Representing the Minnesota Kali Group in Wisconsin since 1997 - Jeet Kune Do, Kali, Escrima, Muay Thai, Brazilian JiuJitsu
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| Abang | Tagalog | To wait defensively. | Filipino Martial Arts |
| Abaniko | Spanish | From the Spanish word for fan, this term is used in the Filipino Martial Arts to describe a method of striking with the stick in which the power of the strike is generated by the supposition or pronation of the wrist, rather than the force of the arm at the elbow. | Kali, Eskrima |
| Abaniko sa Itaas | Tagalog | Upper flywheel also spelled Abanico sa Itaas. | Kali |
| Abecedario | Spanish | From the Spanish for "a-b-c's," a term is used in the Filipino Martial Arts, Abecedario drills are the basics which create and foster the skills and coordination essential for fighting with and without weapons. | Kali, Eskrima |
| Abierta | Spanish | Open or Open Position, palm up. | Kali, Eskrima |
| Advantage Of The Sword | English | English, Fencing term. A fencer has the advantage of the sword when his blade is situated in such a way as to enjoy the mechanical advantage of the lever when intersecting the opponent's. Key: when the two blades intersect, the one that is met closer to the hilt has the advantage. Example: if fencer A places the second part of his blade against B's third part, A enjoys the advantage of the sword. The advantage of the sword is extremely important in classical Italian rapier, and all the attacks, defenses, guards and counterguards depend on this subtle hinge-point. | European Fencing |
| Aenken | Thai | Anklet, protecting instep and shin. | Muay Thai |
| Affondo | Italian | An extending step thrust (a form of lunge). | European Fencing |
| Agaw | Tagalog | To seize, disarm or take away. | Kali |
| Agaw-Sandata | Tagalog | Disarming and retireval of the weapon. | Arnis, Kali |
| Age Uke | Japanese | Rising block. Also known as a high or upper block. | Karate |
| Ago Ate | Japanese | A ballistic form of Irimi Nage, where the palm is extended to lever or strike against the opponent's chin. | Aikido |
| Ahop | Korean | Nine (used in counting repetitions). | Tae Kwon Do |
| Ai | Japanese | Harmony, sponsoring harmony, a harmonious relationship. | Aikido, Kendo, Iaido |
| Aiki | Japanese | Harmony meeting. Union of energies. When one combines an opponents' energy with their own for control. | Aikido |
| Aikido | Japanese | Literally, "Meeting spirit way." A Martial Art developed by Uyeshiba Morihei in the 1930's. Based on Aikijutsu, Aikido is considered a non-aggressive art, using the opponents' energy against them. An Aikidoist in practice attempts to involve his partner in turning around his center axis. | Aikido |
| Aikidoist | Japanese | See Aikidoka. | Aikido |
| Aikidoka | Japanese | One who practices Aikido, sometimes referred to as Aikidoist. | Aikido |
| Aikijutsu | Japanese | Technique of harmonious spirit. A branch of ancient Jujutsu from which Aikido was developed. | Aikijutsu |
| Aikinage | Japanese | A throw used in Aikido, see Kokyonage. | Aikido |
| Aite | Japanese | Opponent or partner. An adversary in a contest. Also, American Karate- hybrid form of traditional Karate founded in the United States which adopts techniques from all styles and develops them to meet the indigenous needs of the American practitioner. | Karate |
| Aiuchi | Japanese | Mutual striking down or simultaneous point. A simultaneous score by both competitors in the sport aspects of Japanese Martial Arts. | Kendo |
| Al La Macchia | Italian | A less formal rough-and-tumble duel "out in the woods" often by groups as well as individuals. | European Fencing |
| Ala Mazza | Italian | See A la Macchia. | European Fencing |
| Aldabis | Tagalog | Diagonal Cut, Strike or Uppercut. | Kali, Eskrima |
| Allez | French | Fencing Term, see Fence. | European Fencing |
| Allez! | French | Literally, "Go!" The referee's command for fighters to begin fighting. | European Fencing |
| Alphabeto | Spanish | Literally; Alphabet - The Basics. Sometimes spelled Alpabeto. | Kali, Eskrima |
| Alt | Italian | See Halt. | European Fencing |
| Alto | Spanish | See Halt. | European Fencing |
| Alto y Bajo | Spanish | Literally, "high and low," this term is taken from the Spanish, and refers not only to lines of attack, but also, more symbolically to a level of skill in training where the combinations and concepts become more complex than in the initial stages of training. | Kali |
| Amarra | Short count striking combinations used in the Filipino Martial Arts to teach students how to efficiently harness the momentum of the stick in striking. | Kali | |
| Amassa Pao | Portuguese | Thrusting choke, from the mount. | Brazilian Jiu Jitsu |
| Americana | Portuguese | Figure-four Armlock, V-Armlock, sometimes referred to as a Key lock. | Brazilian Jiu Jitsu |
| Anak Harimau | Bahasay Indonesian | Literally, Son of the Tiger. Usually referring to either a sub-system or a definite posture (usually kneeling and/or lower to the ground). | Penjak Silat |
| Andap | Thai | Ratings. | Muay Thai |
| Angling | English | The act of evading strikes through proper footwork and body movement. | Western Boxing |
| Anim | Tagalog | Six (used in counting). | Kali, Eskrima |
| Anino | Tagalog | Shadow. | Kali, Eskrima |
| Anj Yo | Korean | Come to kneeling position. | Tae Kwon Do |
| Ankyo | Japanese | A wrist locking technique used in Aikido. | Aikido |
| Annelets | Referring to parts of a sword. One term for the Arms-of-the-Hilt, protective Quillons rings over the Ricasso. | European Fencing | |
| Anneu | Referring to parts of a sword. The side-ring (Ring Guard or Port) on a Compound-Hilt sword. | European Fencing | |
| Annun Sogi | Korean | Sitting stance, also referred to as Riding stance. | Tae Kwon Do |
| Antas | Tagalog | Level or Degree, having to do with Rank. | Kali |
| Antaw | Tagalog | Long Range. | Kali |
| Antei | Japanese | Balance, stability, or equilibrium. | |
| Anyo | Tagalog | In Maharlika Kuntaw, "Little Idea." Form. Dance-like techniques. See Sayaw. | Arnis, Maharlika Kuntaw |
| Ap | Korean | Front | Tae Kwon Do |
| Ap Chagi | Korean | Front kick. Also known as Apcha Busigi (front snap kick). | Tae Kwon Do |
| Apat | Tagalog | Four (used in counting). | Kali, Eskrima |
| Apcha Busigi | Korean | Lead leg front snap kick | Tae Kwon Do |
| Apcha Munchugi | Korean | Front checking kick. | Tae Kwon Do |
| Apcha Olligi | Korean | Front rising kick. | Tae Kwon Do |
| Araw | Tagalog | Sun or Day. | Kali |
| Arbir | Indonesian | An Indonesian halberd weapon approximately five feet in length that features a shallow groove in the plane of the blade running the length of the shaft. | Pentjak Silat |
| Arbitre | French | Referee. | Savate, European Fencing |
| Arit | Indonesian | A common sickle-like edged weapon with a pronounced half-moon blade shape, sometimes used in pairs. | Penjak Silat |
| Arko | A strike which harnesses the momentum of the stick moved in a circular manner (inward to inward) to add power to the strike. Also sometimes spelled Arco. | Doce Pares Eskrima | |
| Arms of the Hilt | English | Referring to parts of a sword. The finger rings extending from the Quillons to the blade, often attached to a ring guard, they are mistakenly often called the Pas d'ane although this has long been proved incorrect. | European Fencing |
| Arnis De Mano | Spanish | "Harness or Seize the Hand" referring to the system of Filipino Martial Arts known as Arnis. This term references the methods of trapping characteristic of this system. | Arnis |
| Arnisador | Spanish | Stick Fighter. One who practices Arnis. | Arnis |
| Aroon Sa Wadee | Thai | Good Morning. | Muay Thai |
| Arrebatar | Spanish | A fencing term referring to the use of powerful strokes with a cut and thrust sword, where the power of the stroke is delivered from the shoulder, rather than from the elbow or wrist (long arc). | European Fencing |
| Arrête | French | See Halt. | European Fencing |
| Arriere | French | Rear, Behind, Backward motion. | European Fencing, Savate |
| Art of Fence | English | See Fence. | European Fencing |
| Ashi | Japanese | Leg or foot. | Karate, Judo, Aikido |
| Ashi Ate | Japanese | Foot strikes, leg strikes. | Karate |
| Ashi Barai | Japanese | Foot sweep. | Judo |
| Ashi Dome | Japanese | Foot stop, using the sole of the foot to check the forward momentum of an attacker's kicking leg or body. | Judo |
| Ashi Gatami | Japanese | Leg Lock. | Judo |
| Ashi No Ura | Japanese | Sole of the foot. | Judo |
| Ashi Sabaki | Japanese | Footwork or foot movement. | Karate, Judo |
| Ashi Waza | Japanese | Foot Techniques. | Judo |
| Assaut | French | Light contact contest emphasizing technical skill. | Savate |
| Atajo | Spanish | A term used in the Spanish fencing schools, the idea of taking control of the opponent's blade, essentially a Prise de Fer. | European Fencing |
| Atama | Japanese | Head, or more specifically, top of the head. | |
| Ate | Japanese | A strike with the hand. | Aikido, Karate |
| Atemi | Japanese | To strike, a strike. | Judo, Aikido, Karate |
| Atemi Waza | Japanese | Methods or techniques of striking. | Judo, Aikido, Karate |
| Atras | Spanish | To retreat or move backwards. | European Fencing, Kali |
| Attaccare Di Spada | Italian | Attaching swords. In fencing, the act of pushing forcefully against each other's blade in order to eventually shove the opponent's sword out of the way. This, according to Fabris, is a very poor technique that can make a sword bout degenerate into a wrestling match. For this (and many other reasons), Fabris advocates never to make contact with the opponent's blade unless forced to parry. | European Fencing |
| Attack from Compound | English | A compound attack, to deliver an attack following a quick succession of prior ones. | European Fencing |
| Attack from Counter | English | A counter attack, a retaliatory attack in reaction to one initiated by the adversary and timed to take advantage of the opening thus created. | European Fencing |
| Attack from Inaction | English | An attack delivered quickly from a relatively still position without prior action or preparation. | European Fencing |
| Attack from Preparation | English | An attack delivered following a prepatory action (Feint, Beat, Cut-Over, etc). | European Fencing |
| Au | Japanese | To encounter an opponent in any Japanese Martial Arts contest. | |
| Au Centre! | French | Literally, "To the center! The referee's command for fighters to leave their corners and meet in the center of the ring. | Savate |
| Autorise | French | Allowed, Authorized. | Savate, European Fencing |
| Avante | Spanish | To Advance or Move Forward. | Kali, European Fencing |
| Avertissement! | French | Literally, "Warning! The referee's way of telling a fighter he has received a warning. Warnings can be given for a variety of reasons, including the use of blows which are not proper savate or insufficient aggressiveness. | Savate, European Fencing |
| Azioni Volanti | Italian | A fencing term referring to the act of avoiding blade contact on the attack and instead thrusting by deceptive motion, as in camineering (may involve Troumpement - avoiding a parry or the blade as you attack, or. | European Fencing |
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| Babag | tagalog | Worry, trouble. | Kali, Eskrima |
| Bacana | Japanese | Fool, demon, monster. | |
| Bacana | Portuguese Vernacular | Double leg takedown. | Brazilian Jiu Jitsu |
| Back | English | Leg, Arm, Side, etc. Based mostly on foot position, the side of your body that is furthest away from the opponent that you are facing. See also Rear. | |
| Back Sword | English | A primarily English cut & thrust blade of the Renaissance era with a single straight edge and usually a swept or basket hilt, its single edge allowed for a sharper blade and stronger cut, it was popular in many countries both on foot and mounted. | European Fencing |
| Badik | Malaysian | A Malayan dagger shaped like a butterfly whose straight blade bears one sharp edge. | Bersilat, Kali, Penjak Silat |
| Baek Je | Korean | One of the three ancient kingdoms of Korea. | Tae Kwon Do |
| Baekjulbool Gool | Korean | Indomitable spirit. | Tae Kwon Do |
| Bago | Tagalog | New or before. | Kali |
| Bagong-Pasok | tagalog | Entry-level student. | Kali |
| Bagsak | Tagalog | To drop; overhead strike with down weighing. | Kali |
| Baguhan | Tagalog | Beginner. | Kali |
| Bahi | A type of dense hardwood native to the Philippines, often used in the production of weapons for use in the Filipino Martial Arts. Bahi is known for the characteristic streaks of black amidst the dark brown grain. Bahi is typically lighter in weight and more flexible than Cocobolo, but heavier and more dense than Rattan. | Kali, Eskrima, Arnis | |
| Bailen | Spanish | Literally, "Dance!" | European Fencing |
| Baitang | tagalog | Levels or stages. | Kali |
| Bajang | Javanese | A West Javanese style of Gulat. | Penjak Silat, Gulat |
| Bajutsu | Japanese | The art of horesmanship, also known as Jobajutsu. | Bushido |
| Bakbakan | Tagalog | A rumble or Free-for-all fight. | Eskrima, Kali |
| Bal | Foot. | ||
| Balancé | French | Leg swing, a tactic used to set up the momentum for a kick. | Savate |
| Balangkas | Tagalog | Forms, see Sayaw. | Kuntaw |
| Balaraw | Tagalog | Dagger, long knife. | Kali, Eskrima, Arnis |
| Bali | To break. | ||
| Baligtad | Tagalog | Reverse or inside-out. | Kali |
| Balik | To return or retreat. | ||
| Balisong | A village in the Philippine Islands, renown for knife making. | Kali, Eskrima, Arnis | |
| Balisong | A 3-part folding knife. The distinctive design of this type of blade allows for a flourish of openings and closings, as the blade swings and the handles close on either side of it. Sometimes spelled Balisiong. | Kali, Eskrima, Arnis | |
| Balitok | To tumble. | ||
| Ballestra | French | A kicking feing and hop lunge. | Savate |
| Banantan | Full-contact fighting. | ||
| Bandae Chagi | Korean | Crescent kick. | Tae Kwon Do |
| Bandae Golcho Chagi | Korean | Reverse hook kick. | Tae Kwon Do |
| Bandesh | An ancient form of Indian fighting. A principle tenent in this system is to defeat an armed enemy without killing them. | Bandesh | |
| Bando | Burmese | A system of methods of armed and unarmed combat composed of Karate-like striking and kicking, kickboxing, Judo-like throws, stick fighting, swordplay, knife and spear fighting. Similar in many ways to Muay Thai and Krabi Krabong. | Bando |
| Bangkok | Thai | Capital of Thailand. | Thai Boxing, Krabi Krabong |
| Bansay-Bansay | Tagalog | Training or drills. | Kali, Eskrima, Arnis |
| Banshay | Burmese | A Burmese Martial Art, influenced by both Chinese and Indian sources, which embraces the use of such weapons as the sword, staff and spear. | Banshay, Bando |
| Bantay | To guard or watch. | ||
| Bantay Kamay | Tagalog | Support hand, Live Hand, the hand that is used to monitor the opponent's weapons. | Kali, Eskrima, Arnis |
| Bara-Bara | Tagalog | Wild or formless technique. | Kali |
| Baraw | Tagalog | Dagger, long knife. | Kali |
| Barong | A general term for a sword. Specifically this also refers to a tear-drop shaped blade that is one of the 4 main weapons in the Central Philippines. | Kali, Eskrima, Arnis | |
| Bartikal | Vertical cut or strike. | Kali, Eskrima, Arnis | |
| Bas | French | Low level, low line of attack. | Savate |
| Base | English | A term used in Grappling to denote one's balance and stability in any given position. Paying attention to one's base is an essential skill in grappling. | Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, CSW |
| Basho | Japanese | Grand Sumo tournaments scheduled six times each year in Japan | Sumo |
| Baston | Spanish | Stick or club, see Baton. | Eskrima, Kali |
| Bastonero | Spanish | Stickfighter, student and practitioner of Arnis, Eskrima, or Kali. | Kali, Eskrima, Arnis |
| Bat | Thai | To block. | Muay Thai |
| Batement | French | See Beat. | European Fencing |
| Bati-Bati | Tagalog | To use the butt of the stick, pommel, punyo. | Kali |
| Batikan | A noteworthy, certified expert. | ||
| Baton | French | Stick, club or cane. | |
| Batte De Nuit | French | See Passato Soto. | European Fencing |
| Battre de Main | French | Referring to the use of the live hand in parrying an opponent's sword (as opposed to using a dagger to do the same). | European Fencing |
| Battuta | Italian | A beat, refers to a distracting smack to move the adversary's blade off line or provoke a response. See Beat. | European Fencing |
| Beat | English | A term used in fencing, to strike or beat the opponent's blade off-guard, or wide, opening a line of attack. The beat is a quick smacking strike on the opposing blade to knock it aside or push the tip off-line. It is a preparatory move designed to open an attack or invoke a response. It can be used in other forms to annoy, threaten or disarm. Also referred to as Battere in Italian or Batement in French. | European Fencing |
| Beldau | A Sumatran curved dagger with a convex cutting edge. | Penjak Silat | |
| Ben | Japanese | Study and understanding. | Bushido |
| Bersilat | Malaysian | A Malaysian Martial Art, embracing both empty hands and weapon techniques. This art is similar in many ways to both Kali and Penjak Silat | Bersilat |
| Bigay | To give. | ||
| Bigay-Bali | Lock release technique. | ||
| Bigay-Galang | Salutation | ||
| Bihasa | An expert. | ||
| Bilgon Ti | Korean | Red belt. This rank signifies danger, cautioning the student to exercise control and warning the opponent to stay away. | Tae Kwon Do |
| Bill of Challenge | English | A formal posted announcement of an English student's public "Playing" of his "Prize" | European Fencing |
| Binahagi | To cut into parts. | ||
| Binali | To break or reverse. | ||
| Bind | English | The action of pressuring or enveloping the adversary's blade/point in order to carry it off line and make an opening. | European Fencing |
| Binot | An ancient Indian form of weaponless fighting the employed wrestling techniques against both armed and unarmed assailants. | Binot | |
| Bisento | Japanese | A spear-like weapon with a blade resembling a scimitar affixed to its end. This weapon is extremely heavy, and was used to cut through armor and/or to cut down a horse in combat. The Bisento was primarily used by the Ninja of feudal Japan. | Bushido |
| Bisig | The arm. | Kali | |
| Bituro Chagi | Korean | Twisting kick. | Tae Kwon Do |
| Biu Gee | Cantonese | Literally "Flying Fingers" strike, an spearhand strike, eye or throat poke. Sometimes spelled bil gee, biu ji, etc. | Wing Chun, JKD |
| Biu Sao | Cantonese | High outside parry, often an interrupted Biu Gee strike. Sometimes spelled bil sao, biu sau, etc. | Wing Chun, JKD |
| Biu Sao Da | Cantonese | A Biu Sao combined with a simultaneous strike. | Wing Chun, JKD |
| Blanc | French | White. | |
| Bleu | French | Blue. | |
| Blind Spot | English | The area to the back and side of an opponent where their visibility is limited and their capabilities are thereby reduced. Also, a spot within the field of vision which aligns with the optic nerve, creating a lapse in visual information. | |
| Block | English | To intercept a strike in a manner that will oppose or deflect its force, typically with the forearms, shins or hand in an un-armed encounter. | Boxing |
| Bloqué | French | To block. | Savate |
| Blunts | English | To use blungs (vs. live blades). A blung is a mock, stage, or training sword, used in theatrical plays, historical reenactments or certain types of training methods for safe sparring. | European Fencing |
| Bo | Japanese | A long staff, typically 6' in length and solid hardwood, also rattan and lighter material, sometimes tapered at the ends for more acute thrusting surfaces. A traditional Okinawan Kobudo weapon. The Bo is one of the five weapons systematized by the early Okinawan developers of te (hand), and originated with the poles used by farm people to carry heavy loads balanced across the shoulders. | Kobudo, Bushido, Bojutsu, Aikido |
| Boang Sao | Cantonese | Used in Trapping, this is also referred to as a Wing-Arm Block, much like Kali's shield, the hand points down and forward, as the elbow goes high. This is a pivoting block and is usually followed by a swift backfist strike. | Wing Chun, JKD |
| Bochiero | Italian | See Buckler. | European Fencing |
| Bocle | French | See Buckler. | European Fencing |
| Body Dynamics | English | See Body Mechanics. | |
| Body Mechanics | English | System of improving efficiency and potential. Most often involving the use of the hip and shoulder in combination with footwork and deliberate weight distribution, used to add power, timing, and coordination to a strike or technique. | |
| Bogu | Japanese | Protective equipment of nonmetallic used primarily for competitive sparring. | Karate |
| Bojutsu | Japanaese | Staff fighting. An armed defense system centering around the use of the Bo. It was developed from Japanese Naginata (lance) and Yari (spear) techniques. | Bushido, Bojutsu |
| Bokken | Japanese | Literally: "wooden sword;" A wooden sword used by the Japanese feudal warrior as a practice weapon. The Bokken went on to become an effective battlefield weapon. Also a training device and blunt-edged weapon used in Kenjutsu, made of bevelled and hardened hardwood. Sometimes spelled Bo Ken or Bokkan. | Kendo, Bushido, Aikido, Kenjutsu |
| Boku | Japanese | Wood, made of wood. | |
| Bolo | A long machete-like sword used in the Philippine islands. This type of blade was predominant during the jungle warfare of WWII. | Kali, Eskrima, Arnis | |
| Bonnos | Japanese | One's desires and passions, illusions. | Bushido |
| Botta de Paysan | Italian | A sly attack involving a two-handed thrust, performed by grabbing one's own blade near the middle with the free hand, and closing in to knock aside an opponent's weapon, thus shortening the distance and increasing the force of the beat. | European Fencing |
| Botta de Tempo | Italian | In Tempo (attack-in-time) countering or attacking when the opponent is distracted and/or unprepared, preoccupied with a parry, bind, or feint. Also refered to as Botta-in-Tempo. | European Fencing |
| Botta Dritta | Italian | A straight attack or thrust. | European Fencing |
| Botta Secreta | Italian | A secret attack or special hidden technique of a school or master. | European Fencing |
| Botta Segreta | Italian | See Botta Secreta. | European Fencing |
| Botte de Nuit | Italian | See Passato Soto. | European Fencing |
| Boxe | French | Boxing. | Savate |
| Brace | English | A "Brace of Rapiers" refers to a pair of swords. | European Fencing |
| Brace | English | A Brace is a way of using the stronger parts of one's skeleton to support an action. In grappling this often refers to creating and maintaining distance between oneself and one's opponent. In Fencing this often involves supporting a hasty block. See also Frame. | Grappling, European Fencing |
| Branando | Italian | See Bravazzo. | European Fencing |
| Bras | French | Arm. | Savate |
| Bras Arriere | French | Rear arm. | Savate |
| Bras Avant | French | Lead or front arm. | Savate |
| Braso | Referring to the arm. | Kali | |
| Bravazzo | Italian | As a noun, a swashbuckler, a swaggerer, a cutter, quarreller, rostier, raffine, ruffian. As an Adjective, to have the qualities of a braggart and thug. | European Fencing |
| Breaking the Measure | English | The act of retreating from within the measure (in range) to out of measure (out of range). In Italian, Rompere di Misura. | European Fencing |
| Bridge | English | In Grappling, see Bridge Up. In trapping, a bridge represents the use of the forearm to engage and press against the opponent's limbs. | Grappling, Wing Chun, JKD |
| Bridging the Gap | English | This refers to the act of closing the distance between fighters, from being outside of striking range, to being inside of striking range, preferably in such a manner as to facilitate an evasion of incoming strikes, either by timing and by placement of the limbs. This can also be a way of describing the act preparing to Shoot in. | Grappling, JKD, Wing Chun |
| Broadsword | English | A Victorian era term coined to differentiate their own thinner swords from wider Medieval ones, it is commonly applied (incorrectly) to Medieval swords, also a form of naval cutlass. | European Fencing |
| Bu | Japanese | Military or warrior, having to do with a war, fight or struggle. A concept denoting the entire military dimension of feudal Japan. | Bushido |
| Buah | Bahasay Indonesian | Executed techniquer or movement with a training partner. A combination of footwork and form; application of technique. | Penjak Silat |
| Buck | English | To lift or throw off balance the opponent's weight, usually with the hips from a mounted position. | Grappling |
| Buckler | English | A small metal or reinforced wooden shield used in fencing to deflect the adversary's blows. Worn on the arm opposite the sword, Bucklers were often used in conjunction with Rapiers, and sometimes had attachements or devices built onto them for the express purpose of trapping and possibly breaking the opponent's sword tip, such as a spike, hook or other such device. The English word Buckler is derived from an old French word, Bocle, for the metal boss or Umba on a shield. Italian Bucklers were known as Bochiero or Rotella. Highly maneuverable with a single handle in the middle (Enarme), a Buckler could be carried far more easily than larger shields by civilians. A raised boss over the handle were common, bowl-like or concave versions were also known to exist. At night, lanterns could even be hung on Bucklers and were used to ruin the opponent's night vision, blinding and distracting them. Bucklers came in various shapes, round being most common, and ranged from roughly 8 - 18 inches in diameter. The most common seemed to be 10-12 inches in diameter and under 4 lbs. in weight. Pointed Bucklers were outlawed in England in 1562 in as part of an effort to discourage dueling and injury. |
European Fencing |
| Budo | Japanese | Military way or way of fighting. A generic term encompassing all of the Japanese Martial Arts, which are largely 20th century offspring stemming from concepts that can first be positively identified about the mid-18th century. This term also means to cease the struggle, to sheathe the sword. | Bushido, Aikido, Kendo, Kyudo, Kyodo |
| Budoka | Japanese | Any follower of the Budo doctrine, belonging to arts such as Aikido, Judo, Kendo and Karate. | Bushido, Budo, Aikido, Kendo, Karate |
| Bugei | Japanese | A generic term encompassing older Japanese Martial Arts which applies specifically to those principles used by the Samurai, or Bushi, whose occupation was called Bugei. | Kenjutsu, Aikijutsu, Jujutsu |
| Buhat | From above, or to lift. | ||
| Buhat Araw | An overhead strike. | ||
| Bujin | Japanese | A name forthe Martial Arts expert. Translated as military person or warrior person. | Bushido |
| Bujutsu | Japanese | Military Arts. A collective term for all of the Japanese Martial Arts practiced by the Samurai. | Bushido |
| Bukas | Having one's weapons or arms in an open position. | Kali | |
| Buke | Japanese | Samurai, a person of military class. | Bushido |
| Buklis | Tagalog | Upward figure-8 striking pattern. | Kali, Eskrima, Arnis |
| Bulusok | Tagalog | Powerful overhead or diagonal strike. | Kali, Eskrima, Arnis |
| Bunot | Tagalog | To draw a sword. | Kali, Eskrima, Arnis |
| Bunot Kaluban | Tagalog | An upward slash followed by a downward slash; a drawing and slashing technique used with a sword. | Kali, Eskrima, Arnis |
| Bushi | Japanese | Military person, warrior, or Samurai, this term was changed to Samurai in the 15th century. | Bushido |
| Bushido | Japanese | A strict code of ethical behavior followed by the Samurai, an enlightened path of self-mastery and honor.. Bushido was formulated during the Tokugawa Era (1603 - 1868) of Japan. The premise of the code was to advise a Samurai how to conduct himself in battle and how to find a meaningful place in a peacetime society. | Bushido |
| Butsudo | Japanese | Way of the Buddha, the way of compassion. | Bushido |
| By Jong | Cantonese | Fighting stance. | Wing Chun, JKD |
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| Caballero | Referring to techniques from Grandmaster Caballero. | Kali, Eskrima | |
| Cadena de Mano | Spanish | Literally, "Chain of Hands" a tern referring to the ability to flow from one attack to another intuitively and efficiently, both with weapons and empty-hands. Also referred to as De Cadena. | Kali, Eskrima, Kuntaw |
| Cadena Real | Spanish | See Cambiada. | Kali, Eskrima |
| Cambiada | Spanish | A technique in the Filipino Martial Arts known as the "Change-up." The defender takes a high inward #1 angle, making contact with the opponent's arm, changing with forward pressure to a quick backhand angle. Also spelled Kambiada. | Kali, Eskrima |
| Camineering | A change of engagement or in the line of threat/attack. | ||
| Capoeira | Portuguese | An Afro-Brazilian form of combat adapted by African slaves to fight oppression and retain their culture. Capoeira is a dance-like tradition, performed to music, and includes learning to play instruments and sing. Many believe it was developed this way to be disguised as a dance to the slave owners. | Capoeira |
| Caprice | French | The bell guard of a modern Sabre. | European Fencing |
| Carenza | Spanish | A form of disciplined shadowboxing utilized to internalize actions, develop greater insight and create new perspectives, used in the Filipino Martial Arts. | Kali, Eskrima |
| Carera | Spanish | A cycling movement or spin. | Kali, Eskrima |
| Cartel | French | A hand delivered written notice of challenge describing the cause of the offence that provoked a duel of honor. | European Fencing |
| Casque | French | Headguard. | European Fencing, Savate |
| Cavazione | Italian | Literally, "disengagement" or "trade" the action of exchanging or switching sides on the opponent's sword, from left to right or vice versa, under or over, without making contact with it. One of the most serious modern misconceptions about the trade or cavazione is that of equating it with a circular parry. This idea originated in the 19th Century, when the first fencing historians such as Castle researched old martial arts texts in order to find the supposed "family tree of contemporary fencing techniques. The classical Italian rapier cavazione is not a parry, although it can incorporate one if the tactical situation calls for it. | European Fencing |
| Cedere Di Spada | Italian | Literally, "yielding of the sword." The act of ceding to the pressure of the opponent's blade while attaching swords, in order to let the opponent's sword fall out of line while your own goes to the attack. Fabris advocates this technique as the best one to adopt in the event of an attachment of swords. | European Fencing |
| Centerline | English | An imaginary reference line that divides the opponent down the center within the fighter's line of sight. This line is used in both attack and defense, and is also used as a reference from which to judge the direction or the opponent's pressure amidst trapping sequences. | Wing Chun, JKD |
| Centro | Spanish | Center. | European Fencing, Kali, Eskrima |
| Centro Baston | Spanish | Holding the stick in the center. | Kali, Eskrima |
| Cerrada | Spanish | From the word Serrada (proper spelling) meaning to close, or that which is closed. Often refers to a fighting position, closing distance, or a strike with a pronated grip. | Kali, Eskrima |
| Cha Chuan | A northern Chinese form of Kung Fu developed from 14th to 17th century by Muslims of Sinkiang, Chinghai, and Kansu, in the west and south of China. In this system, practitioners fight from long range using high, long leaps to close the gap. | Kung Fu | |
| Chado | Japanese | The art of the Tea Ceremony, one of the arts comprising the practice of Bushido. | Bushido |
| Chagi | Korean | A kick. | Tae Kwon Do |
| Chai | Japanese | To abandon or put down. | |
| Chaikrong | Thai | The floating ribs. | Muay Thai |
| Chaing Mai | Thai | Provincial capital in the North, the second largest city in Thailand | Muay Thai |
| Champ | English | An abbreviated form of the word Champion. | Boxing, Wrestling, Muay Thai |
| Chan Ma Chark Saha Rat | Thai | "I am from the U.S.," "I can't speak Thai." | Muay Thai |
| Chan Mai Khao Chai | Thai | "I don't understand." | Muay Thai |
| Chan Mai Khao Chai | Thai | "I speak English." | Muay Thai |
| Chan Shue | Thai | "My name is..." | Muay Thai |
| Chang Sao | Cantonese | "Spade hand" technique | Wing Chun |
| Charyot Sogi | Korean | Attention stance. | Tae Kwon Do |
| Chashi | A Chinese exercise tool once made of iron and more recently of cement. These block-like objects, with handles, are used in one- and two-hand exercises to strengthen the wrists and arms. | Kung Fu | |
| Chassé | French | From the same root as the French word chasseur, Literally, "to chase, to hunt." A thrusting kick (thrown either laterally - Chassé Lateral, or frontally - Chassé Frontal) performed by chambering the leg up to the shoulder, then pistoning it out towards the opponent in such a way that the sole of the foot strikes the targeted body part and drives the opponent out of range. | Savate |
| Chassé Bas | French | A chassé aimed at either of the opponent's thighs. | Savate |
| Chassé D'Arret | French | A stop-kick to the opponent's body. | Savate |
| Chassé Figure | French | A chassé aimed at the opponent's head. | Savate |
| Chassé Frontal | French | A chassé, targeted at any of the three major areas, which is thrown straight forward, so that the toe points upwards. A front stomp kick. | Savate |
| Chassé Italien | French | A chassé aimed at the opponent's inner thigh, with the toe pointed at the opponent's groin. Contrast the chassé bas lateral, which targets the front of the thigh. | Savate |
| Chassé Lateral | French | A chassé, targeted at any of the three major areas, which is thrown with the leg turned sideways so that the foot is horizontal. | Savate |
| Chassé Median | French | A chassé aimed at the opponent's midriff, side, or liver. | Savate |
| Chassé Tournant | French | A spinning Chassé Lateral. | Savate |
| Chaussure | French | Foot wear. | Savate |
| Ched | Thai | "Seven," used in counting. | Muay Thai |
| Cheriot | Korean | "Attention!" | Tae Kwon Do |
| Chi | 1. Chinese, internal energy. Sometimes spelled Ch'i. In Japanese, Ki, this term also refers to Wisdom. Many cultures have a term to describe this concept, which is also known as Astral Light, Arealoha, Archeus, Baraka, Bioenergy, Bioplasma, Qi, Ki, Ecknakar, Elma, God, Huna, Ka, Kerei, Mana, Mumia, Mungo, Nervous Ether, Numen, Odic Force, Orenda, Paraelectricity, Pneuma, Prana, Reiki, Spiritus, Syntropy, Tinh, Tondi, Vis Naturalis, and Wakan. 2. A biophysical energy generated through breathing techniques studied in Chi Gung, Kung Fu, and other martial practices. Ideally, Chi can infuse a person with tremendous vitality and make him or her extremely powerful in action, much moreso than power developed through the muscular system alone. |
Chi Gung, Kung Fu | |
| Chi Gerk | Cantonese | Sticking legs exercise, akin to Chi Sao, but on the low line. | Wing Chun, JKD |
| Chi Gung | Cantonese | The practice and cultivation of Chi. A meditative and internal form of exercise common to many Chinese Martial Arts. Sometimes spelled Qi Qong, Qi Gong, Chi Kung. See Chi. | Chi Gung, Kung Fu |
| Chi Kung | Cantonese | A breathing exercise that cultivates chi and transmits it to all the bodily organs. Known in ancient China as "the method to repel illness and prolong life. See Chi Gung. | Kung Fu, Chi Gung |
| Chi Sao | Cantonese | Sticking Hands, A drill used in the Jun Fan Martial Arts and Wing Chun Kung Fu, a drill designed to create an awareness of pressures involved in trapping, while developing intuitive response patterns for offense and defense in this paradigm. | Wing Chun, JKD |
| Chiang | Spear. One of the major Chinese weapons practiced in Wu Shu. | Kung Fu | |
| Chiburi | Japanese | The act of removing blood from the sword. In Iaido, a sharp downward stroke of the sword done in such a way as to shake off the blood accumulated from previous cutting actions. | Iaido, Kendo, Kenjutsu |
| Chien | A double-edged sword used in many styles of Kung Fu. Also known as the "Gim" or "Jyan." | Kung Fu, Tai Chi Chuan, Bagua Zhang | |
| Chikara | Japanese | Strength, power. | Bushido |
| Chikuto | Japanese | See Shinai. | Kendo, Kenjutsu |
| Chimpan | Japanese | The referee of a match. Also known as Shimban, Sinban, or Shimpan. | Karate |
| Ching Lo | Acupuncture's twelve meridians of the body on which the key points lie and which are associate with the vital organs. | Accupuncture | |
| Ching Shien | The spirit of vivacity. | Kung Fu | |
| Chinmyo | Japanese | Mysterious. | Bushido |
| Cho Wa | Japanese | The harmonious mental and physical reaction while at practice. | Bushido |
| Choi Yong | Korean | The name of a form used in Tae Kwon Do, Choi Yong is named after General Choi Yong, Premier and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed forces during the 14th Century Koryo Dynasty. Choi Yong was greatly respected for his loyalty, patriotism, and humility. He was executed by his subordinate commanders headed by General Yi Sung Gae, who later becomes the first king of the Yi Dynasty. | Tae Kwon Do |
| Chok | Thai | Fight! | Muay Thai |
| Chon Ji | Korean | The name of a form used in Tae Kwon Do. Chon-Ji means literally, "Heaven and Earth." In the orient it is interpreted as the creation of the world or the beginning of human history, therefore it is the initial pattern learned by the beginner. This pattern consists of two similar parts: one represents Heaven and the other represents Earth. | Tae Kwon Do |
| Chong Bong | See bo. | Kung Fu | |
| Choong Dan | Korean | "Middle" or "center." Region of the body from the neck to the waist, used to explain target areas. | Tae Kwon Do |
| Choong Jang | Korean | The name of a form used in Tae Kwon Do, is the pseudonym given to General Kim Duk Ryang who lived during the Yi Dynasty, 14th Century. This pattern ends with a left hand attack to symbolize the tragedy of his death at 27 in prison before he was able to reach full maturity. | Tae Kwon Do |
| Choong Mu | Korean | The name of a form used in Tae Kwon Do, Chung Mu was the name given to the great Admiral Yi Sun Sin of the Yi Dynasty. He was reputed to have invented the first armored battleship (Kobukson) in 1592, which is said to be the precursor to the modern day submarine. The reason for this pattern ending with the left-hand block is symbolize his regrettable death. Checked by the forced reservation of his loyalty to the king, Yi Sun Sin is reputed to have not been given the chance during his lifetime to show his unrestrained potential. | Tae Kwon Do |
| Choong Sim | Korean | Center of gravity. | Tae Kwon Do |
| Chop Choy | Cantonese | A punch-pushes low line then advances along a higher line, allowing the resistance of the opponent's limbs to aim for you. Sometimes referred to as the "Second knuckle fist." | Wing Chun, JKD |
| Choraked Faad Haang | Thai | Turn kick, literally "Crocodile thrashes its tail." | Muay Thai |
| Choy | Cantonese | Fist, method of striking with the fist. Also spelled Chuie, Chui. | Wing Chun, JKD |
| Choy Li Fut | One of the most popular southern Chinese Kung Fu systems. Choy Li Fut is essentially a long-range form of Chinese boxing that relies heavily on strong horse stances and graceful yet dynamic long-handed techniques. | Kung Fu, Choy Li Fut | |
| Chuan | A general term used loosely to refer to a system of boxing, although it does not apply to any specific style. | Kung Fu, Chuan Fa | |
| Chudan | See choong dan. | ||
| Chudan Soto Nagashi | Japanese | Middle outside block or parry. | Karate |
| Chuen Sao | Cantonese | "Piercing Hand" technique. | Wing Chun, JKD |
| Chugyo | Japanese | The principle of devotion and loyalty, concepts prized in Shinto and Bushido. | Bushido |
| Chui | Cantonese | See choy. | Wing Chun, JKD |
| Chui | Cantonese | Warning. Admonition by a referee in a match, short of actual penalty. | Kung Fu |
| Chuken | Japanese | Literally, "middle swords." The middle of the five players on a Kendo team. | Kendo |
| Chum Kil | Cantonese | "Seek to bridge the gap." Also spelled Chum Kiu. | Wing Chun, JKD |
| Chumbi | Korean | Return to a ready position. | Tae Kwon Do |
| Chung | Cantonese | Centeline, vertical, that which holds to the center. | Wing Chun, JKD |
| Chung Choy | Cantonese | A vertical knuckle punch. This involves keeping the elbow close to centerline in order to increase hip power generation, and to maximize on trapping/deflecting potential in the course of striking. | Wing Chun, JKD |
| Chung Do Kwan | Korean | Blue wave school. A Korean form of empty hand fighting founded by Won Kook Lee in 1945. | Tae Kwon Do |
| Chung Ga | Korean | Augment. | Tae Kwon Do |
| Chung Gong | Cantonese | Centerline block. | Wing Chun, JKD |
| Chung Sim San | Cantonese | Centerline. | Wing Chun, JKD |
| Chungmanio | Korean | "You are welcome." | Tae Kwon Do |
| Chunin | Japanese | Middle person. The second of three Ninja military ranks designating the leader of a group of Ninja on assignment. Those led by Chunin were the Genin; those who obtained the assignment were the Jonin. | Ninjutsu |
| Chusoku | Japanese | Ball of the foot, a striking surface during kicks. | Karate |
| Chwa | Korean | Left, left side. | Tae Kwon Do |
| Cikalong | Bahasay Indonesian | 1. Cikalong is the name of a village who's Silat practitioners tend to execute hard style throws and takedowns entering (Masuk) from the outside position. 2. One of the 18 systems of Silat comprising the Mande Muda Pencak Silat system. Terminology such as styles or types of movements such as these are generally indicative of village names or famas Silat teachers' names from West Java. |
Penjak Silat |
| Cimande | Bahasay Indonesian | 1. The name of a village whose Silat practitioners were noted for its superior use of the forearms and strong legs due to leg strength developed by standing in the Cimande river. 2. One of the 18 systems of Silat comprising the Mande Muda Pencak Silat system. |
Penjak Silat |
| Cinch | English | To make tighter and tighter. To tighten one's grip more securely, to close off space, or to close off the opponent's ability to breath by leaning in with one's weight. | Grappling |
| Cinco | Spanish | Five, used in counting | |
| Cinco Teros | Spanish | Five cardinal blows, a series of strikes denoting lines of attack. | Kali, Eskrima |
| Cipecut | Bahasay Indonesian | 1. A term used in Silat practice referring to the use of the whip, sarong, and other flexible weapons. 2. One of the 18 systems of Silat comprising the Mande Muda Pencak Silat system. |
Pentjak Silat |
| Circolazione | Italian | See contra cavatione. | European Fencing |
| Claymore | A form of 18th century Scottish cut & thrust sword relative of the Italian Schiavona. | European Fencing | |
| Clinch | English | The act of closing from striking or trapping range, to a distance of inches, in such close quarters, takedowns and throwing attacks become primary. This often involves being hip to hip with one's opponent. | Wrestling |
| Cob's Traverse | English | Retreating indefinitely (running away, sometimes called the "ninth parry." | European Fencing |
| Cocobolo | A type of dense hardwood native to the Philippines, often used in the production of weapons for use in the Filipino Martial Arts. Like Kamagong, Cocobolo is one of the densest, heaviest woods known. | Kali, Eskrima | |
| Coin | French | Corner (of the ring). | Savate |
| Colichemarde | Italian | A style of small sword blade, wider at the forte for strong parrying, then abruptly tapering for quick piercing thrusts. Similar to the German Konigsmarke. Used during the Renaissance, this term is sometimes used to refer to any blade with a triangular cross-section shape. This blade type, due to its lightness is also considered to be an instrumental predecessor to sport fencing techniques. | European Fencing |
| Colimpio | Italian | Forward and back swing/shifting footwork. | European Fencing |
| Combat | French | Full-power contest. This type of competition is performed with little protective gear (gloves & mouthguards), and is full-contact. | Savate |
| Commettere Si Spada | Italian | Literally, "commitment of the sword." The act of performing a trade, then returning the sword on its original side. | European Fencing |
| Compassos | Spanish | A type of footwork used in the Spanish Destreza. | European Fencing |
| Compound Hilt | English | Also referred to as Compound Guard or Complex Hilt, a term used to describe the various hilts of Renaissance and some late Medieval swords consisting of more than a simple cross guard, there were a great variety. | European Fencing |
| Compte | French | Count. | Savate |
| Contra | Spanish, Italian | To counter, go against, reverse. | European Fencing |
| Contra Cavatione | Italian | A circular parry or counter-parry. | European Fencing |
| Contrada | Spanish | A method of responding to a line of attack. Opposite, counter, to match (not mirror), to oppose. | European Fencing, Kali, Eskrima |
| Contrapostura | Italian | Adjusting your stance or guard so that your Forte always defends the line between your body and the opponent's tip. | European Fencing |
| Contraprinse | Italian | A fencing term referring to a rare, yet possible condition where both combatants in a duel simultaneously clash in an attempt to grab the other's sword, thereby exchanging weapons. | European Fencing |
| Contratempo | Italian | Literally, "counter time." The action of beating the opponent as he tries to take advantage of a tempo you create. | European Fencing |
| Contre Parries | French | The counter. | European Fencing |
| Controcavazione | Italian | Literally, "countertrade." The act of nullifying the effect of an opponent's trade by performing one of your own specifically, the action of beating a Cavazione with an opposite one, thus ending up to the side where your sword started. | European Fencing |
| Coquille | French | Literally, "box." A body protector. | Savate |
| Corno Breton | Cornish | Also known as Cornish wrestling, this form of grappling is very similar to Japanese Judo. The most significant difference is that a wrestler is not permitted to go to the ground with an opponent, but must make the throw while standing. | Corno Breton |
| Corporation of the London Masters of Defence | English | The guild of English instructors of fighting and fence in the 1500s, it had four levels of fighter: Scholar, Free Scholar, Provost, and Master, as well as four "Ancient Masters." | European Fencing |
| Corps | French | Body. | Savate |
| Corto | Spanish | Short, close. | Kali, Eskrima |
| Corto Mano | Spanish | Short Range, where indirect strikes, trapping and close range strikes are predominant. | Kali, Eskrima, Arnis |
| Counterguards | English | Postures to counter the opponent's guards. Fabris devotes two whole chapters to the counterguard as one of the mainstays of his style. According to Fabris, a counterguard (or counterposture) is a subtle adjustment of any of the main guards made to ensure that the line between the opponent's tip and one's body is completely covered by the forte of the sword. Counterpostures are to be formed outside the measure in order to ensure good defense once the "danger zone is entered. Nicoletto Gigantiin his Chapter 1, plainly states that while inexperienced fencers stand in guard, good ones stand in counterguard. Some Masters' idea of a counterguard (e.g. Cavalcabo) is a guard itself rather than its adjustment. For example, he advocates using the fourth guard against a first, a second against a second, etc. By contrast, Fabris and Alfieri can tailor most guards to oppose any posture by the opponent by means of slight adjustments of the sword-arm and the angle of the wrist. | European Fencing |
| Coup | French | A blow or strike. | Savate |
| Coup de Grace | French | The killing blow. Originally referring to the dagger stroke given to mercifully end the suffering of a wounded duelist (originally used to execute a defeated knight in heavy plate armor). | European Fencing |
| Coup de Jarnac | French | An early Renaissance term for a crippling blow to the back of the opponent's exposed knee or hamstring (so called due to a famous judicial duel, it was not a new strike at all, but did become well known and quite notorious). | European Fencing |
| Coup de Main | French | A kill by a single, smooth, quick thrust or cut. | European Fencing |
| Coup de Pied | French | A kick, blow of the foot. | Savate |
| Coup de Pied Bas | French | A low sliding kick, using the inside arch of the shoe to cut or sweep at the opponent's ankle or shin, often targeting the inside of the ankle. | Savate |
| Coup de Pied Bas de Frappe | French | A Coup de Pied Bas which is used to strike the opponent's lead leg. | Savate |
| Coup de Pied Bas Déséquilibre | French | A Coup de Pied Bas which is used to strike the opponent's supporting leg. | Savate |
| Coup de Poing | French | Punch, blow of the fist. | Savate |
| Coupé | French | Literally, "cut-off," a quick disengage over the top of the adversary's blade, often after their parry, basically a cut-over. | European Fencing |
| Cover | English | The learning position that you assume when you are being pummeled. Effectively, Arms in to protect your body, hands up to protect your head, chin tucked to prevent a broken jaw or knock out, eyes open, knees flexed for balance and turned inward to protect the joints and the groin. | Boxing, JKD, Panantukan |
| Crank | English | In grappling, to apply pressure to the opponent's neck causing pain and discomfort, eliciting a movement response. To step up the torquing pressure used to apply a lock or submission. | Grappling |
| Crochet | French | A hook, a punch thrown so that the fist loops out and then back in. | Savate |
| Crochet Bras Arriere | French | Hook (punch) with the rear hand. | Savate |
| Crochet Bras Avant | French | Hook (punch) with the front hand. | Savate |
| Croise | French | 1. Crossed. 2. A lunging attack in which the rear leg advances beyond the front leg. |
Savate, European Fencing |
| Croisé | French | A cross, a straight punch thrown with the rear hand used to attack an opponent. The fist rotates so that the back of the hand is horizontal. Generally stronger than a direct. | Savate |
| Croisé Tête | French | A croisé aimed at the opponent's head. | Savate |
| Cross | English | A punch thrown with the rear hand, which traverses across the torso in its delivery, and is often used to punch over the arm of the opponent, hence the name "cross." | Boxing |
| Cross Stepping | English | To step one leg behind the other, moving the body in a lateral fashion, often for an evasion or in preparation for a spinning technique or change of direction. | |
| Crossada | Spanish | A method of blocking and thrusting with two weapons, a term used in the Filipino Martial Arts. | Kali, Eskrima |
| Cruzada | Spanish | See crossada. | Kali, Eskrima |
| Cuatro | Spanish | Four, used in counting. | |
| Cup Choy | Cantonese | "Overhead Fist" technique. | Wing Chun, JKD |
| Cup Hilt | English | (As in Cup Hilt Rapier) a bowl like sword guard similar to those on modern sport fencing epee's, common in theatrical fighting, they did not first appear until the 1650's in Spain. | European Fencing |
| Cup Sao | See kow sao. | Wing Chun, JKD | |
| Cut & Thrust Sword | English | A form of "transition sword" from the heavier, wider Medieval blade to the thinner, edgeless rapiers of the Renaissance, they were used for hacking, slashing, stabbing, had compound hilts and employed fingering, they were military blades that became popular for civilian use until superseded by the rapier (other forms of later military cut & thrust swords include the: schiavona, spadroon, cutlass, mortuary sword, hanger, and saber). | European Fencing |
| Cut Over | English | Altering the line of the attack by passing the blade over the adversary's point, basically a Coupé. | European Fencing |
| Cuts | English | In Renaissance cut & thrust swordsmanship, there are 8 primary cuts (diagonal, horizontal and vertical delivered up or down, right or left, using primarily the true-edge). These are blows of the edge as opposed to stabs with the point. Depending on the circumstance and blade used, they may or may not be intended as wounding actions. In order to specifically classify a cut, Maestri tended to use all three identifying criteria: general direction, specific direction and delivery method (not unlikely biology's Family, Genus and Species). For example, a wide swinging cut landing horizontally on the opponent's right side should be classified as a riverso tondo from the shoulder. | European Fencing |
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| Da | Cantonese | To hit or strike. | Wing Chun, JKD |
| Da | Cantonese | To hit or strike. | Wing Chun, JKD |
| Daab | Thai | A long-handled single edged sword used in Krabi Krabong. | Krabi Krabong |
| Dachi | Japanese | Stance or posture. | Kenjutsu, Karate |
| Dadsin | Thai | To judge, to decide. | Muay Thai |
| Daga | Spanish | Dagger, a long knife (10-12" blade). This is sometimes represented by a stick or training dagger. | Kali, Eskrima, Arnis, European Fencing |
| Dai Kissaki | Japanese | Enlarged point on a Japanese sword, a style more commonly found on swords from the 1700's. | Kenjutsu, Iaido, Kendo |
| Daihuachai | Thai | The region under the heart, a vital target. | Muay Thai |
| Daisan | Japanese | The completed drawing phase of Kyudo. | Kyudo |
| Daisho | Japanese | Literally, "big and small." Two swords, one long and the other short, worn by the Samurai class in feudal Japan. | Bushido |
| Daito | Japanese | A great long sword, whose cutting edge, was over 24 inches in length, typically 32-36" in length, as contrasted with such shorter swords as the Wakizashi (18 inches). | Kenjutsu, Kendo, Iaido |
| Dakip | To capture, catch, a catching parry. | Panantukan, Kali | |
| Dakip Diwa | One's mindset. | Kali | |
| Dakop | To catch, a catching parry. | Panantukan, Kali | |
| Dakot | To scoop, a scooping parry. | Panantukan, Kali | |
| Dalawa | Tagalog | Two, used in counting. | Kali, Eskrima, Arnis |
| Dalawampu | Tagalog | Twenty, used in counting. | Kali, Eskrima, Arnis |
| Dalawampu't Isa | Tagalog | Twenty-one, used in counting. | Kali, Eskrima, Arnis |
| Dalawang | Tagalog | Double. | Kali, Eskrima, Arnis |
| Damdam | Tagalog | Kinesthetic awareness, sensitivity. | Kali |
| Damdam Diwa | Tagalog | Being sensitive, aware. | Kali |
| Dan | Japanese | The rank a black belt. In most systems there are 10-12 dan, ranks or degrees of black belt. | Karate, Aikido, Judo, Jiujitsu, Tae Kwon Do, Kendo |
| Dan | Cantonese | One, single. | Wing Chun, JKD |
| Dan Chi Sao | Cantonese | One-handed Chi Sao, a drill designed to teach the basics of Chi Sao. | Wing Chun, JKD |
| Dan Gun | Korean | Dan Gun refers to the Holy Dan Gun, the founder of Korea in the year 2,333 B.C., the birthplace of Tae Kwon Do. | Tae Kwon Do |
| Dan Sao | Cantonese | Low pressing hand. | Wing Chun, JKD |
| Danjun | Japanese | Part of the body just below the navel that is believed to be the source of Ki. See Dantien. | Karate, Aikido |
| Dasot | Korean | Five, used in counting. | Tae Kwon Do |
| Dayang | Tagalog | The female black belt ranks in the Filipino Martial Art Arnis de Mano. | Arnis |
| De Ashi Harai | Japanese | Advanced foot sweep throw. | Judo |
| De Cadena | Spanish | Literally, "Chain-like" or "of the chain," a term used in the Filipino Martial Arts to represent the efficient and intuitive flow of action from one technique to another. | Kali, Eskrima, Arnis, Kuntaw |
| De Cuerdas | Spanish | Literally, "to cord." This term refers to the hundreds of threads that wind together to make a rope. Similarly, the basics of a system wind together within the student to create a competent fighter. | Eskrima |
| De Fundo | Spanish | Stationary, strong-ground, holding one's position against a strong force. To establish or root oneself strongly, and hold against greater odds. | Kali |
| Delikado | Spanish | From the spanish word "delicado," this means delicate, dangerous, a situation where one must take great care. | Kali, Eskrima |
| Depensa | Spanish | From the Spanish word "defensa," this means to be defensive, to take a defensive position in training. | Kali, Eskrima |
| Depok | A cross-legged sitting posture used in Silat. | Penjak Silat | |
| Dermpan | Thai | A form of betting. | Muay Thai |
| Deru Pon | Japanese | A term used to denote the winning of a Judo contest in the opening seconds before a contestant has had time to adjust him or herself, or even grasped the opponent's jacket. | Judo |
| Deshi | Japanese | Disciple or student. | Aikido, Karate, Jiujitsu |
| Destreza | Spanish | Skill or dexterity. Used in La Verdadera Destreza. | European Fencing |
| Destruction | English | The systematic and repetitive breaking down of an opponent's ability to attack by causing direct injury to the attacking limb. See See Gunting. | Kali, Eskrima, Arnis |
| Dib Dib | The Chest | ||
| Diin | To put pressure on. | ||
| Dikit | Close. | Kali | |
| Dikitan | Very close, close quarters. | Kali | |
| Ding Jong | Cantonese | Butting Elbow technique. | Wing Chun, JKD |
| Direct Riposte | English | A counter done in the same line of attack from which the opponent's attack originated. | European Fencing |
| Disarma | Spanish | A set of actions which focus on disarming one's opponent. | Kali, Eskrima, Arnis, European Fencing |
| Disengage | English | A term used in Foil, Epee and Rapier fencing to describe the act of moving the point of one's blade from a blocked to an open position (around and below the opponent's guard). See Degage. | European Fencing |
| Djuru | A short form performed in Silat used to develop offensive skills. | Penjak Silat | |
| Do | Japanese | The way of...way or path. When this term is used as a suffix to a particular style of the Japanese Martial Arts, it is indicative of more than just a means of combat. Do indicates a discipline and philosophy with moral and spiritual connotations, with the ultimate aim being enlightenment. | Judo, Aikido, Kendo, Kyudo, Kyodo, Karate-Do |
| Do San | Korean | Do San is the psuedonym of the patriot Ahn Chang Ho (1876-1938). The 24 movements represent his entire life, which he devoted to furthering the education of Korea (the birth place of Tae Kwon Do) and to its independence movement. | Tae Kwon Do |
| Dobak | Korean | The uniform worn during training. See gi. | Tae Kwon Do |
| Doble | Spanish | "Double," this term is often used in the Filipino Martial Arts to refer to the simultaneous use of two-like weapons (Doble Olisi, Doble Baston, Doble Daga, Doble Espada, etc.). | Kali, Eskrima, Arnis |
| Doblete | Spanish | Double, that which is doubled or repeated. | Kali, Eskrima, Arnis |
| Doce Pares | Spanish | Literally, "12 pairs." | Eskrima |
| Dodan Ti | Korean | Yellow belt, signifies the earth from which a plant sprouts and takes root, the foundation of training. | Tae Kwon Do |
| Dogi | Japanese | Uniform worn during training. See Gi. | Judo, Aikido, Karate, Kendo |
| Dogu | Japanese | Tools, equipment, or instruments used in Martial Arts practice. | Karate, Aikido, Kendo, Kenjutsu, Iaido |
| Dohyo | Japanese | A circlar ring, fifteen feet in diameter, in which Sumo contests are conducted. | Sumo |
| Dohyo Iri | Japanese | The ceremonial entry of the Sumo champions into the arena. | Sumo |
| Dojang | Korean | Training hall, gymnasium, school. See Dojo. | Tae Kwon Do |
| Dojo | Japanese | Training hall, workout space, school. | Karate, Aikido, Kendo, Judo |
| Dokan | Japanese | The ring of the way. | Bushido |
| Dokyo | Japanese | The teaching of the way. | Bushido |
| Dollyo Chagi | Korean | Turning kick, roundhouse kick. | Tae Kwon Do |
| Dontree Muay | Thai | The music played during a traditional Muay Thai match. | Muay Thai |
| Dookset Ti | Korean | Green belt. Signifies the plant's growth as the student's skills begin to develop. | Tae Kwon Do |
| Dool | Korean | Two, used in counting. | Tae Kwon Do |
| Dori | Japanese | See Tori. | Aikido, Judo, Karate |
| Doryoku | Japanese | Giving one's best effort to reach one's goal. | Karate |
| Dos | Spanish | Two, used in counting. | Kali, Eskrima, Arnis, European Fencing |
| Dos Labahas | Spanish | Two blades. | Kali, Eskrima, Arnis |
| Dos Manos | Spanish | Literally, "two hands." Referring to techniques performed which require both hands, such as striking with a staff, spear or long sword. | Kali, Eskrima, Arnis |
| Dos Manos Largos | Spanish | Two hands with long stick or long weapon. | Kali, Eskrima, Arnis |
| Double Disengage | English | Similar to the Disengage, this method takes into consideration the adversary's response, changing directions based on their resistance to the Disengage. | European Fencing |
| Dozukiri | Japanese | The second action of Kyudo in which the archer sets his body into a firm stance. | Kyudo |
| Dradot Dtae | Thai | A jump kick. | Muay Thai |
| Dritto | Italian | The edge of a sword. | European Fencing |
| Dritto Filo | Italian | The true edge of a single-edged blade or sword; the cutting edge in line with the knuckles on a double-edged sword. | European Fencing |
| Druang Rang | Thai | Bands worn around the biceps, a talisman used for luck and skill in the ring. | Muay Thai |
| Dtaa | Thai | The eyes. | Muay Thai |
| Dtaai | Thai | To die. | Muay Thai |
| Dtae | Thai | To kick. | Muay Thai |
| Dtae Kao | Thai | A knee kick. | Muay Thai |
| Dtae Tao | Thai | To kick with the foot. | Muay Thai |
| Dtae Wiang | Thai | Round kick. | Muay Thai |
| Dtai | Thai | Kidneys, a vital target. | Muay Thai |
| Dtai Kao | Thai | Knee kick from the side. | Muay Thai |
| Dtee | Thai | To hit, to strike. | Muay Thai |
| Dtee Mat | Thai | To strike, to hit with the fist, a punch. | Muay Thai |
| Dtee Sawk | Thai | To strike with the elbow. | Muay Thai |
| Dtoi | Thai | To box, boxing. | Muay Thai |
| Dtoi Lom | Thai | Literally, "box with the wind or air." Shadow boxing. | MuayThai |
| Duello | Italian | Literally, the duel. Single combat with an opponent. | European Fencing |
| Dukop | To catch. See Dakup. | Panantukan, Kali | |
| Dukot | To reach out. | Panantukan, Kali | |
| Dulo | The tip of the stick. | Kali, Eskrima, Arnis | |
| Dum Tek | Cantonese | A front or oblique stomping kick, striking with the heel or sole of the foot. | Wing Chun, JKD |
| Dumog | A branch of the Filipino Martial Art Kali, which focuses on the grappling aspects of close range fighting, incorporating trapping, wrenching, locking and throwing. | Kali, Dumog, Panantukan, Pangamut | |
| Dungab | Tagalog | A hammerfist strike. To hold a weapon with a "hammer grip." | Kali, Panantukan |
| Duro Gamyo Bituro Chagi | Korean | Skipping twisting kick, double motion twist kick | Tae Kwon Do |
| Duro Gamyo Dollyo Chagi | Korean | Skip side turning kick, double motion roundhouse kick. | Tae Kwon Do |
| Duro Gamyo Golcho Chagi | Korean | Skipping hooking kick. | Tae Kwon Do |
| Duro Gamyo Yopcha Jirugi | Korean | Skip side piercing kick, double motion side kick. | Tae Kwon Do |
| Duslak | Tagalog | To thrust. | Kali, Eskrima, Arnis |
| Dwitbal Sogi | Korean | Rear foot stance. | Tae Kwon Do |
| Dwitcha Jirugi | Korean | Back piercing kick, back kick. | Tae Kwon Do |
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| Edge | English | Referring to the actual cutting plane of a blade, on a single-edged blade, opposite the Ridge. | European Fencing |
| Edgeblow | English | A cut with the edge of a bladed weapon. | European Fencing |
| Ee Sang | Korean | "Class is finished, you are dismissed." | Tae Kwon Do |
| Eishin Ryu | Japanese | The original style of Iaijutsu that embraces numerous kata and is combat oriented. | Iaido |
| Eku | Japanese | A boat Oar, employed in a fashion similar to the use of the Bo, a traditional Okinawan Kobudo weapon. | Kobudo |
| Elastico | Spanish | "Rubber band art" system of Filipino Martial Arts. | Kali |
| Elastico | Spanish | "Rubber band art" system of Filipino Martial Arts. | Kali |
| Embujo | Japanese | A place of exhibition or athletic performances where Martial Arts events are often held. | |
| Empai | Japanese | Elbow strike. | Karate |
| En Garde | French | Literally, "on guard!" | European Fencing, Savate |
| En Guarda | Italian, Spanish | See En Garde. | European Fencing |
| En Suite | French | A matching set of rapier and dagger. | European Fencing |
| Encho | Japanese | "Continuation" or "extension." The overtime period of a match. | Karate |
| Energy | English | In trapping, this has to do with the sensation of pressure caused by the opponent's forward contact, intention, and point of contact, and its potential. Pressing, yielding, circling, pulling, lifting, splitting, closing, stable, sticking, and crossing are all terms used to describe certain types of energy. |
JKD |
| Energy Level | English | Physiologically, proper energy levels have to do with the nutritional balance of the practitioner, and take into consideration rest, blood sugar levels, cardiovascular endurance, VO2 capacity, anaerobic endurance and muscle type composition, creatine phosphate stores, soreness and cortisol or hydroxyprolene build up, muscle fatigue and lactic acid build up, and mindset. | Strength & Conditioning |
| Enganyo | Spanish | Use of deception, to fake or feint one's intention in order to misdirect the opponent. | Kali, Eskrima, European Fencing |
| Enteki | Japanese | The art of long-distance archery. | Bushido |
| Entrada | Spanish | Entry, to enter. | Kali, Eskrima, European Fencing |
| Entry | English | Like Bridging the Gap, this refers to the manner in which a fighter will get close enough to their opponent to either strike, trap, or grapple, or any combination thereof. | |
| Equis | Spanish | "X" or "X" shaped striking pattern. | Kali, Eskrima, Arnis |
| Eri | Japanese | Lapel, collar, the part of the uniform that is often gripped for throws or chokes. | Judo, Jiujitsu, Aikido |
| Eri Katsu | Japanese | The lapel method of resuscitation used in Judo. | Judo |
| Escala | Spanish | Geometric diagrams used in the Filipino Martial Arts to represent lines of movement, attack and defense. These symbols also have spiritual and metaphoric contexts. | Kali, Eskrima, Arnis |
| Escrima | Spanish | See Eskrima. | Kali, Eskrima, Arnis |
| Escrime | French | From the Latin word for "skirmish." To fence, swordsmanship. | European Fencing |
| Esgrima | Portuguese | Literally, to fence. In Brazilian Jiujitsu, this term is often used with regards to Pummelling, fencing with the opponent's arms in order to secure an underhook. | Brazilian Jiujitsu |
| Eskrima | Spanish | Also sometimes spelled Escrima, this term is taken from the Latin word for "Skirmish," or "to Fence," and refers to the Filipino Martial Arts which arose from a particular period in Filipino history. | Kali, Eskrima, Arnis |
| Eskrimador | Spanish | Stickfighter, one who practices Eskrima. One who skirmishes. Also spelled Escrimador. | Kali, Eskrima, Arnis |
| Espada | Spanish | A sword. Specifically a term used in the Filipino Martial Arts to describe a type of cut and thrust sword which proceeded the Epee, similar to a Sabre and a also to a Rapier. This can also refer to a regional weapon in the Philippines, typically a long straight edged, one-handed blade. | Kali, Eskrima, Arnis, European Fencing |
| Espada y Daga | Spanish | A term used in the Filipino Martial Arts to describe a method of fighting with two edged weapons, namely a long and a short blade. More generally this can refer to any combination of long and short weapons meant to represent a long and short blade. | Kali, Eskrima, Arnis, European Fencing |
| Esquiva | Spanish | Evade, escape, defend, repel, get away, move out of the way, etc. It is also used in Spanish poetry, literature and prose, to indicate a demeanor of shyness or elusiveness. | European Fencing |
| Estocador | Spanish | A practitioner of Eskrima. See Eskrimador. | Kali, Eskrima, Arnis |
| Estocatta | Spanish | Methods of thrusting. In Spanish style, done simply with a quick extension of the arm (as opposed to a lunge in the more traditional manner), due to the passive nature of the attacks in La Verdadera Destreza. | European Fencing |
| Estokata | Spanish | A Filipino system that is very thrust oriented. Sometimes referred to as Estocada or Estokada. This term also refers to an interactive drill used in Doce Pares Eskrima to develop defensive skills, similar in many ways to Sinawali. | Kali, Eskrima |
| Estoquador | Spanish | See Eskrimador. | Kali, Eskrima, Arnis |
| Estrilla | Spanish | From the Spanish word for "star" (estrella). This term is often used to denote an attack which comes from above, and sometimes used to refer to the Escala lines of attack and other footwork patterns. | Kali, Eskrima |
| Eui Am | Korean | Eui Am is the pseudonym of Son Byong Hi, leader of the Korean independence movement on March 1, 1919. The 45 movements refer to his age when he changed the name of Dong Hak (Oriental Culture) to Chondo Kyo (Heavenly Way Religion) in 1905. The diagram represents his indomitable spirit, displayed while dedicating himself to the prosperity of his nation. | Tae Kwon Do |
| Exit | English | Any technique that is used to remove yourself from fighting range, or from a closer range to a less farther one is referred to as an Exit or an Outro. | |
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| Faad | Thai | Thrash, wipe, swipe. | Muay Thai |
| Faidaeng | Thai | Red corner. | Muay Thai |
| Fainamnerng | Thai | Blue corner. | Muay Thai |
| Fak Sao | Cantonese | Whisking Arm technique. | Wing Chun, JKD |
| Falsing | English | Feinting, to feint, misdirect the opponent. | European Fencing |
| Falso Dritto | Italian | The false edge of a sword or knife, also refers to a cutting attack delivered with the false edge of the sword, along an ascending 45 degree angle at the left leg, with the hand held in pronation, similar in delivery to the Falso Manco. | European Fencing |
| Falso Filo | Italian | The false edge of a single-edged blade or sword; the cutting edge in line with the thumb or wrist on a double-edged sword. | European Fencing |
| Falso Manco | Italian | A cutting attack aimed at the right leg with the hand held in suppination, similar in delivery to the Falso Dritto attack. | European Fencing |
| Fan Sao | Cantonese | Trapping hands. | Wing Chun, JKD |
| Fari | The Fari is a shield nine inches in diameter, and leather bound. See Fari Gatka. | Gatka | |
| Fari Gatka | A Sikh tradition, an Indian form of fencing centered around shields (Fari) and swords (Gatka). To score points the stick must simply touch the vital points designated on the opponent's body. | Gatka | |
| Feint | English | To give the pretense of striking one area, in one manner, or along one line of attack, when actually intending to attack another, based on the opponent's response to your demonstrated intention. | European Fencing, Wrestling, Boxing |
| Female Triangle | English | A triangle pattern for footwork where the tip of the triangle points away from the opponent. | Kali, Eskrima, Arnis |
| Fence | English | A command used in fencing to begin an engagement or duel. In French, Allez!, in Spanish, Vayan! or Bailen, in Portuguese, Vaõ, in Japanese, Hajime. | European Fencing |
| Fencing Mask | English | A mesh, slightly padded mask and helmet designed to protect the face and eyes from disfigurement and injury during fencing matches. The modern mask was introduced in the late 1800's by the French fencing master La Boksshire. | European Fencing |
| Fendente | Italian | A downward vertical line of attack. | European Fencing |
| Fighting Stance | English | ransitory stance used when aggressively combining offense and defense. Effectively, any position (will change slightly depending on use) where the hands and arms are used to protect the body and deliver strikes, and the legs are deeply flexed at the knees and the balls of the feet for ease of movement and greater balance. See Also: By Jong. | Boxing |
| Finda | Italian | A feint or false attack. | European Fencing |
| First Position | English | A term used in fencing to describe a position of engagement. In Italian, Prima Posizione, in Spanish, Primera Posición. | European Fencing |
| Flamberge | French | A term denoting a sword or Rapier with a wavy blade or portion of the blade, akin to an Indonesian or Filipino Kris. Also known as Flammard or Flambard. | European Fencing |
| Fleché | French | An "Arrow attack," comprised of a strong forward lunge; a lunge in which the rear leg advances in front of the front foot; a jump lunge; arrow attack. | European Fencing, Savate |
| Fleuret | French | Flower, referring to the Foil, a blade used in modern sport fencing. | European Fencing |
| Fluid Shock | English | A strike delivered with momentary pause upon penetration is said to have fluid shock. The principle is that since the body is comprised of mostly fluids, it takes a split second longer that a quick hit will allow to deliver the maximum transference of energy from the weapon to the target. Strikes which utilize the Fluid Shock principle have the characteristic of "Sinking-in." | Boxing |
| Foible | French | The section of a sword between the forte and the tip, effectively the last half of the weapon, the weaker section that is often acted upon in order to deflect an attack.. | European Fencing |
| Foible | French | The section of a sword between the forte and the tip, effectively the last half of the weapon, the weaker section that is often acted upon in order to deflect an attack.. | European Fencing |
| Foining | A thrusting weapon, typically a sword or Rapier. | European Fencing | |
| Forte | Latin | 1. From the Latin, Collectively, one's strength or area of expertise.
2. Specifically, in Fencing, the strongest part of the blade, immediately after the handle, approximately one half the length of the blade. |
European Fencing |
| Forward Quillion | English | On a Renaissance-era sword, the crossbar that extends over the knuckles or finger-side of the Grip. | European Fencing |
| Fou Tou Ou | Cantonese | Sword used in Kung Fu, known as the "hook and crescent sword. | Kung Fu |
| Fouete | French | Whip, generally referring to any snapping kick, more specifically to a snapping round kick, striking with the toe of the shoe. | Savate |
| Fouk Sao | Cantonese | Used in trapping, in the Chi Sao drill in particular, the arm rides on the opponent's deflecting towards the inside. "Hooking Hand" or "Bridge Arm" technique. | Wing Chun, JKD |
| Fouler | French | The origin of the term Foil, meaning to press or turn back (referring to the blunted edge of the Foil). | European Fencing |
| Foundation | English | Another term for stance and for balance, effectively, that which keeps you standing, and the qualities of that. | Wrestling, Boxing, European Fencing |
| Fraile | Literally, "to hit." | Kali, Eskrima, Arnis | |
| Frame | English | Often referred to as the C-1 position with the forearms, used for creating or maintaining space against pressure. Also See Brace. | Wrestling |
| Front | English | (Leg, Arm, Side, etc.) Based mostly on foot position, the side of your body that is closest to the opponent you are facing. Sometimes referred to as one's Lead. | Boxing, European Fencing |
| Fu | The battle axe. | ||
| Fu | Japanese | An article (unit of grammar) which at the beginning of a sentence means negation, not, opposite of. | Bushido |
| Fu Antei | Japanese | Instability or lack of balance. | Judo |
| Fu Jya | A style of Kung Fu that employs both hard and soft techniques. | Kung Fu | |
| Fuchi | Japanese | The metal sleeve located at the base of the handle next to the guard of a Katana. | Kenjutsu, Kendo, Iaido, Bushido |
| Fudo | Japanese | Motionless, unmoving. | Bushido |
| Fudo Chi | Japanese | The Zen concept of unmoving wisdom. | Bushido, Zen |
| Fukai | Japanese | To hold strongly. | Judo |
| Fukiya | Japanese | Pins and poison darts shot through a blowgun. | |
| Fukubu | Japanese | A target area in sport Karate that includes the diaphragm, abdomen and side chest area. | Karate |
| Fuller | English | A Fencing term, on a sword blade, a groove which runs the length of the blade, along its spine. | European Fencing |
| Futokoro | Japanese | Literally: "the inside of a jacket;" or inside, the opposite of Tamoto. | Aikido |
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| Gaan Dadsin | Thai | Judging. | Muay Thai |
| Gae Baek | Korean | The form Gae Baek is named after Ge Baek, a great general in the Baek Je Dynasty (660 A.D.) The diagram represents his severe and strict military discipline. | Tae Kwon Do |
| Gaeshi | Japanese | Turning or sending back, turn away, twist. | Aikido, Judo |
| Gake | Japanese | Hooking action used in some ankle and sacrifice throws. | Judo |
| Gakko | Japanese | School. | |
| Galang | Respect | ||
| Galing | Skill | ||
| Gamagan | Thai | Referree. | Muay Thai |
| Gangkeng Muay | Thai | A boxer's trunks. | Muay Thai |
| Ganmen | Japanese | A target area which includes all of the head and face area. | Karate |
| Gantihan | An exchange of blows. | ||
| Garote | French | Stick. | La Canne |
| Garote'ng Itak | Flat stick. | ||
| Gatame | Japanese | A method of locking or holding. | Judo, Jiujitsu, Aikido |
| Gatka | The Gatka is a three-foot, leather covered stick. See Fari Gatka. | Fari Gatka | |
| Gaun Sao | Cantonese | Open hand low outside sweeping block. Used in trapping. | Wing Chun, JKD |
| Gaunto di Presa | Italian | A heavy leather or mailed glove with mailed-covered palm and fingers for use in parrying the adversary's sword with the free or live hand also known as a grasping glove. | European Fencing |
| Gawn Welaa | Thai | Literally "before" time. During a night of fights, "Gawn welaa" bouts, reserved for novices or amateurs, are held before the program starts. | Muay Thai |
| Gedan | Japanese | To pinpoint an area to be attacked. Usually refers to the lower trunk area. | Karate, Aikido |
| Gedan Ate | Japanese | middle strike, a term used to classify lines of attack. | Aikido |
| Gedan Barai | Japanese | Low outside parry or block. | Karate |
| Gedan Zuke | Japanese | Lower punch. | Karate |
| Gekken | Japanese | A name often used in place of Kendo during the Meiji era (1868 - 1912), especially by the military. | Kenjutsu |
| Genin | Japanese | Ninja of the lowest rank who were often responsible for carrying out dangerous assignments. | Ninjutsu |
| Gensei Ryu | Japanese | A style of Karate characterized by tumbling and somersaults. | Karate |
| Geri | Japanese | Kick. | Karate |
| Gi | Japanese | Uniform, training jacket specifically. Sometimes referred to as a Do Gi. Also, a Japanese term used to describe the principle of making the right decision, taken without equanimity, the right attitude, the truth; rectitude, a concept prized in Shinto and Bushido. | Karate, Bushido, Judo, Jiujitsu |
| Gin | Cantonese | Upward | Wing Chun, JKD |
| Gin Choy | Cantonese | Uppercut punch. | Wing Chun, JKD |
| Gin Lai | Cantonese | Salute, salutation. | Wing Chun, JKD |
| Gin Tek | Cantonese | Upward snapping Kick | Wing Chun, JKD |
| Gitna | Center | ||
| Gnoy | Cantonese | Outside (sometimes spelled noy). | Wing Chun, JKD |
| Go | Cantonese | High (line of attack). | Wing Chun, JKD |
| Go | Japanese | Five, used in counting. | Kenjutsu |
| Go Da | Cantonese | High hit, high strike. | Wing Chun, JKD |
| Go Ti | An ancient form of Chinese wrestling. | Go Ti | |
| Godan | Japanese | Fifth degree black belt. | Karate, Judo, Jiujitsu, Aikido |
| Goju Ryu | Japanese | Literally, "Hard-Soft way." Method of Japanese unarmed combat developed directly from Okinawan Naha-Te and created by Chojun Miyagi. One of the four major Japanese Karate systems. | Karate |
| Gojung Sogi | Korean | Fixed stance. | Tae Kwon Do |
| Golcho Chagi | Korean | Hooking kick. | Tae Kwon Do |
| Golok | A short, heavy cleaver-like knife, with a convex cutting edge. The blade is thickest and heaviest in the center, and flows away in a curve to a sharp point at the tip. | Penjak Silat | |
| Gomon Ti | Korean | Black belt, opposite of white, therefore signifies a maturity and proficiency. It also indicates the wearer's imperviousness to darkness and fear. | Tae Kwon Do |
| Gong | Cantonese | A block. Sometimes spelled geong. | Wing Chun, JKD |
| Goshi | Japanese | Hip. | Judo |
| Gosoku | Japanese | A modern system of Karate founded by Tak Kubota of Los Angeles, California. | Karate |
| Grab Defense | English | A series of techniques and observation drills used in Self-Defense training, designed to categorize the majority of grabbing-based attacks (bear hug, choke, etc.) and develop the skills and kinesthetic awareness necessary to defeat them. | Self-Defense |
| Grajab | Thai | Groin guard. | Muay Thai |
| Grammon Srisa | Thai | Top of the head, a vital point target. | Muay Thai |
| Grasawb | Thai | A punching bag. | Muay Thai |
| Grip | English | One's hold on a weapon; one's hold of the opponent's clothing or limbs in grappling; the handle portion of a weapon, particularly a sword. | European Fencing |
| Grypes | Old English | The techniques and moves involved with grasping the opponent's blade. This is sometimes referred to as commanding the sword. | European Fencing |
| Gua Choy | Cantonese | Backfist strike, often horizontal, though sometimes forward, upward or downward in direction. Often used in trapping. | Wing Chun, JKD |
| Gua Tek | Cantonese | A hooking kick, striking with the heel or sole of the foot. | Wing Chun, JKD |
| Guard | English | In ground fighting, the fighter is said to have gone to the guard position when they are face up, on their backs, with their legs wrapped around their opponent, who is on top of them (effectively, the Mount position, inverted). | Brazilian Jiujitsu, Judo |
| Guardant | French | High outside guard. See prima. | European Fencing |
| Guardia | Italian | One's stance or on-guard position, particularly referring to the use of Rapiers. | European Fencing |
| Guardia Prima | Italian | High guard position (with a rapier). | European Fencing |
| Guardia Seconda | Italian | Middle or center guard (with a rapier). | European Fencing |
| Guardia Seconda | Italian | Middle or center guard (with a rapier). | European Fencing |
| Guardia Terza | Italian | Low guard (with a rapier). | European Fencing |
| Guburyo Junbi Sogi | Korean | Bending ready stance. | Tae Kwon Do. |
| Guk Gi | Korean | Self-control. | Tae Kwon Do |
| Gum Sao | Cantonese | A pressing or pinning hand block or parry, used to manipulate an opponent's crossed limbs. | Wing Chun, JKD |
| Guman | Korean | "Stop!" Also spelled Komman. | Tae Kwon Do |
| Gunbai | Japanese | A rigid wooden fan caried by generals in battle and used today by Sumo referees as a symbol of authority. | Bushido, Sumo |
| Gung Fu | Cantonese | The Cantonese proununciation of "Kung Fu." | Kung Fu |
| Gunnun Sogi | Korean | Walking stance, also referred to as the Front stance. | Tae Kwon Do |
| Gunting | Tagalog | A limb destruction, predominantly used in Kali, this is a method of impairing or injuring the opponent's ability to use their attacking limb or weapon. | Kali, Eskrima, Arnis, Panantukan |
| Gup | Korean | Grades of rank below Black Belt level. | Tae Kwon Do |
| Guro | Teacher. | Kali, Silat | |
| Gwan Gae | Korean | The form Gwan Gae is named after the famous Gwan Gae Toh Wang, the 19th King of the Koguryo Dynasty, who regained all the lost territories including the greater part of Manchuria. The diagram represents the expansion and recovery of lost territory. The 39 movements refer to the first two figures of 391 A.D., the year he came to the throne. | Tae Kwon Do |
| Gyaku | Japanese | Reverse or opposite, opposing. | Aikido, Judo |
| Gyaku Gamae Ate | Japanese | A strike from a reversed stance or opposite lead position. | Aikido |
| Gyaku Juji Jime | Japanese | Reverse cross strangle, a choking technique. | Jiujitsu, Judo |
| Gyoji | Kapanese | The referee of a Sumo match. | Sumo |
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| Ha | Cantonese | Low, low line of attack. | Wing Chun, JKD |
| Ha Da | Cantonese | Low strike, a strike at a low target | Wing Chun, JKD |
| Ha O'ou Choy | Cantonese | Low shovel hook. Also spelled Ha Now Choy. | Wing Chun, JKD |
| Ha Pak | Cantonese | Low slapping outside deflection, similar to a Wong Pak. | Wing Chun, JKD |
| Ha So Tek | Cantonese | Low inverted sweep kick. | Wing Chun, JKD |
| Ha Tek | Cantonese | Low Kick, typically a shin kick, similar to a Coup de Pied Bas in Savate, used to jam the shin of a kicking leg or upset the structure of a punch. | Wing Chun, JKD |
| Habang | While, in the mean time. | ||
| Hachimaki | Japanese | Head wrapping. A light cotton towel, also known as a Tengui, wrapped around the forehead to restrict perspiration from running into the eyes and face. | Bushido |
| Hadaka Jime | Japanese | Rear naked choke. Sometimes referred to as Mata Lion, or Mata Leao. | Judo, Jiujitsu |
| Hagabis | Literally: "Whirlwind," a throwing technique. A Filipino combat method of self-defense dealing with close quarters fighting, including empty-hand grappling techniques. Sometimes spelled Hagibis. | Hagabis | |
| Hagad Hubad | Strikes and counters. | Kali, Eskrima | |
| Hagibis | See Hagabis. | Hagabis | |
| Hagis | To throw, a throwing technique. | Hagabis | |
| Haisoku | Japanese | Arch of the foot; shin/instep, used in striking. | Karate |
| Hajime | Japanese | Begin. Referee's command used to start a Martial Arts match. | Karate, Kendo, Judo, Aikido, Iaido |
| Hakama | Japanese | Divided skirt. The skirt-like trousers or cullotes primarily worn in Kendo, Aikido, Iaido, and sometimes the upper ranks of Judo. | Kendo, Aikido, Iaido, Judo |
| Hakbang | To step; footwork. | ||
| Hakbang Paiwas | Full side step; step to avoid a strike. | ||
| Hakko Ryu | Japanese | A form of Jujutsu in which Atemi or striking techniques are emphasized. | Jujutsu |
| Halan Ti | Korean | Blue belt. Signifies Heaven, toward which the plant matures into a towering tree as training progresses. | Tae Kwon Do |
| Halberd | English | A shafted weapon with an axe-like cutting blade, sometimes used to describe the Chinese Quando and the Japanese Naginata. | European Fencing |
| Halo Halo | Combinations; free flow sparring. | ||
| Halt | English, German | To stop or cease action, a term used often by referrees in fencing and other competitive formats. In Spanish, Alto or Parrarse, in French, Arrête, in Italian, Alt, in Japanese, Mate. | European Fencing |
| Han Ay | Form. | ||
| Han Mu Kwan | Korean | Military arts school. A style of Korean Karate. | Han Mu Kwan |
| Hana | Korean | One, used in counting | Tae Kwon Do |
| Hanay | Row or line. | ||
| Hanbo | Japanese | Literally: "Half-staff;" or half-Bo; a walking stick or cane used as a defensive weapon. | Bojutsu, Kobudu, Ninjutsu |
| Handa | Japanese | Literally, "Get Ready!" | Karate, Judo |
| Hane Goshi | Japanese | Spring hip throw. | Judo |
| Hanmi | Japanese | Literally, Half-body. Specifically regarding a fighting lead, one's fighting stance, and the relationships between the postures of two opponents (matching/opposite). Sometimes spelled Han Maai. | Aikido |
| Hanpuku Geiko | Japanese | Repeated training; repetition. | Karate, Aikido |
| Hanshi | Japanese | Master. A respected master of Martial disciplines, who is of eighth- to tenth-degree black belt rank, although not all masters receive this title. | Aikido, Karate, Kendo, Judo, Jujutsu, Iaido, Kyudo |
| Hansoku Gachi | Japanese | Winner by violation. The decision awarded in a match when an opponent has violated the rules. | Karate |
| Hansokumake | Japanese | Loser by violation. A verdict against the loser when there has been a violation of the rules in a match. | Karate |
| Hantei | Japanese | Judgement or decision. A command by the referee to the judges to choose the winner of a match when neither contestant has scored or if the score is tied. | Karate |
| Hapkido | Korean | "Way of coordinating power." A Korean Martial Art characterized by kicking without retraction and composed of three primary skills nonresistance when meeting force, circular motion to countering and attacking, and the water principle - total penetration of an enemy's defenses. | Hapkido |
| Hapos | To strike or slash. | ||
| Happo No Kuzushi | Japanese | The eight methods or directions of off-balancing. Sometimes spelled Happo No Kuzishi. | Judo |
| Hapsanay | Free sparring. | ||
| Hara | Japanese | The ocean of energy, specifically referring to the center of one's balance, a point near the navel, the center of one's internal energy. In Chinese, Tanden or Tantien. | Aikido, Karate, Kendo, Iaido |
| Hara Kiri | Japanese | Ritual suicide with a knife, practiced by a shamed Samurai warrior. This phrase is more properly referred to as Seppuku. | Bushido |
| Haragei | Japanese | The art of concentrating Ki in the abdomen; disciplines focusing on developing the Tanden. | Bushido |
| Harai | Japanese | "Sweep" or "sweeping." | Judo |
| Harai Goshi | Japanese | Sweeping loin throw. | Judo |
| Harai Tsurikomi Ashi | Japanese | Lifting foot sweep throw. | Judo |
| Hata | Japanese | Flag. The flags used by referees or line persons to indicate scores, decisions, or Jogai. | |
| Hatak | To pull. | ||
| Hataw | A full power strike. | ||
| Hauri | Hip. | ||
| Hawak | To hold. | ||
| Hawak Gitna | Holding the stick in the middle of the weapon. | ||
| Hawak Pakal | Reverse or ice-pick grip. | ||
| Hawak Punyo | Holding a weapon with a hammer grip, with part of the punyo exposed. | ||
| Hawak Sagad | Holding a weapon in a hammer grip, with no punyo exposed. | ||
| Hawak Saksak | Holding a weapon in a hammer grip. | ||
| Hawak Sandata | Methods of holding a weapon, grips. | ||
| Hawak Susi | Reverse grip. | ||
| Hay Hey | Cantonese | Begin. | Wing Chun |
| Haymaker | English | Jargon for an obvious, long, wound-up strike, that will most likely cause great bodily harm if given a chance to land. Typically thrown to smash one's face, this term refers to a strike that is thrown with reckless abandon and full commitment. | Boxing |
| Henka Nage | Japanese | Techniques which begin as one technique and are changed by Nage in the course of delivery to become another technique; change-ups. | Judo |
| Hidari | Japanese | Left, left side. | Karate, Aikido, Judo |
| Hidari Shizen Tai | Japanese | Left natural posture. | Judo |
| Higot | To tie-up one's opponent through trappling or locking. | Kali | |
| Hiji | Japanese | Elbow, pertaining to the elbow joint, that part of the arm. | Judo, Aikido, Karate |
| Hiji Uchi | Japanese | Elbow strike. See Empai. | Karate |
| Hikiwake | Japanese | Draw or tie. Referee's term denoting a draw in a match. | Karate |
| Hikot | A light tap. | Kali | |
| Hilt | English | The portion of the blade just above the handle, where the blade enters or attaches to the handle. With Renaissance-era blades, and rapiers in particular, this refers to the hand guard above the crossbars or quillions above the handle. Typical types of hilts include the cup hilt, basket hilt, disc hilt, dish hilt, ring hilt and swept hilt. | European Fencing |
| Himm | "Force" or "power." | ||
| Hindi | To wait or pause. | ||
| Hintay | To slash. | ||
| Hiraki | Opening, entering, opening engagement or movement. | Aikido | |
| Hirate | Japanese | Foreknuckle, a striking surface. | Karate |
| Hishiryo | Japanese | Zen concept of a state of thinking without thinking, of consciousness beyond thought. Initial stage of Mushin. | Bushido |
| Hiuan Ti | Korean | White belt, signifies the innocence of a beginning student who has no previous knowledge. | Tae Kwon Do |
| Hiwa | To untie. | Kali | |
| Hiza | Japanese | Knee, pertaining to the knee joint or lap. | Judo |
| Hiza Garuma | Japanese | Knee wheel throw. | Judo |
| Hiza Gatame | Japanese | Literally, "knee lock." This pertains to a specific Ne Waza armlock where the knee is used to lock the elbow. | Judo |
| Hiza Geri | Japanese | Literally, "knee kick." To strike with the knee. | Karate |
| Ho Goo | Korean | Protective equipment worn by competitors to minimize injury while sparring. | Tae Kwon Do |
| Ho Sin Sool | Korean | Self-defense. | Tae Kwon Do |
| Hohup | Korean | Breathing. | Tae Kwon Do |
| Hohup Jojul | Korean | Equilibrium, a factor in the theory of power. | Tae Kwon Do |
| Hojo Jutsu | Japanese | The art of tying. Techniques used to tie and immobilize a victim by means of a cord. | Jujutsu, Ninjutsu |
| Hojutsu | Japanese | The art of firearms or gunnery. | Bushido, Ninjutsu |
| Hok | Thai | Six, used in counting. | Muay Thai |
| Hombu | Japanese | Center, central, headquarters. This term can be used to define any headquarters for a Martial Arts school. | Aikido |
| Hon Kesa Gatame | Japanese | See Kesa Gatame. | Judo, Jiujitsu |
| Honap Chagi | Korean | Combination kicking, kicking with more than one type of kick in the same attack. | Tae Kwon Do |
| Hook | English, Thai | Hooking punch. A strike that hits along a lateral arc, using torque and centrifugal force to generate power. Key to these strikes are the shifting of the weight, rotation of the hips and shoulders. | Western Boxing, Muay Thai, Panantukan |
| Hooks | English | The use of one's legs in grappling for a control position, the act of entangling them in a particular manner among the opponent's legs, so as to impede the opponent's use of their legs in assisting their escape. This is often used to stretch one's opponent from a prone position, with the arms controlling the upper torso, and the legs controlling the lower half of the body. | Grappling |
| Hop Gar | A style of Chinese Kung Fu, also known as Lama, which is composed of twelve short-hand and twelve long-hand maneuvers. | Kung Fu | |
| Hou | Cantonese | Rear, pertaining to the rear side, opposite of front. | Wing Chun |
| Hou Chung Chui | Cantonese | Cross, reverse punch, rear vertical fist straight punch. | Wing Chun |
| Hou Tek | Cantonese | Back kick. | Wing Chun, JKD |
| Hsing I | Form of the mind. Pronounced "sing yee." Hsing I Chuan is an internal system of Kung Fu emphasizing linear movement. | Hsing I Chuan | |
| Hua | Thai | The head. | Muay Thai |
| Huajai | Thai | The heart. | Muay Thai |
| Hubad | To untie (and in the vernacular, to undress). | Kali | |
| Hubud | Traditionally, this trapping drill is referred to as Hubud Lubud, or literally "tie-up and untie" and is used in the Filipino Martial Arts performed with and without weapons, designed to increase coordination, timing and awareness, in a repetitive, cyclic manner. The full title of this drill is Hubad Higot Lubad (To tie, wipe and untie) Hiwa Hapak at Lumpai. See Hubad. | Kali | |
| Huego y Riterada | Spanish | Literally, "hit and run," or "hit and retreat." A term used in the Filipino Martial Arts to denote the initial stage of training, where the student has not yet developed a sound defense. | Kali, Eskrima |
| Huen Sao | Cantonese | Circling Hand - Minor Disengagement, used in trapping, this technique is used for moving one's hand from one line to another in a very subtle fashion. This is often used to harness the momentum of the opponent's Energy, and use it to open a line. | Wing Chun, JKD |
| Hulagpos | To escape from capture or restraint. | ||
| Hung Gar | A major style of southern Chinese Kung Fu characterized by very hard, strong techniques and stable horse stances. | Kung Fu | |
| Hwa Chuan | Flowery hand system. A northern Chinese style of Kung Fu. | Kung Fu | |
| Hwa Rang | Korean | Hwa Rang is named after the Hwarang youth group which originated in the Silla Dynasty in the early 7th Century in Korea. This group eventually became the actual driving force for the unification of the three kingdoms of Korea. The 29 movements refer to the 29th Infantry division where Tae Kwon Do developed into maturity. | Tae Kwon Do |
| Hwarang Do | Korean | Way of the flower of manhood. A native Korean philosophical code similar to Japanese Bushido and possessing a structured series of physical techniques that were advocated by warriors known as the Hwarang. | Hwarang Do |
| Hyung | Korean | Pattern, form, or mold. A series of prearranged offensive and defensive movements executed against imaginary attacking opponents. Also known as Katas, Kuen or Poomse. | Tae Kwon Do |
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| Invito | Italian | Literally, "invite." The act of deliberately making a tempo or offering an opening to the opponent in order to lure him to attack – and then beat him with a contratempo. See feint, draw. | European Fencing |
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| Jad | Thai | To promote. | Muay Thai |
| Jamook | Thai | Nose. | Muay Thai |
| Jao Sao | Cantonese | Running Hand, sometimes aka Circling Hand, involving a flanking attack or strike to the opponent's outside line. Jao Sao is done from low to high or from high to low, the strike involves the use of the palm and the edge of the palm (like a cross between a Palm Heel strike and a Knifehand strike). In the Jun Fan Arsenal, this technique replaces the Ridgehand strike typically found in other striking systems. | Wing Chun, JKD |
| Jao Sao Da | Cantonese | To Jao Sao and Hit. | Wing Chun, JKD |
| Jeen | Cantonese | Lead, lead side. | Wing Chun, JKD |
| Jeet | Cantonese | To intercept; stop. | Wing Chun, JKD |
| Jeet Kune Do | Cantonese | Way of the intercepting fist. A collection of basic mental and physical concepts, observations of combat maneuvers, and philosophies of attitude gathered and developed by the late Bruce Lee. | JKD |
| Jeet Que | Cantonese | Intercepting bridge. | Wing Chun, JKD |
| Jeet Sao | Cantonese | An intercepting hand or forearm, used to shut down a shoot or tackle attempt. | Wing Chun, JKD |
| Jeet Tek | Cantonese | Intercepting Kick, a term used in the Jun Fan Martial Arts. Sometimes spelled Jit Tek. | Wing Chun, JKD |
| Jeja | Student. | ||
| Jern | Cantonese | Palm strike, a cross between a knife-hand and a palm-heel strike. | Wing Chun, JKD |
| Jigo Hontai | Japanese | Main defending posture. Sometimes referred to as Jigo Tai. | Judo |
| Jik Chung Choy | Cantonese | Straight Blast, several Chung Chui strikes repeated in close succession with the purpose of overwhelming the opponent with forward energy. A primary attack in the Jun Fan Martial Arts. | Wing Chun, JKD |
| Jik Jern | Cantonese | Straight palm strike. | Wing Chun, JKD |
| Jik Tek | Cantonese | Straight kick, front kick. | Wing Chun, JKD |
| Jikan | Japanese | Time. A term used by the timekeepers at the beginning and end of a Japanese style match. | Karate, Kendo, Judo |
| Jin | Japanese | The principle of universal love, benevolence towards mankind, compassion, mercy, concepts prized in Shinto and Bushido. | Bushido |
| Jing Choy | Cantonese | Uppercut punch. | Wing Chun, JKD |
| Jip Joong | Korean | Concentration. | Tae Kwon Do |
| Jirugi | Korean | Punch. | Tae Kwon Do |
| Jita Kyoei | Japanese | Mutual welfare and benefit. | |
| Jitsu | Japanese | Technique, art, method of fighting. Sometimes spelled jutsu. | Jujutsu, Aikijutsu, Kenjutsu, Bojutsu |
| Jiyu | Japanese | Freedom of movement. | |
| Jo | Japanese | Staff or walking stick. A four foot long wooden staff. | Bojutsu, Aikido |
| Jodan | Japanese | "Upward" or "upper level." High line of attack. | Karate, Aikido |
| Jodan Age Uke | Japanese | An upper block with a lifting action of the elbow that traps the attacker's kicking leg as you push him off balance. | Karate, Aikido |
| Jodan Uke | Japanese | High block or parry. | Karate |
| Jodo | Japanese | Way of the stick. The Japanese method of stick fighting using a Jo. Also known as Jojutsu. | Jojutsu, Bojutsu, Aikido |
| Jofu Fa | An ancient form of Chinese combat that emphasized close-range grappling techniques. | Kung Fu | |
| Jogai | Japanese | Out of bounds. A term used by a referee to denote that either or both contestants are out of bounds. | Karate, Judo, Kendo |
| Jojutsu | Japanese | Art of the Jo staff, methods of using a staff, particularly a short staff or long walking stick. | Jojutsu, Bojutsu, Aikido |
| Jong | Cantonese | Elbow. Sometimes spelled jahng. | Wing Chun, JKD |
| Jong Da | Cantonese | Jong Sao and strike, simultaneously in response to an attack. | Wing Chun, JKD |
| Jong Sao | Cantonese | Palm inward block. Knifehand-like high, outer parry that lies somewhere between a Biu Sao and a Tan Sao. | Wing Chun, JKD |
| Jong Sao Da | Cantonese | Jong Sao and hit. See jong da. | Wing Chun, JKD |
| Jong Tao | Cantonese | Headbutt strike. | Wing Chun, JKD |
| Jonin | Japanese | A Ninja leader. | Ninjutsu |
| Joomuk | Korean | Fist. | Tae Kwon Do |
| Joong Gun | Korean | Joong Gun refers to the Korean patriot Ahn Joong Gun who assassinated Hiro Bumi Ito, the first Japanese General of Korea. Ito was known as the man who played the leading part in the Korean-Japan merger. The 32 movements represent Mr. Ahn's age when he was executed at Lui-Shung prison in 1910. | Tae Kwon Do |
| Jop Hop | Cantonese | "Group together." | Wing Chun, JKD |
| Joseki | Japanese | In a traditional Japanese Dojo, the area where instructors often times line up and face the students at the beginning and end of each practice session. | Karate, Aikido, Kendo |
| Joy | Cantonese | Left, left side. | Wing Chun, JKD |
| Ju | Japanese | Gentle, gentleness, "giving way." | Judo, Jujutsu, Aikijutsu |
| Ju Che | Korean | Ju Che is a philosophical ideal that man is the master of everything and decides everything, in other words, that man is the master of the world and his own destiny. It is said that this idea was rooted in Baekdu Mountain which symbolized the spirit of the Korean people. The diagram represents Baekdu Mountain. | Tae Kwon Do |
| Juan Gern | Cantonese | Palm heel strike, striking with the hell of the palm and the knifehand edge of the hand, delivered palm up. | Wing Chun, JKD |
| Judo | Japanese | Gentle way. A Japanese art of self-defense and a sport with Olympic recognition. Judo is a method of turning an opponent's strength and overcoming by skill rather than sheer strength. | Judo |
| Judoka | Japanese | A Judo "player;" One who practices Judo. | Judo |
| Juego Todo | Spanish | Anything goes, no-hold-barred, akin to Brazil's Vale Tudo. | Kali, Eskrima |
| Juji Gatame | Japanese | Cross armlock; layout armbar. | Judo, Jujutsu, Brazilian Jujitsu |
| Juji Jime | Japanese | Cross strangle, a lapel choke. | Judo, Shooto, Jujutsu |
| Juji Nage | Japanese | Crossed arms throw. | Judo, Aikido |
| Jujutsu | Japanese | "Art of gentleness." Literally, the technique or the art of suppleness, gentleness. All of these terms, however, represent a single principle, a general method of applying a technique using the human body as a weapon in unarmed combat. Also known as Jiu Jitsu. | Jujutsu |
| Juk Tek | Cantonese | Side kick. Sometimes spelled jut tek. | Wing Chun, JKD |
| Junbi Chogi | Korean | Ready stance. Sometimes spelled chumbi sogi. | Tae Kwon Do |
| June Tek | Cantonese | Spinning kick. Sometimes spelled Juen Tek. | Wing Chun, JKD |
| Jung Da | Cantonese | Middle hit. A line of attack. | Wing Chun, JKD |
| Jushin | Japanese | Center of gravity. | Judo, Aikido |
| Just Distance | English | The distance where one is close enough to hit their opponent, or be hit by one's opponent. | European Fencing |
| Jut Sao | Cantonese | Jerking Hand, a sudden pulling action, pulling, with the elbows in close to the body, the opponent's limb towards one's waist. This action often has the effect of pulling the opponent's head forward while raising the chin slightly, presenting a more open target. | Wing Chun, JKD |
| Jut Sao Da | Cantonese | Jut Sao and strike. | Wing Chun, JKD |
| Jutsu | Japanese | "Art." A term linking a fighting method with the Bugei, or martial disciplines of war, rather than with the sporting or aesthetic practices of modern Japan. Seejitsu. | Jujutsu, Kenjutsu, Bojutsu |
| Jutte | Japanese | A small metal truncheon, akin to a Sai, consisting of a long metal shaft and a shorter attachment used for catching swords or weapons for manipulation. A traditional Japanese weapon. Sometimes spelled Jitte. | |
| Juttejutsu | Japanese | Art of the Jutte. | Juttejutsu |
| Jwinun Bop | Korean | A proper fist, clenched fist. | Tae Kwon Do |
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| Kaa | Thai | Leg. | Muay Thai |
| Kaayusan | Order or organization | ||
| Kabakas | Partner or assistant. | ||
| Kabaroan | A term used by the Ilocanos (a group of inhabitants of the Philippines) to describe Kali, "new style," also referred to as Cabaroan, or Didya. | Kali | |
| Kabuto | Japanese | The helmet worn by the Samurai. It was made of iron or lacquered leather, and was secured to the head by a series of silk cords. | Bushido |
| Kachi | Japanese | Win or victory. | Karate |
| Kachinuki Shiai | Japanese | A type of contest in which a contestant takes on each opponent in succession without rest between matches until he or she is defeated. Each win counts as one, and a draw counts as one-half but eliminates both contestants. | |
| Kadena | Spanish | Chain-like series of movements. | Kali, Eskrima, Arnis, Kuntaw |
| Kado | Japanese | Also known as Ikebana, the practice of flower arranging, one of the arts comprising the practice of Bushido. | Bushido |
| Kadyot | A shallow, snap thrust. | ||
| Kaen | Thai | Arm. | Muay Thai |
| Kagangai | Thai | The jaw bone, a vital target. | Muay Thai |
| Kagi Yari | Japanese | Key spear. A hooked spear used for parrying and hooking an opponent's weapon. Like the Jutte, it was useful to the police in making arrests. | |
| Kai | Thai | Camp. | Muay Thai |
| Kai Muay | Thai | Boxing camp. | Muay Thai |
| Kaiken | Japanese | Short knife. A six-inch knife used by women of the Samurai class. | Bushido |
| Kaiten | Japanese | One revolution, as in a circle. Circular. | Aikido |
| Kaitenage | Japanese | "Windmill" or "rolling" throw. Sometimes spelled Kaiten Nage. | Aikido |
| Kajukenbo | A hybrid method of combat founded in Hawaii in 1947 by five experts Walter Choo, Joseph Holke, Frank Ordonez, Adriano Emperado, and Clarence Chang. | Kajukenbo | |
| Kakato | Japanese | Heel of the foot. | Karate |
| Kakato Otoshi Geri | Japanese | Axe kick. | Karate |
| Kakup | Rank. | ||
| Kalahati | Half. | ||
| Kalari Payat | An ancient form of Indian combat embracing hand-to-hand techniques and weapons such as the staff and daggers. | Kalari Payat | |
| Kalas | To disengage, release or disarm. | ||
| Kalas Sandata | Disarming technique. | ||
| Kalasag | To shield. | ||
| Kali | A term referring to the older forms of the Filipino Martial Arts. | Kali, Eskrima, Arnis, Kuntaw | |
| Kaliradman | A term for Kali used by the Visayans, also referred to as Pagaradman. | Kali, Eskrima, Arnis | |
| Kalirongan | A term for Kali used by the Pagasinan natives. | Kali, Eskrima, Arnis | |
| Kaliwa | Left side. | Kali | |
| Kama | Japanese | A small handheld sickle, often used in pairs as a weapon. A traditional Okinawan Kobudo weapon. | Kobudo |
| Kama Yari | Japanese | A spear to which a single-edged, sickle-shaped blade is attached. | Bushido |
| Kamab | Thai | The temples, a vital target. | Muay Thai |
| Kamae | Japanese | Posture, or stance. Sometimes spelled gamae. | Kendo, Aikido, Judo, Karate |
| Kamagong | A type of dense hardwood native to the Philippines, often used in the production of weapons for use in the Filipino Martial Arts. Kamagong is harder than Bahi, but slightly less dense and lighter than Cocobolo. | Kali, Eskrima, Arnis | |
| Kamay | The hand. | Kali | |
| Kamayan | Empty-hand training. | ||
| Kami Shiho Gatame | Japanese | A hold-down technique. Also known as the North-South or I-position; four quarter hold down. | Judo, Brazilian Jiujitsu |
| Kamiza | Japanese | "Divine seat" or "upper seat. The area at the front of the Dojo where the instructors and honored guests sit. | Karate, Aikido, Kenjutsu |
| Kamot | To punch or strike. | Kali | |
| Kampilan | A large, straight bladed sword from the Philippines, one of the four main weapons indigenous to the Central Philippines. | Kali, Eskrima, Arnis, Kuntaw | |
| Kan Shu | Penetration hand. A Chinese training method in which a practitioner thrusts his or her hands into powder, then rice, sand, beans, and finally pebbles, to condition the limbs for striking. | Kung Fu | |
| Kanan | The right side. | ||
| Kancho | Japanese | Head of a Martial Art system. | |
| Kang Fa | Hard method. A ancient art of Chinese boxing that concentrated on kicking and thrusting techniques. | Kung Fu | |
| Kansetsu Waza | Japanese | Joint locking techniques. | Judo, Jujutsu |
| Kanzashi | Japanese | Hairpin. An ornamental hairpin used for self-protection by the women of feudal Japan. | |
| Kao | Thai | 1. Knee strike.
2. Nine, used in counting. |
Muay Thai |
| Kao Drong | Thai | A frontal knee kick. | Muay Thai |
| Kao Kong | Thai | Over-arm knee kick. | Muay Thai |
| Kao Loy | Thai | Jumping knee kick. | Muay Thai |
| Kapatid | Brother. | ||
| Karasak | A term used in the Filipino Martial Arts referring to a Long rectangular shield used in conjunction with a sword or spear. The use of this in terms of Pananjakman refers to the use of the arms and shin to "shield" against a kick or strong attack. | Kali | |
| Karate | Japanese | Empty hand; also, Chinese hand; the predominant system of empty-handed Martial Arts from Japan. | Karate |
| Karateka | Japanese | One who practices Karate; a practitioner of Martial Arts. | Karate |
| Karunungan | Knowledge. | ||
| Kasa | To cock or chamber, to accept a challenge. | ||
| Kasama | Companions, friends. | ||
| Kashira | Japanese | "Pommel cap" or "ferrule. A metal cap covering the tip of the hilt of Japanese swords, daggers and so forth. | Bushido |
| Kata | Japanese | Forms; Japanese term describing traditional method of passing on information and training methods using a series of prescribed motions and techniques in a prearranged order. In Korean, Hyung; in Pilipino, Pormas, in Tagalog, Sayaw. | Karate, Judo, Aikido, Kendo, Iaido |
| Kata Gatame | Japanese | Single shoulder hold down, similar to Kesa Gatame; also refers to the choke from this position. | Judo, Jujutsu, Jiujitsu |
| Kata Hajime | Japanese | Wing-arm choke, a single wing strangle. A choke involving the collar and one arm. | Judo, Jujutsu, Jiujitsu |
| Kata Juji Jime | Japanese | Half cross strangle; one palm up, four fingers grip, one palm down, thumb grip. Also refers to the papercutter choke from the cross body position. | Judo, Jujutsu, Jiujitsu |
| Kata Tori | Japanese | Wrist grab, an attack scenario. Also spelled Kote Tori, Kata Dori. | Aikido, Judo, Jujutsu |
| Katame Waza | Japanese | Grappling techniques, in general. | Judo, Jujutsu |
| Katana | Japanese | Japanese style longsword, often possessing a chisel tip and a slight curve, ranging from 32 to 40 inches in length. | Kenjutsu, Iaido, Aikido |
| Katapatan | Loyalty. | ||
| Katarungan | Justice. | ||
| Katate | Japanese | The shoulder or lapel. | Aikido, Judo |
| Katate Tori | Japanese | A shoulder or lapel grab, an attack scenario. | Aikido, Judo, Jujutsu |
| Katawan | Referring to the body or torso. | ||
| Katipunan | Organization, association, or brotherhood. | ||
| Katsu | Japanese | Resuscitation points. | Judo |
| Kehai | Japanese | A sign, indication, opportunity; subtle indicators in fighting. | |
| Keibo | Japanese | A wooden club used by the police. | |
| Ken | Japanese | A sword. | |
| Kendo | Japanese | The way of the sword, one of the primary arts comprising Bushido. | Bushido, Kendo |
| Kenjutsu | Japanese | Art of the sword. An aggressive method of swordsmanship practiced by the Japanese feudal warriors in which the combatants pitted naked blade against naked blade. | Kenjutsu, Iaido |
| Kenkoy | A derogatory term used for unrealistic or impractical styles of fighting. | ||
| Kenkyaku | Japanese | Fencer. One of many words used to describe those who lived by the sword, especially in literary usage. | Kenjutsu |
| Kenpo | Japanese | Fist Law. A system of Martial Arts. | Kenpo |
| Keri | Japanese | Kick. Sometimes spelled geri. | Karate |
| Kesa Gatame | Japanese | Scarf-hold position, collar hold down, headlock position. | Judo, Jujutsu, Jiujitsu |
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| O | Japanese | "Big" or "great." See O Sensei. | Aikido, Judo, Karate, Kendo |
| O Goshi | Japanese | Major hip throw. | Judo |
| O Sensei | Japanese | The honorific prefix "O" attached the word "Sensei" indicates respect and acknowledgment of the chief instructor of a system. Most commonly associated with Ueshiba Morihei, founder of modern day Aikido. | Aikido |
| O Soto Garai | Japanese | Major outer reaping throw. (Outside leg takedown) | Judo |
| O Tsuri Goshi | Japanese | A form of hip throw | Judo |
| O Uchi Gari | Japanese | Major inner reaping throw. | Judo |
| O'ou Chui | Cantonese | Hooking Punch, this is an attack used in the Jun Fan Martial Arts often as a result of a Gum Sao. | Wing Chun, JKD |
| O'ou Sao | Cantonese | Hooking hand. | Wing Chun, JKD |
| O'ou Sao Da | Cantonese | Hooking hand hit. | Wing Chun, JKD |
| O'ou Tek | Cantonese | Round Kick, also referred to in this system as a hook kick, though different from a Tae Kwon Do hook kick. The Hook Kick follows the same body mechanics as the Hook Punch. | Wing Chun, JKD |
| Obi | Japanese | Belt (sash or belt). | Karate, Judo, Aikido |
| Octave | French | Low outside parry, palm up (suppinated grip). | European Fencing |
| Odachi | Japanese | Great Sword. See Tachi. | Kendo, Kenjutsu |
| Okuri Ashi Harai | Japanese | Judo | |
| Okuri Eri Jime | Japanese | Sliding collar strangle. | Judo |
| Olisi | Tagalog | Stick. | Kali, Eskrima, Arnis |
| Olisi Hay | Tagalog | Stick Sparring. Sparring with sticks. | Kali, Arnis, Eskrima |
| Omo Plata | Portuguese | Literally "Chicken-wing." A shoulder wrenching arm lock used in many grappling systems that involves the use of the legs to entangle the arms to secure the lock. | Brazilian Jiu Jitsu |
| Omote | Japanese | From the front, forward, facing. Also, the obvious, a term used in Aikido and other traditional Japanese Ryu. Opposite of Ura. | Aikido |
| On Guard | English | A fencing term used to begin a match or duel by calling both particpants or one's opponent to their ready position. (Essentially a brief, polite way of stating "I am now going to stick you with this pointy thing, prepare yourself.") In Italian, In Guardia, in French, En Garde, In Spanish, En Guarda, In Portuguese, En Guardia. | European Fencing |
| Oni Ken | Japanese | Extended knuckle fist. | Karate |
| Opo | Respectful form of saying "yes." | ||
| Orascion | Spanish | A prayer or enchantment for protection in fighting. | Kali |
| Ordabis | Tagalog | Backhand strike. | Kali |
| Orei | Japanese | "Respect" or "etiquitte." A expression of formal greeting in Karate. | Karate |
| Orun | Right. | ||
| Osae | Japanese | Pinning and controlling methods. | Aikido |
| Osaekomi Waza | Japanese | Hold-down Techniques. | Judo |
| Otoshi | Japanese | Drop. A category of throws and takedowns. | Aikido, Judo |
| Outside | English | Any technique that begins at or from across your Centerline and moves away from your centerline is said to be an Outside Technique. | Kali, JKD |
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| Qi | Chinese | See Chi. | Kung Fu |
| Quando | Chinese | See Bisento. | |
| Quartata | Italian | To sidestep with the rear leg when fencing with Rapiers. | European Fencing |
| Quarte | French | A high inside parry, palm up (supinated grip). | European Fencing |
| Quillions | The cross bars of a sword guard, particularly with regards to Renaissance-era swords. | European Fencing | |
| Quinte | French | Low inside parry, palm down (pronated grip). | European Fencing |
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| Tabak Maliit | Tagalog | Palm sticks. Short sticks held in the hands to aid in striking, trapping and locking. | Kali |
| Tabak Toyok | Tagalog | See Nunchaku. | Kali |
| Tabas Talahib | A horizontal strike. | ||
| Tachi | Japanese | A long sword worn slung from a sword belt. Like the Katana, the Tachi had a single-edged curved blade. | Kendo, Kenjutsu |
| Tachi | Japanese | To cut; the long sword (Daito); also referring to the horseman's longsword, somewhat shorter than the Daito, and attached at two points to hang horizontally across the back at the waist, for ease of drawing while mounted. | Kendo, Kenjutsu |
| Tachi Rei | Japanese | Standing bow. A salutation common to numerous Martial Arts. | Kendo, Aikido, Judo, Karate |
| Tada | To strike or cut. | ||
| Tadtad | "Full of," or "Multiples of." | ||
| Tadyak | Thrust Kick. | ||
| Tadyak Gilid | Side thrust kick. | ||
| Tadyak Tusok | Back thrust kick. | ||
| Tae Kwon Do | Korean | Way of hands and feet. The primary form of Korean unarmed combat, named during a conference of Chung Do Kwon masters in 1955. It is considered the most popular Martial Art in the world. | Tae Kwon Do |
| Tagang Alaganin | Tagalog | An outwards horizontal strike aimed at the upper torso region. | |
| Tagang Buhat Araw | Tagalog | An overhead strike aimed at the top of the head. | |
| Tagang Pasumala | Tagalog | Primarily a parry, a sweeping upward diagonal strike used to deflect a weapon. | |
| Tagang San Miguel | Tagalog | A diagonal downward and inward strike aimed at the upper torso. | |
| Tagapagsanay | Tagalog | Trainer or assistant instructor. | |
| Tagapagturo | Tagalog | Senior assistant instructor. | |
| Tai | Japanese | Having to do with the body, posture, stance, physical structure. | Ninjutsu |
| Tai Chi Chuan | Chinese | Grand ultimate fist. An internal system of Kung Fu, also called soft boxing, characterized by its deliberately slow, continuous, circular, well-balanced and rhythmic movements. | Tai Chi Chuan |
| Tai Otoshi | Japanese | Body Drop Throw. | Judo |
| Tai Sabaki | Japanese | Body movement. | Karate, Aikido, Judo |
| Taijutsu | Japanese | Body art, body methods. A generic term for a system of empty-hand combat. | Ninjutsu |
| Taijutsu | Japanese | "Body-methods;" methods of training and using the body in combat, a general term used in Jujutsu, Ninpo and other traditional Japanese Arts. | Ninjutsu |
| Taisho | Japanese | The captain of a team. | |
| Taitai | Thai | Nap, a vital point. | Muay Thai |
| Tajo | Spanish | A blow delivered forehand. See Mandritti. | European Fencing |
| Takedown | English | A technique that brings the opponent to the ground in a controlled and specified (though not necessarily harmless) manner. A Takedown is less ballistic and more gradual than a Throw. | |
| Tala | Star. | ||
| Talang Bartikal | Tagalog | Vertical block. | |
| Talas | Sharp or to sharpen. | ||
| Talas Damdam | Sensitivity training. | ||
| Tameshi Wari | Japanese | Board breaking techniques. | Karate, Kyokushin |
| Tamoto | Japanese | Literally: "sleeve," or outside, a term used in Aikido, opposite of Futokoro. | Aikido, Judo |
| Tan Sao | Cantonese | Also referred to as Taun Sao, this refers an open handed, palm-up pivoting block or parry. | Wing Chun, JKD |
| Tan Sao Da | Cantonese | To perform a Tan Sao and strike simultaneously. | Wing Chun, JKD |
| Tan Tien | Chinese | The psychic center located just below the naval, which protects the center of gravity and produces a reservoir of force upon which to draw. Also known as Tanden. | Chi Gung |
| Tan Tien | Cantonese | See Hara. | Chi Gung |
| Tanden | Japanese | Abdomen. See Tan Tien. | Shiatsu, Kendo |
| Tang Button | English | On a sword, the pommel nut, attaching the handle to the hilt. | European Fencing |
| Tang Soo Do | Korean | Art of the Chinese hand. A Korean combative differing slightly from Tae Kwon Do. | Tang Soo Do |
| Tanto | Japanese | literally: "half-sword;" specifically referring to a small chisel-tipped blade akin to the Wakizashi, but shorter. Generally referring to a knife or knife attack, a term used in Aikido. | Kendo, Kenjutsu, Aikido |
| Tao | Thai | Foot. | Muay Thai |
| Tao | Chinese | Way, path, study of, method, duty. See Do. | JKD, Kung Fu |
| Tao | Chinese | The Way of... (akin to Japanese, Do) Pronounced "Dow" | JKD, Kung Fu |
| Tapa | To step on the foot. | ||
| Tapi | Knife Tapping, or trapping, a term used in Doce Pares Eskrima to denote the methods of trapping used in that system, and the methods used to develop a kinesthetic awareness. Simply, to parry or deflect. | Eskrima | |
| Tapi on | To block, parry, deflect or check. | Kali, Eskrima | |
| Tapi Tapi | Checking, a series of parries and blocks. | Kali, Eskrima | |
| Tapik | To nudge deflect or parry. | ||
| Tapos | Finished; the end. | ||
| Targe | Italian, French | See Target. | European Fencing |
| Target | English | A Renaissance-era battlefield shield, made of wood, iron, or iron-plated wood. Typically 22-30 inches in diameter, these round or squarish shields were larger than their civilian cousin, the Buckler. Also referred to as a Targe or Rondash. | European Fencing |
| Tarik Kepala | Indonesian | "Tearing the head," or "Pulling the head," a method of throwing used in Silat. Throwing one's opponent by hyperextending the neck via the forehead or the face, in doing so, arching the spine backward, and changing opponent's the center of gravity. | Penjak Silat |
| Tashi | Japanese | Expert, an expert of Martial Arts | Kendo, Aikido, Kenjutsu |
| Tatami | Japanese | Straw mat. A mat usually measuring three feet by six feet and three inches thick. The surface is typically woven hemp with bound straw as padding and filler. This unit of measurement is often a chief variable in the proportion of Japanese homes and interiors. | Aikido, Judo |
| Tate | Japanese | Vertical fist. | Karate |
| Tatlo | Tagalog | Three (used in counting). | Kali, Eskrima |
| Tatlumpu | Tagalog | Thirty (used in counting). | Kali, Eskrima |
| Tatlumpu't Isa | Tagalog | Thirty-one (used in counting). | Kali, Eskrima |
| Tatsulak | Tagalog | Triangle. | Kali |
| Tatte | Japanese | A command to stand up from a kneeling position. | Karate |
| Taub | Face downward. | ||
| Tayo | Stance. | ||
| Te | Japanese | Hand. | Karate |
| Teep | Thai | Footjab. Pushing or thrusting kick with the ball or sole of the foot. Sometimes spelled Tiip. | Muay Thai |
| Teep Dan Lang | Thai | Foot thrust to the rear. | Muay Thai |
| Teep Drong | Thai | Straight forward foot push, a form of foot jab. | Muay Thai |
| Teep Duen Son | Thai | Heel push. | Muay Thai |
| Teka | Wait, halt or pause. | ||
| Tekubi Waza | Japanese | Wrist locking techniques. | Aikido |
| Tempo | Latin | The cadence of a fight, or the harmony (or disharmony) between the rhythm of two opponents. | |
| Tenchi Nage | Japanese | "Heaven and earth" throw, or "sky and ground" throw. | Aikido |
| Tenkan | Japanese | Spinning or turning, a term used in Aikido to describe a yielding force that adsorbs an opponent's energy and momentum, and is represented by a circle. Sometimes spelled Tenkai. | Aikido |
| Terzo | Italian | The central part of a blade, between the point and the hilt. | European Fencing |
| Tetsubishi | Japanese | A four-pointed caltrop used by the Ninja to slow down a pursuer. No matter which way a Tetsubishi landed one sharp point always protruded upward. | Ninjutsu |
| Tetsubo | Japanese | Iron staff. A weapon used by the Samurai from either a horse-mounted or ground position. | Kenjutsu |
| Tharn Sa Bi Dee Rhuee | Thai | "You are welcome." | Muay Thai |
| Tharn Wa Yarng Rai? | Thai | "How do you say?" | Muay Thai |
| Three Sectional Staff | English | A Chinese weapon consisting of three rods connected by chain or rope. | Kung Fu |
| Throw | English | A Throw is a technique that brings the opponent to a grounded position with a degree of impact, usually preceded by a short launch or lifting of the opponent from the ground, or a sudden and violent increase in momentum, moving the opponent's center of gravity suddenly beyond their points of support. Throws can cause great damage, especially if the opponent is unprepared or untrained in how to safely land. Throws may cause foot, ankle and leg injuries, groin, jaw, face, skull, shoulder, neck and back injuries. Upon landing the arms are also susceptible to injury if they are used improperly to break one's fall. | Grappling |
| Ti | Belt. | ||
| Tiempo | Spanish | Time, timing. See Tempo. | European Fencing |
| Tierce | French | A high outside parry, palm down (pronated grip). | European Fencing |
| Tigil | Stop or cease. | ||
| Tigpas | A horizontal strike deflected at the knees. | Kali | |
| Tihaya | Facing upward. | ||
| Ting | Thai | To Throw one's opponent. | Muay Thai |
| Tiniklink | Footwork drill. | ||
| Tip | English | The thrusting end of a weapon, farthest from the hand in a normal or hammer grip. In the Filipino Martial Arts, this is sometimes called Punto, or Point; the point of a sword, the most dangerous part of a thrusting weapon such as a Rapier. | European Fencing |
| Tisod | To stumble. | ||
| Tjabang | Indonesian | A Sai, a truncheon-like weapon used in Silat. | Penjak Silat |
| Tjambok | Indonesian | A 4' - 6' whip-like weapon used in the Indonesian Martial Art of Silat. | Penjak Silat |
| Tobu | An expression referring to the head area except the face. | ||
| Tocada | Spanish | Touch, to score. See Touché. | European Fencing |
| Todome | Japanese | Finishing off a downed opponent. | |
| Toe Dai | Chinese | Student. | Kung Fu |
| Toe Suen | Chinese | A student's student. | Kung Fu |
| Toi Gye | Korean | The name of a form used in Tae Kwon Do, Toi Gye is the pen name of the noted scholar Yi Hwang (16th Century), an authority on neo-confucianism. The 37 movements of the pattern refer to his birthplace on the 37th latitude, and the diagram represents the Chinese character for "scholar." | Tae Kwon Do |
| Tok Sao | Cantonese | Lifting hand; Elbow Pressing Block, used in trapping, this involves moving the opponent's elbow(s) upward from underneath, in a palm-up fashion. | Wing Chun, JKD |
| Token Resistance | English | This refers to the nominal amount of pressure used in training to simulate realistic resistance, while still allowing a beginning student to acquire new skills without frustration. This is lessened as the students skills progress, and is replaced with varied degrees of resistance. | JKD |
| Tombak | Indonesian | A spear. | Penjak Silat |
| Tomoe | Japanese | Circular. Stomach. | Judo |
| Tomoe Nage | Japanese | Circle throw. A sacrificial throw involving throwing one's opponent over oneself moving from standing to a prone position. | Judo |
| Tonda | Italian | The horizontal plane or line of attack along a horizontal axis. | European Fencing |
| Tonfa | Japanese | Handle. An old Okinawan farming tool developed as a weapon by Okinawan farmers. Kobudo Weapon. | Kobudo |
| Tong | Thai | Stomach. | Muay Thai |
| Tong Il | Korean | The name of a form used in Tae Kwon Do, Tong IL denotes the resolution of the unification of Korea which has been divided since 1945. The diagram symbolized the homogeneous race. | Tae Kwon Do |
| Tong Noi | Thai | Lower stomach, a vital point. | Muay Thai |
| Tongkat | Indonesian | A stick or club. | Penjak Silat |
| Tori | Japanese | To grab, hold, accost. A type of grab; such as Katate Tori, Kote Tori, etc. Sometimes spelled Dori. | Aikido |
| Totsada | Spanish | A thrust. Literally "Short" referring to the shorter weapon in "Long and Short," typically a dagger. | Eskrima |
| Totsar | Spanish | To thrust. | Eskrima, European Fencing |
| Touch | English | To score. See Touché. | European Fencing |
| Touché | French | Touch, to score. A hit in Fencing. | European Fencing |
| Toya | Indonesian | A wooden staff, typically made of rattan. | Penjak Silat |
| Training Partner | English | The one person who can help you advance. The assumption is: "I will loan you the use of my body so you can improve, in return for the same. Please treat it with respect." | |
| Trancada | Spanish | A lock, to lock; locking techniques. | European Fencing, Kali, Eskrima |
| Tsuba | Japanese | The guard of a Katana. | Kendo, Kenjutsu |
| Tsuba | Japanese | The pommel or butt of a sword. | Kendo, Kenjutsu |
| Tsuba Zeriai | Japanese | A very close range of combat with swords, dueling pommels. | Kenjutsu, Kendo, Iaido |
| Tsugi Ashi | Japanese | Special footwork, specifically designed to set up opponent's momentum for throwing. | Judo |
| Tsuka | Japanese | The handle of a Katana. | Kendo, Kenjutsu |
| Tsuka Gashira | Japanese | The pommel of a sword, particularly referring to the end held forward when sheathed. | Kendo, Kenjutsu |
| Tsuka Tori | Japanese | Grabbing of the hilt of the sword, an attack to be defended in Kenjutsu. | Kenjutsu |
| Tsuki | Japanese | Literally, to thrust or poke, a metaphor for opportunity, an opening, the appropriate time to act. Specific to Karate and Aikido, a punch or other linear attack. In Kenjutsu, this term also refers to a cut to the throat that starts by pushing forward on the blade after the initial point of contact. | Kendo, Kenjutsu, Karate, Aikido |
| Tsurikomi Goshi | Japanese | Lifting hip | |