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A

A (ah) The breath sound one emanates while attacking. Part of the kotodama (spiritual sounds)
generally radiated while exhaling. A is one of the five vowel sounds. Within the kotodama of A
lies the power of self-actualization and spiritual expansion. Aroused within the frontal lobe of
one's brain, the A sound creates conception, intellectualization and ambition while connecting the
spiritual world with the manifest world. The spirits of the soul are the Shinto words and sounds
that many believe to be the origin of all energy. Many of the Shinto based instructors such as
Aikido's Morihei Ueshiba followed this belief. See also un, aun and kotodama.

a (aah) Lit: Oh. It can be used as a question. Oh? as in Is that so?, or as a simple Oh! as in I
see.

Abara (ah-bah-rrah) Lit: rib. The actual skeletal structure. Not the kyusho (vital points)
associated with the ribs. A man's ribs are fragile and often broken as the result of a combative
altercation. Many ryu's cabala say that a mere seven pounds of pressure applied instantly at the
proper angle and intensity will result in a fracture of the rib. It may also result in a separation of
the ribs from the sternum.

Abe Ryu (Ah-beh Rree-oo) Abe Ryu is a classical school of kenjutsu founded by Abe,
Gorodaiyu, (circa 1668). He is also called Abe, Tate. The appellation Tate quite possibly
represents a morally upright man. Many historians believe that the modern word Kendo evolved
from the Abe Ryu some time in the seventeenth century.

abise taoshi (ah-bee-seh tah-oh-shee) Abise taoshi specifically involves pushing against your
opponent's chest with both hands to off balance them. This technique can be used against
attackers that are attempting a frontal bear hug or the encircling of their arms around your chest.
The art (or sport) of sumo highlights this technique quite often. It is not the same as a layperson's
attempt to push an antagonist as a preemptive movement. Abise taoshi is an offensive response
to a perceived aggression more so than a defensive reaction.

abunai (ah-boo-nn-ah-ee) Lit: dangerous. Any technique that poses a threat or is potentially
dangerous to the person performing the technique is called abunai. Abunai also refers to a
technique that is potentially lethal after its implementation. For example; a spinning kick that
leaves one in a vulnerable position while attempting it is abunai. Another example of abunai is a
strike that causes the collapse of an opponent's trachea thus restricting the airflow. It is abunai
because it would be dangerous to the opponent more so than a strike to the solar plexus.

aburu wo uru (ah-boo-rroo woh oo-rroo) Lit: peddling oil. Sometimes written as abura no
ura. A common saying that refers to a person that does just enough to get by. Derived from the
days when merchants sold lamp oil; everyone needed it so it took no effort to be an oil sales
man. This phrase describes those students who never get a fire in their belly to learn more
about their martial condition. These types of students are stuck in the shu stage of personal
development. During this stage students are content with mimicking their instructors. See also ha
and ri.