Glossary of Terms
Comprehensive glossary of martial arts terminology
Temporary interruption command, most commonly used in Judo refereeing.
JapanA thick cotton or silk belt over nine meters long that a sumo wrestler wraps several times around his hips and between his legs, serving as the only permitted point of grip on an opponent.
Circular roundhouse kick striking with the instep (Haisoku) or ball of foot to ribs or head.
The highest formal master title in Capoeira, awarded after decades of practice and deep knowledge of the art.
BrazilSmall open-fingered padded gloves (4oz) allowing both striking and grappling in MMA.
United StatesShort quiet meditation practice performed in kneeling posture before and after class.
Sacred woven rope headband worn by Muay Thai fighters during pre-fight rituals.
ThailandHighly dominant top ground position where a fighter straddles the opponent's torso.
Traditional Chinese wooden training dummy used in Wing Chun and other Kung Fu styles.
ChinaHighly technical Muay Thai fighter archetype relying on IQ, timing, footwork, and counter-striking.
Relentless Muay Thai fighter archetype specializing in pressure, clinch control, and knee strikes.
Punch-heavy Muay Thai fighter style relying on knockout boxing combinations and heavy low kicks.
State of 'no-mind' where action occurs intuitively without mental hesitation.
Category encompassing all throwing and takedown techniques in Judo, Aikido, and Jujutsu.
Classical Okinawan Kata performed entirely along a linear side-to-side embusen in Kiba-dachi stance.
Traditional title for a practitioner or professional fighter of Muay Thai.
Unique foot block snapping the sole upward along the opposite thigh in Kiba-dachi stance.
Traditional classification of Chinese martial arts into internal (Neijia) and external (Waijia) schools.
Flexible cat stance placing 90% body weight on the bent rear leg with the front heel raised.
Japanese number 'Two' (2) used when counting repetitions in a dojo.
Pair of wide-rimmed clay jars filled with sand or stones used to build finger strength and grip power.
The art of smoothly and safely returning a Japanese sword (katana) to its scabbard.
Thrusting strike using reinforced fingertips aimed at soft vital targets (throat, solar plexus).
Traditional Okinawan Kobudo training tool consisting of two wooden sticks connected by a chain or rope.
Belt used to secure the training jacket and indicate technical rank.
Traditional method of tying the martial arts obi belt with a symmetrical knot centered at the Hara.
One of the four basic defensive guards (leger) in historical German longsword fencing.
GermanyStepping lunge punch delivered with the same hand as the stepping lead leg.
Shoulder submission in BJJ executed by wrapping a leg around the opponent's arm and sitting up alongside them.
Category of ground hold-down techniques in Judo yielding victory if held for 20 seconds.
Devastating Judo leg reap driving the opponent backward while sweeping their loaded leg from the outside.
Widespread term expressing respect, perseverance, and acknowledgment.
Philosophical foundation of Osu meaning 'push through pressure, endure hardship, and never yield'.
A Brazilian tambourine that adds complexity to capoeira music and speeds up its tempo.
An honorary title for a recognized master or expert in Indonesian and Malay Pencak Silat.
IndonesiaOne of the four basic guards (Vier Leger) in historical German longsword fencing, resembling the position of holding a plow.
A technique for tearing away the opponent's hands when defending against a choke in Krav Maga.
IsraelStand-up grappling collar-tie in Muay Thai used to manipulate head position and land knees.
The Korean term for forms consisting of pre-defined defensive and offensive techniques.
South KoreaTraditional woven armband worn around the biceps of Muay Thai fighters for protection.
Braided armbands worn by Thai boxers as a talisman for luck and protection.
Collective term for mouthguards, gloves, shin pads, and headgear ensuring sparring safety.
A short knife or dagger used in Filipino martial arts for close-quarters combat.
PhilippinesConcept of vital life energy and internal breath in Chinese and Japanese martial arts.
Chinese system of joint locks, muscle tearing, and pressure point locking in Kung Fu.
Stylized pre-fight dance in Muay Thai performed following the Wai Kru.
Freestyle practice sparring without fixed pre-arranged moves in Judo, Aikido, or Karate.
Form-fitting athletic compression shirt used in No-Gi BJJ, MMA, and grappling.
Highest-percentage blood choke applied from back control without gripping clothing.
Traditional bow expressing respect, humility, and proper etiquette.