Martial Arts Terminology

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Instructions: Test your knowledge of terms used across martial arts disciplines!

1.
In martial arts, what does 'dojo' mean?
A
A meditation technique
B
A place for practicing martial arts
C
A type of martial arts uniform
D
A ranking system
2.
What does 'kata' refer to in martial arts?
A
A sparring match
B
A type of weapon
C
A belt ceremony
D
A predefined sequence of movements practiced solo as a form
3.
In judo, what does 'ippon' mean?
A
A minor score
B
The starting position
C
A warning for misconduct
D
A full point that wins the match immediately
4.
What is a 'gi' in martial arts?
A
A form of greeting
B
A meditation posture
C
A type of kick
D
The traditional training uniform worn in many martial arts
5.
In karate, what does 'sensei' mean?
A
An advanced student
B
A type of kick
C
A teacher or instructor
D
A fighting style
6.
What is 'sparring' in martial arts?
A
The belt-ranking ceremony
B
A type of stretching exercise
C
A meditation technique
D
Controlled practice fighting between two partners
7.
In Brazilian jiu-jitsu, what is 'guard'?
A
A ground position where the bottom fighter controls the top fighter using their legs
B
A referee's position
C
A standing defensive stance
D
A protective equipment piece
8.
What does 'kiai' (or 'kihap') refer to in martial arts?
A
A type of weapon
B
A breathing exercise
C
A short, loud shout executed during a technique to focus energy
D
A bowing ceremony
9.
In taekwondo, what does 'dan' refer to?
A
A black belt rank level
B
A type of kick
C
A training partner
D
A warm-up exercise
10.
What is a 'roundhouse kick' in martial arts?
A
A kick delivered while spinning in a complete circle
B
A kick aimed at the ground
C
A kick performed while lying down
D
A powerful circular kick where the leg swings in an arc to strike with the shin or foot
11.
In martial arts, what does 'submission' mean?
A
Submitting a competition entry form
B
Bowing to the instructor
C
A technique that forces an opponent to yield by applying a lock or choke
D
Accepting defeat without fighting
12.
What is 'chi' (or 'ki' or 'qi') in martial arts philosophy?
A
A fighting stance
B
The concept of internal life energy or vital force
C
A type of martial arts competition
D
A type of tea served at the dojo
13.
In kung fu, what does 'wushu' mean?
A
A greeting between practitioners
B
A type of weapon
C
Martial arts or military arts
D
A meditation style
14.
What is a 'rear naked choke' in grappling?
A
A submission hold applied from behind using the arms to compress the neck
B
A kick from behind
C
A standing chokehold
D
Choking while removing clothing
15.
In martial arts, what does 'kumite' mean?
A
A type of block
B
Free-style sparring or fighting in karate
C
A greeting ritual
D
An advanced kata

Answer Key

Question 1

B. A place for practicing martial arts

Dojo is a Japanese word meaning 'place of the way,' referring to a training hall or facility where martial arts are practiced and taught.

Question 2

D. A predefined sequence of movements practiced solo as a form

Kata is a detailed set of choreographed movements practiced solo, representing combat scenarios against imaginary opponents. It is central to karate, judo, and other Japanese martial arts.

Question 3

D. A full point that wins the match immediately

Ippon is the highest score in judo, awarded for a perfectly executed throw, a 20-second pin, or a submission. An ippon immediately wins the match.

Question 4

D. The traditional training uniform worn in many martial arts

A gi (also called a do-gi or keiko-gi) is the traditional uniform worn in martial arts like karate, judo, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, consisting of a jacket, pants, and belt.

Question 5

C. A teacher or instructor

Sensei literally means 'one who came before' in Japanese and is used as a title for a teacher, instructor, or mentor in martial arts and other Japanese disciplines.

Question 6

D. Controlled practice fighting between two partners

Sparring is a form of practice fighting where two martial artists engage in controlled combat, applying techniques in a dynamic setting while following safety rules.

Question 7

A. A ground position where the bottom fighter controls the top fighter using their legs

Guard is a fundamental ground position in Brazilian jiu-jitsu where the bottom fighter uses their legs to control the opponent on top, creating opportunities for sweeps and submissions.

Question 8

C. A short, loud shout executed during a technique to focus energy

A kiai is a short, sharp shout made when executing a technique, believed to focus energy (ki/chi), tighten the core muscles, and intimidate the opponent.

Question 9

A. A black belt rank level

Dan refers to black belt ranking levels in many martial arts. A first dan (1st degree black belt) is the entry-level black belt, with higher dans representing greater mastery.

Question 10

D. A powerful circular kick where the leg swings in an arc to strike with the shin or foot

A roundhouse kick is a fundamental striking technique where the practitioner swings the leg in a circular arc, striking the target with the shin, instep, or ball of the foot.

Question 11

C. A technique that forces an opponent to yield by applying a lock or choke

A submission is a grappling technique (joint lock or chokehold) applied to force an opponent to concede defeat, typically indicated by tapping out (tapping the mat or opponent).

Question 12

B. The concept of internal life energy or vital force

Chi (qi in Chinese, ki in Japanese) is the concept of internal life energy or vital force that flows through the body, central to many martial arts philosophies and techniques.

Question 13

C. Martial arts or military arts

Wushu literally means 'martial arts' in Chinese (wu = martial/military, shu = art/skill). It is used to describe Chinese martial arts in general and also refers to a specific modern competitive sport.

Question 14

A. A submission hold applied from behind using the arms to compress the neck

The rear naked choke is a submission hold applied from behind the opponent, using one arm around the neck and the other to secure it, compressing the carotid arteries. 'Naked' means no gi is used.

Question 15

B. Free-style sparring or fighting in karate

Kumite means 'grappling hands' and refers to sparring or free fighting in karate. It is one of the three main sections of karate training, alongside kata and kihon (basics).

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