: Tōryū
不動心FudōshinAn immovable heart

An expression describing a steady inner attitude. Bujinkan’s official guidelines connect study with “the immovable heart”.

Source: Bujinkan’s official guidelines
術JutsuTechnique, skill and method

Jutsu is a word for technique, skill or method. It appears in terms such as bōjutsu, staff art. By itself, it does not identify a particular school or rank.

Source: Kanjipedia · jutsu (術)