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Martial Arts Dictionary

This dictionary is a collection of terms and definitions of various styles, phrases and concepts of the martial arts. We wish to make this the most authoritative dictionary on the web. So, if you see a term that is not present, please send the term with an acurate definition to webmaster@elite-fighters.com

Click on a letter of the alphabet to begin:

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Capoeira: A Brazilian form of combat adapted by African slaves to fight oppression. Capoeira is dance-like, and many believe it was developed this way to be disguised as a dance to the slave owners.

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.

Chakra: (chahk-rah) vortexes or whirlpools of cosmic energy within the human body that correlate to the glands of the endocrine system

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 the wrists and arms.

Chi: "Spirit," "air," "breath," or "spirit energy." A biophysical energy generated through breathing techniques studied in kung fu.

Chi: (chee) press down, third characteristic of defense

Chiang: "Spear." One of the major Chinese weapons practiced in wushu. Chiburi: "Removing blood from the sword." In iaido (way of the sword), a sharp downward stroke of the sword done in such a way as to shake off the blood accumulated from previous cutting actions.

Chien: A double-edged sword used in many styles of kung fu. Also known as the "gim" or "jyan."

Chikara: "Strength" or "power."

Chi sao: "Sticking hands." An exercise used in Wing Chun kung fu
that develops sensitivity to the hands and arms.

Chan-Chuang: (chahn choo-ahng) standing meditation

Chang-Ju: (chahng joo) long range, distance at which the opponent cannot kick or punch without advancing.

Chi-Cheng: (chee chehng) concentration of Chi energy along a single line or upon a single point in space

Chi-Hou:(chee how) energy fire, accumulation of Chi in the lower Tan-Tien, also known as Kundalini in the discipline of Yoga

Ching: (chihng) release of thought, a phase of meditation

Chi Kung: 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."

Chikuto: See "shinai."

Chimpan: The referee of a match. Also known as "shimban," "sinban," or "shimpan."

Ching lo: Accupuncture's twelve meridians of the body on which they key points of treatment lie and which are associated with the vital organs.

Ching Shien: Spirit of vivacity in the Chinese martial arts.

Chi sao: "Sticking hands." An exercise used in Wing Chun kung fu that develops sensitivity to the hands and arms.

Chong bong: See "bo."

Choong dan: "Middle" or "center." Region of the body from the neck to the waist, used to explain target areas.

Choong sim: Center of gravity.

Cho wa: In the Japanese martial arts, the harmonious mental and physical reaction while at practice.

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.

Chuan: A general term used loosely to refer to a system of boxing, although it does not apply to any specific style.

Chuan fa: The major Chinese precursor of karate. Most forms of 20th century chuan fa are said to be descendents of Ch'ueh Yuan's "170 hand and foot positions."

Chudan: See "choong dan."

Chui: "Warning." Admonition by a referee in a match, short of actual penalty.

Chuken: The middle of the five players on a kendo team.

Chung do kwan: "Blue wave school." A Korean form of empty hand fighting founded by Won Kook Lee in 1945.

Chung ga: "Augment."

Chunin: "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.

Chwa: Left or the left side.

Corno Breton: 'Cornish' wrestling, this form of grappling is very similar to Japanese judo. The significant difference is that a wrestler is not permitted to go to the ground with an opponent, but must make the throw while standing.

Counter Attack: A defensive blow delivered in response to the
opponent's attack.

Curriculum: The course of study of a particular school to teaching system

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