Counting in Japanese and a Glossary of Japanese Terms

Since Aikido is a Japanese martial art, we will often count in Japanese for a variety of exercises. Part of this is to maintain some connection to the Japanese culture and to preserve the rhythm and timing given to the exercises when counted in Japanese rather than in English. It is not necessary for a new student to know Japanese in order to practice Aikido, but it is recommended that students become familiar with the counting and basic terminology used in aikido.