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 Y
Yama-arashi:
Mountain storm. Hand technique
Yang:
“Active” or “positive.” In ying-yang theory, the positive aspect associated with what is described as centrifugal, expansive and extroversive.
Yari:
Spear.
Yikwon:
Backfist.
Yin:
“Passive” or “negative.”...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Martial Arts Definitions R
Randori:
Free sparring.
Rei:
(Ray) “Soul or Spirit” A bow that begins in the tan tien (seat of the soul located in the abdoinal area). The term...
What “Fighting!” Means to Koreans
Korean winters are incredibly cold. The summers are hot and wet, and walking outside can feel like walking into a warm bath. That's not...
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 O
O:
“Big” or “great.”
Obi:
Belt.
Obi-otoshi
Belt drop
Odachi::
See “tachi.”
O-goshi:
Major hip, hip technique
O-guruma:
Major wheel. Judo foot technique.
Oi-zuki
Step punch.
Okuri-ashi-harai:
sending foot sweep, Judo foot technique.
Omote:
“Front” or “obvious.”
Oni ken:
Extended knuckle fist.
Orei:
“Respect” or...
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...
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)...
Martial Arts Definitions N
Nagare:
Flow.
Nage:
Throw.
Nage Waza:
Throwing techniques.
Naginata:
“Reaping sword.” A curved-blade spear, once used by Japanese monks and samurai. It is approximately seven feet in length including the blade....
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...
Martial Arts Definitions V
Vo phuc:
A name for the uniform worn in the Vietnamese martial arts.
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...