Glossary of Terms
Comprehensive glossary of martial arts terminology
Technique of issuing explosive internal power instantaneously in Chinese martial arts.
ChinaPrecision sweeping strike to the opponent's foot or ankle precisely as weight shifts.
JapanA whipping, circular kick in savate that strikes the opponent from the side with the point of the boot, similar to a karate mawashi-geri but with a more pronounced whipping arm motion.
FranceExtremely stable 'immovable' stance fusing elements of Zenkutsu-dachi and Kiba-dachi.
State of an unshakeable, immovable mind that remains calm amidst absolute chaos or danger.
Placing the palms together in front of the chest to express respect and gratitude, often combined with a bow.
Lower level target area of the body (waist downward including legs).
Downward sweeping forearm block protecting the lower abdomen and groin from front kicks.
Modern Japanese martial arts developed after the Meiji Restoration (post-1868) focusing on physical education and sport.
Comprehensive category of all kicking techniques (front, side, roundhouse, spinning) in Karate.
Traditional uniform worn for training in Japanese martial arts.
Submission choking techniques in BJJ and Judo making tactical use of the opponent's gi lapels.
Fundamental rhythmic swinging stance transition serving as the baseline for all Capoeira moves.
BrazilTactical principle of blocking or parrying an attack and delivering an immediate counter-strike.
Core BJJ bottom ground position where a practitioner controls the opponent using their legs.
BJJ tactical sequence where the top fighter bypasses the opponent's legs to establish side control.
A tactical transition from standing to ground fighting by pulling the opponent into guard.
United StatesFront headlock submission encircling the opponent's neck, frequently caught off failed takedowns.
Title for a certified teacher or instructor in Filipino Martial Arts (FMA / Arnis / Kali).
PhilippinesA traditional title for a teacher and master in the South Indian martial art of Kalaripayattu.
IndiaReverse straight punch executed with the rear hand opposite to the lead leg.
Korean command meaning 'Bow!' expressing respect in Taekwondo.
South KoreaTop surface of the foot (instep) used as the primary impact point for roundhouse kicks.
Japanese command meaning 'Begin!', used to start exercises or sparring.
Traditional wide pleated trousers worn in certain Japanese martial arts.
Intermediate ground position where the bottom fighter traps one of the top fighter's legs with both of theirs.
Korean native number 'One' (1) used for counting repetitions in Taekwondo.
The moment of releasing the bowstring in kyudo, which should occur spontaneously as the natural culmination of the full draw rather than as a conscious shooting of the arrow.
Semi-wide, tensioned stance with knees pressed inward and feet slightly turned inward.
Highest teaching title conferred upon grandmasters (typically 8th Dan and above).
Lower abdomen representing the physical and energetic center of balance.
Dynamic Judo hip throw combining hip contact with a sweeping outer thigh reap.
Set of five foundational student Katas (Shodan through Godan) created by Master Anko Itosu.
Sharp chambering pull of the non-striking hand back to the hip, increasing equal-and-opposite reaction force.
Japanese word for knee.
Chest and torso protector worn by Taekwondo competitors in Kyorugi sparring.
Traditional system of Okinawan conditioning exercises using specialized wooden and stone equipment.
Practical self-defense curriculum in Taekwondo and Hapkido countering armed and unarmed attacks.
Traditional prescribed technical patterns and movement sequences in Korean martial arts.
Forced, audible diaphragmatic exhalation method combined with full-body isometric contraction.
Japanese number 'One' (1) used when counting exercise repetitions in a dojo.
Highest score achievable in Judo and Karate resulting in an immediate match victory.
A fundamental Aikido movement principle of stepping directly into the attacker's space rather than evading.
Stone padlock-shaped hand weight with a handle used for conditioning in Karate.
Medium-length wooden staff (approx. 128 cm) used in Jodo and Aikido.
Upper level target area of the body in Japanese terminology (head and neck).
Prescribed movement sequences in Pencak Silat used to practice techniques, similar to kata in other arts.
IndonesiaThe stage of kyudo in which the archer holds the bowstring at full draw in a moment of apparent stillness that in fact conceals ever-growing internal tension leading naturally into the release (hanare).
Traditional Thai training camp and residential gym for Muay Thai fighters.
ThailandAnatomical heel bone utilized for downward axe kicks (Kakato-geri) and back kicks.