Martial Arts Glossary
Glossary of commonly used terms in the Japanese martial arts.
Glossaries
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Jiyu ippon | Jiyu-ippon kumite (自由一本組手)Jiyu-ippon kumite (自由一本組手) is a form of semi-free, semi-structured sparring in traditional Karate—most notably emphasized in Shotokan—where attackers announce a single specific target and technique before initiating a dynamic, full-distance attack, while the defender blocks or evades from a flexible, mobile stance and counters instantly. It serves as a vital pedagogical bridge transitioning practitioners from static, highly pre-arranged sparring (kihon-ippon kumite) to fully fluid, unscripted free sparring (jiyu kumite).
Author - Sensei Miller
Hits - 15 Synonyms -
semi-free sparring, one-step free sparring, semi-structured karate sparring, declared target sparring, semi-unscripted kumite |
| Jiyu-kumite | JiJiyu-kumite (自由組手)yu-kumite (自由組手) is the dynamic form of non-prearranged, continuous free sparring in traditional Karate—most prominently practiced in Shotokan—where two martial artists engage in real-time, unscripted combat using a full range of striking, blocking, evasive, and sweeping techniques. Unlike structured pre-arranged drills, neither the attacks nor the defenses are announced, requiring practitioners to adapt instantly to an unpredictable opponent while maintaining strict physical control to ensure safety without sacrificing full-speed intent.
Author - Sensei Miller
Hits - 17 Synonyms -
free sparring, unscripted karate sparring, non-prearranged kumite, open sparring, continuous karate combat |
| Jū (十) | Jū (十)In Japanese, Jū (十) is the cardinal number ten ($10$). Within traditional Japanese martial arts and Shotokan Karate, it denotes counting, high-level rank systems (Dan grades up to 10th Dan), grouping metrics for techniques and combinations, and complete structural cycles in training curricula.
Author - Sensei Miller
Hits - 37 Synonyms -
Ten, 10, decade, cardinal number ten, tō, decade count |
| Jū (柔) | Jū (柔)In Japanese martial arts, Jū (柔) represents the principle of softness, flexibility, yielding, adaptability, and gentleness. In combat philosophy and Shotokan Karate, it refers to the tactical concept of blending with, redirecting, or absorbing incoming force rather than meeting an opponent’s power with direct, rigid opposition (Go).
Author - Sensei Miller
Hits - 31 Synonyms -
Softness, flexibility, yielding, gentleness, adaptability, suppleness, non-resistance |
| Junan Taiso | Junan Taiso (柔軟体操)Junan Taiso (柔軟体操) refers to the traditional Japanese martial arts conditioning, warming-up, and flexibility routine. In Shotokan Karate, it encompasses a comprehensive system of stretching, joint mobilization, calisthenics, and breath control exercises performed prior to or following intensive training (Keiko) to prepare the body, increase range of motion, and prevent physical injury.
Author - Sensei Miller
Hits - 10 Synonyms -
Flexibility exercises, Japanese warm-up routine, body conditioning, stretching calisthenics, martial arts warm-up, suppleness conditioning |