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 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...
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...
Martial Arts Definitions U
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...
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...
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 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...
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 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 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...
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...
Korean Vocabulary
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...
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...
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)...
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...
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...
