Word for martial arts

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The following collection of information has been gathered from multiple sources. As the majority of the terms are translations into English and open to some interpretation, depending on the particular style studied, exact definitions of each and every term are not guaranteed. Our main goal is to assist in ones ability to grasp concepts around some of the terminology that may be used in the martial arts world. As time goes on, hopefully our list will continue to refine and grow. We hope that you find this list to be a helpful resource. Enjoy!

ACUPUNCTURE – Chinese system of medicine and healing by the manipulation of needles on certain key points of the body, known as meridians.

AI-“Harmony” Philosophically it’s the force of human beings and nature. A force keeping the universe in harmony. A more broad concept explains Ai as loving energy between all living things.

AIKIDO – Japenese martial art invented by Morehei Ueshiba, involving internal and external harmony with nature, the techniques of this system are circular in movement. Other styles exist as off-shoots from the original founder’s version.

ARNIS DE MANO – Philippine martial art, meaning Harness of the Hand and involving the use of twins sticks for fighting. It is also a dance in which the fighting is hidden, devised after the spanish banned the martial arts.

ATEMI – Japanese art of attacking the vital points of the body. It is now used in jujitsu, but is illegal in judo contests.

BAGONG- Pasoktagalog-Entry-level student.Kali

BAGSAK- Tagalog-To drop; overhead strike with down weighing.Kali

BALISONG – Correct term for the filipino knife ( Butterfly ), taking it’s name from the balisong barrio, in the Philippines, where it was manufactured. It is a switchblade knife that is opened by a downward wrist action and is much favored by escrima and kali fighters.

BANDESH – Indian empty hand fighting technique used to defeat an armed assailant without killing him.

BANDO – Burmese martial art involving numerous boxing methods. It is based upon twelve animals, which are the Boar, Bull, Cobra, Deer, Eagle, Monkey, Bird, Panther, Python, Scorpion, Tiger and Viper. It was introduced into the west by Dr. Maung Gyi in 1962.

BANSHAY – Burmese forms of the weapon arts, utilizing the staff, sword and spear.

BERSILAT – Martial art of Malaysia, derived from the Indonesian Pentjaklilat. It is also practiced in Java and Sumatra.

BINOT – Ancient form of weaponless fighting found in India. This art is reputed to be more than 3,000 years old. The word means something to protect, few practioners are found today.

BLACK BELT – Belt representing the first significant rank in martial arts training. It is believed in some styles that achieving this level of proficiency allows one to teach the art to others. In the Japenese ranking system it is known as Shodan.

BO – Six and a half foot staff used by Okinawans and Japanese for combat purposes.

BODHIDHARMA – Indian holy man, also known as Ta’Mo and Daruma, credited wth bringing zen buddhism to China by introducing a series of exercises to the shaolin temple, traditionally recognized as the orgin of all Shaolin Kung Fu.

BOK HOK PAI – Chinese system of kung fu based upon the mannerisms of the white crane.

BOK MEI PAI – White Eyebrow, style of kung fu, named after it’s founder, Bok Mei. It is a very fast style of kung fu, which legend states to have been banned at the shaolin temple after Bok Mei killed a fellow student in a fight.

BOKKEN – Solid wooden sword used for training purposes in kendo and other martial arts. In the hands of an expert it can deliver fatal blows.

BRIDGE-Slightly extented arm positioning which capitilizes on structural strength

BUSHI – Japanese word meaning Martial Man to indicate a warrior who follows the code of Bushido, way of the warrior. Bushido was a code of ethnics, followed by the samurai, which stressed honor, loyalty, duty and obedience. The term has been erroneoulsy used to refer to ancient samurai ways, but it was first coined by the japanese writer, Inazo Nitobe, in 1892. As the title of his book of the same name.

BUTTERFLY KNIFE – Short, heavy chinese knife, used in pairs. It’s proper name is Bak Jam Dao. It is popularly seen in the kung fu styles of Wing Chun and Hung Gar, but other styles have adopted it.

CAT STANCE – Stance used mainly in some karate styles, but also seen in Kung Fu. It places virtually all the body weight on the back leg. The name derives from it’s resemblence to a cat about to pounce or spring.

CENTER LINE – Basic theory of Wing Chun Kung Fu, in which students are taught to defend and attack imaginary line running down through the center of the body on which all vital organs are located.

CH’AN-(CHAN) – Chinese reading of Zen, meaning Meditation. In india it is known as Dhyana.

CHANG SAN-FENG – Legendary martial arts master and great taoist philospher, credited with founding Tai Chi Chuan, one of the three internal systems of chinese boxing.

CHANG-HON YU – School of Taekwondo created by Choi Hong Hi. The name means Blue Cottage.

CHI – Internal energy, the universal force which is harnessed through a series of special breathing exercises called Chi-Kung or Gung. It brings it’s users good health and physical strength. It’s development is a prime requirement for practioners of Tai Chi and Hsing-1.

CHI SAO – Special exercise in Wing Chun Kung Fu for developing cordination and sensitivity in the arms. It is also very important for teaching correct elbow positioning and economy of motion. It is known in the west as Sticking Hands.

CHIEN – Oldest known style of Tai Chi Chaun. It began in Chien Village and has 108 postures.

CH’IN-NA – Chinese art of seizing and grappling, identified as a type of wrestling but much more sophisitated. Great knowledge of anatomy is required by it’s practioners before the techniques can be successfully applied.

CHOY LIFUT – Southern style of Chinese boxing based on the Shaolin Temple system. It was devised in 1836 by Chan Heung.

CHUAN-FA – Chinese term meaning Way of the Fist, correct term for Kung Fu.

CHUDAN – In Japanese Martial Arts the middle area or chest. In Karate this is one of the three target areas of the body.

CHUNGDAN – Korean term to indicate the mid-section of the body, corresponding to the japanese Chudan.

CHUNIN – One of the three ranks in Ninjutsu, the middleman

CRANE – One of the five animal styles of Shaolin Kung Fu.

CROSS- Boxing- It is a punch usually thrown with the dominant hand the instant an opponent leads with his opposite hand. The blow crosses over the leading arm, hence its name

DAISENSEI – Title of respect, meaning Great Teacher, given only to a teacher of high rank.

DAISHO – Matching set of the Japanese long and short swords, worn by all Samurai in the Tokugawa era.

DAITO – Japanese long sword with a cutting edge, measuring more then 25 inches. It was used by the Samurai.

DAITO-RYU – Style of Aiki Jutsu from which it is said that aikido developed.

DAN – Japanese term for anyone who has achieved the rank of Black Belt or above. This term is not exclusive to the Martial Arts, but is used in many sports and Games.

DIM MAK – Fabled death touch, a delayed action strike aimed at an acupuncture meridian, allegedly able to cause death to a victim within hours or days of it’s delivery.

DIT DA JOW – Special herbal ointment, the recipe of which is kept very secret, used to help pervent injury and severe brusing in almost all the Chinese Martial Arts

DO – Japanese word for Path or Way, used at the end of the name of a martial art, as in Karate Do or Kendo.

DOJO – Training place or hall, used for the practice of Japanese Martial Arts.

DOSHIN-SO – The founder of Shorinji Kempo, a martial art that is greatly influenced by Chinese system and is registered in Japan as a religious sect.

DRAGON – One of the five animal styles praticed at Sholin. The mythical Dragon symbolizes the spirit and teaches agility and flexability.

DRUNKEN MONKEY – Style of Kung Fu based upon the antics of Monkeys. Practioners stagger around as though intoxicated to fool their opponents. The style employs many ground and low techniques.

EMPTY HAND – Literal meaning of Karate in Japanese.

ESCRIMA – Martial system of the Philippines that employs sticks, swords and daggers. The term is spanish and means Skirmish. It’s adepts are called Escrimadors.

FIVE ANCESTORS – Five survivors who escaped during the sacking of the Sholin Temple, credited with being the founders of the Triad societies.

FIVE ANIMALS – Five animals, The Crane, Dragon, Leopard, Tiger and Snake, whose movements were imitated in a system of fighting said to be the orgin of the Shaolin Systems.

FORM – Series of choreographed movements in Kung Fu linking together various martial arts techniques, able to be performed as a solo exercise to aid the practioner in perfecting his techniuqe. The equivalent in Karate is called a Kata.

FU HSING – Chinese God of Happiness.

FU JOW PAI – Tiger Claw, system of Kung Fu, developed at the Sholin Temple.

FULL CONTACT – Form of Karate in which full power kicks are delivered at an opponent. Participants wear protective hand and foot equipment. The sport has grown rapidly in western countries in the last 15 years.

GEDAN – Lower area of the body, from the waist downwards, in Japanese Martial Arts.

GENIN – Lowest of three ranks in the Ninja Heiarchy. A Genin was the actual field agent, or Ninja, who performed assassinations.

GI – Term used for traning uniform in Japanese Martial Arts. It is known as a Karate Gi in Karate and Judo Gi in Judo.

GICHIN FUNAKOSHI – Founder of the Shotokan style of Karate, and Okinawan Schoolmaster credited with introducing Karate into Japan in 1922.

GOJU-KAI – Offshoot of Goju-Ryu Karate, founded by a student of Miyagi named Gogen Yamaguchi.

GOJU-RYU – One of the major styles of Karate developed from Okinawan Nahae. It is a hard-soft system invented by Chojun Miyagi.

GRAPPLING – Techniques, maneuvers, and counters applied to an opponent in order to gain a physical advantage, such as improving relative position, escaping, submitting, or injury to the opponent. Grappling is a general term that covers techniques used in many disciplines, styles and martial arts that are practiced both as combat sports and for self defense. Grappling does not typically include striking or most commonly the use of weapons, however some grappling disciplines teach tactics that include strikes and weapons either alongside grappling or as part of it

GULAT – Type of wrestling found in Jave, greatly influenced by Sumo Wrestling.

GUNG FU – Cantonese pronunciation of Kung Fu.

GURU – Referee at a Sumo wrestling match.

HACHIDAN – An 8th degree Black Belt, Hachi means Eight. In Japanese Martial Arts the title denotes a professor of the art.

HADAN – Taekwondo term for the area of the body below the waist, equivalent ot the Japanese, Gedan.

HAKAMA – Long devided skirt, garment covering the legs and feet, used in Kendo, Aikdo and other Japanese Martial Arts. The long robe is said to mask the intricate footwork of the practioner, therefore making it difficult for an opponent to judge his movements.

HAPKIKO – Korean Martial Art involving many difficult kicks, but also utilizing locks and holds. It is somewhat similar to the Japanese Jujitsu.

HARA-KIRI – Japanese ritual suicide by disembowlment, known in Japan by it’s proper name of Seppuku. It was the ultimate act of atonement by which a samurai warrior regained lost honor.

HARIMAU – Tiger style of Penjak-Silat in Indonisia.

HEIAN – Name given to the five basic katas in Karate. In some schools the Heian Katas are also known as Pinan Katas.

HOJO-JUTSU – Japanese art of binding or rope tying. First praticed by Samurai on the battlefield to detain prisioners for questioning. Adepts learn intricate methods of tying up a person with a cord.

HO-JUTSU – Samurai art of using firearms.

HOMBU – Headquarters of any Martial Art.

HOOK – Boxing-Performed by turning the core and back, thereby swinging the arm, which is bent at an angle near or at 90 degrees, in a horizontal arc into the opponent. Hook punches can be thrown by either the lead hand or the rear hand.  Variations of the hook are the shovel hook or upper-hook; they are body punches that combine characteristics of both the hook and the uppercut.

HOP GAR – Style of Kung Fu which became prominent during the Ching Dynasty of China. It was famous as the official martial art of the Manchu Emperors. Two distinct styles within the system were, White Crane and Law Horn. The style is also known by the name Lama Kung Fu.

HORSE STANCE – Basic stance, resembling that of a horse rider. In many oriental martial arts, especially Chinese Hung Gar and Japanese Karate, in the latter being known as Kiba Dachi.

HSING 1 – Chinese martial art created by the great warrior, Yueh Fei. It is sometimes referred to as Mind Form Boxing. The system is based upon the five chinese elements.

HUANG TI – Legendary Yellow Emperor of the Chou Dynasty, credited as the author of the Nei-Ching, the Taoist Classic of Internal Medicine.

HUNG GAR – Style of Kung Fu stressing powerful hand techniques delivered from low stances. It is based on the movements of the Tiger and Crane and is one of the original five ancestor styles. Hung is the creator’s name and Gar means Family or System.

HWARANG DO – Way of the Flowering Manhood, a code of ethnics and a fighting system followed by the Samurai. The code was also followed in the Silla Kingdom of Korea. Today it’s main advocate in the west is the grandmaster, Joo Bang Lee, who lives in the United States.

IAI-DO – Japanese method of drawing a sword and re-sheathing it, a non combat art aimed at leading the prationer to intellectual and spiritual awareness.

IAI-JITSU – Martial System from which Iaido was taken, a battlefield art which requires the practioner to draw his sword rapidly and strike to kill, and then replace it in it’s scabbard.

I-CHING ( Book of Changes ) – An ancient book of Taoist divination principles. This book, reputed to be the oldest known book in the world, contains the philosophicas basis of Tai Chi Chaun, Pakua, and Hsing 1. It comprises 64 six line symbols, or hexagrams, each composed of two three line symbols, called Trigrams. Together these symbols represent everything that exists in the universe.

IGA – Remote region of Japan famous as the home of the Ninja people.

INTERNAL SYSTEMS – There are three internal styles of Kung Fu; Tai Chi, Pakua and Hsing 1. They each cultivate chi energy, and inherent power within all human beings, largely inexplicable to modern science, which can be unleashed to awesome effect.

IPPON – Full point awarded in Martial Arts competitions for the flawless execution of a technique.

IPPON SEOI NAGE – The move is similar to the over-the-shoulder arm drag from professional wrestling. While tori’s lifting arm is raised tight under ukes arm, tori’s pulling arm grips high on the uke’s sleeve. Rotation and pull through complet the throw.

IRON PALM – Lethal technique of Kung Fu, able to kill with a single blow. The entire forearm must be conditioned over a period of several years before a prationer is able to attain any reasonable standard. This conditoning makes the adept’s hand and arm like an iron bar.

JAB – Boxing-A  lead hand straight punch, typically used as a range finder.  Several variations of the jab exist, but every jab shares these characteristics: while in a fighting stance, the lead fist is thrown straight ahead and the arm is nearly fully extended.

JEET KUNE DO – Style of Kung Fu divised by the late Bruce Lee. It’s name means Way of the Intercepting Fist.

JKA – Japan Karate Association, founded in 1955. It is the largest karate association in the world. It’s first chief instructor was the founder of Shotokan, Gichin Funakoshi.

JU JITSU – Japanese Martial Art based upon the exploitation of opponents strength against himself. The name means Soft or Flexable and the art contains both armed an unarmed techiques.

JODAN – In Japanese Martial Arts the top area of the body, from the shoulders upward.

JOINT-LOCK – A technique used in many styles involving manipulation of an opponent’s joints in such a way that the joints reach their maximum degree of motion

JONIN – Highest rank in the Ninja Hierarcy. A Jonin recieved intructions directly from the lord.

JUDO – Modern sporting form of Ju Jitsu, developed by Dr. Jigoro Kano in 1882.

JUDOKA – One who practices Judo.

JUKEN-DO – Way of the Bayonet, a Japanese Martial Art that has recently adopted a sporting format. It consists of fighting with a bayonet fixed to the end of a rifle and developed primarily form spear and staff arts.

JUTSU – Japanese word meaning Skill or Art.

JUTTE – Single tined or Pronged Iron Truncheon, used by the early japanese police force. The single tine at the hilt of the weapon enables the user to trap a Katana ( Sword ) without being injured by the blade.

KALARIPAYIT – Indian system of martial training, of which two styles exsist, the Northern and Southern. It is chiefly praticed by the Tamils in the south and decendants of the Nayar warriors in the north. The word means Battlefield Training.

KIAI – Super shout or yell in Japanese Martial Arts, emitted when applying a technique to add extra power and stun an opponent.

KIHON – Basic training moves, repeated many times in order to reach proficency.

KOBUDO – Name referring to the ancient martial ways of the japanese warrior.

KOSHI GURUMA – One of the original 40 throws of Judo as developed by Jigoro Kano. It belongs to the second group, Dai Nikyo, of Kodokan. Tori holds his right arm around the opponents head, then wheels his right hip inwards a bit past the opponents right hip. While the leg and hip positioning create lift, the torso rotates pulling through to complete the throw

KRABI-KRABBONG – Twin sworded combat system of Thailand, in which practioners fight at lightning speeds using two razor sharp short swords or a sword and a shield.

KUNG FU – A derivative of a Chinese term meaning Hard Work and Applied Skills, now accepted by both westerners and orientals as a generic term for martial art skills.

KUP – In Taekowndo one of the eight grades of ranking before the Black Belt comparable to the Japanese KYU grade.

KUZUSHI – Essentially means “off balance”. From Japanese, “kuzusu” meaning to level, pull down or demolish

KYOKUSHINKAI – Japanese Karate System founded by the Korean born Mastau Oyama. It’s name means Way of Ultimate Truth. Oyama gained fame by fighting bulls barehanded. He still holds the world record for breaking the largest number of roofing tiles with one blow.

KYUDO – Way of the Bow, a Japanese Martial Art of archery which incorperated deep zen concepts. Great emphasis is placed upon the way in which one applies oneself duing the ritual perparing the arrow for flight, actually hitting the target is of little importance.

LAO TSU – Legendary sage in Chinese history, credited with founding the principles of Taoism.

LATHI – Indian Art of fighting with a Staff.

LO HAN – Name of any famous diciple of Buddha and also the name of the exercises that Bodhidharma taught to the monks at Shaolin when he found them in an emaciated condition. The method of training known as The 18 hands of the Lo Han is the basis of what we now know as Kung Fu.

LUNG – Chinese word meaning Dragon

MABUNI KENWA – Creator of Shitoryu Kartate, who studied under the same Okinawan master called Hosu, as Funakoshi.

MAKIWARA – Stiking post used to conditon the hands and feet in Karate.

MARTIAL ARTS – Term denoting the arts of war, taken from mars, the god of war. It now means a fighting discipine to promote combat proficiency.

MEN – Face mask or helmet used in Kendo.

MOO DUK KWAN – Korean term for an academy for martial practice.

MOOK JOONG – Wooden dummy, shaped like a man, used for conditoning and training purposes in many hard, or external, styles of Kung Fu notable Wing Chun and Hung Gar.

MUAY THAI – Correct term for Thai Boxing.

NAGINATA – Japanese Halberd, or curved bladed spear, used in the martial way of Naginata-Do. This art was adopted by woman and is now a thriving combat sport in Japan. Although the spear tip has been replaced with a piece of bamboo for safety reasons.

NAHA TE – One of the three original styles of Okinawan Kartate, named after the town of Naha, where it was first practiced.

NINJA – Secret society of highly trained assassins in old Japan, trained from birth to become expert in a vast number of martial skills. It is also the term ofr a male of Ninjutsu.

NINJUTSU – Martial Art of the Ninja people. The original name was Shinobi.

NUNCHAKU – Two wooden batons linked by a short chain or cord to make a weapon. Used originally as a rice flail, it is found in most cultures throughout Asia.

O GOSHI – One of the original 40 throws of Judo as compiled by Jigoro Kano. It belongs to the Dai ikkyu, of Kodokan Judo. In this technique, kuzushi is to uke’s front. Tsukuri (turning/fitting in) involves tori turning his hips, moving them in front and below uke’s hips, with tori’s lapel-side hand passing behind uke’s back, usually under uke’s arm, while minimising the amount of space between tori’s back and uke’s chest. Tori’s sleeve-side hand pulls uke’s arm to the front, maintaining the balance break. Execution of the throw involves tori lifting with the hips and bending while continuing torso rotation and pull through, bringing uke onto the mat at tori’s feet.

OKINAWA TE – Collective term for the Okinawan schools of Kartate. The name means Okinawa Hand.

O SOTO GARI – One of the original 40 throws of Judo as developed by Jigoro Kano. It belongs to the first group, Dai Ikkyo, of the traditional throwing list, Gokyo (no waza), of Kodokan Judo. In a classical right-handed osotogari, tori steps next to uke with his left leg and reaps uke’s right leg (at the back of the thigh) with his right leg.

PA-KUA – Style of Kung Fu, based on circular movements with open palm strikes. It means Eight Trigrams and the concept comes from the classic chinese treatise, the 1-Ching, or book of changes. The practioner constantly changes directions during an attack. Hence the art is sometimes known as Eight-Directions Palm Boxing.

PENTJAK-SILAT – Indonesian martial art of Muslim and Chinese orgin. Many hundreds of sytles exist.

PRAYING MANTIS – Style of Kung Fu known in China as Ton Long. It is named after Wong Long, who invented the style after witnessing a fight between a grasshopper and a praying mantis.

PRESS – The act of creating or maintaining pressure oftentimes in order to create offbalance

RANDORI – In judo, free practice or sparring in which the techniques are not prescribed.

ROKUSHAKUBO – Okinawan six foot staff or pole made from oak or simular hardwood. Roku means six, Shaku means about a foot in length, and Bo means pole or staff.

ROLLING – American term used for grappling or ground fighting

ROUNDHOUSE KICK – Kick used in virtually all the martial arts. It’s circular path gives it extra power by generating a center force and it is on of the most powerful kicks in the martial artist’s arsenal.

RYU – School or Style in Japanese Martial Arts.

SAI – Three pronged, fork like weapon, once made of iron, now of steel. It resembles a short, blunt sword and is a single handed weapon used in pairs.

SAMURAI – Japanese feudal warrior. The word means one who serves. A samurai served as a military retainer to a lord and his shogun. A masterless samurai was known as a Ronin.

SANCHIN – Breathing exercise of 20 movements used in Okinawan karate. It teaches a practitioner to tense his body and control his breathing during intense combat.

SAVATE – French system of foot fighting, correctly termed La Savate. It was the foreruner of traditonal french boxing, called La Boxe Francaise, used in Paris by the underworld. It was influenced by Chinese Martial Arts.

SENSEI – Japanese word for a Teacher or Instructor.

SHAOLIN – Temple in the Songshan mountains of northern China, where Kung Fu is said to have born.

SHIAI – Contest in Judo in which two Judoka use a variety of techniques to score points.

SHINAI – Bamboo sword made of four strips bound together, used in Kendo to replace the live blade.

SHINOBI – Old term from shich the name Ninja derives.

SHINTO – Japanese animistic religion, meaning Way of the Gods. It is based on ancestor worship.

SHORINJI KEMPO – Japanese Karate system founded by Doshin So, now deceased. It’s organization is now headed by his daughter.

SHOTOKAN – School of Japanese Karate founded by Gichin Funakoshi. The name dreives from Funakohsi’s pen name Shoto. It is probably the most widely practiced style of Karate in the world.

SHUAI CHIAO – One of the earliest organized fighting systems in China, dating from c.700 BC. It was a form of wrestling, but with few throws. Today it is an official sport of the People’s Republic of China.

SHURIKEN – Sharp pointed throwing stars, orginally made of iron, a favorite weapon of the Ninja. Many shapes and sizes exited.

SIFU – Instructor in Kung Fu, corresponding to a Sensei in karate. The word means Father.

SIKARAN – Martial Art found on the Philippine Island Luzon. It stresses kicks and leg techniques and resembles some Japanese Martial Arts.

SIL LUM – Cantonese name for the Shaolin Temple.

SIL LUM TAO – Primary form in Wing Chun, meaning Little Idea or Little Imagination. The form teaches elbow positioning and the protection of the center line. It has no foot movements.

SO-JUTSU – Japanese skill in using the spear. The name means Art of the Spear

SPARRING – Combat experience to give a karate student the oppurtunity to apply the techiques he or she has learned.

SPORT KARATE – Karate competition in which conteststants fight under combat rules in a ring or area. They wear protective gloves and foot pads. Techniques are scored and points are given. Actual combat is prohibited. Although some leeway is allowed.

SUMO – Ancient form of Japanese wrestling, steeped in religious aspects of Shintoism, contestants build themselves up to great weights in order to gain an advantage over their opponents.

SUN TZU – Author of the Chinese Military Classic, The Art of War, believed by many to be the treatise upon which Ninjutsu is based.

SWEEP – Technique in which catches the opponents foot for feet and unbalances him or her.

TAEKWONDO – Korean style of empty hand combat very simular to karate. Great emphasis is placed upon delivering strikes with the feet and fists. This art was partly indigenous to Korea, being known as Tae Dyon in it’s older version.

TAI CHI CHUAN – One of the three internal systems of Kung Fu. Much value is placed upon it’s therapeutic properties for the relief of stress and tension. It is intendeed to guide one into a state of peace and tranquility. The word means Great Ultimate Fist. There is a deadly side to this art, but it is known by only a few instructors.

TAMASHIWARA – Japanese technique of using strikes with the body against materials such as wood, tiles, bricks and ice to test the power of a strike.

TANG SOO DO – Way of the Tang Hand, a Korean Martial Art System very simular to Japanese Shotokan Karate. The style was developed in 1949 by Hwang Kee, who claimed to have derived it from the ancient korean arts of T’ang Su and Subak.

TAO – Chinese term meaning Path or Way. Tao is an invisible force or energy, present in all things in the universe.

TE – Okinawan term meaning Hand.

THAI BOXING – Same as Mauy Thai.

THAING – General term of the Burmese Arts of Self Defense.

TIGER – One of the five animals in Sholin Kung Fu.

TOBOK – Suit or Tunic worn by practioners of Taekwondo, consisting of a loose shirt and trousers tied in the middle with a sash or belt.

TONFA – Okinawan agriculture implement, the handle used to operate a manual millstone, adopted by the Okinawas as a weapon for fighing purposes. It is used in Karate to improve technique. In recent times many United States Police Departments have issued an updated version of the tofa to their officers as a replacement for the billy clup or night stick.

UESHIBA – Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Akido.

UKEMI – Japanese art of falling and rolling

URUMI – Indian spring sword with four sharp edges.

VITAL POINTS – Certain areas on the body which, when struck in a particular way, cause great pain or death.

WADO RYU KARATE – Way of Peace, style of Japanese Karate developed from Shotokan by Hironori Ohtsuka.

WAZARI – In competitive martial arts a score of half a point, awarded to the skillful execution of a technique.

WHITE BELT – Color of belt to a beginner in most Japanese Martial Arts.

WING CHUN – Chinese Martial Art invented by a woman named Yim Wing Chun. It’s name means Beautiful Springtime. It is considered by many to be one of the most effective forms of Kung Fu in existence. the fundamental premise of the style is economy of motion. Wing Chun greatly influenced Bruce Lee when he was forumulating his own system of Jeet Kune Do.

WU SHU – Chinese term for the Military Arts, now use a generic name for the highly acrobatic martial arts of mainaland China.

YANG – In Chinese cosmology the positive aspect of the universe relating to hardness, masculinity and light, one half of the Taoist view of the universe.

YANG STYLE – Style of Tai Chi, developed by Yang Lu Chan in the early part of the 19th century. It contains the original 13 Tai Chi postures.

YIN – In Chinese cosmology, the negative aspect of the universe, relating to emptiness, softness, darkness and feminity. Yin is represented as a black fish with a white eye in the famous Yin-Yang symbol.

YOKO ARUKI – Ninja secret walking techniques. The word means Walking Sideways. By employing such methods, the Ninja did not reveal in which direction he or she was traveling, thus making it difficult for his enemies to track him.

YOKOZUNA – Grand Champion Rank of Sumo Wrestling, the highest of five ranks.

YUDANSHA – Kendoka who has achieved the rank of Black Belt or higher, alone permitted to wear an outfit of a uniform color.

ZANSHIN – State of mind cultivated in many Japanese Martial Arts. The practioner is supposed to become calm yet fully aware of his opponent’s every movement.

ZEN – Religious phiolosophy that claims that one can reach satori, or enlightment, through meditation. Founded by the Indian Monk and Holy Man, Bodhidharma. Zen makes use of paradoxical poems called Koans to clear the mind of trivia and so reaches the meditative state required. In China, Zen is called Chan or Ch’an. Zen was much favored by the Japanese Samurai.

ZHURKANE – Persian ( Iranian ) term meaning powerhouse. It refers to a system of highly specialized strength exercises and professes to be a martial art dating back more than 3000 years to the court of the Darius.

ZLI YANG – Korean-Mass, a factor in the theory of power.

ZONING-English -The act of limiting the opponent’s offensive potential by moving to a position relative to them that closes off the major weapons, or likely next attack. Identification of the next likely attack is based on reach, foot placement, weight distribution and momentum. Similar to Angling. Kali, JKD

Aside from karate, kung fu, and taekwondo, few people know other types of martial arts. In fact, there are so many different types of martial arts today with each of them having a distinct fighting style. Some people, however, may not even fully understand what martial arts is. Read on to find out the moves and benefits each one entails!

What is martial arts?

Martial art is a kind of sport that deals with attacking and defending. In other words, martial arts are all about combat. There are some types of martial arts that use weapons, though, but most martial arts deal with hand-to-hand combat.

Now, how many types of martial arts are there? Today, there are over 170 types. And you can expect this number to grow in the future as more professionals are developing styles.

Martial arts require a lot of self-discipline. While it is difficult to learn martial arts forms and it usually takes people years to master them, it is all worth it. How do we say so? Well, for starters, martial arts enhance your coordination and flexibility. They are also full-body workouts. Aside from boosting your physical health, they could also improve mental health and equip you with decent self-defense skills.

If you’re interested to learn, below is a list of martial arts to know which one is the best for you!

Aikido

Year created: 1940s
Country of origin: Japan
Creator: Morihei Ueshiba

All over the world, people practice different styles of Japanese martial arts. One example is Aikido. Martial artists refer to aikido as “the way of unifying (with) life energy” or “the way of harmonious spirit”.

The creator, Ueshiba, also called “O-Sensei,” combined Indian and Chinese beliefs with his martial arts knowledge. Thus, aikido deals with mental, spiritual, and physical training.

Aikido focuses on throwing, striking, and pinning your opponent. Grappling and joint-locking are also prevalent. At times, weapons are used such as Japanese swords, staffs, and knives.

American Kenpo Karate

Year created: 1950s
Country of origin: United States
Creator: Ed Parker

Many types of martial arts are products of martial artists mixing a type of martial art with their own beliefs or practices. American Kenpo Karate is an example of this. Ed Parker mixed traditional karate with modern styles of street fighting.

American Kenpo Karate focuses on hand-to-hand combat and self-defense tactics. Reaction time is an important factor in American Kenpo. You must respond quickly to attacks.

In American Kenpo, “shifting” refers to the fast transition between forms. Some examples of these forms are Short Form 1, Short Form 2, Long Form 2, and so on.

Arnis

Year created: 1500s
Country of origin: Philippines
Creator: N/A

Unlike other types of martial arts, the Arnis does not have a sole creator. During the 1500s, the indigenous people of the Philippines defended themselves and their lands with different weapons, such as spears, swords, and sticks. From this history, Arnis was developed.

Arnis is the Philippines’ national sport and martial arts. These weapons used in it are wooden sticks or daggers. While Arnis heavily focuses on weapon-based fighting, hand-to-hand combat is still important. Grappling and weapon disarming are some of the techniques you’ll learn in Arnis.

Other names for Arnis include “Kali” or “Eskrima.” Those who practice the sport are either called “arnisador” or “arnisadora.”

Boxing

Year created: 688 B.C.
Country of origin: Ancient Greece
Creator: N/A

Out of all the types of martial arts, boxing might be the most popular. Boxing is an Olympic sport that many look forward to every year.

Western boxing, or simply “boxing,” is a combat sport that only uses punches. In a boxing ring, two opponents will throw punches at one another during three-minute rounds. A referee inside the ring will oversee the match to ensure that no fouls occur.

The original creator of boxing is unknown. Its origins can be traced back to Ancient Greece, where it was part of the ancient Olympic Games.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Year created: 1920
Country of origin: Brazil
Creator: Carlos Gracie, Oswaldo Gracie, Gastao Grace Jr., George Gracie, and Helio Gracie

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is one example of the types of martial arts that focus on ground fighting. This means that martial artists of this type focus on tackling their opponent to the ground. Whoever makes their opponent submit will win the match.

While this martial art requires you to take down your opponents, many view this as a non-violent sport. In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, martial artists have to master the angles, pressure, timing, and leverage when tackling opponents to the ground. Applying these principles ensures opponents do not harm or commit fouls against each other.

With these principles, even smaller people can defeat the biggest of opponents. In fact, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is known as a “gentle art”.

Capoeira

Year created: 1500s
Country of origin: Brazil
Creator: N/A

Some types of martial arts combine fighting styles with acrobatics. Capoeira, for instance, combines dance and martial arts together. Enslaved Africans in Brazil were the first to practice this martial art.

A “capoeirista” refers to a person who practices capoeira, and one must be flexible and agile. This is because capoeira involves a lot of complex movements. Handstands and somersaults are common moves in this martial art. Sometimes, capoeiristas strap blades to their ankles or held them in between their toes.

Music is an important part of capoeira. In a match, two capoeiristas will try to strike at one another while timing their moves with the music. Both singing and instrumentals accompany capoeiristas as they face off.

Fencing

Year created: 1850s
Place of origin: London
Creator: Domenico Angelo

When someone mentions fencing, you’re probably thinking of two people in white suits trying to poke one another with pointy swords. This isn’t a far-off description of the martial art itself.

Fencing is one of the most popular types of martial arts in the world and is one of the most awaited sports in the Olympics. Fencers refer to those who practice this sport and there are three types of weapons they use: foil, saber, and epeé. They also wear a special jacket or strap body cards around their bodies. To score, they need to hit specific spots on their opponent’s jacket using their weapon of choice.

Hapkido

Year created: 1900s
Country of origin: Korea
Creator: Choi Yong-Sool and students

Like most types of martial arts, hapkido is another hybrid martial art. Hapkido is a martial art that focuses on self-defense tactics. Thus, a lot of grappling and throwing are involved. It is like aikido, however, martial artists use more offensive tactics in this one.

In hapkido, working on your footwork and identifying pressure points are necessary. Weapons-based combat is also a part of it, with traditional weapons such as nunchucks and sticks of different lengths.

In English, “hapkido” translates to “way of coordinated energy”. Thus, hapkido classes will often start with breathing exercises and meditation. This is to center the student’s “ki” or “energy”.

Gatka

Year created: 1400s or 1900s
Country of origin: Northern India
Creator: Sikhs

Gatka is a Sikh martial art that uses wooden sticks or swords in combat. Like other types of martial arts, it greatly developed over the years. Its origin is uncertain but some say that it was created in the 1900s while others argue that it’s already around the 15th century. Today, gatka is often performed in festivals as a sword dance or performance.

A “guru” refers to someone who teaches gatka and how to wield different kinds of gatka weapons. An example of these weapons is the “soti”, a 1-meter-long bamboo sword with a handguard. They also teach them how to sharpen their mental and spiritual senses.

The World Gatka Federation is the governing body of gatka. They forward efforts to promote the sport to people around the world.

Greco-Roman Wrestling

Year created: 1800s
Country of origin: France
Creator: Varying Accounts

Not all types of martial arts are part of the Olympics. However, Greco-Roman wrestling has been an Olympic sport since 1896. This martial art took inspiration from Ancient Greek and Roman styles of wrestling.

During a match, wrestlers cannot use footwork to sweep or tackle their opponents. In fact, they can only strike with their hands above the waist. Any hits below the waist will incur a penalty. Thus, wrestlers heavily rely on the power of their throws. It is a martial art that requires great strength.

Other names for Greco-Roman wrestling include classic wrestling, French wrestling, and flat hand wrestling.

Iaido

Year created: 1550s
Country of origin: Japan
Creator: Hayashizaki Minamoto Jinsuke Shigenobu

Another example of Japanese martial arts is iaido. Unlike other types of martial arts, iaido does not require an opponent. In fact, iaido is usually a solo sport, where the practitioner simply imagines their opponent.

During feudal Japan, samurais primarily used iaido. This martial art requires sharp senses and a fast reaction time. An “iaidoka” refers to someone who practices it.

The iaidoka has to be completely aware of their surroundings. They must draw their sword from its scabbard in a controlled manner, strike their opponent, remove the blood from their blade, and sheath their sword back into the scabbard. While performing these four steps, they also must be graceful and quick.

Jeet Kune Do

Year created: 1967
Country of origin: China
Creator: Bruce Lee

If you’re a fan of martial arts movies, then you probably know Bruce Lee. Not only is Bruce Lee a famous action movie star, but he is also the creator of Jeet Kune Do. As he found most types of martial arts restrictive, Lee developed his own style.

Jeet Kune Do focuses on practical fighting over perfect forms. Lee established three basic principles: simplicity, directness, and freedom. This is to ensure that the martial artist is efficient.

In English, “Jeet Kune Do” translates to “way of intercepting the fist”. This is in line with Lee’s own philosophies. To Lee, it was important to move naturally. “Fighting without fighting” was one of the key beliefs.

Jujutsu

Year created: 1600s
Country of origin: Japan
Creator: N/A

Jujutsu is a popular Japanese martial art. In fact, it paved the way for many other types of martial arts. This includes Brazilian jiu-jitsu, aikido, judo, and many more.

In English, “jujitsu” translates to “gentle art.” However, despite the name, jujutsu is one of the deadliest martial arts ever. Originally, it was a style that samurais used in combat. Jujutsu uses fighting styles that involve hitting, kicking, and throwing your opponents. Choking and kneeing are also allowed.

Other names for jujutsu are ju-jitsu or jiu-jitsu.

Judo

Year created: 1882
Country of origin: Japan
Creator: Jigoro Kano

One of the most popular types of martial arts is judo. This modern martial art draws from the styles of jujutsu, and those who practice this modern martial art are called “judoka”. The judoka wear “judogi”, a uniform specifically for judo.

As a full-contact sport, judo deals with a lot of joint locking or chokeholds. This martial art’s focus is grappling. In competitive judo, the judoka’s aim is to tackle their opponent to the ground and make them surrender.

Judo is part of the Olympic Games with the first Olympic competition for men’s judo held in Tokyo in 1964. Women judoka competed in the Olympics from 1992 onwards.

Kajukenbo

Year created: 1947
Country of origin: Hawaii Territory
Creator: Peter Choo, Frank Ordonez, Joe Holck, Clarence Chang, and Adriano D. Emperado

Kajukenbo is a relatively new martial art that originated in Hawaii in 1947. It is another example of a hybrid martial art and its name comes from the combination of the different types of martial arts it is derived from. The first syllables of karate, judo or jujutsu, and Kenpo make “ka-ju-ken”. Lastly, “bo” is from boxing. Together, it becomes “ka-ju-ken-bo”.

It combines kicks from Tang Soo do, throwing from judo, and joint locks from jujutsu. Self-defense tactics such as disarming someone are also a practice in this sport.

Karate

Year created: 1600s
Country of origin: East Asia
Creator: N/A

Out of all the types of martial arts, karate might be the most popular. Karate, or Karate Do, is a Japanese martial art that did not fully develop until the 1900s. However, its origins trace back to East Asia during the 17th century.

The word “karate” comes from “kara”, which means empty, and “te” which means hand. Thus, “karate” literally translates to “empty hand”. Just as the name suggests, karate focuses on hand-to-hand combat. There are no weapons used in this martial art. Instead, karate moves focus on kicking, striking, and blocking.

There are different types of karate. In Japan, these are the Shotokan, Goju-ryu, Shito-ryu, and Wado-ryu.

Kendo

Year created: 1800s
Country of origin: Japan
Creator: N/A

Many types of martial arts use swords in combat. Kendo is another example. The word “kendo” translates to “way of the sword”. This traditional Japanese martial art requires the mastery of a shinai. A shinai is a two-handed wooden sword that is usually made of bamboo.

Along with the shinai, the martial artist must also wear traditional armor. This armor comprises a jacket, a long divided skirt, chest armor, a waist protector, a thick mask, and padded gloves. These protect the combatant during a match.

In kendo, the goal is to strike your opponent using the shinai. However, you can only strike your opponent at specific body parts. Some examples are the top of the head and the sides of the body. Each part will have corresponding scores.

Kenjutsu

Year created: 1400s–1500s
Country of origin: Japan
Creator: N/A

Kenjutsu is another type of martial art that focuses on Japanese swordsmanship. Iaido and kendo are both variations of the traditional kenjutsu. The word “kenjutsu” translates to “the technique of the sword”. A “kenjutsuka” refers to a master of kenjutsu.

In kenjutsu, they use a samurai’s katana. Martial artists can also use wooden bokkens to avoid accidents. On the other hand, a beginner uses a shinai to first familiarize themselves with swords.

Kenjutsu requires great strength and flexibility from the martial artist. Striking with a sword and dodging are important skills to perform this well.

Kickboxing

Year created: 1950s
Country of origin: Japan
Creator: N/A

Kickboxing is more than just another gym class. It is one of the most popular types of martial arts today. Kickboxing is a hybrid martial art that combines karate and boxing together. And while boxing doesn’t allow kicking, kickboxing requires you to punch and kick your opponent.

Competitive kickboxing is a full-contact sport. However, noncontact kickboxing also exists. Instead of striking at an opponent, you will punch and kick weight bags and hand pads.

This is a popular practice all over the world because of its health benefits. As a workout, it improves cardiovascular health, builds your muscles, and improves your sleep. As self-defense, it can keep you safe in dangerous scenarios.

Kinomichi

Year created: 1979
Country of origin: France
Creator: Masamichi Noro

In 1979, Masamichi Noro founded kinomichi in Paris, France. Masamichi Noro was a student of the founder of Aikido. Thus, Kinomichi draws inspiration from the styles and principles of aikido.

Like aikido, kinomichi focuses on grace. To some, they believe it requires more grace than aikido. Noro focuses on two key principles: the ki and the shin. The ki is like the Chinese “qi”, which refers to the energy of the universe. The shin is the heart or mind.

This martial art is non-competitive. However, this does not mean that students do not spar with one another. It simply means that there is no ranking among students.

Kino Mutai

Year created: N/A
Country of origin: Philippines
Creator: N/A

Kino Mutai is a martial art from the Philippines, which comes from the Cebuano word, “kinamutay”. This translates to “effeminate hand fighting”. This name reflects the distinct fighting style of Kino Mutai.

Unlike other types of martial arts, kino mutai allows biting, pinching, and gauging your opponent’s eyes. Furthermore, it focuses on targeting pressure points and inflicting pain. These can all cause serious injuries, thus this martial art is not for the faint-hearted.

In kino mutai, the martial artist’s goal is to defend themselves from someone bigger than them. It began as self-defense, especially against those armed with weapons.

Kung Fu

Year created: N/A
Country of origin: China
Creator: N/A

Kung fu is a Chinese martial art that is popular not only in practice but in media as well. Celebrities like Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan made kung fu popular in film. In fact, it is so popular that it has its own subgenre.

Despite its popularity, few can tell the difference between kung fu vs karate. These two disciplines are similar, but karate draws from Japanese principles while kung fu is a martial art that focuses on Chinese concepts. For instance, kung fu forms are based on symbolic Chinese animals. These are the dragon, frog, horse, and snake.

Other names for kung fu are “Gongfu” or “Wushu.”

Kun Khmer

Year created: 800 A.D. and revived in the 1970s
Country of origin: Cambodia
Creator: N/A

Like other types of martial arts, Kun Khmer is a full-contact combat sport. Kun Khmer focuses on striking and clinch holds, but this sport’s defining feature is its kicking technique. In Kun Khmer, a powerful kick comes from your hip rotation instead of just swinging the leg.

Another name for Kun Khmer is “pradal serey”. Pradal means “fighting” or “boxing”, while “serey” means “free”.

As the national sport of Cambodia, Kun Khmer’s popularity among locals is big. Several organizations host fights and tournaments almost every week, and locals often go to watch. This is no surprise as Cambodians hold Kun Khmer in high regard as a part of their country’s culture and history.

Kuntao

Year created: N/A
Country of origin: Malay Archipelago, Southeast Asia
Creator: N/A

Kuntao differs from other types of martial arts because of its secrecy. Its exact origins are unknown. Back then, people from Southeast Asia practiced Kuntao in secret. Thus, there are no records that can detail its origin.

In the 1900s, Kuntao was developed into a sport. People from Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines began practicing it in the open.

Kuntao martial art focuses on striking, kicking, and grappling. Weapon combat is also a part of Kuntao. Some of these weapons are swords and spears.

Krav Maga

Year created: 1930s
Country of origin: Israel
Creator: Imi Lichtenfeld

Developed for the Israeli military, Krav Maga is a hybrid martial art. It mixes different types of martial arts together such as karate, judo, boxing, and more. Initially, only those from the army knew of Krav Maga. However, Lichtenfeld opened a school for civilians in 1971 after retiring from the army.

Thus, a lot of people learned Krav Maga and spread it around the world. This martial art focuses on striking, take-downs, and chokeholds. It also involves groundwork.

Disarming weapons such as knives and guns are also key lessons in Krav Maga. This makes it a popular choice for self-defense classes.

Lethwei

Year created: 1100s
Country of origin: Myanmar
Creator: N/A

One of the deadliest types of martial arts is Lethwei. This martial art from Myanmar is a full-contact sport. Lethwei doesn’t allow the use of gloves. Instead, people wear tape and gauze. Thus, punching and striking will hurt much more.

Furthermore, Lethwei allows headbutts. Most types of martial arts only allow striking with the fists, feet, or both, but Lethwei allows practitioners to attack with their heads too. This is why some people call the sport, “The Art of 9 Limbs”.

Because Lethwei allows headbutts, fighters are much more prone to injury. In fact, Lethwei is known as the bloodiest martial arts in India. Despite the risks, it is still popular with both fighters and audiences worldwide.

Mani

Year created: 1500s
Country of origin: Cuba
Creator: N/A

Juego de mani, or simply mani, combines martial arts and dance. Developed in Cuba, African slaves disguised combat training with dance moves. This is why one of its names is “baile de mani”. This translates to “dance of war”. On the other hand, “juego de mani” translates to “game of war”.

Another name for this sport is “bambosa”. Initially, mani did not have one-on-one face-offs. Instead, a solo dancer stood in the middle of a circle, who all try to attack them. The solo dancer’s goal is to dodge these attacks.

Later on, mani developed into a competitive nature. Thus, two opponents faced each other. Sometimes, they will use weapons like a staff. Music is important in a match, which determines the rhythm of attacks.

Mixed Martial Arts

Year created: 1900s
Country of origin: N/A
Creator: N/A

Out of all the types of martial arts, mixed martial arts are likely the most televised. In the Ultimate Fighting Champion (UFC), people of all genders and weight classes compete in an octagon cage.

This hybrid sport combines muay Thai, jujutsu, judo, and many more. A lot of technique is necessary to compete in MMA. You will need to be versatile in punching, grappling, and kicking. Learning throws are also important.

Mixed martial artists compete in a fenced ring. They do not use headgear, and they must be barefoot. However, they must wear padded fingerless gloves.

Muay Thai

Year created: 1900s
Country of origin: Thailand
Creator: N//A

“Muay” is Thai for “boxing”. Thus, muay Thai literally means “Thai boxing.” While its origins come from traditional martial arts from the 1300s, modern muay Thai properly emerged in the 1990s.

Muay Thai is called the “Art of 8 limbs.” Unlike other types of martial arts, you can only use your hands and feet. In Muay Thai, you can use elbows and knees to land hits too. Thus, there are eight points of contact.

In muay Thai, there are three classifications: attack, defense, and counter technique. Attacking includes punching, striking, and kicks. Meanwhile, defending refers to blocks and dodges. Lastly, counter techniques are a combo of both.

Ninjutsu

Year created: 1100s
Country of origin: Japan
Creator: N/A

Unlike most types of martial arts, ninjutsu focuses greatly on stealth. The shinobi, or ninjas, were the first to practice ninjutsu. They learned different tactics and strategies to aid them in warfare.

Ninjutsu uses techniques like striking, groundwork, and chokeholds. Striking and grappling are also important. Aside from these, ninjutsu trains your mind through meditation. This helps make your mind sharper and more aware.

Another name for ninjutsu is “ninpo.” Today, ninjas continue to be popular in the media. For instance, the Japanese anime Naruto features stories about ninjas.

Pencak Silat

Year created: N/A
Country of origin: Indonesia
Creator: N/A

Pencak silat refers to different types of martial arts from Indonesia. This includes armed and unarmed combat.

One example of Indonesian martial art is Silek lanyah. Silek lanyah is the traditional martial arts of the Minang. The Minang is an Indonesian ethnic group. All matches and performances occur in muddy paddy fields.

Historically, pencak silat favored armed combat. There were a lot of different weapons for this martial arts. An example is the kerambit, a small claw-like dagger. People also used rattan staff and sickles in this martial art.

Praying Mantis

Year created: 1200s
Country of origin: China
Creator: Wang Lang

The Northern Praying Mantis is a martial art that mimics a praying mantis’ movements. A praying mantis is a predatory insect and to defend itself, it has to hook or claw in circular motions. The “mantis hook” from this Chinese martial art copies this movement.

This martial art focuses on striking with high speed and strength. The technique of trapping is also a focus in praying mantis.

Other names for this include “Praying Mantis Kung Fu” or “Shandong Praying Mantis.”

Sambo

Year created: 1900s
Country of origin: Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic
Creator: Viktor Spiridonov, Vasili Oschepkov, and Anatoly Kharlampiyev

The name “sambo” comes from the Russian phrase, “SAMozaschita Bez Oruzhiya”, which translates to “self-defense without weapons”. Thus, unlike hybrid types of martial arts, sambo is an unarmed sport.

There are two types of sambo. These are sport sambo and combat sambo. Sport sambo is the competitive form, while the combat sambo refers to the military’s style of sambo.

Today, sambo is slowly vying for a slot in the Olympic Games. In the official records of USA Wrestling, the spelling is SOMBO.

Sanda

Year created: 1920s
Country of origin: China
Creator: N/A

Sanda is China’s official full-contact combat sport. Like other hybrid types of martial arts, it draws from traditional and modern fighting styles. Sanda includes kickboxing, wrestling, and muay Thai elements.

Sanda originally started as martial arts for the military. Later on, the Chinese government approved a civilian version. “Wushu Sanda” refers to this version, and it has a standard curriculum that all schools follow. Thus, many civilians learned Sanda as a competitive sport and as self-defense.

Sumo

Year created: 710
Country of origin: Japan
Creator: N/A

Sumo easily stands out from the other types of martial arts. It is a full-contact sport where two wrestlers try to push each other out of a circular ring. Whoever pushes their opponent outside the ring first wins the match.

A “rikishi” refers to a professional sumo wrestler. These wrestlers do not just train. They follow a certain lifestyle. Rikishi must grow their hair long and wear it in a topknot. They must also always wear traditional Japanese clothes. Aside from these, they must also live in a stable where wrestlers train and live together.

Most sumo wrestlers weigh 300 pounds or more. They eat a special type of diet that ensures that they maintain their bulky figures.

Taekwondo

Year created: 1940s
Country of origin: Korea
Creator: N/A

One of the most popular types of martial arts is taekwondo. Taekwondo, sometimes Tae Kwon Do, is a Korean martial art form. People all over the world practice taekwondo. It has been a part of the Olympics since 2000.

“Tae” translates to “foot”. “Kwon” translates to “fist” or “fight”. And “do” means the “way”. These summarize the principles of taekwondo perfectly. Taekwondo focuses on striking and kicking your opponents.

Those who practice taekwondo must wear a dobok, a white uniform, and padded gear to protect their chest and head.

Tai Chi

Year created: 1200s
Country of origin: China
Creator: Zhang San Feng

Most types of martial arts need quick reflexes. Tai chi, on the other hand, focuses on slow movements. It is all about taking deep breaths and getting into a meditative state. Because of this, people also call tai chi “shadowboxing.”

The full name of tai chi is “T’ai chi ch’uan”. It draws its discipline from Taoism and Confucianism. The yin and yang, especially, influence tai chi. Meditation, armed combat, and striking techniques are also part of tai chi.

Health professionals often promote tai chi for its benefits. It is perfect for any age or gender as it is a low-impact exercise that relaxes muscles. Apart from that, it can also improve stamina, flexibility, and muscles.

Tang Soo Do

Year created: 1940s
Country of origin: Korea
Creator: Won Kuk Lee and Hwang Kee

Many call Tang Soo Do the “Korean Karate.” Historically, Tang Soo Do draws elements from karate and subak. Subak is an ancient Korean martial art that focuses on bare-hand techniques.

Tang Soo Do focuses on kicking and striking. It also has its own unique forms and stances. These forms are combos of kicking and striking moves.

Actor and producer Chuck Norris is a famous practitioner of Tang Soo Do. Inspired by this fighting style, he also developed his own called the Chuck Norris System.

Yoseikan Budo

Year created: 1931
Country of origin: Japan
Creator: Minoru Mochizuki

Yoseikan budo is a hybrid sport that combines different types of martial arts. It incorporates elements from judo, jujutsu, and pre-war aikido. Like boxing, practitioners also wear padded gloves.

Yoseikan budo roughly translates to “the place where the truth is taught”. This is the primary principle of this martial art. By learning these skills and techniques, the martial artist hopes to learn their “truth”.

Wing Chun

Year created: N/A
Country of origin: China
Creator: N/A

Wing Chun is the traditional kung fu of Southern China. It focuses on self-defense tactics and also grappling and trapping.

The origins of Wing Chun are unknown. However, many believe it came from the legend of Ng Mui. Ng Mui was one of the Five Elders, who are the survivors of the destruction of the Shaolin temple during the reign of the Qing dynasty. Inspired by the movements of a crane and a snake fighting, she invented a fighting style that later evolved into Wing Chun.

One of the most famous grandmasters of Wing Chun is Ip Man. He taught many martial artists who also became grandmasters. One example is the famous Bruce Lee.

What martial arts are in the Olympics?

While there are several types of martial arts, only six are actually included in the Olympics. These are boxing, fencing, judo, karate, taekwondo, and wrestling.

Some form of hand-to-hand combat has always been a part of the international sporting event. The first martial art to become an Olympic sport is wrestling in 708 B.C.E. In 648 B.C.E., boxing becomes the second Olympic martial art.

By 1896, the modern Olympics emerged in Athens. This time, a weapon-based martial art was a part of the line-up. Olympic fencing only allowed men to complete at first, and it wasn’t until 1924 that the Olympics included women’s fencing. To this day, fencing remains the only Olympic martial art that uses weapons.

In 1964, judo debuted at the Olympics, and taekwondo followed in 2000. The last and latest martial art to join the Olympics is karate, which debuted in the line-up at the 2021 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

How many martial arts does Batman know?

If you’re a DC fan, you’re probably curious about Bruce Wayne or Batman’s martial arts abilities. Unlike most superheroes, Batman doesn’t have any supernatural powers so he has to rely on his wits, gadgets, and fighting skills. Thankfully, Batman knows a lot of martial arts. In fact, he knows 127 different types of martial arts!

In his youth, Bruce Wayne trained with many skilled martial artists such as Ra’s al Ghul. He also learns and picks up skills from the opponents he fights against.

Some of the types of martial arts Batman knows are aikido, Krav Maga, boxing, judo, karate, and kung fu. He is also skilled in using weapons because of his Ninjutsu knowledge.

What martial arts does Shang-Chi use?

Of course, Batman isn’t the only superhero who knows martial arts. Marvel’s Shang-Chi is another superhero who is an expert martial artist. Shang-Chi is the titular protagonist of the film Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings released in 2021.

Throughout the film, Shang-Chi and other characters showcase six different types of kung fu or Chinese martial arts. These are Shaolin, tai chi, Bajiquan, Wing Chun, Hung Ga, and Baquazhang.

Shang-Chi’s father, Wenwu, uses the stances of Hung Ga. On the other hand, Shang-Chi’s mother, Li, follows the techniques of Baquazhang. These different techniques both influenced Shang-Chi’s own fighting styles all while he learns other disciplines.

During his childhood, Shang-Chi learned various techniques of Shaolin martial arts, including channeling his internal energy or “chi”. He also wears a robe, like the ones Shaolin monks wear.

Aside from hand-to-hand combat, the usage of different Chinese weapons also appears in the film. Shang-Chi and various characters use daggers, bo staffs, hook swords, and many more.

There is no shortage of action films in Hollywood, but many fans love the way Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021) showcases Chinese martial arts and culture.

What martial arts does Jackie Chan use?

Fans who adore Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021) will no doubt love Jackie Chan’s films too.

With a career that spans six decades, Jackie Chan has starred in over 150 films. He is most known for his action roles, where he showcases his martial arts and gymnastics background. And if you don’t know already, Chan is known for performing his own stunts that are flashy and dangerous, even.

While his style is a mix of different techniques, it doesn’t fall under mixed martial arts. Instead, Jackie Chan’s style mostly draws from Chinese opera. Chinese opera refers to a form of musical theatre that draws from elements of Chinese culture. This includes martial arts, acrobatics, acting, and comedy.

Some might think this is a weaker form of martial arts. However, it requires as much discipline and athleticism as most types of martial arts. Furthermore, Chinese opera itself draws from various martial art techniques. Jackie Chan himself uses styles of kung fu, Wing Chun, karate, judo, taekwondo, and boxing.

Despite his mastery of different Chinese martial arts, Jackie Chan doesn’t actually have a black belt in these styles. He only has one black belt, and this is in the Korean martial art of hapkido. Having only one black belt doesn’t mean Jackie Chan isn’t an expert martial artist. With his renowned skills, he successfully incorporates martial arts with entertainment and flash, resulting in some of the greatest action films that cinema has to offer.

The idea for the Describing Words engine came when I was building the engine for Related Words (it’s like a thesaurus, but gives you a much broader set of related words, rather than just synonyms). While playing around with word vectors and the «HasProperty» API of conceptnet, I had a bit of fun trying to get the adjectives which commonly describe a word. Eventually I realised that there’s a much better way of doing this: parse books!

Project Gutenberg was the initial corpus, but the parser got greedier and greedier and I ended up feeding it somewhere around 100 gigabytes of text files — mostly fiction, including many contemporary works. The parser simply looks through each book and pulls out the various descriptions of nouns.

Hopefully it’s more than just a novelty and some people will actually find it useful for their writing and brainstorming, but one neat little thing to try is to compare two nouns which are similar, but different in some significant way — for example, gender is interesting: «woman» versus «man» and «boy» versus «girl». On an inital quick analysis it seems that authors of fiction are at least 4x more likely to describe women (as opposed to men) with beauty-related terms (regarding their weight, features and general attractiveness). In fact, «beautiful» is possibly the most widely used adjective for women in all of the world’s literature, which is quite in line with the general unidimensional representation of women in many other media forms. If anyone wants to do further research into this, let me know and I can give you a lot more data (for example, there are about 25000 different entries for «woman» — too many to show here).

The blueness of the results represents their relative frequency. You can hover over an item for a second and the frequency score should pop up. The «uniqueness» sorting is default, and thanks to my Complicated Algorithm™, it orders them by the adjectives’ uniqueness to that particular noun relative to other nouns (it’s actually pretty simple). As you’d expect, you can click the «Sort By Usage Frequency» button to adjectives by their usage frequency for that noun.

Special thanks to the contributors of the open-source mongodb which was used in this project.

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