martial-arts

Karate and judo

Martial arts are systems of combat and self-defense, typically originating in East Asia—karate, judo, taekwondo, kung fu.

The term covers both traditional fighting disciplines and their modern sport versions.

Training emphasizes physical technique, mental discipline, and often spiritual development.

She's been studying martial arts since childhood.

As a modifier: martial-arts training, martial-arts film.

styles

karate

Japanese unarmed combat discipline

  • taekwondoKorean striking martial art
  • judoJapanese throwing discipline
  • kung fuChinese martial discipline

aikido · jiu-jitsu · capoeira · kendo · hapkido · silat · sambo · wushu · kickboxing · savate

training

dojo

Martial arts school

  • sparringPractice combat training
  • kataMartial arts movement pattern
  • formsVarieties or documents

drilling · practice · sensei · belt · ranking · discipline · conditioning · stance · footwork · stretching

techniques

kick

Foot-delivered strike

  • punchStrike with fist
  • strikeForceful impact or stoppage
  • blockSolid mass, or impede

throw · grappling · submission · chokehold · armbar · sweep · takedown · clinch · elbow · knee strike

philosophy

discipline

Trained self-control or specialty

bushido · zen · balance · harmony · inner strength · focus · meditation · patience · perseverance · self-control

culture

Bruce Lee

  • dojoMartial arts school
  • giMartial arts uniform
  • uniformIdentical throughout

bowing · tradition · lineage · master · grandmaster · Jackie Chan · Shaolin · Okinawa · hierarchy · etiquette

combat

self-defense

Protecting oneself from harm

  • fightingEngaging in physical conflict
  • boutLimited stretch of something
  • opponentOne who contends against

ring · octagon · match · tournament · championship · knockout · victory · defeat · referee · judge

Opposites
combat discipline vs. undisciplined violence

martial-artsbrawling

Fighting noisily in public

street fighting · barroom brawl · mob violence · thuggery · roughhousing

combative vs. non-combative physical practices

martial-artsyoga

Mind-body exercise discipline

ballet · healing arts · dance · gymnastics · meditation

physical/martial vs. intellectual/peaceful pursuits

martial-artspacifism

Antiwar moral stance

nonviolence · diplomacy · scholarship · contemplation · liberal arts

Family

martial, arts, martially, Mars, artist, artistic, artistry, artful, artfully

Familiarity
Top 1,000,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G