Are You Training A Martial Arts Style Or System?
Current times discussions and written treatises on martial arts training often treat the terms "Style" and "System" as interchangeable, yet they are not at...
Martial Arts Definitions D
Daab:
A Thai sword used in Krabi Krabong.
Dachi:
Stance.
Dai Kissaki:
Enlarged point on a Japanese sword, a style more commonly found on swords from the 1700′s.
Daisan:
The completed...
Martial Arts Definitions B
Badik:
A Malayan dagger shaped like a butterfly whose straight blade bears one sharp edge.
Ba Gua Zhang:
Translated as Eight Trigram Palm. One of the three...
The Meaning of Soke
Soke (Sōke) pronounced (so - ke), is a Japanese term that means "the head family (house)."
In the realm of Japanese traditional arts, it is...
Martial Arts Definitions C
Capoeira:
A Brazilian form of combat adapted by African slaves to fight oppression. Capoeira is dance-like, and many believe it was developed this way to...
Martial Arts Definitions F
Fari Gatka:
An Indian form of fencing centered around shields (fari) and swords (gatka). The gatka is a three foot, leather-covered stick. The fari, nine...
Martial Arts Definitions W
Wa:
“Accord.” An ancient Japanese term for harmony, accord, and coordination.
Wado ryu:
“Way of peace.” A Japanese style of karate developed from jujutsu and earlier karate...
Martial Arts Definitions G
Gake:
Hooking action used in some ankle and sacrifice throws.
Gakko:
School.
Ganmen:
A target area referred to in sport karate. It includes all of the head and face...
Martial Arts Definitions T
Tachi:
A Japanese long sword worn slung from a sword belt. Like the katana, the tachi had a single-edged curved blade.
Tachi rei:
“Standing bow.” A salutation...
Fighting
I started reading a martial arts book the other day titled Pressure Point Fighting, by Rick Clark. After reading the introduction, and then the...
Martial Arts Definitions Q
Quando:
A spear-like weapon with a blade resembling a scimitar affixed to its end. This weapon is extremely heavy, and was used to cut through...
Martial Arts Definitions E
Eishin ryu:
The original style of iaijutsu that embraces numerous kata and is combat oriented.
Eku:
“Oar.” A weapon developed by Okinawan farmers. Today it is a...
Martial Arts Definitions U
Uchi:
Strike.
Uchi deshi:
“Apprentice.” An old Japanese practice where a student was apprenticed to a martial arts master in order to become an instructor in turn.
Uchi-mata:
Inner...
Martial Arts Definitions I
I:
“Will,” “mind,” or “intent.”
Iai:
“Swordplay.” A sword exercise employing a series of thrusting and cutting techniques while drawing and returning the blade.
Iaido:
“Way of the sword.”...
Martial Arts Definitions J
Jeet Kune Do:
(Cantonese) “Way of the intercepting fist.” A collection of basic mental and physical concepts, observations of combat maneuvers, and philosophies of attitude...
Martial Arts Definitions L
Lakan:
The male black belt rank in the Filipino art of arnis.
Lathi:
“Staff.” An Indian fighting art centered around a cane or bamboo staff about five...