Vocabulary- A Running List of Words from Traditional Martial Arts

Regarding schools/styles and the concepts they embody

Ai- Japanese- the complex principle of balance, harmony and union, similar to "wu-wei" in the Tao.

Bu- Japanese- "warrior" often used as a prefix in words like "budo" -warrior way.

Gō- Japanese- "hard" style or technique, seen as prefix in "Goju Ryu" literally "hard-soft school"

Gongfu- also Kung Fu- Chinese- essentially equivalent to Japanese "Jutsu" referring to any skill or vocation to which one has dedicate themselves with diligent study and practice.

Jū- Japanese- "soft" style or technique often used as a prefix as in "jujitsu" literally "gentle art"

Jutsu- also Jitstu- Japanese- signifies "masterful skill" or prowess. Perfection or artfulness in execution or vocation. Something that is done, to which one strives to be ever better.

Ki, Qi, Chi- various spellings of the term for vital energy or essence.


     {note here that aikido is actually Ai-Ki-Do- "harmonizing-energy-way"}

Wài Jiā- Chinese- "External" martial arts- those which focus primarily on physical strength, agility and flexibility, usually characterized by hard strikes and fast movement. Examples include Hung Gar, Choy Li Fut, and Wing Chun.

Nèi Jiā- Chinese- "Internal" martial arts- those which focus primarily on cultivation of "qi" or vital energy, characterized by subtlety, slow movement (primarily for training purposes because of the way it develops the muscles) and flowing force- either by redirecting the opponent's energy, or channeling energy from the entire body into the blow, often both at once. Examples include Ba Gua, Taiji, Hsing I, Ze Ran Men and Liu He Bai Fa.


Po- Japanese- also "Do" (both pronounced with a long O, rhymes with sew) signifies the body of philosophy, lifestyle, and principles which direct a certain sect or "way" as in "ninpo" (way of ninja- as opposed to "ninjitsu" or technique of ninja) or "Karate-do" (empty hand way- signifying "karate" as a way of life, not just a fighting style)

Regarding technique and application

Diǎn Xué- Chinese- striking vital points- equivalent to Japanese Kyusho or Atemi Waza depending on the school.

Dim Mak- alternative term for Diǎn Xué

Nage- (pronounced NAH-gay) Japanese- giver of technique, the "thrower" or one who executes the technique.

Qin Na- Chinese- also Chin Na or Qinna- clutching or grappling of vital points- equivalent to Japanese Tuite.

Tuī Ná- Chinese- the therapeutic counterpart to Qin Na which uses various techniques of touching, qi channeling, and physical manipulation to heal the body and bring qi into balance and harmonious flow. It combines massage, acupressure and Qi Gong. Anma is a Japanese school derived from it.

Uke- (pronounced OO-kay) Japanese- receiver of technique, "one who suffers" the person a techniques is done TO.

Esoteric concepts

Yin- Chinese- principle energy of expansion, assertion, and initiative, commonly correlated to "masculine" or "light"

Yang- Chinese- principle energy of contraction, receptivity, and patience, commonly correlated to "feminine" or "dark"

     {note that the familiar "YinYang" symbol is not simply about "opposites" as the western mind tends to        see it, but rather about the constant flow and exchange of energy as expressed in these principle          forms. It is not "good vs evil" or "male vs female" but one whole with cyclical changes in expression}