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Judoka

What is Judoka?

A Judoka is a person who practices judo, a modern martial art and combat sport that originated in Japan. Judo, which means "gentle way," focuses on throws, joint locks, and pins, rather than strikes. Judokas train to use their opponent's force against them, emphasizing technique, leverage, and balance. The sport is both a physical and mental discipline, promoting values such as respect, humility, and perseverance.

Related Article: Judo: The Gentle Way of Overcoming Opponents

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

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Other Glossary terms

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Horse Stance
The Horse Stance, also known as "Kiba Dachi" in Japanese, is a fundamental stance used in many martial arts, including American Kenpo.
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Physiology
Physiology is the branch of biology that studies the functions and mechanisms occurring in living organisms.
P
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
D
Muay Thasao
Muay Thasao is a traditional style of Muay Boran, the ancient martial art that predates modern Muay Thai. Originating from the Thasao district in Uttaradit province in northern Thailand, Muay Thasao is also known as the "Monkey Style" due to its agile and acrobatic techniques.
M
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.
S
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.
T
Rikishi
In sumo wrestling, a "rikishi" is a professional sumo wrestler.
R
Nekode
Nekode, also known as Neko-te, are traditional Japanese weapons that resemble metal claws.
N
UFC
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is a premier organization in the sport of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).
U
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."
D
Kung Fu
Kung Fu, also known as Gong Fu or Wushu, is a term that encompasses a wide variety of Chinese martial arts.
K
Dōzukuri
Dōzukuri is an essential step in Kyudo, the Japanese martial art of archery.
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