Learning The Language

Learning the Language on USAdojo.com provides information about proper pronunciation, spelling, counting and more for languages use in martial arts training.

Martial Arts Definitions

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

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

Martial Arts Definitions V

Vo phuc: A name for the uniform worn in the Vietnamese martial arts.
Martial Arts Definitions

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

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

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...
Jujutsu

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...
Pressure Point Fighting

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...
Students in Seiza

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...
Sōke

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)...