Iaido (Iai-jitsu) – The art of drawing the sword, the art of the "fast-draw".

Ito (Tsuka-Ito) – Cotton or Silk braid used to wrap the Tsuka over the Same.

Ji – The area of the blade between the Ha and Shinogi.

Kai-Gunto – A type of Naval sword during WWII.

Kamae – Sword Stances, varied amongst schools and styles. Sometimes spelled Gamae.

Kanji – Chinese written characters used by the Japanese.

Kantei – Sword appraisal and study. Being able to judge a sword by the various characteristics attributed to it.

Kashira – End cap of the Tsuka held on by the Ito; pommel. Usually matched to the Fuchi as a set. Called a Kabuto-Gane on Military blades and some Tachi.

Katana – Long sword; Daito. Evolved from the Tachi for foot & close-quarters combat.

Katana-Kake – Sword stand/rack. Called Tachi-Kake for Tachi stands.

Keiko – Practice battle; Scrimmage.

Ken – General term for sword often used to refer to the double-edged long swords of ancient Japan.

Kendo – The art of fencing using Shinai, equivalent to European fencing in rules & scoring. Originally used as a supplement to Kenjitsu & Iai-jitsu.

Kenjitsu – The art of combative sword fighting once the sword has been unsheathed.

Kenshi – An expert swordsperson.

Kissaki – The point of the blade. Several varieties depending on its Fukura and Yokote.

Kizu – Sword Flaws. Numerous types.

Kogai – Hair arranger fitted in the Saya pocket opposite of the Kozuka on some Wakizashi's and Tanto's.

Koi-Guchi – The opening of the Saya literally "Mouth" of the Saya.

Kojiri – End piece on the Saya; Butt cap. Sometimes made of buffalo horn or metal.

Kore – Sword smith Kanji meaning "this" as when matched with Saku Kore "Made This". As in "Kane Nori Saku Kore"; "Kane Nori Made This".

Koshirae – Sword mountings including Saya, Tsuka, and all fittings.

Koto – Literally "Old Sword" From 900AD to 1530AD.

Kozuka – Small utility knife fitted into the saya pocket of some Wakizashi's and Tanto's, used as grooming tools for hair and ears.

Kurikata – Knob on the Omote side of the Saya with a hole for the Sageo to go through.

Mei – Signature. Usually of the sword smith. Usually on the Omote side of the Katana. On the opposite side for the Tachi. Sometimes faked (Gimei) to increase value.

Mekugi – Bamboo peg used to secure Tsuka to Nakago, .

Mekugi-Ana – Hole for the Mekugi.

Menuki – Decorative pieces fitted above the Same and under the Ito on the Tsuka to enhance grip on the sword. Can be placed in various positions. Sometimes used as currency.

Migi – Right, the right side.

Mune – Spine of the sword. Usually beveled. Several variations.

Mune-Machi – Notch where the Mune ends and descends into the Nakago. Used to set the Habaki in place. Can be moved up when shortening a sword.

Nagasa – The length of the blade from Mune-machi to the end of the Kissaki.

Naginata – Short sword blade on long shaft/pole; Halberd. Many varieties.

Nakago – Unseen extension of the blade under the Tsuka; Tang. Many varieties and characteristics. Holds the Mei and Mekigi-ana. Its rust and condition is a vital characteristic in Kantei.

Nakago-Jiri – End of the Nakago, all kinds of shapes and sizes.

No-Shu – The condensed Kanji on a sword meaning "Mino Province".

Notare – A wavy type of Hamon; a swell. Usually but not limited to in between Sugu (ha) and Gunome.

Obi – Silk sash used to hold Kimono, Haori, and sword in place at the waist.

Omote – Side of the sword AWAY from the body when worn. The Signature side. Opposite of the Ura. Also considered the FRONT of the sword. Opposite on Tachi.

Origami – Certificate of appraisal for a sword.

Oshigata – Rubbing taken of the Mei and the Nakago. Used for Kantei.

Patina – Rust; The level and color of rust on the Nakago.

Ronin – Master less Samurai, by choice or circumstance. Often considered rogues.

Ryu – Martial traditions, School or style of martial arts.