Martial Arts Glossary

Many martial arts terms come from Japanese, Korean, Portuguese or Thai. Here are the ones you will hear most often.

Olympic taekwondo in Rio: Ilgar Jafarov, CC BY-SA 4.0

Term	Art	Meaning
Dojo	Japanese arts	Training hall.
Sensei	Japanese arts	Teacher.
Gi / dogi	Many	Training uniform.
Obi	Japanese arts	Belt.
Kata	Karate, judo	A set sequence of movements practised solo or in pairs.
Kumite	Karate	Sparring.
Randori	Judo	Free practice against a resisting partner.
Ippon	Judo, kendo, karate	A full point that can win a match.
Ukemi	Judo, aikido	The skill of falling safely.
Kiai	Japanese arts	A focused shout during technique.
Rei	Japanese arts	A bow.
Dobok	Taekwondo	Uniform.
Poomsae	Taekwondo	Forms.
Guard	BJJ, MMA	Controlling an opponent from your back using your legs.
Mount	BJJ, MMA	Sitting on top of an opponent's torso.
Tap	Grappling arts	Patting the mat or partner to signal submission.
Clinch	Muay Thai, boxing	Close-range control of the opponent.
Teep	Muay Thai	A push kick.
Wai kru	Muay Thai	Pre-fight ritual honouring teachers.
Roda	Capoeira	The circle where capoeira is played.
Shinai	Kendo	Bamboo practice sword.
Taolu	Wushu	Competitive forms.
Sanda	Wushu	Full-contact sparring.
Pinfall	Wrestling	Holding both shoulders on the mat.

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