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 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 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 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...
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 V
Vo phuc:
A name for the uniform worn in the Vietnamese martial arts.
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...
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 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 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...
Martial Arts Definitions Z
Zanshin:
A state of mind which is cultivated by the martial artist of complete awareness and alertness, anticipation of success in combat.
Zazen:
“Sitting meditation.” The meditative...
Martial Arts Definitions M
Ma ai:
The distance between two opponents.
Mae:
“Front” or “forward.”
Mae-geri:
Front kick
Mairi:
Tapping with the hand to signify submission.
Makeru:
To lose or be defeated.
Makiwara:
A karate training post designed for...
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...
Martial Arts Definitions P
Pachigi:
A Korean martial art in which the head is used to butt an opponent.
Pai shih:
A ceremony for a kung fu novice denoting his acceptance...
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...
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...