Martial Arts Definitions

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...

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

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

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

Martial Arts Definitions B

Badik: A Malayan dagger shaped like a butterfly whose straight blade bears one sharp edge. Ba Gua Zhang: Translated as Eight Trigram Palm. One of the three...
Martial Arts Definitions

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...
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...
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 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 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

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.”...
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 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 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

Martial Arts Definitions V

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

Martial Arts Definitions Q

Quando: A spear-like weapon with a blade resembling a scimitar affixed to its end. This weapon is extremely heavy, and was used to cut through...