Short Glossary Of Martial Arts
There is a large variety of Martial Arts from around the world and this short glossary gives a brief explanation on some of the more popular arts practiced today.
Aikido:
Martial art that seeks to resolve conflict through peaceful means.
Arnis/Escrima/Kali:
The Filipino martial arts (FMA) emphasize learning weapons first–then empty-hand skills.
Bando:
Includes striking, kicking, and grappling, with an emphasis on mimicking animal fighting methods.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu:
Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a grappling martial art that emphasizes chokes and limb locks.
Capoeira:
Brought to Brazil by African slaves, capoeira is a deceptive martial art disguised as dancing.
Cuong Nhu:
The Vietnamese art of Cuong Nhu integrates techniques from karate, vovinam, boxing, wing Chun, judo, aikido, and tai chi.
Gatka:
Gatka is the martial art of the Sikh warrior, and is famous for its efficiency with the shaster (sword) and lathi (staff).
Hapkido:
This Korean art mixes Aikido’s throws and locks with tae kwon do’s kicks.
Iaido:
Iaido is the art of drawing the Japanese sword and delivering a decisive cut.
Jeet Kune Do (JKD):
JKD is the martial art founded by Bruce Lee. JKD is one of the best-known hybrid martial arts, incorporating techniques from all martial arts.
Jiu Jitsu:
The “gentle” art of arm locks and chokes once used to defeat armor-wearing samurai.
Judo:
Judo involves throwing your opponent to the mat, pinning your opponent with a hold-down technique, or causing your opponent to submit with an armbar or a choke.
Kajukenbo:
Kajukenbo originated in post WWII Honolulu, combining techniques from Korean karate (Ka), Jujitsu (ju), Kenpo (ken), and Chinese boxing (bo)–kung fu.
Karate:
The “art of the empty-hand”, karate involves kicking and punching as well as the use of weapons.
Kendo:
Japanese fencing derived from the legendary sword fighting schools
of the samurai.
Kenpo:
Kenpo took a circuitous route from the Shaolin Temple of China to the modern-day United States, picking up refinements and enhancements along the way.
Krav Maga:
Krav Maga is the martial art of the Israeli military.
Kung Fu:
The martial arts of China, and to many, the forerunner of all Asian martial arts.
Kyudo:
Derived from samurai warfare, “Zen Archery” sharpens the mind and focuses the spirit.
Lua – Hawaiian Warrior Arts:
Lua is the martial art of the Hawaiian warrior, and is known for fearsome bone breaking techniques.
Muay Thai:
Muai Thai kickboxing is renowned worldwide for brutal strikes with the elbows and knees. Definitely a serious combat art.
Naginata:
Weapon art of choice for samurai women, it survives today in a sport form.
Ninjutsu:
The martial art of the shadow warrior, ninjutsu is steeped in lore and mystery.
ROSS:
ROSS is a system of Russian martial arts unifying various traditional fist fighting and wrestling styles with imperial military training.
SAMBO/SOMBO:
SAMBO, a.k.a. SOMBO, is a Russian style of wrestling popular in international competitions, as well as a combat art taught to the Soviet military.
San Shou:
San shou incorporates wushu, grappling, and kickboxing to make a combat-oriented martial art.
Savate:
This French style of foot fighting began in the Napoleonic era.
Shorinji Kempo:
Shorinji kempo extends Chinese boxing with Zen philosophy; at higher ranks, the uniform is the robe of a Buddhist priest.
Silat:
Silat is considered one of the most effective combat arts of Indonesia.
Sumo:
One of the forerunners to the modern grappling arts of jiu-jitsu and judo, sumo is exciting and action-packed while retaining its traditional splendor and ceremony.
Tae Kwon Do:
Kick-oriented Korean “art of hand and foot fighting” is one of the most popular sports in the world. Styles include ITF and WTF.
Tai Chi Chuan:
The martial art/exercise/cultivator of internal energy. Includes the Bagua (Pa Kua) and Xingyi (Hsing-I) internal styles.
Tang Soo Do:
A Korean martial art popularized by Chuck Norris.
Tukong Moosul:
Tukong moosul is a martial art derived from South Korean military Special Forces training.