Glossary for Kung Fu
Kung Fu: 59 documented terms. Of those: concept / principle (35), title (8), etiquette (7). Among them Kuzushi, Hara, Sifu.
Precision strikes aimed at vital anatomical targets to disrupt an attacker before a throw or joint lock.
JapanTraditional wooden sword shaped like a katana for safe practice in Kenjutsu, Aikido, and Iaido.
Umbrella term for Japanese martial ways focusing on spiritual and personal growth.
Signature Wing Chun tactile sensitivity exercise building fluid arm reflexes and force redirection.
ChinaAdvanced master rank in Asian martial arts denoting black belt status.
Internal energy reservoir and center of gravity in the lower abdomen according to Chinese tradition.
Technique of issuing explosive internal power instantaneously in Chinese martial arts.
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.
Modern Japanese martial arts developed after the Meiji Restoration (post-1868) focusing on physical education and sport.
Lower abdomen representing the physical and energetic center of balance.
Japanese number 'One' (1) used when counting exercise repetitions in a dojo.
A fundamental Aikido movement principle of stepping directly into the attacker's space rather than evading.
Medium-length wooden staff (approx. 128 cm) used in Jodo and Aikido.
Physical guard posture and mental state of combative readiness.
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.
Wrist or forearm, also referring to the padded wrist guard in Kendo.
First and essential phase of any throw in Judo or Aikido: breaking the opponent's balance.
Traditional training hall and institute for Chinese martial arts (Kung Fu / Wushu).
Student technical grade prior to attaining the master Dan ranks.
Anatomically vulnerable pressure points on the human body targeted for strikes and joint manipulation.
Dynamic combative engagement distance and temporal timing between opponents.
Short quiet meditation practice performed in kneeling posture before and after class.
Traditional Chinese wooden training dummy used in Wing Chun and other Kung Fu styles.
State of 'no-mind' where action occurs intuitively without mental hesitation.
Category encompassing all throwing and takedown techniques in Judo, Aikido, and Jujutsu.
Traditional classification of Chinese martial arts into internal (Neijia) and external (Waijia) schools.
Japanese number 'Two' (2) used when counting repetitions in a dojo.
Traditional method of tying the martial arts obi belt with a symmetrical knot centered at the Hara.
Concept 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.
Freestyle practice sparring without fixed pre-arranged moves in Judo, Aikido, or Karate.
Comprehensive system of formal manners, courtesy, and correct conduct inside a dojo.
Comprehensive code of etiquette, courtesy, and correct conduct in Japanese martial arts.
Japanese number 'Three' (3) used when counting repetitions in a dojo.
Official Chinese full-contact combat sport combining punches, kicks, wrestling takedowns, and sweeps.
Traditional Japanese formal kneeling posture sitting on the heels.
Tactical principle of striking the opponent simultaneously as they launch their attack.
Honorific title awarded to senior master instructors within martial organizations.
Martial triad of Mind (Shin), Technique (Gi), and Body (Tai) forming balanced mastery.
Natural, relaxed standing posture with feet parallel shoulder-width apart.
First degree black belt rank (1st Dan) in Japanese and Korean martial arts.
Zen concept of 'beginner's mind' – maintaining openness, eagerness, and lack of preconceptions.
Pillar of Chinese martial arts encompassing takedowns, sweeps, and high-amplitude throws.
Ancient Chinese jacket-wrestling discipline focusing on rapid throws, trips, and takedowns.
Intense, rigorous, and austere training aimed at forging mind and body resilience.
Title for a master or teacher in Chinese martial arts.