If you daydream about being in Cobra Kai or just want to learn some practical self-defense skills, you’ll need to learn some vocabulary to get started. Martial arts include moves and techniques from all over the world, and each martial art has its own style and approach as well as terminology. Whether you’re training for fitness or competition or to protect yourself, getting a handle on martial arts lingo is a great start to your journey.
- Aikido: A Japanese martial art focusing on blending with the motion of the attacker and redirecting the force rather than opposing it
- Arnis: A Filipino martial art that involves using sticks, knives, and other bladed weapons
- Backfist: A striking technique where the back of the fist is used to hit an opponent
- Boxing: A combat sport in which two people throw punches at each other with gloved hands
- Breakfall: A technique used to safely fall to the ground without injury
- Chamber: The position of the limbs before executing a technique, often used to maximize power and speed
- Choke Hold: A grappling hold that cuts off the air or blood supply to an opponent, potentially causing unconsciousness
- Dojo: A place where martial arts are practiced and taught
- Elbow Strike: A strike using the elbow, often aimed at close-range targets
- Evasion: A technique to avoid an opponent’s attack by moving out of the way
- Form (Kata): A prearranged sequence of movements and techniques that simulates a combat situation
- Front Kick: A kick where the leg is thrust forward to strike an opponent
- Grappling: Techniques involving grabs, holds, and ground fighting
- Guard: A defensive stance or position in martial arts
- Hammerfist: A strike delivered with the bottom (pinkie side) of a clenched fist
- Hapkido: A Korean martial art that incorporates joint locks, throws, and strikes
- Joint Lock: A grappling technique that involves manipulating an opponent’s joint to control or incapacitate them
- Judo: A Japanese martial art focusing on throws and grappling techniques
- Karate: A Japanese martial art that emphasizes self-defense using powerful strikes, kicks, and blocks, with a strong focus on discipline and respect
- Krav Maga: A self-defense system developed for the Israeli military, known for its focus on real-world situations and efficiency
- Kung Fu: Chinese martial arts, encompassing wing chun, tai chi, and many other forms
- Lock: A technique used to immobilize or control an opponent by applying pressure to a joint
- Muay Thai: A Thai martial art known for its use of stand-up striking along with various clinching techniques
- Nunchaku: A traditional Okinawan weapon consisting of two sticks connected by a chain or rope
- Parry: A defensive movement that deflects an opponent’s attack
- Rear Naked Choke: A choke hold performed from behind an opponent, typically leading to submission
- Roundhouse Kick: A powerful kick delivered by swinging the leg in a circular motion
- Sparring: Practice fighting with a partner to improve skills and techniques
- Submission: A technique in grappling to force an opponent to concede defeat
- Tae Kwon Do: A Korean martial art known for its high, fast kicks and jumping and spinning kicks
- Throw: A technique used to throw an opponent off balance and force them to the ground
- Uppercut: A punch thrown upward, aimed at the opponent’s chin or torso
- Wing Chun: A Chinese martial art known for its close-range combat and quick, efficient strikes
- Wrist Lock: A technique used to control or subdue an opponent by applying pressure to the wrist
- Yoko Geri: A side kick in karate, in which the leg is extended sideways to strike an opponent
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