Learning The Language

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...

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...

Soke (Sōke) pronounced (so - ke), is a Japanese term that means "the head family (house)." In the realm of Japanese traditional arts, it is...

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.”...

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...

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...

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...

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...

This is not an attempt to give either a history of Buddhism or Zen-Buddhisms  arrival and its impact on Japan. It is only meant...

Current times discussions and written treatises on martial arts training often treat the terms "Style" and "System" as interchangeable, yet they are not at...

In various martial arts there are different names for the titles of some master ranks In the following text I am going to mention...

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,...

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...

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...

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...

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...