Martial Arts Definitions

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

Martial Arts Definitions L

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...
Martial Arts Definitions

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....
Martial Arts Definitions

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

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

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...
Martial Arts Definitions

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

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...
Martial Arts Definitions

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

Martial Arts Definitions R

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...