We often speak of training in Aikidō. But to what kind of training are we referring? Study? Research? Observation? Repetitious drilling? The English word "train" alone seems a bit inadequate to describe all of the facets of learning that take place in the dōjō [and elsewhere].

I want to keep this month's article brief and allow you to draw your own conclusions. I will, however, give you the breakdown of several Japanese words I have heard used to refer to various aspects training. Along with them, I will present you with a couple of examples of how each kanji in the word is used in [more or less] colloquial Japanese.

Let's start off with a few English words to establish a base:

Train --

• To coach in or accustom to a mode of behavior or performance.
• To make proficient with specialized instruction and practice.

• The act or process of studying.
• The pursuit of knowledge, as by reading, observation, or research.

• Disciplined, repetitious exercise as a means of teaching and perfecting a skill or procedure.
• A task or exercise for teaching a skill or procedure by repetition.

• Scholarly or scientific investigation or inquiry.
• Close, careful study.

That said, let's dive into some common, hopefully relevant, Japanese terms.

keiko 稽古 - training, drill, practice, rehearsal

• kei 稽 - think, consider, bow low
  • keikogi 稽古着 -- training uniform [consider-old-clothing]
  • mitorigeiko 見取稽古 -- observation [see-take-keiko]
    (I have heard kengaku 見学 -- [see-study] more often)
• ko 古 - old, ancient
  • koshiki 古式 -- old style, ancient ritual [old-ceremony/style]
  • kobudō 古武道 -- ancient martial arts [old-martial-path]

• tan 鍛 - forge, temper, train, drill, [instill] discipline
  • tanzō 鍛造 -- forging [forge-build]
  • tantetsu鍛鉄 - wrought iron [forge-iron]
• ren 錬 - forge, temper, refine, polish, train
  • renbei 錬兵 -- military drill [forge-soldier]
  • renkinjutsu 錬金術 -- alchemy [forge-gold-art]

• kun 訓 - teachings, precept
  • kyōkun 教訓 - lesson, precept, moral [teach-precept]
  • kun'iku 訓育 - education, discipline [teach-upbringing]
• ren -- see above

• ren -- see above
• shū 習 - learn
  • gakushū 学習 -- learning, study [study-learn]
  • akushū 悪習 - bad habit, vice [evil-learn]

• kō 講 -- lecture, study
  • kōhyō 講評 -- criticism, review [lecture-criticize]
  • kōkyū 講究 -- specialized research [lecture-investigate]
• shū -- see above
• kai 会 -- meeting
  • kaigō 会合 -- meeting, assembly [meeting-together]
  • Aikikai合気会 -- Aikikai [aiki-association]

• gō / ga(tsu) / ai 合 -- together, fit, be appropriate
  • Aikidō 合気道 -- Aikidō (duh)
  • nia(u) 似合 -- to be suitable, well-matched [resemble-together]
• shuku 宿 -- lodging, inn
  • Shinjuku 新宿 -- Shinjuku area of Tokyo [new-lodging]
  • shukuhaku 宿泊 -- lodging, a place to stay [shelter-overnight stay]

• ken 研 -- hone, sharpen, polish
  • kenshūsei 研修生 -- special research student [sharpen-cultivate-student]
  • makenshi 磨研紙 -- sandpaper [polish-hone-paper]
• kyū 究 -- investigate thoroughly
  • gakkyūteki 学究的 -- scholastic, academic [study-investigate-ic]
  • kenkyūjo 研究所 -- laboratory [hone-investigate-place]