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...
The Term Dojo
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...
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...
Are You Training A Martial Arts Style Or System?
Current times discussions and written treatises on martial arts training often treat the terms "Style" and "System" as interchangeable, yet they are not at...
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 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...
The Meaning of Soke
Soke (Sōke) pronounced (so - ke), is a Japanese term that means "the head family (house)."
In the realm of Japanese traditional arts, it is...
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...
Martial Arts Definitions C
Capoeira:
A Brazilian form of combat adapted by African slaves to fight oppression. Capoeira is dance-like, and many believe it was developed this way to...
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...
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 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....
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...
Martial Arts Definitions H
Hachimaki:
“Head wrapping.” A light cotton towel, also known as a tengui, wrapped around the forehead to restrict perspiration from running into the eyes and...
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...
