Basic Dance Terminology & Definitions

amalgamation A combination of two or more patterns or movements.

American style A type of ballroom dancing which evolved from social dancing and is now a fully recognized competitive style of dancing. The 9 main
American dances are divided into two groups: American Smooth: Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz, and American Rhythm: Cha Cha, Rumba, East
Coast Swing, Bolero, and Mambo

arm styling Positioning and movement of the arms, reflecting the character of a dance or style of dancing.

ball change A change of weight from the ball of one foot to the flat of the other foot.

break A stop in the music.

break step A step that changes the direction of movement. The Latin break step is a two step sequence where the first and second steps are taken in
opposition. Most Latin dances use break steps.

body rise The body rises by bracing the leg muscles and stretching the spine then relaxes to a natural stance.

balance step A step in any direction, followed by a close (no weight) and a hold.

center Balance point of the body mass located near the diaphragm.

change step (or closed change) A three step sequence used to change weight from one foot to the other. Usually these steps are the first three steps of
the box step.

chase A figure where one partner pursues the other. Popular in cha cha. A visual “what you see is what you do” lead

chassé A step sequence. The working leg slides out. Place weight on it and draw other leg along floor to it.

close To bring feet together without a change of weight

choreography A creation or compilation of steps, patterns and movements which make up a dance or a dance routine.

contra body movement A movement of the body which turns the opposite hip and shoulder toward the direction of the moving leg. Often used to begin
turning movements. Abbreviated CBM

Cuban motion Hip motion resulting from the alternate bending and straightening of the knees.

cucarachas Alternating side breaks to the left and to the right. These are also called side breaks. In the breaking action, the feet move from first position
to second position.

DanceSport The official name given to the sport of competitive ballroom dancing. Relates to the more athletic form of ballroom dancing as recognized by
the Olympic Committee.

dancer’s compass A diagram that shows floor movement directions, such as “forward line if dance,” “diagonal wall,” “diagonal center,” etc.

dance position closed position: The normal hold where partners stand facing each other. In the smooth ballroom dances, partners stand very close
together in body contact, slightly offset to the left. In the Latin dances, partners stand a few inches apart, either directly in front of each other or very
slightly offset.

open position: Any dance position where man and lady stand apart or slightly apart, without taking a closed position dance hold.

open facing position: A variation of Open Position where man and lady stand apart, facing each other, usually with a one- or two-hand connection.

outside partner position: A variation of the Closed Position where the tracking of the man and lady's feet are slightly offset. When in Outside Partner
Position, the person moving forward will step in CBMP, to the partner's right or left.

promenade position: A V-shaped dance position where both man and lady move forward and in the same direction, toward the open end of the "V”

developpé A movement in which the working leg is drawn up to the knee of the supporting leg and from there smoothly out to a position in the air,
usually at 90 degrees (i.e., parallel to the floor).

fan Circular motion of the free foot.

feet, positions of There are five basic positions of the feet:

First position: feet together (feet in line with heels together, toes forward and slightly turned out.);

Second position: feet apart (feet in line, heels apart, separated by about the length of one's foot;

Third position: heel to instep (feet touching, one foot in front of the other with heel to instep);
Fourth position: normal walking step (feet apart, separated about the length of a foot, one foot in front of the other);

Fifth position: feet touching, one foot in front, heel to toe and toe to heel. Often used in a rock-step.

figure A standardized step pattern.

flex To bend slightly or relax a portion of the body. Example: the flex of the knee.

flick Sharp, quick kick backwards with a pointed toe and a flexed knee.

floor craft The ability of the leader to maneuver around the dance floor in a skilled and controlled manner as to avoid colliding with other dancers.

following The ability of the follower to react correctly to the signals given by the leader through physical and visual connections. The act of moving a
fraction of a second later than the leader, and yet still be on time.

foot rise Elevation of the body through the use of the ankles, by pushing up onto the balls of the feet.

footwork The use of the five positions of the feet in dancing.

frame Posture, body position, and arm position for the purpose of maintaining connection.

free turn or free spin To turn independently without any body contact.

freeze A stop no movement.

heel lead A heel lead places the forward half of the heel onto the floor and then transfers the weight onto the rest of the foot. Used in forward steps in
progressive dances.

inside turn The follower turns to the left under the leader's left hand, or turns to the right under the leader's right hand.

International Style The Internationally recognized style of ballroom dancing. For the five "standard” dances," the couples must remain in closed dance
position throughout the dances. The 10 International Style dances are divided into two categories: Standard: Waltz, Tango, Viennese waltz, Slow Foxtrot,
and Quickstep; and Latin: Cha Cha, Samba, Rumba, Paso Doble, and Jive.

isolation Movement of one part of the body independently of the rest.

Latin dances The partner dances originating from the Caribbean: mambo, rumba, merengue, etc.
Leading . Effective communication of intended actions by the leader through the use of leader's own body movements and through one or more physical
or visual connections to the follower

line of dance The counterclockwise flow of traffic around the dance floor. The Line of Dance represents the general direction of movement overall, and is
only pertinent to dances that travel continuously around the floor, such as Foxtrot, Waltz, Tango, and Samba.

lock A tight cross of the feet in 1st or 2nd position. The lock step is usually danced to triple step timing. During the step, the lower part of the legs cross
such that the back leg becomes locked behind the leading leg until the leading leg moves forward. The lock step is often used in the triple step of the cha
cha cha.

lunge A weight transfer to a bent leg with the other leg extended.

Modern Style Ballroom The term used to describe the ballroom dances of the International Style: waltz, foxtrot, Viennese waltz, tango, and quickstep.
This term has been replaced by the term standard.

natural opposite A term used in teaching to say that one partner will be dancing the same foot positions in a particular dance pattern except in the
opposite direction and on opposite feet.

natural turn A turn to the right.

open break A break step taken in open facing position, usually with the partners dancing in opposition. In other words, they both break back
simultaneously.

outside turn The follower turns to the right under the leader's left hand or to the left under the leader’s right hand. See also inside turn.

picture line A dance figure (e.g. Over sway, Contra Check) characterized by changing shapes in stationary position. Also known as line.

quick A step or weight change that takes one beat of music.

reverse turn A turn to the left.

rise and fall Coming up on the toes by bracing the ankles and stretching the spine then lowering to the heels.

rock Two weight changes with the feet apart, taken in any direction.

Rhythm Category A category of dancing that include the following American Style dances danced at competitions: rumba, cha cha, bolero, mambo and
swing.
shine Popular in Latin dances such as Mambo and Cha Cha, these are movements where the partners are not physically connected. Often the partners
dance similar patterns while disconnected or they act out a piece of music interpretation.

slide To bring the free foot slowly together to the weighted foot.

slow A step or weight change that takes two beats of music.

Smooth Style Ballroom The term used in DanceSport events and in general to mean American Style waltz, foxtrot, tango and Viennese waltz.

split The feet move apart with the weight evenly distributed over both feet.

spotting A technique for keeping oriented and avoiding dizziness during turns. Select a spot; keep looking at it as you turn until you can't any longer; then
quickly turn your head so you are looking at it again.

step The transfer of weight from one foot to another. Frequently used to mean the same thing as figure or pattern of steps.

syncopate To add or subtract steps within a specific number of beats performed by dancers to vary the normal step and to allow for personal expression
and creativity.

Triple step Triple steps are popular in swing dancing. The Triple Step is a three step sequence taken on two beats of music. If the first step of the triple
step is taken on count 1, the second step is taken on the half beat between counts 1&2, and the third step is taken on count 2. The step timing is often
called out as 1&2. Usually the triple step is two quick steps and one slow, called out as "quick-quick-slow", or, using numbers, as "one-and-two.”

top line A posture and frame concept. The horizontal line that runs from elbow to elbow and through both shoulder blades.

Theater Arts/Cabaret Division A division at DanceSport events that involves dramatic lifts and drops usually performed by strong, highly trained dancers
requiring unusual flexibility and balance.

variation A non-standard or non-syllabus step pattern. A modified version of a common step pattern

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 Points taken off a gymnast's score for errors. Most deductions are pre-
Glossary of Terms
determined, such as a 0.8 deduction for a fall from an apparatus or a 0.1
Aerial deduction for stepping out of bounds on the floor exercise.
A stunt in which the gymnast turns completely over in the air without
touching the apparatus with his or her hands. Dismount
To leave an apparatus at the end of a routine; usually done with a difficult
All-Around twist or salto.
A category of gymnastics that includes all of the events. The all-around
champion of an event earns the highest total score from all events Execution
combined. The performance of a routine. Form, style, and technique used to
complete the skills constitute the level of execution of an exercise. Bent
Amplitude knees, poor toe point and an arched or loosely-held body position are all
The height or degree of execution of a movement. In general, the higher examples of poor execution.
the salto or the more breathtaking the movement, the better the
amplitude and the score. FIG
The International Gymnastics Federation is recognized by the International
Apparatus Olympic Committee and is responsible for the governance of the sport of
One of the various pieces of equipment used in gymnastics competitions. gymnastics on the international level.

Arch Position Flexibility

The body is curved backwards. The range of motion through which a body part can move without feeling
pain.
Back-In, Full-Out
A double salto with a full twist (the complete twist performed during the Flic-Flac
second salto). Also known as a flip-flop or back handspring. Take off on one or two feet,
jump backwards onto hands and land on feet. This element is used in a
"Code Of Points" majority of tumbling passes on the floor exercise. It's also used a great deal
The official FIG rulebook for judging gymnastics skills. on the balance beam.

Composition Full-In, Back-Out

The structure of a gymnastics routine. Each individual movement or skill is A double salto with a full twist (the complete twist performed during the
a building block; the arrangement of the moves in the exercise is called the first salto).
composition of the routine.
Gaylord
Deduction
On high bar, a front giant into a one-and-one-half front salto over the bar Body bent forward more than 90 degrees at the hips while the legs are
to regrasp. First done by U.S. gymnast Mitch Gaylord. kept straight.

Giant Pirouettes
A swing in which the body is fully extended and moving through a 360 Changing direction or moving in a circular motion by twisting in the
degree rotation around the bar. handstand position.

Half-In, Half-Out Release

A double salto with a half twist on the first salto and a half twist on the
second salto.
Handspring
Springing off the hands by putting the weight on the arms and using a
strong push from the shoulders; can be done either forward or backward;
usually a linking movement.
Kip
Movement from a position below the equipment to a position above,
usually on the uneven bars, parallel bars or high bar.
Layout Position
A stretched body position.
Olympic Order
The international competition order that is decided by the FIG. Olympic
order for women is vault, uneven bars, balance beam and floor exercise.
Leaving the bar to perform a move before re-grasping it.
Round-Off
A dynamic turning movement, with a push-off on one leg, while swinging
the legs upward in a fast cartwheel motion into a 90 degree turn. The lead-
off to a number of skills.
Routine
A combination of stunts displaying a full range of skills on one apparatus.
Salto
Flip or somersault, with the feet coming up over the head and the body
rotating around the axis of the waist.
Scissors
A combination requirement in a competitive routine on the pommel horse,
which combines cuts and undercuts. It begins in a stride support and ends
in an opposite stride support.

Men compete in the following order: floor exercise, pommel horse, still Sequence
rings, vault, parallel bars and horizontal bar. Two or more positions or skills which are performed together creating a
different skill or activity.
Olympic order for rhythmic gymnasts is rope, hoop, ball, clubs and ribbon.
"Stuck" Landing
Pike Position Slang term used for when a gymnast executes a landing with correct
technique and no movement of the feet.
Tuck
A position in which the knees and hips are bent and drawn into the chest;
the body is folded at the waist.
Twist
Not to be confused with a salto, a twist occurs when the gymnast rotates
around the body’s longitudinal axis, defined by the spine.
Virtuosity
The artistry, or the degree of rhythm and harmony, displayed while a
movement is executed. In general, the more flowing and seamless a series
of skills appears to be, the greater the virtuosity and the higher the score.
Yurchenko Vault
Round-off entry onto the board, flic-flac onto the vaulting table and salto
off of the vaulting table. The gymnast may twist on the way off.
Here are some of the figures of strikes of Arnis/Eskrima
1. Abanico- This form of striking is patterned with the movement of our
traditional fan. We call it “kuyab”in our local dialect. Abanico strike is
generally classified as abanicocortoused for close encounter and abanico
largo used for long distance striking.
2. Doble Zero-this figure of striking is composed of two rapid circular
strikes. Circular strike is also called asRedondo by other practitioners
of Eskrima. In Iloilo sometimes they call this as de rueda named after
themovement of the car wheel.
3. Otso –otso or the figure eight striking. As the name suggest this form of
striking is patterned with the number eight. It is actually number eight in
horizontal not in vertical position. This figure is classified into two: the
upward figure eight in which the strikes begin from below going up
forming the shape of number 8. Downward figure eight wherein the strike
above going downward forming the figure eight.
4. Tatad-is a Hiligaynon term for repeated strikes. This is a very common
term used by our farmers and carpentersin preparing the bamboo shoot
for walling by repeatedly striking the bamboo shoot until ready for walling
a“payag”, a traditional small bamboo house in the Island of panay. A
tadtad in Arnis can be done by striking vertically downward, diagonally, or
horintally. This is actually a series of repeated strikes using the same
motionall throughout.
5. Hanot–alibangbang or butterfly strikes. This is a form of striking that
combines the abanico and the Redondo or circular strikes.
6. Sungkit or sungkite- sungkit in our local dialect means hitting the target
using the tip of the striking material. Thisis usually done by hooking motion
of the cane.
7. Laso. Laso is a Hiligaynon term for lace. This is used by Panay bastoneros
to describe the form of striking which are composed of small rapid circular
strikes.
8. Krusada or the cross strikes. This is done by crossing the first strike
by the second strikes, a second strike is crossed by the third strike and so
on…there are two kinds of cross used in arnis. The X cross and the T
-crossed.
9. De cadena. Cadena means a chain. This form of strike is patterned after
shape of a chain. It can be done by striking in a chain-like motion the target
to head down to the feet or vice versa.
10. Estrella. Estrella means a star. This form of strikes is patterned after the
shape of a star. It is therefore composed of five rapid strikes which can
be done in five variations.
11. Tresandanas. This is a form of striking using three strikes. The target is
likened to a three-story building. The feet to the waist line is treated as the
first floor, the body as second floor and the head as third floor.
Tresandanas means three floors.
12. Lugay.Lugay means to stir. This is a stirring strikes patterned after the
stirring motion of the hand when you stir something like in cooking food
or stirring a glass of milk. It is somewhat ard to master the strikes because
it requires good coordination. Master Frank Sobrino is very good in using
this figure. It is interesting to note that terms used I arnis was greatly
influenced by the Spanish words. This is because Philippines was under
Spanish regime for 300 long years.
13. Sinawaliis a figure of strikes using two sticks and patterned after the
movement of sawali a visayan term which means to weave. Sinawali form
of striking is well discussed in one of the articles published in this website.
Lawn Tennis Glossary
Ace - a serve that is a winner without the receiving tennis player able to
return the ball.
Ad court - the part of the tennis court that is to the left of the tennis
players
Advantage - when a tennis player needs one more point to win the
game after the score was deuce.
Alley - the extra area of the side court used for doubles.
ATP - stand for the Association of Tennis Professionals
Backhand - a way to swing the tennis racquet where the player hits the
ball with a swing that comes across the body.
Backspin - spin of a tennis ball that causes the ball to slow down and/or
bounce low.
Backswing - the motion of a swing that moves the racquet into position
to swing forward and strike the ball.
Baseline - the line indicating back of the court.
Baseliner - a tennis player whose strategy is to play from the baseline.
See Tennis Strategies for more.
Break - when the server loses the game
Break point - one point away from breaking serve
Chip - blocking a shot with backspin
Chip and charge - an aggressive strategy to return the opponent's serve
with backspin and move forward to the net for a volley
Chop - a tennis shot with extreme backspin. Meant to stop the ball
where it lands.
Counterpuncher - another name for a player who is a defensive
baseliner.
Court - the area where a tennis game is played
Crosscourt - hitting the tennis ball diagonally into the opponent's court
Deep - refers to a shot that bounces near the baseline verses near the
net
Deuce - when the score in a game is 40 to 40.
Deuce court - the right side of the court
Double Fault - two missed serves in a row. The server will lose the point.
Doubles - a tennis game played by four players, two per side of the
court.
Down the line - hitting a tennis shot straight down the baseline
Drop shot - a strategy where the tennis player hits the ball just go over
the net. It is used when the opponent is far from the net.
Drop volley - a drop shot from a volley
Fault - a service that is not in play.
First Service - the first of the two serves of a tennis ball a player is
allowed. Generally the server will try a more difficult serve on the first
service.
Flat - a shot with little to no spin
Follow through - the part of the swing after the ball is hit. A good follow
through is important for accuracy and power.
Foot fault - when the server steps over the baseline while making a
serve.
Forehand - a tennis swing where the player hits the tennis ball from
behind their body. Often the forehand is the players best stroke.
Game point - one point away to win the tennis game.
Grand Slam - any one of the four most prestigious tennis tournaments
including the Australian Open, the French Open, Wimbledon and the U.S.
Open.
Groundstroke - a forehand or backhand shot made after the tennis ball
bounces once on the court
Head - the top part of the racket that has the strings and is meant to hit
the ball.
Hold - when the server wins the tennis game.
I-formation - a formation in doubled where the both players stand on
the same side of the court prior to starting the point.
 Jamming - to hit the tennis ball straight to the opponent's body not
allowing them to extend the racquet to hit the ball well.
Kick serve - a serve with a lot of spin causing the ball to bounce high
Let - when the tennis ball from a service touches the net but still lands
within the service box. The server gets another try as this does not count
as a fault.
Lob - a tennis shot where the ball is lifted high above the net. Can be a
defensive shot in some cases, but also may cause a winner when the ball is
just out of reach of the opponent, but still lands in play.
Love - zero points in a tennis game.
Match point - when one tennis player only needs one more point to win
the entire match
Out - any tennis ball that lands outside the area of play.
Passing shot - when the tennis ball is hit such that it passes by the
opponent at the net without them being able to hit the ball.
Poaching - an aggressive strategy in doubles where the tennis player at
net attempts to volley a shot hit to their partner on the baseline.
Tennis Racquet - the main piece of equipment in tennis. It has a long
handle and a oval shaped head with a string mesh stretched across it. It is
used by the tennis player to hit the ball.
Rally - when players hit the ball back and forth to each other while the
ball is landing in play.
Set point - when a tennis player needs one point to win the set
Singles - a tennis game played by two players
Second Service - the second serve that the server is allowed after
missing the first serve. This serve must be successful or the server will lose
the point (called a double fault).
Serve - starts the point by the server hitting the tennis ball into the
opponents half of the court
Serve and volley - a tennis strategy where the player serves and then
charges forward to the net for a volley off of the return.
Spin - rotation of the tennis ball as it moves through the air. Skilled
tennis players can control the spin and, therefore, the ball's trajectory and
bounce
Straight sets - when one player wins every set in a match.
Topspin - when the tennis ball spins forward. This can cause it to bounce
higher as well as dip down quickly.
Unforced error - a missed shot by a player that was not caused by any
excellent play by their opponent.
Volley - a shot where the ball is hit by the player's racquet before the
ball hits the ground.
Winner - an outstanding tennis shot that cannot be returned by the
opponent.
WTA - stands for Women's Tennis Association
Football:
term used by non-Americans to distinguish the popular U.S. sport of
football from soccer which they also call football.
Assist: the pass or passes which immediately precede a goal; a maximum
of two assists can be credited for one goal.
Attacking Midfielder: the most forward-playing midfielder, playing right
behind the forwards; she supports the offense by providing passes to
forwards to set up goals.
Cap: a recognition earned by a player for each appearance in an
international game for his country. (They used to get an actual cap for each
game).
Clear: to kick the ball away from one’s goal.
Corner Kick: a type of restart where the ball is kicked from the corner arc
in an attempt to score; awarded to an attacking team when the ball
crosses the goal line last touched by the defending team.
Cross or Crossing Pass: a pass from an attacking player near the sideline to
a teammate in the middle or opposite side of the field; used to give the
teammate a good scoring opportunity.
Direct Free Kick: a kick awarded to a player for a serious foul committed by
the opposition; the player kicks a stationary ball with no opposing players
within 10 yards of her; a goal can be scored directly from this kick without
the ball touching another player.
Hand Ball: a foul where a player touches the ball with his hand or arm; the
opposing team is awarded a direct free kick.
Hat Trick: Three or more goals scored in a game by a single player.
Pitch: a British term for soccer field.
Red Card: a card that a referee holds up to signal violent behavior or
multiple rule infractions and a player’s removal from the game; the
player’s team must then play the rest of the game short a player.
Stopper: the defender that marks the best scorer on the attacking team,
often the opposition’s striker; exists only in a man-to-man defense.
Striker: a team’s most powerful and best-scoring forward who plays
towards the center of the field;
Substitution: replacement of one player on the field with another player
not on the field; FIFA rules allow only 3 substitutions per game.
Sudden Death: a type of overtime where the first goal scored by a team
ends the game and gives that team the victory; most overtime in soccer is
not sudden death.
Sweeper: the defender that plays closest to his own goal behind the rest of
the defenders; a team’s last line of defense in front of the goalkeeper.
BASEBALL
Balk -Any pitching motion that is against the baseball rules. The pitcher is
not to try and trick the base runners with illegal motions.
Battery - The battery includes two baseball players, the pitcher and the
catcher.
Bunt - When a batter holds the baseball bat out and tries to barely tap the
ball vs. taking a full swing at the ball. The batter might do this to advance
another base runner.
Change up - A slow pitch that is meant to look much faster.
Cleanup - The fourth batter in the batting order. Usually a power hitter.
Count - The number of balls and strikes on a batter. For example a 3/2
count means there are three balls and two strikes on the batter.
Diamond -The four bases of the baseball infield.
Double play - A defensive baseball play that results in two outs.
Error - A mistake in fielding the baseball by the defense that allows a
batter to reach base or a base runner to advance.
Fly ball - A baseball that is hit high into the air.
Foul ball -A baseball that is hit outside the field of fair play.
Full count - When the pitch count has 3 balls and 2 strikes. The next strike
or ball will end the at bat. If the batter hits the baseball foul, then the
count remains 3 and 2.
Ground ball - A baseball that is hit on the ground. Also called a
"grounder".
Hit and run - A baseball play where the base runner begins to run when
the pitch is released. It's the batter's responsibility to hit the baseball into
play so the runner will not get out. This gives the base runner a head start.
Hit for the cycle - When a baseball player hits a single, a double, a triple,
and a home run in one game.
Lead Runner - The first base runner when more than one runner is on
base.
Load the bases - When a base runner is at all three bases.
On-deck - The next batter due to bat.
Pinch hitter - A substitute baseball hitter.
Pinch runner - A substitute base runner.
Pitch around - When the pitcher does not throw the batter a pitch near
the plate in order to walk the batter.
Pitch out - A pitch that cannot be hit by the batter. Used to walk a batter
on purpose or to try and catch a base stealer.
Position player - Any baseball player but the pitcher.
Power hitter - A strong batter that hits the baseball far, often for home
runs or extra bases.
Relay - When one fielder throws the baseball to another fielder who then
throws the baseball to another fielder.
Reliever or relief pitcher - A replacement pitcher. Usually comes in the
game when the starting pitcher grows tired.
Runners at the corners - Base runners on 1st and 3rd.
Scoring position - A base runner on 2nd or 3rd base is in scoring position.
Strike zone - The area above home plate where strikes are called. The pitch
must be over home plate, above the batter's knees, and below the batter's
belt.
Walk - When the pitcher throws four balls to a batter, the batter gets to go
to first base automatically.
Fencing terminology
Fencing is a sport that uses a number of French words, which can be
confusing to people who are either new to the sport or do not speak the
language. Here are some of the most common terms and phrases used in
fencing, and the meaning behind them.
Allez
‘Allez’ is the French word for ‘go’, and in fencing terms, it is the word that
the referee uses to start a bout.
Assault
An assault in fencing refers to a friendly game between two fencers, where
scores may or may not be kept.
Avertissement
This refers to a warning given in response to a small infraction, and is
commonly known as the yellow card.
Black Card
The black card is the most severe of punishments in fencing, and is issued
when a fencer has committed a serious infraction. If a fencer gets a black
card, he is expelled from the game or tournament. While rare, black cards
can also be issued to unruly spectators.
Red Card
A red card is issued in the event of a fencer committing any violent actions
during a point, and results in a warning to the fencer, as well as one point
being awarded to the opponent.
Bout
A bout is similar to an assault, with the exception that scores are kept.
Corps-à-corps
This refers to bodily contact between the two fencers, and is considered an
illegal move in both foil and saber fencing.
En-garde
‘En-garde’ is French for ‘on guard’, and is uttered by the referee before the
start of the bout to signify to the fencers that they should get into
positions.
Epee
An epee is one of three main weapons that are employed in fencing. It is
light, with a triangular blade and large hand guard.
fencer to score points in foil and epee fencing.
Pret
French for ‘ready’, pret is one of the three words that the referee utters
before the start of the bout. The sequence goes as follows: en-garde, pret,
allez.

Foil JODU
The foil is the second of three fencing weapons, and features a rectangular
blade. Same grip used by both persons,
Ai-yotsu either right or left
Saber
The saber is the last of three common weapons used in fencing, and Ashi Foot, leg
features a flat blade and knuckle guard.
Ashi Waza Foot techniques
Hilt
Atemi Waza Striking techniques
The hilt is the part of the blade that a fencer holds onto, and includes the
guard, the grip and the pommel. Ayumi Ashi Ordinary pattern of walking

Jury Batsugun Instant promotion

The jury is made of four people who watch for hits and touches in a bout
Budo Martial ways
that does not use electronic scoring. These people have to watch for hits
on the opposite ends of their positions, and call hits by raising their hands Bujutsu Martial arts
to inform the referee.
Bushido Way of the warrior
Lamé
The lamé is an electric conductive jacket worn on the body of the fencers, Chui Penalty (no longer used)
and is used to score hits electronically. Dan Black belt rank

Plastron Instant of opportunity to break

The ‘plastron’, also known as underarm guard, is compulsory for fencers to balance as opponent initiates a
wear during a fencing bout. Debana motion

Point School or training hall for studying the

The point of the blade is the only part of the weapon that enables the Dojo way
Eri Collar, lapel Joseki Place of honor, upper seat

Fudoshin Immovable spirit Judo Gentle or flexible way

Fusegi Escapes A Judo life–Spending one’s life in the

Judo Ichidai diligent pursuit of Judo
Fusen Gachi Win by default
Judogi Judo practice uniform
Goshin Jutsu Art of self defense
Judoka One who studies Judo
Hajime Begin
Ju no Kata Forms of gentleness
Hando no Kuzushi Unbalancing by reaction
Ju no Ri Principle of flexibility or yielding
Hansoku-make Most serious penalty, disqualification
Jujutsu Gentle art
Hantei Referee call for judge’s decision
Kaeshi Waza Counter techniques
Happo no Kuzushi Kuzushi in 8 directions
Kake Completion or execution of technique
Hara Stomach
Kansetsu Waza Joint locking techniques
Hidari Left
Kappo Resuscitation techniques
Hiji Elbow
Kata Forms
Hiki-wake No decision–tie or draw
Kata Shoulder
Pulling hand — usually the hand
Hikite gripping a sleeve Katame no kata Forms of grappling

Hiza Knee Katsu Resuscitation

Ippon Victory in one move, one point Keikoku Penalty (no longer used)

Jigotai Defensive posture Opposite grips used by each person,

Kenka Yotsu one right/one left
Jikan Referee call to stop the clock
Kiai To gather spirit with a shout
Jita Kyoei Principle of mutual prosperity
Kime no Kata Forms of decision Masutemi Waza Back sacrifice throws

Kinshi Waza Techniques prohibited in competition Mate Stop (wait)

Ki o tsuke Attention Migi Right

High ranking judoka — 5th dan and Mudansha Students below black belt rank
Kodansha above
Mune Chest
Judo institute in Tokyo where Judo
Kodokan was founded Nage Throw

Kogeki Seyo Order for judoka to attack Nage no Kata Forms of throwing

Koka Score less than a yuko Nagekomi Repetitive throwing practice

Koshi Hip Nage Waza Throwing techniques

Koshi Waza Hip techniques Ne Waza Techniques on the ground

Kubi Neck Obi Judo belt

Kumikata Gripping methods Okuden Secret teachings

Kuzure Modified hold Osaekomi Pin, referee call to begin timing

Kuzushi Unbalancing the opponent Osaekomi Waza Pinning techniques

Kyoshi Instructor Osaekomi Toketa Escape, stop timing of hold

Kyu Student rank Randori Free practice

Maai Space or engagement distance Randori no Kata Forms of free practice techniques

Mae Forward, front Randori Waza Techniques for free practice

Mae Sabaki Frontal escape Rei Bow

Mae Ukemi Falling forward Reiho Forms of respect, manners, etiquette

Renraku Waza Combination techniques

Ritsurei Standing bow Sono Mama Stop action; command to freeze

A point in the abdomen that is the Sore Made Finished, time is up

Seika Tanden center of gravity
Randori throwing practice against a
Seiryoku Zenyo Principle of maximum efficiency Sute Geiko higher level judoka

Seiza Formal kneeling posture Sutemi Waza Sacrifice techniques

Sen Attack initiative Tachi Waza Standing techniques

Sensei Teacher, instructor Tai Sabaki Body control, turning

Shiai Contest Tatami Mat

Shiaijo Competition area Te Hand, arm

Shido Penalty, equal to koka score Te Waza Hand techniques

Title for a model teacher or “teacher Tekubi Wrist

who sets the standard” (i.e. Kano-
Shihan shihan) Tokui Waza Favorite or best technique

Shime Waza Choking techniques Tori Person performing a technique

Shinpan Referee Walking by bringing one foot up to

Tsugi Ashi another
Moving forwards, sideways &
Shintai backwards Tsukuri Entry into a technique, positioning

Shisei Posture Tsurite Lifting hand

Shizentai Natural posture Repeated practice without

Uchikomi completion
Shomen Dojo front
Ude Arm
Sode Sleeve
Uke Person receiving the technique
Soke Founder of a martial art or ryu
Ukemi Breakfall techniques
Ushiro Backward, rear Zanshin Awareness

Ushiro Sabaki Back movement control Zarei Kneeling salutation

Ushiro Ukemi Falling backward Zenpo Kaiten

Ukemi Forward rolling break fall
Waki Armpit
Zubon Pants
Waza Technique

Waza Ari Near ippon or half point

Waza ari Awasete

Ippon Two waza-ari together for ippon

Yakusoku Geiko
(or renshu) Pre-arranged free practice

Yoko Side

Yoko Kaiten
Ukemi Sideways rolling break fall

Yoko Sutemi
Waza Side sacrifice throws

Yoko Ukemi Falling sideways

Yoshi Resume action, continue

Yubi Finger

Yudansha Person who earned the black belt

Yudanshakai Black belt association

Yuko Score less than a waza-ari

Yusei Gachi Win by judge’s decision