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...
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...
Martial Arts Definitions V
Vo phuc:
A name for the uniform worn in the Vietnamese martial arts.
Martial Arts Definitions A
Abaniko:
This Arnis striking technique uses a stick in a movement which resembles a fan motion.
Acupressure:
In this process, the channels through which chi, or life...
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 M
Ma ai:
The distance between two opponents.
Mae:
“Front” or “forward.”
Mae-geri:
Front kick
Mairi:
Tapping with the hand to signify submission.
Makeru:
To lose or be defeated.
Makiwara:
A karate training post designed for...
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...
Japanese Okinawan Vocabulary
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...
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...
Sensei – The Origin and Meaning Word
In various martial arts there are different names for the titles of some master ranks In the following text I am going to mention...
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 O
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...
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...
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 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...
