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Kenjutsu

What is Kenjutsu?

Kenjutsu is a traditional Japanese martial art that focuses on the techniques of swordsmanship. The term "Kenjutsu" translates to "the method or technique of the sword." It encompasses a variety of skills and practices related to the use of the Japanese katana or other types of swords. Historically, Kenjutsu was practiced by the samurai class and involved both solo forms (kata) and paired exercises to develop combat proficiency.

Training in Kenjutsu typically includes learning proper stances, strikes, blocks, and parries, as well as the mental discipline and focus required for effective swordsmanship. Many modern martial arts, such as Kendo and Iaido, have their roots in Kenjutsu. While Kendo has evolved into a sport with a focus on competition, Kenjutsu remains more closely tied to its traditional martial roots.

Related Article: Kenjutsu: The Japanese Swordsmanship Art of the Samurai

I have an ability to ignore all of the information coming from my body, even pain in general. I dissociate from pain, because I am not the pain that I'm feeling. That's not me. That's not who I am. I refuse to allow pain to dictate my decision making. Pain is just one piece of information that I'm receiving. My nerves are communicating to my brain that there is something going on physically that I should be aware of. I can choose to acknowledge that information or I can choose to ignore it.
Ronda "Rowdy" Rousey

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Other Glossary terms

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Striking in the context of martial arts and combat sports refers to the use of various techniques to hit an opponent using different parts of the body.
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Nangun
Nangun (南棍), also known as the Southern Staff, is a traditional Chinese martial art that focuses on the use of the nan gun (南棍), a type of staff associated with the southern styles of Chinese martial arts.
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Sun Style
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Kyū
In the context of Kyudo, the Japanese martial art of archery, Kyū (級) refers to the ranking system used to measure the proficiency and skill level of practitioners.
K
Canne de combat
Canne de combat is a French martial art that involves fighting with a cane or walking stick.
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Uchiokoshi
Uchiokoshi is the fourth stage in the Hassetsu, the "Eight Stages of Shooting," in Kyudo, the Japanese martial art of archery.
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Chen Style
Chen Style is the oldest and one of the most traditional styles of Tai Chi Chuan (Taijiquan), originating from the Chen Village (Chenjiagou) in Henan Province, China.
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Monkey Kung Fu
Monkey Kung Fu, also known as Monkey Boxing or Hou Quan (猴拳), is a traditional Chinese martial art that imitates the movements and behaviors of monkeys.
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Krabi
In the context of martial arts, particularly Krabi Krabong, "krabi" refers to a traditional Thai single-edged sword.
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Kimedashi
Kimedashi is a sumo wrestling technique where a wrestler forces their opponent out of the ring by immobilizing their arms.
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Biomechanics
Biomechanics is the scientific study of the mechanical principles of living organisms, particularly their movement and structure.
B
Economy of Motion
Economy of motion is a fundamental principle in martial arts, particularly emphasized in styles like Wing Chun.
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Slip
In combat sports like boxing, kickboxing, and mixed martial arts (MMA), a "slip" refers to a defensive maneuver used to avoid an opponent's punch.
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Passive Flexibility
Passive flexibility, also known as static-passive flexibility, refers to the ability to hold a stretch using an external force or support, such as your own body weight, a partner, or a prop, without active engagement of the muscles being stretched.
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Shuai Jiao
Shuai Jiao is a traditional Chinese martial art that focuses on grappling and throwing techniques.
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