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

Aikido exercises to improve body awareness, movements and focus

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 jo.

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

Walking by putting one foot in front of the other, keeping the feet close to the ground (gliding movement).

Weapons practice, attacks and techniques

Gyaku-hanmi describes a stance, where both partners have the alternate side to the front ("mirror position").

Basic stance, where one side of the body faces UKE.

Name for all techniques where uke attacks the kneeling Tori from a standing position. One of the three levels on which Aikido is practised.

Reversed, opposite

Irimi is a direct entry movement towards the partner. It can consist of a step or a gliding step.

Typical aikido entry: step or gliding step towards UKE, followed by a TENKAN turn.

180-degree turn on the spot, without moving the feet (hip only); also called Tenkai.

1. shoulder; 2. predetermined sequence of movements (practice form)

Wrist

Breath power of impulse cry: sharp and loud yell to focus energy (usually when striking in an attack).

Basic aikido techniques (grading curriculum)

(Exercises for) connecting the ki between the partners

Standing up from kneeling position (seiza). This movement is practised to exercise posture, balance and focus.

Partner exercise: sword against sword

Ma-ai is the "harmonic distance" between Tori and Uke: just outside the reach of punches and kicks, but close enough to engage quickly.

Rolling or falling forward.

Musubi is the connection or the living contact between uke and tori, e.g. in a dori attack (grip).

Sheathing the sword

Drawing the sword, unsheathing

Entry in front of uke at the beginning of a technique.

Kneeling position, with outstretched or raised toes; the term is also used for sitting down.

"Walking" movement on one's knees, powered from the hips.

Repetitive individual cutting exercises with bokken or jo.

Name for all techniques where both partners are kneeling. One of the three levels on which Aikido is practised.

TACHI-DORI is the general term for all techniques where UKE attacks with a sword and TORI disarms him or her with bare hands..

Generic term for all techniques where both partners are standing. One of the three levels on which Aikido is practised.

Fundamental movements and steps which are used for repositioning.

Hand

Tenkan is a passing movement, turning the body on one foot by 180 degrees.

Tori is the partner which applies the technique ("defender").

"Rowing exercise"; exercise to build up breath power by swinging the arms from the hips to the front and pulling them back with a focussed movement; usually accompanied with the ki-ai sounds "hey-ho" and "hey-sa".

Stepping pattern where the front foot glides forward, and the back foot closes up (no crossing).

Uke is the attacker. The word literally means „the receiving one“.

Ukemi is the reaction of uke to a technique, especially in the sense of rolling or falling. The word literally means "receiving".

Entry in the back of uke at the beginning of a technique.

Rolling or falling backwards.

Generic name for all attacks from behind. Uke steps into the back of tori, e.g. in order to choke him from behind.

Zanshin is the physical and mental state of increased awareness and attention, especially at the end of a technique.