Martial Arts Terminology Guide

This comprehensive glossary covers terminology from various martial arts disciplines including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Karate, Taekwondo, Judo, Muay Thai, and more. Understanding these terms will enhance your martial arts journey and help you communicate effectively in any training environment.

General Martial Arts Terms
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Terminology
Karate Terminology
Taekwondo Terminology
Muay Thai Terminology
Judo Terminology

General Martial Arts Terms

These terms are commonly used across multiple martial arts disciplines and provide a foundation for understanding martial arts culture and training practices.

Dojo

A training facility or school where martial arts are practiced. Literally means "place of the way" in Japanese.

Sensei

A teacher or instructor, typically in Japanese martial arts. Literally translates to "one who has come before" or "one who has gone before."

Gi

The traditional uniform worn in many martial arts, consisting of a jacket, pants, and belt. Also called a "dobok" in Korean martial arts or "keikogi" in Japanese.

Kata

A detailed pattern of movements practiced either solo or in pairs, used to simulate combat scenarios in traditional martial arts.

Belt System

A method of denoting a practitioner's rank, skill level, and experience, typically progressing from white (beginner) through various colors to black (advanced).

Sparring

Controlled fighting practice between training partners, with varying levels of contact depending on the martial art and training purpose.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Terminology

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a ground-fighting martial art that focuses on controlling an opponent through techniques that force submission through joint locks or chokeholds.

Guard

A position where a practitioner is on their back with their legs used to control an opponent who is trying to pass. There are many variations including closed guard, open guard, half guard, etc.

Mount

A dominant position where a practitioner sits on top of their opponent's torso with their knees on the ground.

Sweep

A technique used to reverse a position, typically from guard, to gain a more dominant position over the opponent.

Armbar

A joint lock that hyperextends the elbow joint, forcing an opponent to submit. Also known as Juji-gatame in Judo.

Triangle Choke

A chokehold that uses the legs to trap an opponent's head and one arm, applying pressure to the carotid arteries.

Oss

An expression commonly used in BJJ to show respect, acknowledge instruction, or demonstrate understanding.

Karate Terminology

Karate is a striking-based martial art developed in Okinawa, Japan, focusing on punches, kicks, knee strikes, elbow strikes, and open-hand techniques.

Kihon

Basic or fundamental techniques that form the foundation of Karate training.

Kumite

Sparring or fighting practice with a partner, with various levels of contact ranging from light to full contact.

Tsuki

Punch or thrusting technique. Common variations include gyaku-tsuki (reverse punch) and oi-tsuki (lunge punch).

Geri

Kick. Common types include mae-geri (front kick), yoko-geri (side kick), and mawashi-geri (roundhouse kick).

Uke

Block or defender. Various blocking techniques include age-uke (rising block), soto-uke (outside block), and gedan-barai (downward sweep).

Kiai

A shout used to express fighting spirit, focus energy, and strengthen techniques during execution.

Taekwondo Terminology

Taekwondo is a Korean martial art characterized by its emphasis on head-height kicks, jumping and spinning kicks, and fast kicking techniques.

Dojang

The training hall or school where Taekwondo is practiced, equivalent to "dojo" in Japanese martial arts.

Sabum

Instructor or teacher in Taekwondo, similar to "sensei" in Japanese martial arts.

Poomsae

Formal patterns or sequences of movements that simulate fighting against imaginary opponents, similar to "kata" in Karate.

Ap Chagi

Front kick, a basic kicking technique in Taekwondo executed by pushing the foot straight forward.

Dollyo Chagi

Roundhouse kick, a technique where the practitioner turns their hip and strikes with the instep of the foot in a circular motion.

Kyorugi

Sparring or combat between two practitioners, typically with protective gear in competitions.

Muay Thai Terminology

Muay Thai, also known as "The Art of Eight Limbs," is a combat sport from Thailand that uses stand-up striking along with various clinching techniques.

Kru

Teacher or instructor in Muay Thai, equivalent to "sensei" in Japanese martial arts.

Wai Kru

A ritual performed before fights to show respect to the teacher, paying homage to the art, and warming up the body.

Tee

Kick. Different kicks include Tee Trong (straight kick), Tee Chiang (diagonal kick), and Tee Tat (roundhouse kick).

Sok

Elbow strike. Variations include Sok Tad (horizontal elbow), Sok Ngat (upward elbow), and Sok Sab (downward elbow).

Kao

Knee strike. Common types include Kao Trong (straight knee) and Kao Kong (diagonal knee).

Clinch

A stand-up grappling position unique to Muay Thai, where practitioners grab the back of the opponent's head/neck with both hands to control them and deliver knee and elbow strikes.

Judo Terminology

Judo is a Japanese martial art and Olympic sport that focuses on throws, pins, joint locks, and chokes, with an emphasis on using an opponent's energy against them.

Randori

Free practice or sparring with a partner to develop techniques and timing in a dynamic environment.

Ukemi

The art of falling safely, a fundamental skill in Judo to prevent injury when being thrown.

Nage-waza

Throwing techniques, a major category in Judo that includes various ways to throw an opponent to the ground.

Katame-waza

Grappling techniques, including holds, pins, joint locks, and chokes used to control an opponent on the ground.

Ippon

A full point in Judo competition, awarded for a decisive throw, a 20-second pin, or when an opponent submits to a joint lock or choke.

Shiai

A contest or competition in Judo where practitioners compete against each other following specific rules.