Essential terminology from martial arts traditions around the world
Japanese martial art emphasizing harmony and redirecting an opponent's energy through throws and joint locks.
Striking techniques aimed at vital points of the body to disable or distract an opponent.
Colored fabric worn around the waist indicating rank and experience level in martial arts.
Highest basic rank in many martial arts, indicating mastery of fundamental techniques.
A six-foot wooden staff used in Kobudo and various martial arts weapons training.
Wooden practice sword used in Japanese martial arts to safely train sword techniques.
The analysis and practical application of kata movements in real combat situations.
Life energy or vital force that flows through the body, central to many Asian martial arts.
Close-range grappling position where fighters control each other, common in Muay Thai and MMA.
Black belt ranking system; higher dan numbers indicate greater mastery and experience.
Training hall or school where martial arts are practiced; literally "place of the way."
Traditional martial arts uniform consisting of jacket, pants, and belt.
Combat techniques performed while on the ground, emphasized in BJJ and wrestling.
Defensive position in grappling where one fighter controls from their back using legs.
Japanese command meaning "begin" used to start training or competition.
Full point in Japanese martial arts, awarded for a perfect technique or throw.
Quick, straight punch thrown with the lead hand, fundamental in boxing and striking arts.
Grappling technique that hyperextends or twists a joint to control or submit an opponent.
Choreographed pattern of movements representing combat scenarios, used for training and demonstration.
Spirited shout used to focus energy, intimidate opponents, and coordinate breath with technique.
Basic techniques and fundamentals that form the foundation of martial arts training.
Shoulder lock submission technique named after judoka Masahiko Kimura.
Victory achieved by rendering an opponent unconscious or unable to continue.
Sparring or free-fighting practice in karate and other martial arts.
Ranking system for students below black belt level, with lower numbers indicating higher rank.
Front kick in Japanese martial arts, a fundamental striking technique.
Striking post used in karate for conditioning hands and practicing powerful strikes.
Dominant ground position where one fighter sits on opponent's torso.
Throwing techniques in judo and jujutsu used to take opponents to the ground.
Belt worn with martial arts uniform, indicating rank and holding the gi closed.
Expression of respect, understanding, and perseverance used in many martial arts.
Free practice or sparring in judo where partners practice techniques with resistance.
Submission technique applied from behind, cutting off blood flow to the brain.
Bow showing respect to instructors, partners, and the training space.
Circular kick striking with the shin or instep, fundamental in many striking arts.
Japanese warrior class who followed bushido code and mastered various martial arts.
Teacher or instructor; literally "one who has gone before."
Competition or tournament in Japanese martial arts.
Powerful kick delivered with the heel or edge of the foot to the side.
Practice fighting with a partner to develop timing, distance, and technique application.
Body position and foot placement that provides balance, mobility, and power.
Technique forcing an opponent to concede defeat, typically through joint locks or chokes.
Technique using legs to off-balance and take down an opponent.
Technique to bring a standing opponent to the ground.
Signal of submission by tapping the mat, opponent, or oneself to end a hold.
Traditional Japanese mat used for training in judo, aikido, and other martial arts.
Push kick in Muay Thai used to maintain distance and off-balance opponents.
Submission using legs to encircle opponent's neck and arm, cutting off blood flow.
Strike or hitting technique in Japanese martial arts.
Upward punch targeting the chin or body, powerful close-range strike.
Technique or skill in Japanese martial arts.
Japanese command meaning "stop" used to halt training or competition.
Continued awareness and alertness after completing a technique.
Joint lock hyperextending the elbow, common submission in BJJ and MMA.
Strike using the back of the closed fist, typically targeting the face.
Technique for safely landing when thrown or taken down to minimize injury.
Open guard position using hooks with both feet on opponent's hips.
Pulling back a limb before executing a strike or kick for maximum power.
Straight punch thrown with the rear hand, powerful fundamental strike.
Close-range strike using the point of the elbow, devastating in Muay Thai.
Technique to free oneself from a hold, position, or submission attempt.
Deceptive movement to mislead opponent and create openings.
Light, technical sparring in BJJ focusing on movement and transitions.
Movement patterns and stepping techniques for positioning and mobility.
Sparring or competition allowing full-power strikes and techniques.
Fighting style emphasizing holds, throws, and ground control.
Front choke submission wrapping arm around opponent's neck.
Ground position where one fighter controls one of opponent's legs.
Curved punch targeting the side of the head or body.
Basic boxing combination: lead hand jab followed by rear hand cross.
Powerful strike using the knee, especially effective in clinch.
Low kick targeting opponent's thigh or calf to reduce mobility.
Body punch targeting the liver, can cause immediate incapacitation.
Thai boxing art using eight points of contact: fists, elbows, knees, shins.
Grappling without traditional uniform, requiring different gripping strategies.
Guard position with legs not locked around opponent, allowing mobility.
Looping punch thrown over opponent's guard, powerful knockout strike.
Defensive technique deflecting an incoming strike.
Technique to move past opponent's guard to achieve dominant position.
Rotating on the ball of the foot to generate power or change angle.
Body alignment and positioning, crucial for balance and technique execution.
Intentionally going to guard position from standing.
Technique to escape inferior position and gain advantage.
BJJ term for sparring or live training.
Hip escape movement fundamental to BJJ defensive techniques.
Dominant ground position perpendicular to opponent's body.
Takedown technique grabbing one of opponent's legs.
Defensive head movement to avoid punches by moving off centerline.
Left-handed fighting stance with right foot forward.
Defensive technique against takedowns by shooting hips back.
Jumping punch disguised as a kick, popularized in MMA.
Victory when referee stops fight due to fighter's inability to continue safely.
Ability to execute techniques at the optimal moment.
Movement from one position or technique to another.
Defensive position on hands and knees protecting against attacks.
Grappling position with arm under opponent's arm for control.
Overhook defense against underhook, wrapping over opponent's arm.