(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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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.

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.

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

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.

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.