Key words from practice to remember:

Dojo – practice hall or gym

Sensei – teacher or instructor

Onegaishimasu – said at the beginning of class, asking for a good practice from everyone.

Arigatou gozaimashita – Thank you very much. Said after every exercise with a partner and also at the end of class, thanking everyone for practice.

Shomen – the front of the dojo

shizentai – natural standing position

chudan no kamae – basic guard

migi – right

hidari – left

mae – forward

ato – backward

okuriashi – sliding forward with your front foot first, followed by your back foot catching up.

jougeburi – Swinging the Naginata straight up and straight down.

Sayu = both sides.

Sempai – senior member. This is anyone in the club who has practiced longer than you.

Kohai – junior member. This is anyone in the club who has practiced for less time than you.