martial artist
Trained combat specialist
A martial artist is someone who practices martial arts—systems of combat techniques developed for self-defense, warfare, or physical discipline.
The term covers practitioners of diverse traditions from Asian fighting styles like karate, judo, and kung fu to Western forms like boxing and wrestling.
She's been a martial artist since childhood.
A skilled martial artist may compete professionally or simply train for fitness and mental discipline.
Japanese unarmed combat discipline
- taekwondoKorean striking martial art
- judoJapanese throwing discipline
- aikidoThrowing art using redirection
- kung fuChinese martial discipline
jiu-jitsu · kickboxing · capoeira · wushu · silat · hapkido · savate · sambo
Woven rush floor mat
- senseiJapanese word for teacher
- giMartial arts uniform
- black beltMartial arts mastery level
- danMartial arts proficiency level
sempai · obi · bow · etiquette · respect · uke · tori · zori
Lowest martial arts rank
- yellow beltSecond martial arts tier
- orange beltBeginner-intermediate martial arts rank
- green beltIntermediate martial rank indicator
- blue beltMid-level martial arts rank
purple belt · brown belt · black belt · red belt · dan · master · grandmaster · sifu
Practice combat training
- grapplingClose-quarters combat technique
- strikingNoticeably impressive
- punchingStriking with closed fist
- kickingStriking with foot
blocking · takedowns · submissions · clinch · counterattack · sweep · throw · joint lock
Martial arts movement pattern
- formsVarieties or documents
- drillsRepetitive training routines
- conditioningLearned behavioral adaptation
- flexibilityAbility to adapt easily
footwork · stances · technique · repetition · practice · muscle memory · stamina · endurance
Trained self-control or specialty
- honorHigh regard, moral dignity
- respectRegard with honor
- humilityFreedom from arrogance
- perseveranceSustained resolve despite obstacles
self-control · integrity · courage · bushido · courtesy · self-improvement · mindfulness · inner peace
Feudal Japanese military caste
- ninjaJapanese espionage agent
- shaolin monkBuddhist martial artist from Chinese monastery
- roninFeudal drifter-warrior
- gladiatorAncient Roman arena combatant
spartan · knight · viking · hoplite · centurion · highlander · legionnaire · amazon
karate
Japanese unarmed combat discipline
- taekwondoKorean striking martial art
- judoJapanese throwing discipline
- aikidoThrowing art using redirection
kung fu · jiu-jitsu · kickboxing · capoeira · wushu · silat · hapkido · savate · sambo · kendo
tatami
Woven rush floor mat
- senseiJapanese word for teacher
- giMartial arts uniform
- black beltMartial arts mastery level
dan · sempai · obi · bow · etiquette · respect · uke · tori · zori · lineage
white belt
Lowest martial arts rank
- yellow beltSecond martial arts tier
- orange beltBeginner-intermediate martial arts rank
- green beltIntermediate martial rank indicator
blue belt · purple belt · brown belt · black belt · red belt · dan · master · grandmaster · sifu · promotion
sparring
Practice combat training
- grapplingClose-quarters combat technique
- strikingNoticeably impressive
- punchingStriking with closed fist
kicking · blocking · takedowns · submissions · clinch · counterattack · sweep · throw · joint lock · chokehold
kata
Martial arts movement pattern
- formsVarieties or documents
- drillsRepetitive training routines
- conditioningLearned behavioral adaptation
flexibility · footwork · stances · technique · repetition · practice · muscle memory · stamina · endurance · strength
discipline
Trained self-control or specialty
perseverance · self-control · integrity · courage · bushido · courtesy · self-improvement · mindfulness · inner peace · chi
samurai
Feudal Japanese military caste
- ninjaJapanese espionage agent
- shaolin monkBuddhist martial artist from Chinese monastery
- roninFeudal drifter-warrior
gladiator · spartan · knight · viking · hoplite · centurion · highlander · legionnaire · amazon · valkyrie
- athletesathlete, Olympian, champion, swimmers, runner
- exercisersgym rat, athlete, runner, jogger, weightlifter
- fightersboxer, boxers, wrestler, Muhammad Ali, fighter
- agile personacrobat, gymnast, dancer, ninja, tumbler
- badassesaction hero, warrior, fighter, tough guy, daredevil
- trainedtrainee, apprentice, cadet, cadets, recruit
martial artistbrawler
Habitual fist-fighter
street fighter · thug · goon · brute · scrapper
martial artistweakling
Feeble person
pushover · non-combatant · sitting duck · coward · easy target
martial artistpacifist
Anti-violence believer
conscientious objector · Mahatma Gandhi · peacemaker · peacenik · dove
artist, artistic, martial, martinet, artistically, martially, martial artists