Welcome. The AKS glossary contains English and Japanese terms relevant to the art of braiding known as kumihimo (koo-mee-hee-moh). Please email glossary comments and suggestions [...]

Anda Gumi is perhaps, the simplest braid for the Takadai, and typically the first braid students learn on a Takadai.  The literal translation is Easy [...]

  The Baby Takadai was developed in the US based on a Japanese design. It is small, portable version of the floor size Takadai. The [...]

Biron is a synthetic thread from Japan that mimics silk. It is also less expensive than silk. Imposter is a similar thread also from Japan.

The term, bobbin, is often used interchangeable with tama.  However, tama refer to a very specific type of bobbin, while bobbin can encompass a variety [...]

A braid (sometimes called a plait) is a three-dimensional structure created by interlacing a minimum of three strands of flexible materials such as yarns, wire, [...]

  A device used to allow the use of a core in a braid. Core braiding originated with Andean braids which are made [...]

Counterweight (CW)-  Tsuri-Omori – (soo-ree oh-moh-ree) Counterweight is used to balance  tama weight and provide proper tension while braiding. These weights may be held in [...]

  The original foam kumihimo disk, round in shape, was designed by Makiko Tada and made in Japan by the Hamanaka company. Today, disks are [...]

Also called slip knot or the slipping hitch. The half-hitch is the knot used to hold the threads on the Tama while braiding.  The benefit [...]