Glossary of Terms
Comprehensive glossary of martial arts terminology
The traditional training space of the South Indian martial art Kalaripayattu, comparable to the Japanese dojo.
IndiaPhysical guard posture and mental state of combative readiness.
JapanCommand issued by an instructor or referee instructing practitioners to assume guard posture immediately.
Seat of honor or upper wall in a dojo reserved for honoring founders and masters.
Title designating the director, president, or head of a martial organization or central dojo.
Category of joint manipulation techniques hyperextending elbows, shoulders, or wrists.
Historical Israeli tactical close-quarter doctrine used by Haganah forces preceding Krav Maga.
IsraelCodified sequence of martial movements representing defense and attack against imaginary foes.
Classic Judo and wrestling throw where the opponent is hoisted horizontally across the attacker's shoulders.
Category of ground grappling techniques including hold-downs (Osaekomi), joint locks (Kansetsu), and chokes (Shime).
Devastating knee strike in Muay Thai targeting the ribs, solar plexus, or head.
ThailandMartial shout used to focus energy, tighten core muscles, and project intent.
Wide side-facing stance resembling riding a horse with parallel feet.
Stand-up combat sport integrating Western boxing punches with kicks and knees (under K-1 rules).
United StatesThe Korean term for a combat shout, the equivalent of the Japanese kiai. It concentrates power and intimidates the opponent.
South KoreaRepetitive practice of foundational techniques (blocks, strikes, kicks, stances) forming Budo's core.
Simplest introductory training forms (Taikyoku series) designed for novice Karate students.
Instantaneous tightening of the body focusing maximum force into a single point of impact.
Devastating double-wristlock shoulder submission utilizing a figure-four arm grip.
BrazilJunior or less experienced student relative to senior peers.
Defensive posture in Karate with 70% of body weight placed on the flexed rear leg.
Traditional Japanese martial schools founded prior to the Meiji Restoration (pre-1868).
Subcategory of Judo throws where the attacker's hips act as the pivot fulcrum for the throw.
Biomechanical principle of explosive hip rotation driving mass into strikes and blocks.
Hard padded ball of the foot under the toes used as a penetrating impact surface in front kicks.
Wrist or forearm, also referring to the padded wrist guard in Kendo.
A wrist lock used to off-balance the opponent and subsequently throw them to the ground.
Pragmatic Israeli tactical self-defense system focused on instinctive threat neutralisation.
One of the five German master strikes, delivered with crossed hands to the side of the opponent's wrists, used chiefly as the counter to the Ochs guard.
GermanyGrip-fighting tactics in Judo essential for controlling the opponent's gi before throwing.
Sparring and combative component of Karate testing techniques against a live partner.
Reinforced red or blue cotton wrestling jacket with shoulder epaulettes used in Sambo.
RussiaFirst and essential phase of any throw in Judo or Aikido: breaking the opponent's balance.
Korean term designating a traditional martial school clan (Kwan) and its president (Kwannim).
Traditional training hall and institute for Chinese martial arts (Kung Fu / Wushu).
ChinaBreaking discipline of wooden boards, bricks, or tiles in Korean martial arts.
Full-contact sparring discipline in Taekwondo featuring protective gear and electronic scoring vests.
Intermediate teaching title in the Shogo system (typically 6th to 7th Dan).
Student technical grade prior to attaining the master Dan ranks.
Anatomically vulnerable pressure points on the human body targeted for strikes and joint manipulation.
Specialized sub-discipline focused on targeting acupuncture and neurological pressure points for self-defense.
A guard-passing technique in BJJ in which the attacker grips and drags the opponent's leg across their own body, clearing the obstruction and opening the path to side control.
Brutal low-trajectory shin strike targeting the opponent's thigh quadriceps or calf muscle.
Dynamic combative engagement distance and temporal timing between opponents.
An Afro-Brazilian dance and combat exercise performed with wooden sticks or machetes to the rhythm of drums.
Fundamental linear front kick striking with the ball of the foot (Koshisoku) to the torso or chin.
Traditional Okinawan training post used to develop striking power and condition impact surfaces.
Technical gripping detail slipping a thigh or arm under the opponent's head like a 'pillow' to secure pins.
A philosophy of cunning, trickery, and improvisation that is a defining element of Capoeira's style and spirit.
Friction abrasion caused by dragging insteps, knees, or toes across grappling mats.