dojo - in Japanese, literally: "Tao (way) place." The word applies to practice halls for such arts as sword, karate and zen. In English, it is also the term for groups of people who practice one of these arts at a dojo.
kami - God, spirit, ghost; both singular and plural. The one of the most confusing words/ideas in Japanese. Although Shinto (the Japanese religion centered on kami) recognizes an ultimate unity in the spiritual world, the kami may inhabit or be embodied in places, trees, animals, people and even specific laws of nature. I am sure that Sensei was being very precise in his choice of this word.
nindan - second degree black belt.
O-Sensei - literally: "honored/esteemed teacher." Sensei used it as a proper noun.
RFP - "Request For Proposal." (government jargon.)
shinai - a mock sword made of split bamboo. The ones Andy and I used had suede covers to keep them from doing too much damage since we don't usually wear padding or gloves.
shinai randori - multiple attackers with shina repeatedly try to hit the victim (i.e. person being tested), who has nothing to defend himself with. It is a fine exercise for developing a humble attitude toward one's martial abilities. It is also quite aerobic since the best strategy is to run.
shodan - lit.: "first step." In Aikido as in most martial arts, this is a first degree black belt. Despite the American myth about black belts, it indicates almost nothing about fighting prowess. It is simply an acknowledgment that someone has made a beginning in serious study.
ikkyo, yonko suwari waza, shiho nage, irimi nage, tenchi nage, jo and tachi dori - These are various classes of empty hand throws and pins, techniques with stick and sword taking. One of my friends once said: "Aikido is deep." It is wide too.