(This section will grow with time as we determine what items need a definition and what items should remain undefined so the student can discover the definition - If you have suggestions, email them to GAD@westerncircle.org)

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Ai Uchi:
Literally, "Mutual Killing", is the term used for double kills in the WCoS that occur while sparring. There is no victor in the match, so often the battle is restarted until there is a clear victory.

Altered Terrain:
Altered terrain is basically anything that is -not- a mostly even level surface with reasonable traction with good weather. Some examples of altered terrain are muddy or snow-covered ground, rain storms, and rocky uneven ground.

Balance 1, 2, 3 & 4:
The levels of balance are defined as such:
1. Length-wise logs/cabers laying on the ground
2. Any elevated narrow or unstable surface; Combat on something qualifying as Level 1
3. Combat on something qualifying as Level 2
4. The Rope: an elevated loosely strung rope

Bokken:
The word 'bokken' is Japanese; 'bok(u)' means 'wood', 'ken' means 'sword' or 'weapon'. Hence, 'bokken' means 'wooden sword'.

Bracers:
This is the name for armor worn on the forearms. They protect the wrists at the least and may cover up to the entire forearm.

Cutting pattern:
There are the Cutting Patterns that are part of a swordsman's requirements and then there are cutting patterns which can be created by any student who has achieved White Rope or above. A cutting pattern is essentially a kata intended for two students to practice together and is typically created in such a way that the sword play may progress back and forth without pause until the initiating student calls a hold.

Dalmater:
All WCoS members receive a dalmater upon passing their L2 Green Braid evaluation. It is a garment resembling a tunic that is to be worn in the WCoS classes and at WCoS sanctioned events. The main section of the garment is black and the colored stripes sewn into the sides represent that member's Kaiden. Kaidens may wear their own color opposed to the color of the Kaiden who taught them. See the Dalmater Colors and the Red Dalmater pages for more information.

Dojo:
This Japanese term means 'school' or 'training room'.

Gauntlets:
Gauntlets are essentially armored gloves, typically constructed of metal (though they may on occasion be of hard leather) and fashioned in a variety of ways.

Gorget ('gor-jshay):
This is a band of armor worn around the neck to protect it from attacks from any direction.

Hai:
Basically speaking, it is the Japanese word for "yes" and is used commonly as communication of "yes" in the WCoS.

Helm:
A metal helmet worn for head protection in sword combat

Hold:
This called the freeze a match. All participants must freeze in place until the hold is called off by the person who initiated it. Anyone may call a hold with good reason.

Iie:
Basically speaking, it is the Japanese word for "no" and is used commonly as communication of "no" in the WCoS.

Japanese Counting:
Though the sword art practiced by the Western Circle encompasses a great diversity of styles, some aspects of the Western Circle are distinctly influenced by the Eastern martial arts. One obvious example is the use of Japanese terminology. Following are the Japanese words for the numbers one through ten:
1. ichi (eech-ee)
2. ni (nee)
3. san (sawn)
4. shi (shee)
5. go (goe)
6. roku (roe-koo)
7. shichi (shee-chee)
8. hachi (hah-chee)
9. ku (koo)
10. ju (joo)

Kata:
This is a Japanese word. A kata is a set of predefined actions that may be performed individually or with one or more partners. This is typically done to train in particular actions, combinations of actions, or action responses.

Kaiden:
This is a Japanese term. In a general sense, it means 'teaching license', referring to a document most commonly given a to a practitioner by their sensei. In the Western Circle, 'Kaiden' is used to refer to students that have earned the right to teach their own student(s) and/or class. There is a complete section devoted to describing Kaidens.

Melee:
This term refers to combat amongst multiple combatants. In the Western Circle, to be an official melee, there must be at least five combatants. The combatants in a melee may all be fighting for themselves or may be arranged into teams (called 'Scenario Melees').

OSC:
Abbreviation for One Solid Color.

Parry:
A prelude to sparring - Parry is an exercise in which the sutdent demonstrates the ability to use precise full circle cuts, and correct blocks during combat movement. It can be performed either armored or unarmored, and appropriate control is required in both conditions. Its purpose is preparing students and fighters for Western Circle style sparring.

Sensei:
This is a Japanese term for 'teacher' or 'master'. In the Western Circle, it may be used to refer to your instructor. Most Kaiden will let you know what name(s) to call them by inside of class, whether it be 'Sensei', their name, etc.

The Six Traditions These are a code of conduct amongst swordsmen. There is a complete section devoted to The Six Traditions.

Tari:
This Japanese term refers to a form of upper leg protection. It is composed of slats of armor (within the WCoS, typically leather in a cloth sleeve) hung together from a belt composing a sort of armored skirt.

TOSC:
Abbreviation for True One Solid Color. This is the color chosen to be worn by the student upon reaching L2. The appearance must not be interrupted by logos, stripes, or other decoration.