A

Age-uke (上げ受け)

Rising receive; an upward receiving action used to deflect or lift an incoming attack rather than collide with it.

Aite (相手)

Opponent or partner; the person you are training or engaging with.

Ai-nuke (相抜け)

Mutual passing without conflict; a core Wadō concept meaning “avoidance without clashing,” achieved through timing and movement rather than force.

Ai-uchi (相打ち)

Mutual strike; both sides land a blow simultaneously. In Wadō it serves as a warning concept: a reminder to prioritise evasion and de-escalation.

Ashi-barai (足払い)

Foot sweep. In Wadō it is often small, sharp, and used to break posture rather than as a dramatic throw.

Ashi-sabaki (足捌き)

Footwork; the coordinated movement of the feet that forms the basis of Wadō evasion and body-shifting.

Atemi (当身)

Striking to vulnerable points, mainly to disrupt balance or create openings to apply a technique.

Atemi-waza (当身技)

Striking techniques used to disrupt balance, posture, or intent, often to create openings rather than to finish.

B

Batsuryoku (抜力)

抜 (batsu / nuku) — to remove, extract, or pull out 力 (ryoku) — strength or power. Batsuryoku is the act of letting strength go at the right moment.

Boshi-ken (母指拳)

Thumb-knuckle strike used in close-quarters techniques.

Budō (武道)

The martial way; the philosophical framework guiding Wadō-Ryū practice.

Bunkai (分解)

Analysis of kata techniques to reveal practical applications, not really found in Wado-Ryu Karate as Kaisetsu and Ohyo (See K and O below) are the preferred methods of finding practical applications for Kata.

C

Chinkuchi

An Okinawan term often used to describe “focused body power” — integrated structure, timing, and compression/settling that makes techniques feel heavy and decisive.

Choku-zuki (直突き)

Straight punch delivered with minimal body shift; often used as a test of structure.

Chokusen (直線)

Straight-line movement or attack.

Chūdan (中段)

Middle-level target area of the body.

Chūshin (中心)

Centre; the body’s physical and structural centre, crucial for balance, power transmission, and stability.

Chūshin-sen (中心線)

Centre line; the imaginary vertical line dividing the body, used to understand balance, defence, and attack alignment.

D

Dachi (立ち)

Stance. Wadō stances are typically shorter and more mobile than those in other styles.

Datsuryoku (脱力)

Literally, datsuryoku means “removal of strength” or “release of unnecessary tension.” In Wado-Ryū, it is not a relaxed state but a continuous action. For a deeper explaination see this article

Do (道)

“Way” — the path of personal development within martial arts.

Dōjini (同時に)

“Simultaneously.” Used to describe actions happening at the same time (e.g., receiving while striking, or unbalancing while entering).

Dōjō (道場)

Training hall; literally “place of the way.”

Dōjō kun (道場訓)

Training hall precepts; ethical guidelines that frame attitude, conduct, and purpose in practice.

Dōsa (動作)

“Movement/action.” In Wadō, correct dōsa means efficient whole-body movement that makes technique work naturally (not arm-led).

E

Embussen (演武線)

Kata performance line; the geometric path followed during kata.

Empi / Enpi-uchi (肘打ち)

Elbow strike and elbow methods used at close range, often delivered with body movement rather than muscular force.

Empi (as a kata name in other styles)

The name used in some styles for the kata known in Wadō-Ryū as Wanshū.

Enbusen (similar term)

The floor pattern of a kata.

F

Fudōshin (不動心)

“Immovable mind” — calm and stable spirit under pressure. See our full article here

Fumikiri (踏切り)

Cutting-step; a sharp, committed step often used in kata transitions.

Fumikomi (踏み込み)

Stomping step used to close distance decisively.

Furi-zuki (振り突き)

Swinging punch; a circular or whipping punch using body rotation and momentum rather than linear drive.

G

Gamaku

An Okinawan body-mechanics term referring to active use of the pelvic/waist area for stability, connection, and short-range power.

Gedān (下段)

Lower-level target area.

Gedan-barai (下段払い)

Downward sweeping block; commonly used to redirect rather than “block” in Wadō.

Gedan-zuki (下段突き)

Low-level punch; a thrust directed to the lower target area, often used to disrupt posture or balance.

Gi (着)

Karate uniform.

Go-no-sen (後の先)

Late initiative; responding after the opponent commits, using timing and positioning rather than speed.

Gyaku-hanmi (逆半身)

Reverse half-body stance; the opposite-side alignment of hips and shoulders relative to the lead leg.

Gyaku-zuki (逆突き)

Reverse punch delivered from the rear hand, typically after body rotation.

H

Hadō (波動)

“Wave motion.” Wadō principle describing smooth transmission of force through the body (ground → centre → technique) without breaks or excess tension.

Haito-uchi (背刀打ち)

Ridge-hand strike; a strike using the thumb-side edge of the hand, typically delivered on a curved path.

Hajime (始め)

Begin.

Hanmi (半身)

Half-body posture; presenting a narrow profile to reduce target area.

Hara (腹)

Lower abdomen; the physical and energetic centre associated with stability, breathing, and intent. (also guts/bravery)

Heisoku-dachi (閉足立ち)

Closed-foot stance with feet together, commonly used for attention, etiquette, or transitional movement.

Hidari (左)

Left.

Hiji-ate / Hiji-waza (肘技)

Elbow techniques; close-range strikes and controls using the elbow and upper arm.

Hiki-te (引き手)

Drawing hand that retracts to the hip; essential for balance and control.

Hikite no riyū

The reasoning behind the pulling hand and its application in grappling.

Hokei (法形)

Model form; structured movement sets used in Wadō to teach principles.

Honto (本当)

True or correct; sometimes used to clarify “true” line or “true” angle in techniques.

I

Ibuki (息吹)

Power breathing. A forceful, structured breath method used to unify posture, pressure, and intent (usually in specific kata contexts).

Idori (居捕り)

Seated self-defence techniques performed from kneeling positions.

Inasu (いなす)

To deflect or “brush aside”; light redirection of incoming force.

Ippon Kumite (一本組手)

One-step sparring; structured partner drills emphasising timing and distancing.

Irimi-nage (入身投げ)

“Entering throw.” A throwing concept (common in Aikidō/Jūjutsu) where you enter off-line to take balance and project the opponent.

J

Jion (慈恩)

Kata name. Traditionally associated with firm structure, clear lines, and decisive finishing methods. See a full explanaion of Jion here

Jitte (十手)

Kata name. Often explored for control, receiving methods, and tactical use of forearms and close-range angles. See a full explanaion of Jitte here

Jiyū-kumite (自由組手)

Free sparring.

Jodan (上段)

Upper-level target area.

Jū (柔)

Softness or yielding; the principle of flexibility and non-resistance central to Wadō-Ryū and jujutsu.

Juji-uke (十字受け)

“Cross block/receive.” A crossing-arm receiving action used to catch, support, redirect, or control an incoming force.

Jujutsu (柔術)

Traditional Japanese grappling arts that strongly influenced Wadō-Ryū’s principles of body movement, balance breaking, and non-collision.

K

Kaisetsu (解説)

Explanation or commentary. Often used for an instructional breakdown of kata, principles, or applications.

Kake-uke (掛け受け)

Hooking/connecting receive. A receiving method that attaches to the opponent’s arm to guide, control, and create openings.

Kake-te (掛け手)

Hooking hand used to control or seize an opponent's wrist/limb.

Kakie (掛け稽古)

Sticky-hands training to develop sensitivity.

Kamae (構え)

Ready posture combining structure, guard, and mental readiness.

Kansetsu-waza (関節技)

Joint techniques; methods of controlling or breaking balance through joint manipulation.

Karate-dō (空手道)

“Empty-hand way” — the martial art of unarmed striking and defence.

Kata (形)

Formalised solo patterns containing technical principles and strategies.

Keage (蹴上げ)

Snap kick; a quick, whipping kick emphasising speed and recoil.

Kekomi (蹴込み)

Thrusting kick; a penetrating kick emphasising drive and body mass.

Keri (蹴り)

Kick; general term.

Kesa-geri (袈裟蹴り)

Diagonal sweeping kick.

Kihon (基本)

Basics; foundational techniques and skills.

Kihon Kumite (基本組手)

Wadō’s essential set of ten paired drills teaching fundamental principles.

Kime (決め)

Focus or decisive moment; the instant where technique, structure, and intent align.

Kirikaeshi (切り返し)

Returning cut; often used metaphorically for returning movement or switching angle.

Kōbō-ittai (攻防一体)

Attack and defence as one; the principle that offence and defence occur simultaneously.

Koshi (腰)

Hips; the centre of power in Wadō body mechanics.

Kōtai (交代)

Alternation or switching; changing roles, sides, or phases during training or movement.

Kōte (後手)

Late hand or delayed response; acting after the opponent’s initiative has been expressed.

Kōzō (構造)

Structure; the internal and external organisation of the body that allows efficient movement and power.

Kuzure (崩れ)

Collapse or breakdown; partial loss of balance or structure preceding full kuzushi.

Kushanku / Kūsankū

Kata name (often written Kūsankū). Frequently associated with angles, deception, and changes of height/direction. See a full explanaion of Kushanku here

Kuzushi (崩し)

Breaking balance/structure. In Wadō this is often created through taisabaki, timing, and subtle control rather than brute force. See our article on Kuzushi here

Kyō–Jitsu (虚実)

“Empty–full.” A strategic principle: using feints, timing, and positional advantage to make the opponent commit to the wrong idea or space.

L

M

Maai (間合い)

Distance or combative interval; central to Wadō timing. Proper term: Ma-ai, the combative interval between two people. In Wadō, maai is dynamic — created and destroyed through movement, not held as a fixed range.

Mae-geri (前蹴り)

Front kick.

Magari (曲り)

Curving or bending movement path.

Mawashi-geri (回し蹴り)

Round kick; a circular kick delivered with hip rotation and controlled trajectory.

Meotode

“Husband-and-wife hands.” A paired-hands concept: one hand supports, controls, or creates the opening while the other delivers the decisive action.

Metsuke (目付け)

Gaze or eye focus; how and where the eyes are directed to support awareness and balance.

Migī (右)

Right.

Mochimi

An Okinawan term describing “holding/sticky” body connection — maintaining contact and control without stiffness, especially in close range.

Morote-uke (諸手受け)

Double-hand receive; a reinforced receiving action using both hands for control and stability.

Mudana (無駄な)

wasteful, unnecessary or useless movement/energy. See a full desciption here

Mushin (無心)

No-mind; a state of mental clarity free from hesitation, fixation, or emotional disturbance.

Musubi-dachi (結び立ち)

Informal attention stance with heels together.

N

Nagashi (流し)

“Flowing/redirecting.” A receiving concept: guiding force past you rather than stopping it head-on.

Nagasu (流す)

“To let flow.” The verb form often used as an instruction: allow the attack to pass, then take position and balance.

Naihanchi (ナイハンチ)

Core Wadō kata emphasising lateral movement, structure, close-range tactics, and whole-body connection. See a full explanaion of Naihanchi here

Naihanchi-dachi (ナイハンチ立ち)

The stance used in Naihanchi: stable yet mobile, supporting lateral movement, settling (shizumu), and short-range power.

Nejire（捻れ）

The subtle twisting or torsional action of the body, especially through the hips and torso, used to generate coordinated power and maintain structure in techniques such as zuki. See our full article here

Neko-ashi dachi (猫足立ち)

Cat stance. A light, responsive stance used to manage distance, angle, and readiness for rapid change.

Norimi (乗り身)

Entering or “riding” movement to capture the opponent's balance.

Nuki-te (貫手)

Piercing hand; spear-hand strike using extended fingers, often targeting soft or vulnerable areas.

O

Obi (帯)

Belt used to secure the gi.

Ohyo = Ōyō (応用)

Practical application or adaptation; in Wadō-Ryū, the exploration of how kata principles are applied flexibly in realistic situations (e.g. Ōyō-kumite).

Oi-zuki (追い突き)

Stepping punch delivered with the front hand while advancing.

Omomi (重み)

“Heaviness/weight.” Wadō term for body mass arriving through timing and structure — heavy effect without muscular force. See our full article here

Osae (抑え)

Pressing or pinning action; controlling an opponent through downward pressure or restraint.

Otoshi (落とし)

Dropping motion or downward strike.

P

Pinan (平安)

Series of five foundational kata adapted by Ōtsuka Sensei for Wadō-Ryū practice.

Posture (shisei 姿勢)

The structural alignment of the body, central to Wadō mechanics.

Q

Qi / Ki (気)

Energy, intention, or internal focus.

R

Rakka (落下)

Dropping or falling action; use of gravity and body weight to enhance effect.

Rei (礼)

Respect; the bow performed at the start and end of training.

Renraku-waza (連絡技)

Combination techniques practised in sequence to develop fluidity.

Renzoku-waza (連続技)

Continuous techniques performed without pause.

Rōhai / Rohai

Kata name. Often explored for posture control, angle changes, and close-range transitions. See a full explanaion of Rohai here

Ryūsui (流水)

“Flowing water.” Wadō principle of continuous, adaptive movement — never colliding, never freezing, always able to change.

S

Sabaki (捌き)

Body-shifting to evade and control; the heart of Wadō-Ryū.

Seishan (制心)

Transalteing as Heart and Mind, this is a fundamental kata at the heart of Wadō-Ryū. Introduces the Seishan Dachi tate seishan and yoko seishan See a full explanaion of Seishan here

Seishan Dachi (制心立ち)

Specifc stance found in Seishan Kata but used extensively in all aspects of Wadō-Ryū

Seiza (正座)

Formal kneeling posture.

Sen (先)

Initiative. Includes sen-no-sen (pre-emptive timing) and go-no-sen (reactive timing).

Sen-no-sen (先の先)

Initiative within initiative; acting at the moment the opponent decides to attack.

Shime-waza (絞め技)

Strangling techniques; methods that control through pressure on the neck or breathing structures.

Shita-uke (下受け)

Low receive; a downward or scooping receiving action against low attacks.

Shuto (手刀)

Knife-hand strike.

Seishan (制心)

Advanced kata focusing on balance, stability, and breathing.

Shomen (正面)

Front or “true front” direction.

Soto (外)

Outside; the outer line or external position relative to the opponent’s body or attack.

Shizumu (沈む)

“To sink/settle.” Controlled settling of the centre to create stability and weight at the right moment — without becoming rigid or heavy.

Shutō-uke (手刀受け)

Knife-hand receive. In Wadō this is commonly a guiding/controlling action paired with body movement, rather than a hard “block.”

T

Tachi-waza (立ち技)

Standing techniques; techniques performed while upright, as opposed to ground work.

Tai-no-henkō (体の変向)

Body turning; rotational movement used to evade, redirect, or enter safely.

Taisabaki (体捌き)

Body movement and evasion; the distinguishing characteristic of Wadō-Ryū.

Te-gatana (手刀)

Hand-blade; use of the hand shaped like a sword for striking, receiving, or controlling.

Tenkan (転換)

Turning or pivoting movement; circular body rotation to redirect force and reposition.

Tsukami (掴み)

Gripping or seizing; taking hold of the opponent to control posture or balance.

Tsuki (突き)

Punch or thrust.

Tandoku-kumite (単独組手)

Solo kumite exercises.

Tate Seishan-dachi

“Vertical Seishan stance.” A narrower, aligned stance variation used to support direct entry, settling, and stable transitions.

Tegumi

Okinawan grappling/wrestling traditions. Often referenced when discussing clinch, balance breaking, and close-range control within kata.

U

Uchi (内)

Inside; the inner line or internal position relative to the opponent’s structure.

Ude-waza (腕技)

Arm techniques; methods using the arm for striking, receiving, locking, or control.

Uke (受け)

Receiver or defender; also refers to blocking techniques.

Ukemi (受身)

Receiving the body; breakfall and rolling methods used to absorb force safely.

Ura (裏)

Inside or reverse direction.

Ushiro (後ろ)

Rear or backward direction.

V

Vibration power (koshi no chikara)

A Western description of the quick hip-snap used in Wadō striking.

W

Wadō-Ryū (和道流)

“School of the Way of Harmony” — a Japanese martial art combining karate with jujutsu principles.

Wanshū (ワンシュウ)

Wadō kata known for angular entry, close-range methods, and decisive finishing actions; called Empi in some other styles.

Waza (技)

Technique or skill.

X

Y

Yame (止め)

Stop/end.

Yasume (休め)

Rest; relax stance.

Yoko-geri (横蹴り)

Side kick.

Yowasa (弱さ)

In Wadō-Ryū, yowasa describes “weakness” used as strength — power that comes from relaxation, non-resistance, and precise timing rather than muscular force. See a full explaination here

Z

Zanshin (残心)

Remaining mind; continued awareness before, during, and after a technique.

Zenkutsu-dachi (前屈立ち)

Forward stance; a long stance emphasising forward drive, stability, and linear power.

Zenpo (前方)

Forward direction.

1 - 10

Ichi (一)

One; used in counting techniques, repetitions, and kata sequences.

Ni (二)

Two; commonly heard in kihon counting and paired movements.

San (三)

Three; used in counting drills and kata timing.

Shi / Yon (四)

Four; yon is commonly preferred in budō contexts to avoid the negative connotation of shi.

Go (五)

Five; often marks mid-points in repetition counts.

Roku (六)

Six; used in counting techniques and combinations.

Shichi / Nana (七)

Seven; nana is often used for clarity in dojo counting.

Hachi (八)

Eight; commonly heard in kihon and kata practice.

Kyū (九)

Nine; also appears in grading terminology (kyū grades).

Jū (十)

Ten; completes standard counting cycles in training.