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 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.”...
Kendo

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...
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)...
Martial Arts Definitions

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

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.”...
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...
Martial Arts Definitions

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

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...
Sumo

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,...
Martial Arts Definitions

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...