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Kiai

Kiai (気合, pronounced "kee-eye") is a Japanese term used in martial arts to describe a short, sharp shout or yell that is emitted by a practitioner during an attack or a defensive move.

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.

Shuangdao

Shuangdao (双刀), also known as Double Broadsword, is a traditional Chinese martial art that involves the use of two dao (刀), which are single-edged broadswords.

Shuangjan

Shuangjian (双剑), also known as Double Sword, is a traditional Chinese martial art that involves the use of two jian (剑), which are straight, double-edged swords.

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.

Nangun

Nangun (南棍), also known as the Southern Staff, is a traditional Chinese martial art that focuses on the use of the nan gun (南棍), a type of staff associated with the southern styles of Chinese martial arts.

Nandao

Nandao (南刀), also known as the Southern Broadsword, is a traditional Chinese martial art that focuses on the use of the nan dao (南刀), a type of broadsword associated with the southern styles of Chinese martial arts.

Qiangshu

Qiangshu (枪术), also known as Spear Technique, is a traditional Chinese martial art that focuses on the use of the qiang (枪), a spear.

Jianshu

Jianshu (剑术), also known as Swordsmanship, is a traditional Chinese martial art that focuses on the use of the jian (剑), a straight, double-edged sword. The jian is often referred to as the "gentleman's weapon" due to its elegance and precision.

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.

Taijijian

Taijijian (太极剑), also known as Tai Chi Sword, is a traditional Chinese martial art that combines the principles and movements of Taijiquan (Tai Chi) with sword techniques

Nanquan

Nanquan (南拳), also known as Southern Fist, is a style of Chinese martial arts originating from the southern regions of China.

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.

Taolu

Taolu (套路), often referred to as forms or routines, are choreographed sequences of movements in Chinese martial arts.

Tun Bu

Tun Bu (蹲步), also known as the Squatting Stance or Crouching Stance, is a traditional stance used in various Chinese martial arts.

Jin Ji Du Li

Jin Ji Du Li (金鸡独立), also known as the Golden Rooster Stands on One Leg, is a traditional stance used in various Chinese martial arts.

Si-Liu Bu

Si-Liu Bu (四六步), also known as the Four-Six Stance or Four-Six Step, is a fundamental stance used in various Chinese martial arts.

Zuo Pan Bu

Zuo Pan Bu (坐盘步), also known as the Cross-Leg Stance or Sitting Stance, is a traditional stance used in various Chinese martial arts.

Xuan Ji 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.

Gong Bu

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

Ma Bu

Ma Bu (马步), also known as the Horse Stance, is a fundamental stance in many Chinese martial arts.

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.

Northern Praying Mantis

Northern Praying Mantis (北派螳螂拳, Běi Pài Táng Láng Quán) is a traditional Chinese martial art that is renowned for its intricate and agile techniques, which mimic the movements of the praying mantis insect.

Southern Praying Mantis

Southern Praying Mantis (南派螳螂拳, Nán Pài Táng Láng Quán) is a distinct style of Chinese martial arts that differs from its Northern counterpart.

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.

Monkey Kung Fu

Monkey Kung Fu, also known as Monkey Boxing or Hou Quan (猴拳), is a traditional Chinese martial art that imitates the movements and behaviors of monkeys.

Mantis Boxing

Mantis Boxing, also known as Praying Mantis Kung Fu, is a traditional Chinese martial art that mimics the movements of the praying mantis insect.

Geomdo

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

Vajra-musti

Vajra-musti is an ancient Indian martial art that combines elements of wrestling, striking, and the use of a unique weapon known as the "vajra-musti," which translates to "thunder fist" or "diamond fist."

Mandinga

"Mandinga" is a multifaceted concept that encompasses elements of trickery, charm, magic, and the ability to captivate or deceive an opponent.

Malícia

Malícia in Capoeira is a complex and nuanced concept that refers to a blend of cunning, strategy, deception, and awareness.

Axé

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

Rabbit Punch

A rabbit punch is a type of blow delivered to the back of the head or the upper neck.

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.

Taihojutsu

Taihojutsu, also spelled Taiho-jutsu, is a Japanese martial art specifically developed for law enforcement and self-defense.

Silat

Silat is a collective term for a class of indigenous martial arts from the Malay Archipelago, encompassing a variety of styles and traditions from countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, and the southern Philippines.

Yiquan

Yiquan, also known as "Intention Boxing" or "Mind Boxing," is a Chinese martial art that emphasizes the cultivation of internal power through mental focus and intention rather than through the practice of fixed forms or techniques.

Xing Yi Quan

Xing Yi Quan, also spelled Hsing I Chuan, is one of the major internal martial arts of China.

Shorinji Kempo

Shorinji Kempo is a Japanese martial art that was founded in 1947 by Doshin So.

Defense dans la rue

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

Canne de combat

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

Luta Livre

Luta Livre, also known as Luta Livre Esportiva or Luta Livre Brasileira, is a Brazilian martial art and combat sport that focuses on grappling and ground fighting.

Shuai Jiao

Shuai Jiao is a traditional Chinese martial art that focuses on grappling and throwing techniques.

Pankration

Pankration is an ancient Greek martial art that combines elements of both boxing and wrestling, and it is considered one of the earliest forms of mixed martial arts (MMA).

Wushu

Wushu is a modern exhibition and full-contact sport derived from traditional Chinese martial arts.

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.

Sandā

Sandā, also known as Sǎnshǒu, is a Chinese martial art that combines traditional Kung Fu techniques with modern combat practices.

Pata

The pata, also known as the "gauntlet sword," is a unique type of weapon that originated in the Indian subcontinent.

Gauntlet

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

Emeici

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

Nekode

Nekode, also known as Neko-te, are traditional Japanese weapons that resemble metal claws.

Cestus

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

Clinching

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

Russian Fistfighting

Russian Fistfighting, also known as "Kulachniye Boyi" (Кулачные бои), is a traditional form of bare-knuckle fighting that has deep roots in Russian culture and history.

Shorei-Ryu-Kenpo

Shorei-Ryu Kenpo is a hybrid martial arts system that combines elements of traditional Okinawan karate (Shorei-Ryu) with the principles and techniques of Kenpo (also spelled Kempo).

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.

Enshin

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

Chito-Ryu

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

Shukokai

Shukokai is a style of karate that originated in Japan and was founded by Chojiro Tani in the mid-20th century.

Uechi-Ryu

Uechi-Ryu is a traditional style of Okinawan karate founded by Kanbun Uechi in the early 20th century.

Shorin-Ryu

Shorin-Ryu is a traditional style of Okinawan karate, one of the oldest and most influential martial arts systems originating from Okinawa, Japan.

Jogo do Pau

Jogo do Pau is a traditional Portuguese martial art that involves the use of a wooden staff, typically around 1.5 to 2 meters (5 to 6.5 feet) in length.

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.

Takhado

Takhado is a traditional Vietnamese martial art. It originates from the southern region of Vietnam and is part of the rich cultural heritage of Vietnamese martial arts.

Folding Fan (Phi tiêu)

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

Three-Section Staff (Tam khúc côn)

The Three-Section Staff, known as "Tam Khúc Côn" in Vietnamese, is a traditional martial arts weapon that consists of three wooden or metal rods connected by short chains or ropes.

Nunchaku (Sảng khẩu)

The Nunchaku, known as "Sảng Khẩu" in Vietnamese, is a traditional martial arts weapon that consists of two sticks connected by a short chain or rope.

Long Staff (Côn)

The Long Staff, or "Côn," is a traditional weapon used in various martial arts, including Vovinam, which is a Vietnamese martial art.

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.

Chulukua-Ryu

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

Bartitsu

Bartitsu is a martial art and self-defense system that was developed in England during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Satba

A "satba" is a crucial piece of equipment used in Ssireum, the traditional Korean wrestling sport.

Ssireum

Ssireum is a traditional form of Korean wrestling that has been practiced for centuries.

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.

Capoeira Regional

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

Capoeira Angola

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

Roda

The "roda" (pronounced "ho-da") is a fundamental aspect of Capoeira, serving as both the physical and cultural space where the art form is practiced and displayed.

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.

Plong

In the context of the traditional Thai martial art Krabi Krabong, "plong" refers to a long wooden staff used as a weapon.

Ngao

In the context of the traditional Thai martial art Krabi Krabong, "ngao" refers to a type of pole weapon, specifically a spear or halberd.

Mai Sok San

In the context of traditional Thai martial arts, particularly Krabi Krabong, "Mai Sok San" refers to a type of weapon that is essentially a pair of wooden clubs or batons, often designed with a handle.

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."

Krabong

In the context of the traditional Thai martial art Krabi Krabong, "krabong" refers to a staff or long wooden stick used as a weapon.

Krabi

In the context of martial arts, particularly Krabi Krabong, "krabi" refers to a traditional Thai single-edged sword.

Krabi Krabong

Krabi Krabong is a traditional Thai martial art that focuses on the use of weapons, although it also includes some unarmed techniques.

No-Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

No-Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a style of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu that is practiced without the traditional kimono, or gi. In No-Gi BJJ, practitioners typically wear rash guards, shorts, or spats, which are tighter-fitting athletic clothing designed to minimize friction and prevent the grabbing of clothing during grappling.

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.

Angathari

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

Kolthari

Kolthari is a significant component of Kalaripayattu, the ancient martial art form from Kerala, India.

Meipayattu

Meipayattu, also known as "Mei Payattu" or "Mei Payatt," is a fundamental component of Kalaripayattu, the ancient martial art form from Kerala, India.

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.

Kalaripayattu

Kalaripayattu is a traditional martial art form originating from Kerala, a state in southern India. It is considered one of the oldest fighting systems in existence, with roots that can be traced back over 3,000 years.

Gada

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

Talwar

The talwar is a traditional curved sword originating from the Indian subcontinent.

Katar

The katar is a traditional weapon from the Indian subcontinent, known for its distinctive design and unique method of use.

Chakra

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

Gatka

Gatka is a traditional form of martial art that originated in the Punjab region of India.

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.

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.

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It's funny. When you're coming up and you're striving for your black belt it seems so, so important. I've been a black belt for over twenty years, now. I've been a black belt for longer than it took me to get to black belt: longer than it took me to get through all the other belts combined. At some point in all of that you start to realize that the belt don't actually matter. You start to realize that what matters is being on the mat. What matters is the time you get to spend with this art. The rest of it is just window dressing.

Richard Bresler