Rinzai is a Japanese term that traditionally refers to a branch of Zen Buddhism. However, in contemporary culture, the word is often used in the context of martial arts, particularly as a form of training in discipline and mindfulness. There are many synonyms for the word rinzai, including zazen, shikantaza, and koan study. These terms all refer to aspects of the Rinzai approach to Zen, which emphasizes intense, focused meditation, often utilizing a series of paradoxical questions or statements to help practitioners break through their habitual patterns of thinking. Other synonyms for rinzai might include mindfulness, self-awareness, or contemplative practice.