Every term in one place, A to Z: techniques, forms, weapons, ranks, commands and ideas from all the arts on Wabukan.
A
AbecedarioTechnique
the basic strikes, "the alphabet"
AgarradaTechnique
one fall
Age-ukeTechnique
rising block
AgogôWeapon / gear
double bell
Aiki ageTechnique
raising the arms to unbalance
AlabardaHellebardeWeapon / gear
An axe blade, spike and hook on one long pole, the weapon of Swiss infantry; the Swiss Guard still carries it.more →
AnanForm
AnkathariTechnique
training with metal weapons
Ano pankrationTechnique
upright fighting
Ap cha nut giTechnique
front snap kick
Ap chagiTechnique
front kick
ArmadaTechnique
spinning kick
ArmbarTechnique
elbow lock
ArméTechnique
the wind-up required for a strike to count
Armlock / chave de braçoTechnique
elbow lock
Asa (bastão do tahtib)عصاWeapon / gear
The long stick of Egyptian tahtib, about four feet of rattan or bamboo, used in a fight-dance shown since ancient Egypt.more →
AsayaWeapon / gear
stick about one metre long
AshibumiTechnique
placing the feet
AtabaqueWeapon / gear
tall drum
Atemi-wazaTechnique
strikes to weak points
Đấm thẳngTechnique
straight punch
B
Ba ZhouForm
Form of Praying Mantis
Baat jaam daoWeapon / gear
butterfly knives
Baat Jaam Dao (knife form)Form
Form of Wing Chun
Bagua daoWeapon / gear
large broadsword
Bai jongTechnique
on-guard position
BaithakTechnique
Hindu squat
BalestraTechnique
small jump forward before attacking
BalisongbalisongWeapon / gear
The Filipino folding "butterfly knife", whose handle splits in two around the blade.more →
Bare feetWeapon / gear
wrestlers fight barefoot
BassaiForm
Form of Tang Soo Do
Bassai DaiForm
Form of Karate
Bastão de três secções三節棍Weapon / gear
Three short staffs joined by chains. It strikes around a block and is one of the hardest Chinese weapons to master.more →
Bastão inglêsquarterstaffWeapon / gear
The English staff of six to nine feet. George Silver called it one of the best weapons for a single fight.more →
BastonWeapon / gear
rattan stick
Baston (pau de rattan)bastonWeapon / gear
The rattan stick of eskrima, about 70 cm long, often used in pairs (doble baston). Rattan is light and does not splinter.more →
BeltWeapon / gear
held with both hands
Belt / ropeWeapon / gear
used to control or bind
BênçãoTechnique
pushing front kick
Beng buTechnique
crushing step
Beng BuForm
Form of Praying Mantis
Beng quanTechnique
crushing fist (wood)
Bengala de combatecanneWeapon / gear
A light chestnut walking stick, 95 cm long. French canne de combat and Edwardian bartitsu turned the gentleman's cane into a self-defence weapon.more →
BerimbauberimbauWeapon / gear
one-string musical bow that leads the rodamore →
BiakidTechnique
spinning back kick
Biu JiForm
Form of Wing Chun
Bo棒Weapon / gear
long staffmore →
Bob and weaveTechnique
ducking and rolling under punches
Bogu防具Weapon / gear
armour: men (helmet), kote (gloves), do (chest), tare (waist)more →
Bokken木剣Weapon / gear
wooden swordmore →
BokutoWeapon / gear
wooden sword for kata
BoloitakWeapon / gear
machetemore →
Boneco de madeira木人樁Weapon / gear
A wooden post with arms and a leg, used in Wing Chun to train blocks, angles and footwork. It has its own form of over 100 movements.more →
Bong sauTechnique
wing arm
BridgeTechnique
arching the neck to avoid a pin
BriséTechnique
downward strike to the head
BrögðTechnique
named throwing tricks
BroquelbucklerWeapon / gear
A small round shield held in the fist, used to deflect blows and protect the sword hand.more →
Budo武道Concept
"The martial way": the Japanese idea that fighting arts are a path to build character, not just to win fights.more →
BurraTechnique
lifting throw
BurstingTechnique
block and strike at the same time
Butterfly swordsWeapon / gear
pair of short blades
C
CabeçadaTechnique
headbutt
Cage wrestlingTechnique
clinching against the fence
CajadocajadoWeapon / gear
The shepherd’s staff of northern Portugal, a close relative of the varapau. In jogo do pau it is the traditional weapon, a stick of about 1.5 m, a little thicker at one end.more →
CangoTechnique
hooking the opponent's leg
CanneWeapon / gear
chestnut cane, about 95 cm
CebuTechnique
side aerial
CeluritWeapon / gear
sickle
ChakramਚੱਕਰWeapon / gear
throwing ringmore →
ChalaTechnique
smaller score
ChangquanTechnique
long fist
Chap khoTechnique
clinch with the hands behind the head
CharkhTechnique
whirling in place
ChasséTechnique
side or front thrust kick
Chatanyara KushankuForm
Chaussures de boxeWeapon / gear
savate shoes
Chave de calcanharTechnique
heel hook
ChémTechnique
hand-blade strike
Chen Laojia YiluForm
Form of Tai Chi
ChengchuiTechnique
upright strike
Chi gerkTechnique
sticky legs
Chi ishiWeapon / gear
stone weight on a stick
Chi ishi e nigiri game補助運動Weapon / gear
Okinawan hojo undo tools: stone levers (chi ishi) and gripping jars (nigiri game) to strengthen the body for karate.more →
Chi sau黐手Term
"Sticky hands": Wing Chun sensitivity drill.
Chi sauTechnique
sticky hands
ChiburiTechnique
shaking the blood off the blade
Chicote de nove secções九節鞭Weapon / gear
Metal rods joined by rings, with a dart at the end. It can be folded and hidden, then spun at great speed.more →
Chikin no ekuForm
Form of Okinawan Kobudo
ChintoForm
Cho Gup HyungForm
Form of Kuk Sool Won
ChokhaWeapon / gear
short wrestling jacket
Chon-Ji (ITF)Form
Form of Taekwondo
Chop choyTechnique
uppercut
Choun no konForm
Form of Bojutsu
Chudan-no-kamaeTechnique
middle guard
Chum KiuForm
Form of Wing Chun
Cinto negro黒帯Weapon / gear
Jigoro Kano introduced the dan ranks and the black belt in judo in the 1880s. A black belt marks the end of the basics, not mastery.more →
ClinchclinchTerm
Close grappling while standing, used to knee and throw.
ClinchTechnique
holding to stop the exchange
Cloud HandsTechnique
circling hands while stepping sideways
Corda / cordãocordaTerm
Capoeira grades are coloured cords tied at the waist.
Coup de pied basTechnique
low kick to the shin
CrochetTechnique
hook punch
CroiséTechnique
diagonal strike
CrossTechnique
straight punch with the rear hand
Cross-faceTechnique
forearm across the face to turn the head
D
360° defenceTechnique
outside blocks against circular attacks
Da BajiForm
Form of Bajiquan
Da Hong QuanForm
Form of Shaolin Kung Fu
Daab song mueWeapon / gear
two swords at once
DagaWeapon / gear
knife or dagger
DalianWeapon / gear
short, strong jacket
Dambong kleiWeapon / gear
short sticks
Dambong vengWeapon / gear
long staff
Dan段Term
Black-belt grade; 1st dan is the first black belt.
Dan bongWeapon / gear
short stick
Dan huan zhangTechnique
single palm change
Dan-Gun (ITF)Form
Form of Taekwondo
DandTechnique
Hindu push-up
Dantian / tanden丹田Concept
The body's centre below the navel. Many arts teach that movement and power begin there.more →
Dao刀Weapon / gear
broadsword (sabre)more →
DaoshuWeapon / gear
broadsword
Dardo de corda繩鏢Weapon / gear
A metal dart on a long rope, thrown and pulled back by wrapping the rope around the arms, legs and neck.more →
Defence against grabsTechnique
wrist, collar and bear hug
Defence against weaponsTechnique
knife, stick and pistol
Delayed SwordTechnique
technique against a push
DhaဓားWeapon / gear
Burmese swordmore →
Dhobi pachadTechnique
shoulder throw ("washerman's throw")
Ding zhouTechnique
elbow strike
DirectTechnique
straight punch
DisarmsTechnique
taking away knife, stick or gun
DoTechnique
strike to the body
Do道Concept
"The way" (Chinese dao). Adding -do to an art (judo, kendo, karate-do) marks it as a lifelong path of self-improvement.more →
Do-San (ITF)Form
Form of Taekwondo
DobokWeapon / gear
uniform
DohyoWeapon / gear
clay ring
Dojang도장Term
Korean training hall, the same word as dojo.
Dojo道場Concept
"The place of the way". The word first named halls for Buddhist practice; you bow when entering and leaving.more →
Dollyo chagiTechnique
roundhouse kick
Double wristlockTechnique
shoulder lock (the "kimura")
Double-legTechnique
takedown grabbing both legs
Downward-cutting kicksTechnique
angled kicks that cut down
DozukuriTechnique
settling the body
Dwi chagiTechnique
back kick
Dwi dollyo cha giTechnique
spinning heel kick
Dwi huryeo chagiTechnique
spinning hook kick
E
EkuWeapon / gear
boat oar
Elbow strikesTechnique
the most decisive weapon
Embu演武Term
Public demonstration of a martial art.
En gardeTechnique
ready stance
EnlevéTechnique
rising strike
ÉpéeWeapon / gear
heavier thrusting weapon, whole body
Espada (esgrima)épéeWeapon / gear
The heaviest fencing weapon, from the duelling sword. The whole body is a target and there is no right of way.more →
Espada de armasarming swordWeapon / gear
The one-handed knightly sword, often used with a buckler. The oldest known fencing manual, MS I.33 (around 1300), teaches sword and buckler.more →
Espada longaLanges SchwertWeapon / gear
The two-handed sword of late medieval Europe. Liechtenauer's German tradition and Fiore dei Liberi's Italian treatise taught it in detail.more →
Espada pretaespada pretaWeapon / gear
The "black sword" of Portuguese and Spanish fencing: a blunt practice sword, unlike the sharp "white" sword. Thomaz Luiz wrote a treatise on its lessons in 1685.more →
Espadas de gancho鈎Weapon / gear
Swords with a hooked tip and a crescent guard. Two can be linked by the hooks to reach further.more →
Espadimépée de courWeapon / gear
The light court sword of the 18th century. Modern fencing, especially the foil, grew from its training.more →
EstrangulamentosTechnique
chokes
F
Facas borboleta八斬刀Weapon / gear
A pair of short, broad blades from southern China. In Wing Chun they are the last form taught (baat jaam do), following the same lines as the empty hands.more →
Facas chifre de veado鹿角刀Weapon / gear
Pairs of crescent blades held in the middle, the signature weapon of baguazhang, used while walking in circles.more →
FalcatafalcataWeapon / gear
The curved sword of pre-Roman Iberia, single-edged and heavy towards the point, so it cuts like an axe. The name was coined in the 19th century.more →
Fall / pinTechnique
both shoulders on the mat
FarriWeapon / gear
small shield
FederFederschwertWeapon / gear
flexible steel training swordmore →
Fireman's carryTechnique
throw over the shoulders
Five SwordsTechnique
classic self-defence technique
Five ways of attackTechnique
SDA, ABC, PIA, HIA, ABD
FlècheTechnique
running attack
FloretefleuretWeapon / gear
A light thrusting weapon; touches count only on the torso and the attacker must have "right of way".more →
FoilWeapon / gear
light thrusting weapon, torso target
FouettéTechnique
whipping roundhouse kick with the toe of the shoe
Fu Hok Seung Ying Kuen (tiger-crane)Form
Form of Hung Gar
Fu jaoTechnique
tiger claw
Fudoshin不動心Concept
"Immovable mind": calm that fear, anger or surprise cannot shake. Takuan wrote about it to a sword master.more →
G
GadaगदाWeapon / gear
heavy clubmore →
Gakgung角弓Weapon / gear
The Korean horn bow, short and very powerful, made of horn, bamboo and sinew. Korean archery is still practised on traditional ranges.more →
Ganda (pair form)Form
Form of Pencak Silat
GankakuForm
GantsWeapon / gear
gloves whose colour shows the grade
GaryuForm
Form of Kyokushin
Gedan mawashi-geriTechnique
low roundhouse kick
Gedan-baraiTechnique
downward block
GekisaiForm
Form of Kyokushin
Gekisai Dai Ichi, NiForm
GingaTechnique
basic swaying step
GingagingaConcept
The constant swaying base movement of capoeira, which keeps the player moving and hides the next attack.more →
GládiogladiusWeapon / gear
The short Roman sword, used for thrusting in tight formation. Gladiators took their name from it.more →
GlímubeltiWeapon / gear
leather belt around waist and thighs
GlovesWeapon / gear
8–16 oz
GohoTechnique
hard techniques: strikes and kicks
GolokgolokWeapon / gear
machetemore →
Gong buTechnique
bow stance
GongliquanForm
Form of Kung Fu
Grab artsTechnique
defences against grabs
Grasp the Bird's TailTechnique
sequence of the four energies
Gris-grisWeapon / gear
protective charms
Ground and poundTechnique
striking from top position
Guandao關刀Weapon / gear
A heavy blade on a long pole, named after the general Guan Yu. Historians think it appeared centuries after him; it was also used to test soldiers' strength.more →
GuardguardaTerm
Fighting on your back with the opponent between your legs.
Guarda (guard)Technique
fighting from your back with the legs
GuillotineTechnique
front choke
Gun (bastão)棍Weapon / gear
The Chinese staff, the "grandfather of weapons". Shaolin monks became famous for it: Ming-dynasty generals wrote about their staff fighting.
GunbaiWeapon / gear
referee's war fan
Gung Ji Fook Fu Kuen (taming the tiger)Form
Form of Hung Gar
GunshuWeapon / gear
staff
GuntinganTechnique
leg-scissor takedown
Gup급Term
Coloured-belt grade in Korean arts.
Guru / Gurukkalഗുരുക്കൾTerm
Master of a kalari.
Gut wrenchTechnique
turning the opponent over on the mat
GutalWeapon / gear
leather boots
GwigwanTechnique
high kick to the head
Gyaku-zukiTechnique
reverse punch
Gyeot chigiTechnique
side sweep
H
Hadaka-jimeTechnique
rear naked choke
HælkrókurTechnique
heel hook trip
Hajime始めTerm
"Begin!" — referee command.
Hakama袴Weapon / gear
wide pleated trousersmore →
HalolTechnique
clean throw onto the back, wins at once
Hamahiga no tonfaForm
Form of Okinawan Kobudo
Hand wrapsWeapon / gear
protect the hand bones
HangetsuForm
Harai-goshiTechnique
sweeping hip throw
HasujiTechnique
alignment of edge and swing
HatakikomiTechnique
slap down
Heian Shodan–GodanForm
Form of Karate
Heng quanTechnique
crossing fist (earth)
HensojutsuTechnique
disguise
High kickTechnique
kick to the head
Hiki-wazaTechnique
strikes while moving back
HikiwakeTechnique
drawing apart
Hip throwTechnique
throw over the hip
Hip twistTechnique
rotation that powers kicks and punches
HoguWeapon / gear
chest protector with sensors
Hok juiTechnique
crane beak
Hold-downTechnique
pin for points
HookTechnique
curved punch to the side of the head or body
HooksTechnique
submission holds
Hubud-lubudTechnique
flowing "tie and untie" drill
HüfterTechnique
hip throw from the side
I
IaitoWeapon / gear
unsharpened practice sword
IbukiTechnique
powerful breathing
IhawuWeapon / gear
small shield
IkkajoTechnique
first set of techniques (arm control)
IkkyoTechnique
first control (arm pin)
IndukuWeapon / gear
attacking stick
IntonjutsuTechnique
escape and concealment
Inverted kicksTechnique
kicks from a handstand
Ippon一本Term
"One point": full point that wins the fight in judo.
Ippon / Waza-ariTechnique
full point / half point
Irimi-nageTechnique
entering throw
Iron ringsWeapon / gear
worn on the forearms
Itsutsu-no-kataForm
Form of Judo
J
JabTechnique
fast straight punch with the lead hand
Jab / Cross / Hook / UppercutjabTerm
The four basic punches of boxing.
Jab–crossTechnique
basic straight punch combination
Jian劍Weapon / gear
straight double-edged swordmore →
JianshuWeapon / gear
straight sword
JindoForm
Form of Tang Soo Do
JipangiWeapon / gear
walking cane
Jita kyoei自他共栄Concept
"Mutual welfare and benefit": Kano's principle that you progress by helping your partners progress.more →
JitteForm
Jo杖Weapon / gear
wooden staff (about 1.3 m)more →
JogojogoTerm
A capoeira bout is a "game", not a fight.
Joint locksTechnique
wrist, elbow and shoulder locks
Joong Gup HyungForm
Form of Kuk Sool Won
Ju-no-kataForm
Form of Judo
JudogiWeapon / gear
heavy cotton uniform, white or blue
JuhoTechnique
soft techniques: locks, throws, escapes
Juji-gatameTechnique
cross armlock
Jutte十手Weapon / gear
An iron truncheon with a side hook, carried by Edo-period police. It was used to catch a sword blade and arrest without killing.more →
K
KabbadehWeapon / gear
iron bow with rings
KaginawaWeapon / gear
grappling hook
Kakato otoshiTechnique
axe kick
KakieTechnique
sticky-hand pushing drill
Kali sticksWeapon / gear
Filipino rattan sticks
Kama鎌Weapon / gear
sicklemore →
Kan館Term
Hall; in names like Kodokan or Shotokan.
KanchinForm
Kanegawa no nichogamaForm
Form of Okinawan Kobudo
KankuForm
Form of Kyokushin
Kanku DaiForm
Form of Karate
Kansetsu-wazaTechnique
joint locks
KanshiwaForm
KanshuForm
KaraWeapon / gear
cloth and cord wrapping
KarambitkerambitWeapon / gear
curved claw knifemore →
Karate-giWeapon / gear
training uniform
Kard chuekคาดเชือกWeapon / gear
hemp rope hand wrapsmore →
Kata / taolu型 · 套路Concept
Set forms that store a style's techniques and principles, passed from teacher to student like a living book.more →
Katame-no-kataForm
Form of Judo
Katana刀Weapon / gear
long swordmore →
Kato pankrationTechnique
ground fighting
Katsujinken活人剣Concept
"The life-giving sword": Yagyu Munenori's idea that the sword which kills can also be the sword that protects life.more →
Kbach kunTechnique
fighting techniques
Keikogi (gi)稽古着Weapon / gear
The training uniform. Jigoro Kano created the judogi in the 1900s; Gichin Funakoshi adapted it for karate.more →
Kesa-gatameTechnique
scarf hold
KesagiriTechnique
diagonal cut
Kesho-mawashiWeapon / gear
ceremonial apron
KettukariWeapon / gear
long staff
KeumgangForm
Form of Taekwondo
KhandaਖੰਡਾWeapon / gear
A straight, double-edged sword that broadens at the tip. It also appears in the symbol of the Sikh faith.more →
KhaoTechnique
knee strike
Ki / Qi気Concept
Breath or life energy in Chinese and Japanese thought. Internal arts train breathing, posture and relaxation to develop it.more →
Ki Cho HyungForm
Form of Kuk Sool Won
Ki-ken-tai-ichiTechnique
spirit, sword and body as one
KiaiTechnique
spirit shout
Kiai気合Concept
The shout that unites breath, body and spirit at the moment of a technique.more →
Kiba-dachiTechnique
horse stance
Kicho Hyung 1–3Form
Form of Tang Soo Do
KicksTechnique
low, fast and spinning kicks
Kihap기합Term
Korean shout, like the Japanese kiai.
KihapTechnique
spirit shout
Kihon基本Term
Basics: stances, strikes and blocks repeated in lines.
Kihon kumiteTechnique
basic pair sequences
Kime決めConcept
"Decision": the instant of total focus and tension at the end of a karate technique.more →
Kime-no-kataForm
Form of Judo
Kimono (gi)Weapon / gear
jacket and trousers
KimuraTechnique
shoulder lock
KiriotoshiTechnique
cutting down the opponent's sword
KiritsukeTechnique
finishing cut
KispetWeapon / gear
heavy leather trousers
KlimakismosTechnique
taking the back ("ladder") with a choke
KneeTechnique
knee strike (K-1 rules)
KneebarTechnique
straight knee lock
Kneeling startTechnique
bout begins on the knees
Knobkerrie / indukuiwisaWeapon / gear
A short club with a heavy knob, used in southern Africa. In Nguni stick fighting one stick attacks and the other defends.more →
Ko Gup HyungForm
Form of Kuk Sool Won
Kodokan Goshin JutsuForm
Form of Judo
Kodokan Goshin Jutsu (21 techniques)Form
Form of Goshin Jutsu
Kohai後輩Term
Junior student.
Kokutsu-dachiTechnique
back stance
Kokyu-nageTechnique
breath throw
KolthariTechnique
training with wooden weapons
Kong Sang KoonForm
Form of Tang Soo Do
KoryoForm
Form of Taekwondo
Koryu古流Term
Old Japanese schools, founded before 1868.
Koshiki-no-kataForm
Form of Judo
Koshti pahlavaniTechnique
zurkhaneh wrestling
Kosokun DaiForm
KostinTechnique
partial fall
KoteTechnique
strike to the wrist
Kote gaeshiTechnique
wrist turn throw
Kote-gaeshiTechnique
wrist-turn throw
Kote-kitaeTechnique
forearm conditioning
KrabiWeapon / gear
curved sword
Krabi / daabกระบี่Weapon / gear
The Thai sword. In krabi krabong fighters often use two at once (daab song mue).more →
KrabongWeapon / gear
staff
KramaWeapon / gear
scarf that shows the rank
KriskerisWeapon / gear
wavy-bladed daggermore →
KruครูTerm
Teacher in Muay Thai.
KrumphauTechnique
crooked strike
Kuda-kudaTechnique
stances
Kumi-enbuTechnique
pair demonstration
Kumite組手Term
Sparring in karate.
Kung fu功夫Concept
Literally "skill achieved through hard work and time". In Chinese it can describe a master cook or calligrapher too.more →
Kup choyTechnique
overhead hammer punch
KurtkaWeapon / gear
jacket with "wings" to grip
KururunfaForm
KurzTechnique
the most common throw, with a lift
KusankuForm
Kusarigama鎖鎌Weapon / gear
sickle with chainmore →
KushankuForm
Kwoon館Term
Kung fu training hall (Cantonese).
Kyorugi겨루기Term
Taekwondo sparring.
Kyu級Term
Grade below black belt, counted downwards.
L
LaméWeapon / gear
conductive jacket for electric scoring
LammTechnique
full fall: both shoulders down
Lan JieForm
Form of Praying Mantis
LangkahTechnique
footwork
LangotWeapon / gear
loincloth
Lap sauTechnique
pulling hand
LatéralTechnique
side strike
Lei taiTechnique
raised platform; pushing the opponent off scores
LianbuquanForm
Form of Kung Fu
Lin wan kuenTechnique
chain punches
Lion headWeapon / gear
for lion dance
Liu Da KaiForm
Form of Bajiquan
Liuhe DaqiangWeapon / gear
long spear of the "six harmonies"
Long Hổ QuyềnForm
Form of Vovinam
LongswordWeapon / gear
two-handed sword
Low kickTechnique
kick to the thigh
Lu jiao daoWeapon / gear
deer-horn knives
Luk dim boon kwanWeapon / gear
long pole
Luk Dim Boon Kwan (pole form)Form
Form of Wing Chun
Lunge (fente)Technique
long attacking step
Luohan QuanForm
Form of Shaolin Kung Fu
Luvas de boxeglovesWeapon / gear
Padded gloves made compulsory by the Queensberry Rules of 1867. They protect the hand more than the head.more →
M
Ma bu馬步Term
Horse stance, the root of many kung fu styles.
Ma buTechnique
horse stance
Ma-ai間合いConcept
Combat distance and timing: the space where you can strike and the opponent cannot.more →
MaduvuWeapon / gear
deer-horn weapon
Mae-geriTechnique
front kick
MakibishiWeapon / gear
caltrops
MakilamakilaWeapon / gear
The Basque walking stick of medlar wood, 1 to 1.4 m, with a metal ferrule. The top pulls off to reveal a hidden spike; it is also a sign of honour and authority.more →
Makiwara巻藁Weapon / gear
padded striking postmore →
Makiwara (tatami omote)Weapon / gear
rolled straw mat target
MalíciamalíciaConcept
In capoeira, cunning: the art of deceiving, feinting and reading the other player, inside and outside the roda.more →
MarmaTechnique
knowledge of vital points
MarteloTechnique
roundhouse kick
Martelo meteoro流星錘Weapon / gear
Weights on the ends of a long rope, swung around the body. Today it is mostly a spectacular wushu performance weapon.more →
Masakatsu agatsu正勝吾勝Concept
"True victory is victory over oneself": a motto of Morihei Ueshiba, founder of aikido.more →
MaskWeapon / gear
fencing mask
Mask and glovesWeapon / gear
modern sparring protection
Mata-leãoTechnique
rear naked choke
Matsumura RohaiForm
Matte待てTerm
"Wait!" — stops the action in judo.
Mawashi廻しWeapon / gear
thick beltmore →
Mawashi-geriTechnique
roundhouse kick
Mawashi-ukeTechnique
circular block
MeelمیلWeapon / gear
pair of wooden clubsmore →
Mei Hua LuForm
Form of Praying Mantis
Meia-lua de compassoTechnique
spinning heel kick with hand on the ground
Meia-lua de frenteTechnique
inside-out crescent kick
MeippayattuTechnique
body exercises and sequences
MenTechnique
strike to the head
MesserWeapon / gear
single-edged long knifemore →
Mestre / ContramestremestreTerm
Master and senior teacher ranks in capoeira.
MizmarWeapon / gear
oboe that accompanies the game
MokujuWeapon / gear
wooden replica rifle
Mokuju (baioneta)木銃Weapon / gear
Jukendo is fought with a wooden rifle with a padded tip, a training version of the rifle with bayonet.more →
Mokuso黙想Term
Short meditation at the start and end of class.
Mongkhon e prajioudมงคลWeapon / gear
The sacred headband (mongkhon) and armbands (prajioud) of Thai boxers, blessed by the teacher and worn during the wai khru ritual.more →
MongkolWeapon / gear
sacred headband
Montada (mount)Technique
sitting on the opponent's chest
MontantemontanteWeapon / gear
The great two-handed sword of Portugal and Spain (15th–17th c.). Masters used it to break up fights, and Diogo Gomes de Figueyredo wrote its rules in 1651.more →
MountmontadaTerm
Sitting on the opponent's torso, a dominant position.
MouthguardWeapon / gear
protects teeth and jaw
MugdarWeapon / gear
Indian clubs
Muk yan jongWeapon / gear
wooden dummy
Muk Yan Jong (wooden dummy form)Form
Form of Wing Chun
Mushin無心Concept
"No mind": acting without hesitation or distracting thoughts, so the body responds freely.more →
N
Naeryo chagiTechnique
axe kick
Nagashi-zukiTechnique
flowing punch while evading
Nage-no-kataForm
Form of Judo
Nage-wazaTechnique
throws
Naginata薙刀Weapon / gear
polearm with curved blade (bamboo or wood in practice)more →
NaihanchiForm
Form of Tang Soo Do
NanquanTechnique
southern fist
Ne-waza寝技Term
Ground techniques.
Ng Lun MaForm
Form of Choy Li Fut
Ng Ying Kuen (five animals)Form
Form of Hung Gar
NgawWeapon / gear
halberd
NgembWeapon / gear
loincloth worn by wrestlers
Nhập Môn QuyềnForm
Form of Vovinam
Nigiri gameWeapon / gear
gripping jars
Nihon Kendo Kata (7 with the long sword, 3 with the short sword)Form
Form of Kendo
NikyoTechnique
second control (wrist lock)
NipaipoForm
NiseishiForm
NotoTechnique
returning the sword to the scabbard
NukitsukeTechnique
draw and first cut
NunchakuヌンチャクWeapon / gear
two sticks joined by a cordmore →
O
4 oz glovesWeapon / gear
open-finger gloves
Đòn chânTechnique
flying scissor takedowns
O-soto-gariTechnique
major outer reap
ObiWeapon / gear
belt that shows the grade
Octagon / cageWeapon / gear
fenced fighting area
Oi-zukiTechnique
lunge punch
Olive oilWeapon / gear
covers the whole body
Os quatro animais de FioreFlos Duellatorum, 1409Concept
Fiore dei Liberi drew four animals as virtues of the fencer: the lynx (prudence), tiger (speed), lion (courage) and elephant (strength).more →
OshidashiTechnique
frontal push-out
Osu押忍Concept
A greeting of Kyokushin and other karate schools, read as "push and endure": patience under pressure.more →
OttaWeapon / gear
curved wooden stick
P
Pá de monge月牙鏟Weapon / gear
A pole with a flat spade at one end and a crescent blade at the other. Tradition says monks used it to bury the dead they found on the road.
Pak sauTechnique
slapping block
PandeiroWeapon / gear
tambourine
PantalónWeapon / gear
rolled-up shorts to grip
Pao QuanForm
Form of Shaolin Kung Fu
Pao quanTechnique
pounding fist (fire)
Parry (parade)Technique
blocking with the blade
Passagem (guard pass)Technique
getting past the legs
Patu / mereWeapon / gear
short flat clubs
PauWeapon / gear
long wooden stick, traditionally of ash, holly or quince
Pegada pelas costas (back mount)Technique
controlling from behind with hooks
Pho bakWeapon / gear
rope
Pi quanTechnique
splitting fist (metal)
PinTechnique
both shoulders down
Pinan 1–5Form
Form of Kyokushin
Pinan Shodan–GodanForm
Ping KuenForm
Form of Choy Li Fut
Poomsae품새Term
Taekwondo forms.
PrajioudWeapon / gear
armbands
Pressure pointsTechnique
striking or pressing nerve points
Pu buTechnique
drop stance
PumbalgiTechnique
triangular rhythmic stepping
Punch countersTechnique
combinations against punches
PunchesTechnique
straight, hook and swing punches
PyongwonForm
Form of Taekwondo
Pyung Ahn 1–5Form
Form of Tang Soo Do
Q
Qi xing buTechnique
seven-star stance
Qiang (lança)槍Weapon / gear
The Chinese spear, the "king of weapons", with a red tassel below the head that hides the shaft's movement. Xingyiquan and bajiquan grew from spear training.more →
QiangshuWeapon / gear
spear
Qigong氣功Term
Breathing and energy exercises.
Qin naTechnique
seizing and joint locking
QuedasTechnique
takedowns from wrestling
R
Randori乱取りTerm
Free practice against a resisting partner.
RapierWeapon / gear
thrusting sword of the 16th–17th centuries
Rash guardWeapon / gear
tight shirt for no-gi
Raspagem (sweep)Technique
reversing from the guard
RasteiraTechnique
leg sweep
Rear naked chokeTechnique
choke from behind
RedondaTechnique
continuous circular strikes
Regu (team form)Form
Form of Pencak Silat
Rei礼Concept
Respect and etiquette, shown by the bow. Funakoshi's first principle: karate begins and ends with rei.more →
Rei / Ritsurei / Zarei礼Term
Bow: standing (ritsurei) or kneeling (zarei).
RetzevTechnique
continuous, flowing counter-attack
ReversTechnique
hook kick
RiposteTechnique
counter-attack after a parry
RochedWeapon / gear
linen wrestling shirt
RodarodaTerm
The circle where capoeira is played, with music.
RohaiForm
Form of Tang Soo Do
RokushakuboWeapon / gear
six-shaku staff (about 1.8 m)
Ropera / rapieiraespada roperaWeapon / gear
A long, slender thrusting sword of the 16th and 17th centuries, the civilian sword of duels. The Spanish "destreza" studied it with geometry.more →
Ryu流Term
"Flow": a school or style (Goju-ryu, Katori Shinto-ryu).
S
24-step simplified formForm
Form of Tai Chi
42-step competition formForm
Form of Tai Chi
Sabeom-nim사범님Term
Master instructor in taekwondo and other Korean arts.
SabresabreWeapon / gear
cutting and thrusting weaponmore →
Saco de boxeheavy bagWeapon / gear
The heavy bag trains power and combinations. Thai bags are longer, to kick and knee.more →
SägemehlWeapon / gear
sawdust ring
Sai釵Weapon / gear
metal truncheon with prongsmore →
SaifaForm
SaihaForm
Form of Kyokushin
Sakugawa no konForm
Form of Bojutsu
Sakugawa no kon (bo)Form
Form of Okinawan Kobudo
SambovkiWeapon / gear
wrestling shoes
San jie gunWeapon / gear
three-section staff
San ti shiTechnique
basic three-body posture
SanchinForm
Form of Karate, Kyokushin
Sanchin-dachiTechnique
hourglass stance
SangWeapon / gear
heavy wooden shields
SankyoTechnique
third control (twisting wrist lock)
SanseiruForm
SanseiryuForm
SatbaWeapon / gear
cloth belt around waist and thigh
SayaWeapon / gear
scabbard
ScheitelhauTechnique
scalp strike (vertical)
SchielhauTechnique
squinting strike
SchwingerhosenWeapon / gear
canvas grip shorts
Sei ping maTechnique
four-level horse stance
SeichinForm
SeienchinForm
Form of Karate, Kyokushin
SeihoTechnique
healing massage of pressure points
SeipaiForm
Seiryoku zen'yo精力善用Concept
"Maximum efficiency": Jigoro Kano's principle of using physical and mental energy in the best possible way.more →
SeiryuForm
SeisanForm
SeishanForm
Seitei iai (12 forms): Mae, Ushiro, Ukenagashi, Tsuka-ate, Kesagiri, Morotezuki, Sanpogiri, Ganmenate, Soetezuki, Shihogiri, Sogiri, NukiuchiForm
Form of Iaido
Seitei jodo (12 forms): Tsukizue, Suigetsu, Hissage, Shamen, Sakan, Monomi, Kasa no uchi, Tsuki hazushi uchi, Dobarai, Tachi otoshi, Raiuchi, MidareiForm
Form of Jodo
SeiuchinForm
SeiyunchinForm
Seiza正座Term
Formal kneeling position.
SemeTechnique
pressure that takes the initiative
Sen先Concept
Initiative: sen no sen (attacking as the opponent decides to attack) and go no sen (countering after the attack).more →
Senpai先輩Term
Senior student who helps the juniors.
Sensei先生Term
Teacher; literally "one who was born before".
Sensor socksWeapon / gear
electronic socks that score kicks
Seoi-nageTechnique
shoulder throw
Sheng biaoWeapon / gear
rope dart
Shi er xing (twelve animals)Form
Form of Xingyiquan
Shiai試合Term
Competition match.
ShieldTechnique
the open guarding hand
Shiho-nageTechnique
four-direction throw
Shikake-oji (pair forms)Form
Form of Naginatajutsu
ShikoTechnique
high leg stomp exercise
Shillelaghsail éilleWeapon / gear
knobbed blackthorn stickmore →
Shime-wazaTechnique
strangles
Shin guardsWeapon / gear
used in amateur bouts
Shinai竹刀Weapon / gear
bamboo swordmore →
ShinkenWeapon / gear
real, sharp sword
ShisochinForm
Shoken-zukiTechnique
one-knuckle punch
Shomen-uchiTechnique
vertical cut to the head
Shu-ha-ri守破離Concept
Three stages of learning: shu, obey the form; ha, break away and adapt it; ri, leave the form and create freely.more →
Shuriken手裏剣Weapon / gear
throwing bladesmore →
Shushi no konForm
Form of Bojutsu
Shushi no kon (bo)Form
Form of Okinawan Kobudo
Shuto-uchiTechnique
knife-hand strike
ShuudagWeapon / gear
tight briefs
Sifu / Shifu師父Term
Teacher-father: the master of a kung fu family.
Silambam (bastão)சிலம்பம்Weapon / gear
The bamboo staff of Tamil silambam, spun in fast figure-of-eight patterns around the body.more →
Silambam staffWeapon / gear
long bamboo staff
SinawaliTechnique
weaving drills with two sticks
Single WhipTechnique
classic posture
Single-legTechnique
takedown grabbing one leg
SingletWeapon / gear
one-piece suit, red or blue
Sip SooForm
Form of Tang Soo Do
Siu Mui Fa KuenForm
Form of Choy Li Fut
Siu Nim TaoForm
Form of Wing Chun
SlipTechnique
moving the head off the line of a punch
SochinForm
SokTechnique
elbow strike
Sokusen-geriTechnique
toe-tip kick
SouthpawcanhotoTerm
Left-handed guard, right foot forward.
Southpaw / orthodoxTechnique
left-handed / right-handed stance
Sow choyTechnique
sweeping hook punch
Spear (masa)Technique
the wrapped striking hand
Spinning back fistTechnique
spinning strike with the back of the fist
SprawlTechnique
defending a takedown by throwing the legs back
Ssang jeol bongWeapon / gear
nunchaku
StaffWeapon / gear
long stick
Stop hitTechnique
hitting the opponent as he starts to attack
Stop kickTechnique
low kick that intercepts an attack
Straight ankle lockTechnique
foot lock
Straight leadTechnique
fast punch with the lead (strong) hand
Straw floorWeapon / gear
traditional bouts on straw in barns
SubmissionfinalizaçãoTerm
A choke or lock that makes the opponent tap.
SuneTechnique
shin strike
SunsuForm
Sup Jee KuenForm
Form of Choy Li Fut
SuparinpeiForm
Form of Karate
Super Safe MenWeapon / gear
full-face clear helmet
SuplexTechnique
lifting throw backwards
SweepsTechnique
leg sweeps
Switch kickTechnique
kick after switching feet
Sword and bucklerWeapon / gear
one-handed sword with small shield
sword and staff hyungForm
Form of Kuk Sool Won
T
Tachi-waza立技Term
Standing techniques.
TachiaiTechnique
initial charge
TaebaekForm
Form of Taekwondo
Taegeuk Il Jang–Pal JangForm
Form of Taekwondo
Tai sabakiTechnique
body evasion
TaiahataiahaWeapon / gear
long staff of wood or whalebonemore →
TaijutsuTechnique
unarmed combat
Taikyoku 1–3Form
Form of Kyokushin
Taikyoku ShodanForm
TakedownTechnique
bringing the opponent to the ground
TalwarतलवारWeapon / gear
curved swordmore →
TameshigiriTechnique
test cutting
TameshiwariTechnique
breaking boards, tiles or bricks
Tan sauTechnique
palm-up deflecting hand
Tan tuiTechnique
springing leg kicks
Tan TuiForm
Form of Kung Fu
Tang ni buTechnique
mud-wading step
Tanglang gouTechnique
mantis hook hand
Tanto短刀Weapon / gear
wooden knifemore →
Tap outbaterTerm
Tapping the mat or the opponent to give up.
Tape and gauzeWeapon / gear
the only hand protection
Tatami畳Term
Straw (now foam) mats of the dojo.
TeTechnique
roundhouse kick with the shin
Tekki ShodanForm
Form of Karate
Tekki Shodan–SandanForm
TekkoWeapon / gear
knuckle-duster
Ten Thousand Character FistForm
Form of Choy Li Fut
TenkanTechnique
turning step
TenshoForm
Form of Kyokushin
TerreroWeapon / gear
sand circle
Tessen鉄扇Weapon / gear
iron war fan (classical schools)more →
Thai padsWeapon / gear
arm pads held by the trainer
Thập Tự QuyềnForm
Form of Vovinam
ThrowsTechnique
throws using the attacker's force
Tie shan kaoTechnique
leaning shoulder strike
Tiger-Crane (Hung Gar)Form
Form of Kung Fu
Tit Sin Kuen (iron wire)Form
Form of Hung Gar
Tomoe-nageTechnique
circle throw
TonfaトンファーWeapon / gear
stick with side handlemore →
Tongbi QuanForm
Form of Shaolin Kung Fu
Training knife and gunWeapon / gear
rubber or plastic replicas
TriânguloTechnique
triangle choke with the legs
Tsuken no konForm
Form of Bojutsu
Tsuken Shitahaku no saiForm
Form of Okinawan Kobudo
TsukiTechnique
thrust to the throat
TsukiotoshiTechnique
thrust down
Tui shou推手Term
"Push hands": tai chi partner exercise.
TuishouTechnique
push hands with a partner
Tunggal (solo form)Form
Form of Pencak Silat
U
UbhokoWeapon / gear
defending stick
Uchi-mataTechnique
inner-thigh throw
UchiokoshiTechnique
raising the bow
UkeTechnique
block with the staff
Uke / Tori受け · 取りTerm
Uke receives the technique; tori (or nage) performs it.
Ukemi受身Term
Breakfalls: how to fall safely.
UmbrellaWeapon / gear
improvised weapon
Universal PatternTechnique
map of attack and defence lines
UnshuForm
UppercutTechnique
rising punch
UrumiഉറുമിWeapon / gear
flexible coiling sword
Ushiro-geriTechnique
back kick
UwatenageTechnique
overarm throw
V
Val and parichaWeapon / gear
sword and shield
VarapaupauWeapon / gear
The Portuguese fighting stick, about the height of the chin or shoulder, once carried by shepherds and farmers of the north.more →
VerumkaiTechnique
empty-hand fighting
Vom Tag / Ochs / Pflug / AlberTechnique
the four guards of the German longsword
Vor, Nach, IndesVor · Nach · IndesConcept
"Before, after, meanwhile": the timing at the heart of Liechtenauer's German longsword. Indes is acting in the same instant as the opponent.more →
W
Wai khruไหว้ครูConcept
The ritual dance before a Thai fight, to honour the teacher, the parents and the gym.more →
Wai kru ram muayTechnique
pre-fight ritual dance
Wakizashi脇差Weapon / gear
short swordmore →
Walking stickWeapon / gear
Vigny's cane method
WanshuForm
WansuForm
Waza-ari技ありTerm
Half point; two make ippon.
Wrestling shoesWeapon / gear
light high boots
Wu de武德Concept
"Martial virtue": the Chinese code of humility, respect, righteousness, trust and loyalty, with will, patience and courage.more →
Wu xing (five elements)Form
Form of Xingyiquan
Wubuquan (five stances)Form
Form of Kung Fu
X
Xiao BajiForm
Form of Bajiquan
Xiao Hong QuanForm
Form of Shaolin Kung Fu
Xiao Hong Quan (Shaolin)Form
Form of Kung Fu
Xuanfeng jiaoTechnique
whirlwind kick
XuanziTechnique
butterfly twist
Y
YaktakWeapon / gear
jacket, green or blue
Yang 108-step long formForm
Form of Tai Chi
Yari槍Weapon / gear
The straight-headed Japanese spear. In the civil-war era it was the main weapon of foot soldiers, more important on the battlefield than the sword.more →
Yeop chagiTechnique
side kick
Yin e yang陰陽Concept
Opposites that complete each other: soft and hard, empty and full. Tai chi takes its name from this idea.more →
Yoko-geriTechnique
side kick
YonboshTechnique
throw onto the side
YorikiriTechnique
frontal force-out holding the belt
Yue ya chanWeapon / gear
monk's spade
YugakeWeapon / gear
deerskin shooting glove
YugamaeTechnique
readying the bow
Yumi弓Weapon / gear
bow over two metres longmore →
Yup cha giTechnique
side kick
Z
ZanshinTechnique
alertness after the strike
Zanshin残心Concept
"Remaining mind": staying alert and focused after the technique is done. In kendo a strike without zanshin does not score.more →
ZarbWeapon / gear
goblet drum of the morshed
Zenkutsu-dachiTechnique
long front stance
ZhenjiaoTechnique
stamping step
Zhuan zhangTechnique
circle walking
ZodogWeapon / gear
open-chested jacket
ZornhauTechnique
wrath strike (diagonal cut)
Zuan quanTechnique
drilling fist (water)
Zurna and doliWeapon / gear
pipe and drum music
ZweihänderWeapon / gear
A huge Renaissance two-handed sword, used by Landsknecht mercenaries to break pike formations.more →
ZwerchhauTechnique
cross strike (horizontal)
