Basic Terms

• Kendo (剣道): "The way of the sword," a modern Japanese martial art that uses bamboo swords.

• Dojo (道場): The training hall or place where Kendo is practiced.

• Sensei (先生): Teacher or instructor.

• Sempai (先輩): Senior student.

• Kohai (後輩): Junior student.

• Rei (礼): A bow, showing respect and etiquette.

• Keiko (稽古): Practice or training.

• Kiai (気合): A shout or yell used to focus energy and spirit.

Dojo Commands

• Hajime (始め): Start.

• Yame (止め): Stop.

• Seiza (正): Sit in a kneeling position.

• Sei-retsu (整列): Line up.

• Chakuza (着座): Sit down.

• Ki wo tsuke (気をつけ): Attention!

• Mokuso (黙想): Meditate.

• Shomen ni rei (正面に礼): Bow to the front (Shomen).

• Sensei ni rei (先生に礼): Bow to the teacher (Sensei).

• Otagai ni rei (お互いに礼): Bow to each other.

• Men tsuke (面を着け): Put on your Men.

• Men tore (面を取れ): Take off your Men.

• Sageto (提げ刀): Carry the sword (at your side).

• Taito (帯刀): Sword to body (held as if worn at the hip).

• Nuke-to (抜きと): Draw your sword.

• Sonkyo (蹲踞): A squatting position with an upright body.

• Kamaete (構えて): Get ready / Take your stance.

• Osame-to (納めと): Sheath your sword.

Numbers in Japanese (1-10)

• ichi (一)

• ni (二)

• san (三)

• shi (四)

• go (五)

• roku (六)

• shichi (七)

• hachi (八)

• kyuu (九)

• juu (十)

Equipment

• Bogu (防具): The protective armor worn in Kendo.

• Shinai (竹刀): The bamboo sword used in Kendo.

• Bokuto (木刀): A wooden sword used for Kata practice.

• Men (面): The head protector.

• Kote (小手): The glove protectors for the hands and wrists.

• Do (胴): The chest protector.

• Tare (垂れ): The hip protector.

• Keikogi (稽古着): The Kendo uniform jacket.

• Hakama (袴): The traditional pleated trousers worn over the Keikogi.

Stances and Footwork

• Kamae (構え): A stance or posture.

• Chudan no Kamae (中段の構え): The basic Kendo stance, with the Shinai held at the center.

• Jodan no Kamae (上段の構え): A stance with the Shinai held above the head.

• Gedan no Kamae (下段の構え): A stance with the Shinai held lowered.

• Suriashi (すり足): The sliding footwork used in Kendo.

• Fumikomi (踏み込み): A stamping step used to generate power.

Types of Suburi

• Joge suburi (上下素振り): Vertical swings, alternating between striking upwards and downwards.

• Shomen suburi (正面素振り): Straight cuts to the front, simulating striking Shomen.

• Sayumen suburi (左右面素振り): Alternating strikes to the left and right Men.

• Katate suburi (片手素振り): One-handed suburi, practicing either left or right hand swings.

• Hayasuburi (速素振り): Fast, continuous suburi, focusing on speed and form.

• Naname suburi (斜め素振り): Diagonal cuts, practicing strikes to the Kote and Do.

Strikes and Techniques

• Men (面): A strike to the head.

• Kote (小手): A strike to the wrist.

• Do (胴): A strike to the torso.

• Tsuki (突き): A thrust to the throat.

• Shomen (正面): A strike to the center of the Men.

• Yokomen (横面): A strike to the side of the Men.

• Debana (出鼻): Anticipating and striking the opponent before they move.

• Oji waza (応じ技): Counter techniques.

Training and Practice

• Suburi (素振り): Basic Shinai swinging exercises.

• Kirikaeshi (切り返し): A continuous striking exercise.

• Kakarigeiko (掛かり稽古): Intensive attack practice.

• Jigeiko (地稽古): Free practice or sparring.

• Kata (形): Prearranged forms practiced with a Bokuto.

Other Terms

• Zanshin (残心): Remaining focused and alert after striking.

• Seme (攻め): Attacking or pressing the opponent.

• Ki ken tai ichi (気剣体一致): The unity of spirit, sword, and body.

• Mushin (無心): A state of no-mindedness or emptiness.

Parts of the Shinai

• Tsuba (鍔): The handguard.

• Tsuka (柄): The handle.

• Tsukagawa (柄革): The leather covering of the handle.

• Sakigawa (先革): The leather tip of the Shinai.

• Nakayui (中結): The leather tie in the middle of the Shinai.​

• ​Tsuru (弦): The string that holds the Shinai together.