aikido: An art of self-defense derived from judo, in which the opponent's joints are used to advantage in executing holds and throws.

Issei: First-generation Japanese immigrant in America.

ken: A prefecture.

Kibei: American-born person of Japanese ancestry sent to Japan for formal education and socialization when young and later returned to the U.S.

Nihonmachi: Japantown.

Nisei: American-born children of Japanese immigrants; second-generation Japanese Americans.

Sansei: American-born grandchildren of Japanese immigrants; third-generation Japanese Americans.

taiko: Japanese drums.