back to homepage

Martial arts terms glossary

A

A

Aikido

Aikido

Aikido is a modern Japanese martial art that focuses on harmonizing with an opponent's energy to neutralize the threat without causing serious harm.

American Kenpo

American Kenpo

American Kenpo, also known as Kenpo Karate, is a martial art characterized by its practical self-defense techniques, fluid movements, and adaptability.

American Kickboxing

American Kickboxing

American Kickboxing, also known as Full-Contact Kickboxing or Western Kickboxing, is a combat sport that originated in the United States in the early 1970s.

Angathari

Angathari

Angathari is an advanced stage of training in Kalaripayattu, the ancient martial art from Kerala, India.

Ashibumi

Ashibumi

Ashibumi is a fundamental step in Kyudo, the Japanese martial art of archery.

Atemi-Waza

Atemi-Waza

Atemi-Waza refers to striking techniques in traditional Japanese martial arts, including Judo, Aikido, and Karate.

Axé

Axé

Axé is a vital and multifaceted concept that encompasses the energy, spirit, and positive vibes shared among practitioners.

Ayumi-ashi

Ayumi-ashi

Ayumi-ashi is another fundamental footwork technique used in various Japanese martial arts, including Kendo, Aikido, and Judo. Unlike suri-ashi, where the feet slide along the ground, ayumi-ashi involves a more natural walking or stepping motion.

B

B

Back Stance

Back Stance

The Back Stance, also known as "Kokutsu Dachi" in Japanese, is a fundamental stance used in various martial arts, including American Kenpo.

Baguazhang

Baguazhang

Baguazhang, also known as "Eight Trigram Palm," is a traditional Chinese martial art that is part of the internal styles (neijia) of Chinese martial arts, which also includes Tai Chi and Xing Yi.

Bajiquan

Bajiquan

Bajiquan (八极拳), also known as Baji Quan or Eight Extremities Fist, is a traditional Chinese martial art that is renowned for its explosive power and close-range combat techniques.

Ballistic Stretching

Ballistic Stretching

Ballistic stretching is a form of stretching that involves rapid, bouncing movements to push a muscle beyond its typical range of motion.

Basho

Basho

In sumo wrestling, a "basho" refers to a professional sumo tournament.

Battojutsu

Battojutsu

Battojutsu, also known as Iaijutsu, is a traditional Japanese martial art focused on the technique of drawing and cutting with a katana (Japanese sword) in a single fluid motion.

Biakid Kick

Biakid Kick

The Biakid Kick is the signature and most powerful kick in Sikaran, a traditional Filipino martial art that emphasizes leg-based fighting.

Biomechanics

Biomechanics

Biomechanics is the scientific study of the mechanical principles of living organisms, particularly their movement and structure.

Bobbing

Bobbing

In combat sports such as boxing, kickboxing, and mixed martial arts (MMA), "bobbing" is a defensive maneuver used to evade punches by moving the head and upper body in a downward and side-to-side motion.

Bogu

Bogu

Bogu is the protective armor worn by practitioners of Kendo during training and competition.

Bojutsu

Bojutsu

Bojutsu is a traditional Japanese martial art that focuses on the use of the bo, a long wooden staff typically around 6 feet (1.8 meters) in length.

Bokken

Bokken

A bokken, also known as a bokutō, is a wooden training sword used primarily in Japanese martial arts such as kendo, kenjutsu, aikido, and iaido.

Boxing

Boxing

Boxing is a combat sport in which two participants, usually wearing protective gloves and other protective equipment such as hand wraps and mouthguards, throw punches at each other within a roped-off area called a boxing ring.

Brass Knuckles or Knuckle Dusters

Brass Knuckles or Knuckle Dusters

Brass knuckles, also known as knuckle dusters, are handheld weapons designed to fit around the knuckles.

Bushido

Bushido

Bushido, often translated as "The Way of the Warrior," is a code of conduct and a way of life that was followed by the samurai, the warrior class of feudal Japan.

C

C

Canne de combat

Canne de combat

Canne de combat is a French martial art that involves fighting with a cane or walking stick.

Capoeira

Capoeira

Capoeira is a Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dance, acrobatics, music, and self-defense. It was developed by African slaves in Brazil during the 16th century as a way to disguise their training for self-defense and rebellion.

Capoeira Angola

Capoeira Angola

Capoeira Angola is one of the two main styles of Capoeira, the other being Capoeira Regional.

Capoeira Regional

Capoeira Regional

Capoeira Regional is one of the two main styles of Capoeira, the other being Capoeira Angola.

Cat Stance

Cat Stance

The Cat Stance, known as "Neko Ashi Dachi" in Japanese, is a fundamental stance used in various martial arts, including American Kenpo.

Catch Wrestling

Catch Wrestling

Catch Wrestling, also known as Catch-As-Catch-Can Wrestling, is a traditional grappling art that originated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the United Kingdom and later became popular in the United States.

Centerline Theory

Centerline Theory

Centerline Theory is a fundamental concept in Wing Chun, as well as in other martial arts, that emphasizes the importance of controlling the central axis of the body during combat.

Cestus

Cestus

The cestus (plural: cesti) is an ancient form of hand protection used by boxers in ancient Greece and Rome.

Chain Punching

Chain Punching

Chain punching, also known as "straight blast" or "continuous punching," is a fundamental technique in Wing Chun Kung Fu.

Chakra

Chakra

The chakram (also known as chakra) is a traditional throwing weapon that originated in the Indian subcontinent.

Chan

Chan

Chan, also known as Zen in Japanese, is a school of Mahayana Buddhism that emphasizes meditation, insight, and direct experience of enlightenment.

Chang Quan

Chang Quan

Chang Quan (长拳), also known as Long Fist, is a traditional style of Chinese martial arts characterized by its extended, flowing movements, wide stances, and dynamic techniques.

Chen Style

Chen Style

Chen Style is the oldest and one of the most traditional styles of Tai Chi Chuan (Taijiquan), originating from the Chen Village (Chenjiagou) in Henan Province, China.

Chikara-Mizu

Chikara-Mizu

Chikara-mizu, which translates to "power water," is a ritual practice in sumo wrestling that involves wrestlers rinsing their mouths with water before entering the ring for a match.

Chin Na

Chin Na

Chin Na, also spelled Qinna, is a Chinese martial art technique that focuses on seizing and controlling an opponent through joint locks, pressure point manipulation, and other grappling techniques.

Chito-Ryu

Chito-Ryu

Chito-Ryu is a traditional style of karate that was founded by Dr. Tsuyoshi Chitose in the mid-20th century.

Choice Reaction Time (CRT)

Choice Reaction Time (CRT)

Choice Reaction Time (CRT) is a measure of the time it takes for an individual to respond to one of several stimuli by selecting the appropriate response from multiple options.

Chulukua-Ryu

Chulukua-Ryu

Chulukua-Ryu is a martial arts system that blends various techniques and philosophies from different martial arts traditions.

Clinching

Clinching

Clinching is a technique used in various combat sports, such as boxing, Muay Thai, mixed martial arts (MMA), and wrestling.

Combat Sambo

Combat Sambo

Combat Sambo is a style of Sambo that incorporates both grappling and striking techniques, making it a comprehensive martial art designed for self-defense, military, and law enforcement applications.

Contemporary Capoeira

Contemporary Capoeira

Contemporary Capoeira, often referred to as "Capoeira Contemporânea," is a modern evolution of Capoeira that blends elements from both traditional Capoeira Angola and Capoeira Regional, along with influences from other martial arts, dance forms, and acrobatics.

Cornerman

Cornerman

A cornerman is a member of a fighter's corner team responsible for providing support, advice, and assistance during a fight, working between rounds to help the fighter recover physically and adjust tactically before the next round begins.

Cutman

Cutman

A cutman is a combat sports professional responsible for preventing and treating physical damage to a fighter during the breaks between rounds, using tools and compounds to control swelling, bleeding, and lacerations.

D

D

Daab

Daab

In the context of the traditional Thai martial art Krabi Krabong, "daab" refers to a sword. Specifically, "daab" (also spelled "darb" or "daab song mue") often refers to a single-edged sword that is used in pairs, known as "double swords."

Dan

Dan

In the context of Kyudo, as well as other Japanese martial arts, Dan (段) refers to advanced levels of proficiency and expertise that practitioners can achieve after progressing through the Kyū (級) ranks.

Daoshu

Daoshu

Daoshu (刀术), also known as Broadsword Technique or Swordsmanship, is a traditional Chinese martial art focused on the use of the dao (刀), a single-edged Chinese broadsword.

Defense dans la rue

Defense dans la rue

Defense dans la rue is a term that translates to "Defense in the street" in English.

Dhanurveda

Dhanurveda

Dhanurveda is an ancient Indian treatise on the art of warfare, archery, and martial arts. The term "Dhanurveda" is derived from two Sanskrit words: "Dhanus," which means bow, and "Veda," which means knowledge or science.

Dohyo

Dohyo

A "dohyo" is the ring or platform where sumo wrestling matches take place.

Dohyo-iri

Dohyo-iri

Dohyo-iri is the ring-entering ceremony performed by sumo wrestlers before official matches during a sumo tournament.

Dojo

Dojo

A Dojo is a term used in Japanese martial arts to refer to a formal training hall or place where practitioners gather to train, study, and practice their martial art.

Duillian

Duillian

Duillian (对练), also known as Duilian or Two-Person Sets, is a traditional training method in Chinese martial arts where two practitioners engage in pre-arranged, choreographed combat sequences.

Dutch Kickboxing

Dutch Kickboxing

Dutch Kickboxing is a style of kickboxing that originated in the Netherlands and is known for its aggressive and highly technical approach.

Dutch kickboxing

Dutch kickboxing

Dutch kickboxing is a style of kickboxing that originated in the Netherlands. It combines techniques from traditional Muay Thai, Western boxing, and Kyokushin karate.

Dynamic Flexibility

Dynamic Flexibility

Dynamic flexibility refers to the ability to move a joint or muscle through its full range of motion with speed and control.

Dōzukuri

Dōzukuri

Dōzukuri is an essential step in Kyudo, the Japanese martial art of archery.

E

E

Economy of Motion

Economy of Motion

Economy of motion is a fundamental principle in martial arts, particularly emphasized in styles like Wing Chun.

Emeici

Emeici

Emeici, also known as Emei daggers or Emei piercers, are traditional Chinese martial arts weapons.

Enshin

Enshin

Enshin Karate is a modern style of karate founded by Joko Ninomiya in 1988.

Enswell

Enswell

An enswell is a small, flat piece of chilled metal used by a cutman to apply cold direct pressure to swelling around a fighter's eyes between rounds, reducing hematoma formation without disrupting underlying tissue.

Escrima

Escrima

Escrima, also known as Arnis or Kali, is a Filipino martial art that focuses on weapon-based fighting, particularly with sticks, knives, and other bladed weapons.

F

F

Fei Lung Kung Fu

Fei Lung Kung Fu

Fei Lung Kung Fu (also spelled Fei Long Kung Fu), which translates to "Flying Dragon Kung Fu," is a style of Chinese martial arts that emphasizes fluid, dynamic movements and powerful strikes.

Feints

Feints

Feints are deceptive maneuvers used in various sports and martial arts to mislead an opponent and create openings for effective attacks.

Foam Rollers

Foam Rollers

Foam rollers are cylindrical pieces of exercise equipment made from dense foam, used for self-myofascial release (SMR), a technique that helps relieve muscle tightness, soreness, and inflammation, and increase joint range of motion.

Folding Fan (Phi tiêu)

Folding Fan (Phi tiêu)

The Folding Fan, known as "Phi Tiêu" in Vietnamese, is a traditional weapon used in various martial arts, including Vovinam.

Forward Bow Stance

Forward Bow Stance

The Forward Bow Stance, also known as the Front Stance or Zenkutsu Dachi in Japanese, is a fundamental stance used in various martial arts, including American Kenpo.

Freestyle Sambo

Freestyle Sambo

Freestyle Sambo is a variant of Sambo that combines elements of traditional Sambo with additional techniques and rules, often influenced by other grappling arts such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, judo, and wrestling.

Fu Hu Bu

Fu Hu Bu

Fu Hu Bu (伏虎步), also known as the Tiger Stance or Crouching Tiger Stance, is a traditional stance used in various Chinese martial arts.

Fudoshin

Fudoshin

Fudoshin represents a state of mental equanimity in martial arts. It embodies unwavering focus and composure, even in challenging situations. Practitioners cultivate this "immovable mind" through rigorous training and discipline.

G

G

Gada

Gada

The gada is a traditional weapon and training tool that has significant historical and cultural importance in the Indian subcontinent.

Gauntlet

Gauntlet

A gauntlet is a protective glove that was often part of a suit of armor.

Geomdo

Geomdo

Geomdo (also spelled Kumdo or Gumdo) is a modern Korean martial art that focuses on swordsmanship.

Goju-Ryu

Goju-Ryu

Goju-Ryu is a style of Karate that originated in Okinawa, Japan.

Gong Bu

Gong Bu

Gong Bu (弓步), also known as the Bow Stance or Archer Stance, is a fundamental stance in many Chinese martial arts.

Grappling

Grappling

Grappling is a term used in martial arts and combat sports to describe techniques that involve manipulating an opponent through holds, locks, throws, and ground control, rather than striking.

Greco-Roman Wrestling

Greco-Roman Wrestling

Greco-Roman wrestling is a style of wrestling that is one of the oldest forms of combat sports, with origins tracing back to ancient Greece and Rome.

Gymnastic Rings

Gymnastic Rings

Gymnastic rings, also known simply as rings, are a piece of equipment used in gymnastics and fitness training.

H

H

Hapkido

Hapkido

Hapkido is a Korean martial art that combines elements of striking, joint locks, throws, and grappling

Hatakikomi

Hatakikomi

Hatakikomi is a technique used in sumo wrestling.

Hematoma

Hematoma

A hematoma is a localized collection of blood outside blood vessels, caused by broken capillaries beneath the skin, commonly forming around the eye area during combat sports and posing a fight-stopping risk if left unmanaged.

Henka

Henka

Henka is a controversial and strategic maneuver used in sumo wrestling.

Hikiwake

Hikiwake

Hikiwake is the fifth stage in the Hassetsu, the "Eight Stages of Shooting," in Kyudo, the Japanese martial art of archery.

Horse Stance

Horse Stance

The Horse Stance, also known as "Kiba Dachi" in Japanese, is a fundamental stance used in many martial arts, including American Kenpo.

Hoydok (Гойдок)

Hoydok (Гойдок)

Hoydok (гойдок) is the signature technique and mobile foundation of SPAS, the Ukrainian martial art rooted in Zaporizhzhya Cossack combat traditions.

Hwarangdo

Hwarangdo

Hwarangdo, also known as the "Way of the Flowering Knights," was an elite group of young male warriors in ancient Korea, specifically during the Silla Dynasty (57 BC – 935 AD). The Hwarang were originally established as a group of noble youths who were trained in various disciplines, including martial arts, literature, arts, and ethics.

I

I

Ip Man

Ip Man

Ip Man, also known as Yip Man, was a renowned Chinese martial artist and a grandmaster of Wing Chun Kung Fu.

J

J

Jailhouse Rock

Jailhouse Rock

Jailhouse Rock, also known as 52 Hand Blocks or simply 52 Blocks, is a unique and somewhat enigmatic form of African-American martial arts that is said to have originated in the penal system of the United States.

Check out the latest blogs

Wrestling Styles Explained: Rules, Techniques, and Which Style Forbids Holds Below the Waist

A complete guide to every major wrestling style — Greco-Roman, freestyle, folkstyle, catch wrestling, sumo, and pro wrestling — covering rules, techniques, and which style forbids holds below the waist.

Are Nunchucks Effective? Separating Okinawan Tradition from Hollywood Myth

Are nunchucks actually effective weapons or just a product of Bruce Lee's legend? We break down the history, training value, real-world limitations, and legal realities of the nunchaku.

British Olympic Boxing Champions & Martial Arts Medal Winners: Ultimate Guide

Great Britain's combat sports dynasty: Boxing powerhouse with legends like Joshua and Adams, wrestling heroes from 1908, judo medal machines & taekwondo champions. 119 total medals across 6 disciplines related to martial arts. Epic fighting sports history in one article.

See all articles

The minute you don a black belt, the minute you step in front of a class to teach, you are seen as an expert on violence. It doesn’t matter if you have absorbed a complete philosophical system with your martial art. It doesn’t matter if the art gave you, for the first time, the confidence to view the world as a pacifist. It doesn’t matter if you studied as a window to another age and culture. It doesn’t matter that you have found enlightenment in kata or learned to blend in harmony with the force of your attacker. It doesn’t matter because you are about to teach a martial art, an art dedicated to Mars, the God of War. A MARtial art. Even if somewhere over the years you have lost sight of this, your students have not.

Rory Miller