shodan - (show dahn) The lowest level of what's commonly knwn as a "black belt". Aikidoka who reach shodan are considered to have proven themselves ready to learn.
shomen - (show men) The focal point of the dojo, typically an area framed in wood containing a photograph of O'Sensei Morehei Ueshiba and a calligraphy of the Kanji characters for Aikido. Frequently includes plants or flowers donated and tended to by the students.
suwari waza - (sue wahree wahzah) Literally, seated techniques.
uke - (ewe kay) The person providing the attack with which the nage will work.