Catalog / Martial Arts Techniques and Terminology
Martial Arts Techniques and Terminology
A quick reference guide to common techniques, stances, and terminology used across various martial arts disciplines. This cheat sheet provides a handy overview for practitioners of all levels.
Basic Stances & Movements
Stances
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Ready Stance (Chumbi Seogi) |
Feet shoulder-width apart, fists lightly clenched in front of the body. Foundation for balance and readiness. |
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Forward Stance (Ap Kubi) |
One leg forward, bent at the knee, other leg straight. Weight distribution is typically 60/40. |
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Back Stance (Dwit Kubi) |
One leg forward, bent, with the other leg extended behind. Majority of the weight (70-80%) on the rear leg. |
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Horse Stance (Kiba Dachi) |
Feet wide, knees bent, resembling riding a horse. Emphasizes lower body strength and stability. |
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Fighting Stance |
A balanced stance with one foot slightly forward. Allows quick movement and effective defense/offense. |
Basic Movements
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Stepping |
Moving the feet to adjust stance or advance/retreat. Precise footwork is key. |
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Shifting |
Transferring weight between legs without significantly changing stance. Used for power generation. |
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Pivoting |
Rotating on the ball of the foot to change direction or generate power. Crucial for circular techniques. |
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Dodging |
Evading an attack by moving the body out of the line of fire. Emphasizes agility and reflexes. |
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Weaving |
Moving the upper body from side to side to avoid strikes. Protects the head and body. |
Striking Techniques
Hand Strikes
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Punch (Jireugi) |
A linear strike delivered with a closed fist. Power generated from the legs and core. |
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Knife Hand Strike (Sonnal Chigi) |
A strike delivered with the edge of the hand. Versatile for attacking vital points. |
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Backfist (Dwit Jireugi) |
A strike delivered with the back of the fist. Effective at close range. |
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Elbow Strike (Palkup Chigi) |
A strike delivered with the elbow. Devastating at close quarters. |
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Hammerfist |
Strike delivered with the bottom of a closed fist, often downwards. |
Kicking Techniques
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Front Kick (Ap Chagi) |
A linear kick delivered with the ball of the foot. Used for pushing or attacking the torso. |
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Roundhouse Kick (Dollyo Chagi) |
A circular kick delivered with the instep or shin. Powerful and versatile. |
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Side Kick (Yeop Chagi) |
A linear kick delivered with the outside edge of the foot. Emphasizes power and penetration. |
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Back Kick (Dwit Chagi) |
A kick delivered backwards with the heel. Effective for creating distance. |
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Axe Kick (Naeryeo Chagi) |
A descending kick delivered with the heel. Used for breaking guards. |
Grappling & Joint Locks
Takedowns
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Single Leg Takedown |
Grasping one of the opponent’s legs and using leverage to bring them to the ground. |
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Double Leg Takedown |
Securing both of the opponent’s legs and driving forward to take them down. |
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Hip Throw (O Goshi) |
Using hip positioning and leverage to throw the opponent over the hip. |
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Shoulder Throw (Seoi Nage) |
Using shoulder leverage to throw an opponent forward. |
Joint Locks
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Armbar (Ude Gatame) |
Extending the opponent’s arm at the elbow joint to create pressure. |
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Kimura (Gyaku Ude Gatame) |
Applying pressure to the shoulder joint by twisting the arm behind the back. |
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Americana (Ude Hishigi Waki Gatame) |
Applying pressure to the shoulder joint by bending the arm behind the back, using the opponent’s wrist against their elbow. |
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Triangle Choke (Sankaku Jime) |
Restricting blood flow to the brain by using the legs and an arm to form a triangle around the opponent’s neck. |
Defensive Techniques & Terminology
Blocks
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Rising Block (Ollyo Makgi) |
A block that moves upward to defend against overhead attacks. |
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Inward Block (An Makgi) |
A block that moves from the outside in, deflecting strikes towards the center of the body. |
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Outward Block (Bakat Makgi) |
A block that moves from the inside out, deflecting strikes away from the body. |
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Low Block (Arae Makgi) |
A block that moves downward to defend against low attacks. |
Evasions
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Slipping |
Subtle head movement to avoid a punch by moving it slightly to the side. |
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Bobbing and Weaving |
Moving the head and upper body in a fluid motion to evade punches. |
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Footwork |
Using foot movement to create distance or angle away from an attack. |