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Martial arts glossary
The most important terms from the mat – explained briefly, without the jargon.
G
- Gi
- The traditional training uniform in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and karate. “No-gi” means training without it, in shorts and a rashguard.
K
- Kata
- A set form of movement in karate: techniques performed in a choreographed sequence against imagined opponents.
- Kumite
- Fighting in karate – from pre-arranged partner drills to full-contact competition in Shidokan.
N
- No-Gi
- Grappling without the uniform – you grip the body instead of the fabric. Faster in pace and the basis for MMA.
O
- Open Mat
- Free training without a set lesson: the mat is open for sparring, drilling and questions – for members of every group.
P
- Pratzen
- Striking pads for technique work in kickboxing and MMA. One holds, one strikes – precisely and at pace.
R
- Rashguard
- A tight technical shirt for no-gi training. It protects the skin from mat burn and keeps sweat where it belongs.
- Rolling
- Sparring on the ground (BJJ/grappling). You “roll” until someone taps out or the time runs out.
S
- Sparring
- Controlled practice fighting with a partner. Intensity and contact are matched to experience and how you feel that day – always voluntary here.
- Submission
- A finishing hold such as a lock or a choke that brings your partner to submit under control.
T
- Takedown
- A technique that takes a fight from standing to the ground – throws, leg attacks, clinch work.
- Tap / Abklopfen
- The signal to stop immediately: tap the mat or your partner twice. The most important rule in grappling – safety comes first.
Heard a term that is missing here? Ask at training – or straight at the Trial session.