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Samurai

What is Samurai?

The term "Samurai" refers to the military nobility and officer caste of medieval and early-modern Japan. The samurai were known for their strict code of conduct, known as Bushido, which emphasized virtues such as loyalty, honor, and discipline. They were skilled warriors, often proficient in martial arts, swordsmanship, archery, and horseback riding. The samurai played a significant role in Japanese history, particularly during the feudal period, and their influence can still be seen in Japanese culture today.

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

One whose spirit and mental strength have been strengthened by sparring with a never-say-die attitude should find no challenge too great to handle. One who has undergone long years of physical pain and mental agony to learn one punch, one kick, should be able to face any task, no matter how difficult, and carry it through to the end. A person like this can truly be said to have learned karate.
Gichin Funakoshi

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Other Glossary terms

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Economy of Motion
Economy of motion is a fundamental principle in martial arts, particularly emphasized in styles like Wing Chun.
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Shorin-Ryu
Shorin-Ryu is a traditional style of Okinawan karate, one of the oldest and most influential martial arts systems originating from Okinawa, Japan.
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Daoshu
Daoshu (刀术), also known as Broadsword Technique or Swordsmanship, is a traditional Chinese martial art focused on the use of the dao (刀), a single-edged Chinese broadsword.
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Folding Fan (Phi tiêu)
The Folding Fan, known as "Phi Tiêu" in Vietnamese, is a traditional weapon used in various martial arts, including Vovinam.
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Sap Gloves
Sap gloves, also known as weighted-knuckle gloves or law enforcement gloves, are gloves that have been reinforced with weighted materials, such as steel shot or powdered lead, typically sewn into the knuckles or the back of the hand.
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Suburi
Suburi refers to the repetitive practice of basic sword movements in various Japanese martial arts, such as kendo, kenjutsu, and aikido.
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Taolu
Taolu (套路), often referred to as forms or routines, are choreographed sequences of movements in Chinese martial arts.
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Takhado
Takhado is a traditional Vietnamese martial art. It originates from the southern region of Vietnam and is part of the rich cultural heritage of Vietnamese martial arts.
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Tsukidashi
Tsukidashi is another technique used in sumo wrestling. In this maneuver, a wrestler uses a series of powerful thrusts (tsuki) to push their opponent out of the ring (dohyo) without grabbing the opponent's mawashi (the belt or loincloth worn by sumo wrestlers).
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Chulukua-Ryu
Chulukua-Ryu is a martial arts system that blends various techniques and philosophies from different martial arts traditions.
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Jujutsu
Jujutsu, also spelled Jujitsu or Jiu-Jitsu, is a traditional Japanese martial art that focuses on using an opponent's energy and movements against them.
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Wado-Ryu
Wado-Ryu is one of the major styles of Karate, founded by Hironori Otsuka in 1939.
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Judo
Judo is a modern Japanese martial art and Olympic sport that focuses on throws, joint locks, and grappling techniques.
J
Grappling
Grappling is a term used in martial arts and combat sports to describe techniques that involve manipulating an opponent through holds, locks, throws, and ground control, rather than striking.
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Gymnastic Rings
Gymnastic rings, also known simply as rings, are a piece of equipment used in gymnastics and fitness training.
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