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Stephanie F
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Our children take self defense with fusion combat and we are pleased with how much they have learned and how they continue to grow. Coach Jesse and coach Pedro create a great environment that focuses on technical skills, advocacy, responsibility and respect - skills we see our kids carry in and outside of their lessons. While our children took martial arts before Fusion Combat - their previous experience in large classes that focused on kicking speed challenges and kicking and punching through wood fell short. Fusion Combat is the best martial arts experience we have had so far. If you are looking for a great opportunity for your children to learn martial arts and learn how to be responsible community members and leaders, I highly recommend Fusion Combat.

Caldwell Shepard
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It was a whole different experience for me to train Muay Thai here. My other trainees were nice, and the coach managed us all with ease. Thank you very much!

Julia Sharp
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Jesse is awesome! We took the orientation class and my daughter learned so much in an hour it was amazing! I highly recommend this program because the teaching style and philosophy behind it are so beneficial and it teaches a young lady how to not only defend herself, but self esteem and discipline as well!

Brandi Rodriguez
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Fusion has provided a wonderful experience for our son. The instructors are great and really understand how to work with both kids and adults. If you are looking to start your martial arts journey, there is no better place.

Angeline Bennett
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Great place to learn practical self defense techniques. The instructors are all patient and knowledgeable, and the fellow students helpful, and relatable. It feels like training with family.

Jeanette Newman
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Great group of people to learn and train with with. In addition, great customer service.

Kris Beck
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Great atmosphere; the Fusion's employees are polite and appear to enjoy what they do. Keep up the excellent job.

Lynne Cross
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My two boys have enjoyed the classes very much. They have learned great techniques for defense and it has helped them with discipline and self confidence and above all to burn off some energy! They love it every time we come!! I totally recommend these classes!

John Atkinson
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Great facilities, really professional attention and details focused training.

Morris Bryan
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Amazing place to learn martial arts and for staying in shape and to learn self defense.

Leo Adams
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Awesome self Defense classes and a great environment. Whether you want to improve your martial arts or just get a great workout, this is definitely a great place for both.

Bellal Zulali
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Lot of fun. Jesse is a great instructor and will work with your schedule. Once you get comfortable with the basics and begin grappling and striking drills with other students, the classes become way more rewarding and practical.

Jake Hayworth
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Fusion combat is a great place to learn applicable self defense and meet cool people. The instructors do a great job teaching no matter what your skill level.

Tim H.
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The best decision I made was to take the first step to see what this is all about. Short story - some history with martial arts. In comparison to Fusion, it was really more like a kick boxing class. A little older so the '70's body and skills have long since resigned. With Fusion, you will find movement with a purpose and the stepping stones to grow physically and mentally. It will build coordination, physical fitness and confidence. You will find professionalism and fun with everyone working toward the same goals and supporting each other along the way. That only comes from great leadership. If my schedule would allow, I would be there daily! I encourage everyone to check out Fusion. It is a place that I have sought for a long time. Simply put, It Fits!

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Fusion Combat Training Center
Krav Maga, Jiu Jitsu, & Muay Thai
Denver Self-Defense, Martial Arts, Fitness & Nutrition
Fusion Combat Training Center

Martial Arts Terminology: A Beginner’s Glossary of Key Terms and Concepts

December 17, 2018

Stepping into the world of martial arts can sometimes feel like learning a new language. From foreign words to specialized concepts, the terminology can be overwhelming for a beginner. At Fusion Combat Training Center, right here in Denver, Colorado, we believe that understanding these key terms and concepts is a crucial step in your journey to mastering self-defense and achieving peak fitness. This glossary will help you navigate the common martial arts terminology you’ll encounter, providing a solid foundation for your training, whether you’re interested in Krav Maga, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, or kickboxing. Ready to begin your martial arts journey? Find the perfect training path at Fusion Combat Training Center!

Various martial arts students in uniform practicing techniques

General Martial Arts Terms & Concepts (Across Disciplines):

  • Dojo (Japanese): A training hall or place of learning for Japanese martial arts (e.g., Karate, Judo, Aikido). For other arts, similar terms include Gym, Kwoon (Chinese), or Sala (Thai).
  • Instructor / Teacher: The person who guides and teaches the techniques and philosophy of the martial art. Common terms include:
    • Sensei (Japanese): Teacher, particularly in Japanese martial arts.
    • Kru (Thai): Teacher in Muay Thai.
    • Coach / Professor: Common in Western martial arts like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Kickboxing, or in systems like Krav Maga.
  • Student / Practitioner: The person learning the martial art.
  • Belt System / Rank: A hierarchical system, often denoted by colored belts or sashes, indicating a student’s progression and skill level. While prominent in traditional Japanese and Korean arts, it varies significantly in other disciplines (e.g., stripes on a white belt in BJJ, different colored shorts in Muay Thai, or levels in Krav Maga).
  • Gi (Japanese): The traditional uniform worn in many Japanese martial arts (e.g., Judo, Karate, some Jiu-Jitsu styles). Also referred to as a Kimono or a BJJ Gi.
  • No-Gi: Training without a traditional uniform, often in grappling arts like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu where practitioners wear rash guards and shorts, simulating street clothes.
  • Stance: The way a practitioner positions their body, feet, and hands. A strong stance provides balance, mobility, and the ability to generate power for strikes or grappling.
  • Footwork: The movement of the feet to maintain balance, control distance, create angles, and evade attacks. Essential in all martial arts.
  • Sparring: Controlled practice fighting where practitioners apply techniques against a resisting opponent. It’s crucial for developing timing, distance, and real-world application of skills.
  • Drilling: Repetitive practice of specific techniques or combinations to build muscle memory and refine execution.
  • Warm-up / Cool-down: Essential parts of any training session, preparing the body for activity and aiding recovery afterward.
  • Self-Defense: The use of physical force to protect oneself from harm. The ultimate practical application of many martial arts.
  • Combat Sports: Martial arts adapted for competition with specific rulesets, weight classes, and often protective gear (e.g., Kickboxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, MMA).

Key Terms Specific to Striking Arts (e.g., Muay Thai, Kickboxing):

  • Punch: A strike delivered with the fist (e.g., Jab, Cross, Hook, Uppercut).
  • Kick: A strike delivered with the foot or shin (e.g., Roundhouse, Front Kick, Side Kick, Low Kick).
  • Knee: A strike delivered with the knee, especially powerful in close range or the clinch.
  • Elbow: A sharp strike delivered with the elbow, highly effective in close quarters (Muay Thai is famous for these).
  • Clinch: A close-range grappling position where fighters grab and control each other’s upper bodies, primarily to deliver knees and elbows (Muay Thai is renowned for its clinch work).
  • Teep: A push kick in Muay Thai, used to create distance or off-balance an opponent.
  • Guard: The defensive posture of the hands and arms to protect the head and body.

Key Terms Specific to Grappling Arts (e.g., Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu):

  • Submission: A technique (e.g., joint lock, choke) that forces an opponent to “tap out” (signal surrender) due to pain or restricted blood flow.
  • Takedown: A technique used to bring an opponent from a standing position to the ground.
  • Guard: A defensive position in ground fighting where one practitioner uses their legs to control their opponent.
  • Mount: A dominant ground position where one practitioner sits on top of their opponent’s torso, facing them.
  • Armbar: A submission technique that hyperextends the opponent’s elbow joint.
  • Choke: A submission technique that restricts blood flow to the brain, causing unconsciousness.
  • Roll: A term for grappling sparring, often without direct striking.

Key Terms Specific to Krav Maga:

  • Aggressive Defense: Simultaneously defending an attack while launching a counter-attack.
  • Disarm: Techniques for taking a weapon away from an attacker.
  • Stress Drills / Scenario Training: Training exercises designed to simulate the physical and psychological pressure of a real attack to build resilience.
  • Vulnerable Points / Soft Targets: Areas of the body targeted for maximum impact and immediate incapacitation (e.g., eyes, throat, groin, knees).

Starting Your Martial Arts Journey at Fusion Combat Training Center

Understanding this basic martial arts terminology will make your first classes at Fusion Combat Training Center in Denver much easier to follow. Our experienced instructors are adept at teaching beginners, breaking down complex concepts, and ensuring you understand not just the “how” but also the “why” behind each technique.

Whether your goal is to learn practical self-defense with Krav Maga, master the powerful strikes of Muay Thai and kickboxing, or delve into the intricate grappling of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, our community is here to support you. Embrace the journey of learning, and you’ll find that martial arts training offers far more than just physical skills – it builds discipline, confidence, and a deep understanding of yourself. Contact us today to begin your transformative martial arts experience!

Want to Know More?

  • Discover the Legacy: Learn more about the principles and techniques we teach in Denver, CO on our page for Martial Arts for Adults or Martial Arts for Kids.
  • Experience the Effectiveness: Feel the confidence that comes with practical self-defense skills. Sign up for a free trial class today!
  • Connect with Our History: Have questions about Krav Maga, Jiu-Jitsu, or Muay Thai for self-defense, or regarding our training philosophy? Contact us – we’d love to share more about our approach.

 

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