Traditional Martial Arts
Traditional martial arts are fighting arts that originated mostly in Asia. They adhere to very specific and traditional training methods and techniques. Most of...
Counting in Japanese
If you study Japanese Martial Arts then it is highly likely that your instructor does some counting in Japanese. Here are the numbers, their...
Sensei – The Origin and Meaning Word
In various martial arts there are different names for the titles of some master ranks In the following text I am going to mention...
A Different Definition of Ai-Yotsu and Kenka Yotsu
In order to truly understand the difference between the terms Ai-Yotsu and Kenka Yotsu, one should dismiss the definitions of so called right-handed and...
Korean Vocabulary
If you have studied Tang Soo Do or another Korean martial art you have probably
heard these Korean vocabulary words and terms used in your...
Asian Word Pronunciation
The charts below give an approximate Asian word pronunciation of words in Japanese, Chinese and Korean.
The Japanese alphabet consists of 99 sounds formed with...
Martial Arts Definitions A
Abaniko:
This Arnis striking technique uses a stick in a movement which resembles a fan motion.
Acupressure:
In this process, the channels through which chi, or life...
Japanese Okinawan Vocabulary
When pronouncing Japanese and Okinawan words, remember that each syllable is stressed equally when saying multi-syllable words (i.e., ka-ra-te, not kar-ate). All syllables of...
Iai or Batto
The very word Iai is the subject of numerous grading essays and has many layers of meaning but its basic interpretation seems to be...
It’s Sōke, It’s Alright
The so-called controversy and dilemma with the use of the term sōke in martial arts has only been seen in a few articles (self-published)...
Basic Sumo Terms
Banzuke: An ordered list of men fighting up through the ranks of professional Sumo; a ranking sheet.
Basho: A sumo tournament. In a sanctioned competition,...
The Term Dojo
This is not an attempt to give either a history of Buddhism or Zen-Buddhisms arrival and its impact on Japan. It is only meant...
Martial Arts Definitions K
Kabuto:
The helmet worn by the Japanese samurai. It was made of iron or lacquered leather, and was secured to the head by a series...
Kendo Shai Glossary
Kendo.com tells us that Kendo, the “Way Of The Sword” is the traditional Japanese style of fencing that today is a modern martial art...
Why is Jujutsu Spelled So Many Different Ways
Arguably, Jujutsu is the most frequently misspelled word in the martial arts. The words used, vary from “Ju” to “Jiu” or “Jiuy,” and the...
Martial Arts Definitions S
Sabom:
“Teacher” or “instructor.”
Sai:
A pronged truncheon about fifteen to twenty inches long, used as a defensive instrument against various weapons such as the sword. It...