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Burning Mountain glossary X

Terms in this set (24)

HEMA
Historical European Martial Arts. A catch-all label for martial arts that are not from Asia or anywhere in the East. Note, however, that the name implies exclusion of North American arts, such as Tomahawk and Long knife, Bowie knife.
WMA
Western Martial Arts. a catch all label for martial arts that are not from Asia or anywhere in the east
vita
Your life force, your center, your energy, your chi, your qi. The energy center of the body in the area below the navel and above the pubic bone.
line of engagement
An imaginary line between you and your adversary. "Energy".
subterfuge
A lunge entered by extending your rear leg, as opposed to entering a lunge by stepping your front foot forward. Some stage combat societies call this a reverse lunge, or a reverse energy lunge. Subterfuge is a martial arts term from French small sword.
palmo
An inexact measurement unit, determined by the distance between the tip of the extended thumb to the tip of the extended little finger in a "hang ten" or "hang loose" gesture.
time
1) A unit of motion between stillnesses
2) The duration of an action. For instance, a shoulder cut has a longer time, whereas a wrist cut has a shorter time.
3) Timing. Taking action at the appropriate
moment.
4) Opportunity. Specifically, "to take your adversary's time" is to take the initiative from them.
5) The moment. "To be ahead of time" means that you are leading the exchange. "To be behind the time" means that you're reacting to your adversary's provocations.
distance
The space between yourself and the adversary, specifically taking note of what kind of danger you're in, and what kind of threat you offer your adversary.
In Eastern martial arts, these distances are often defined by what weapons are available to you (feet, knees and hands, elbows and head, body to body/grappling). In WMA, distances are often described by what footwork is required to land an attack (passing step, advance, arm action, none/in distance).
out-of-distance
Weapon engagement or landing attack within a reasonable number of actions is not possible. Time does not exist here.
proportion
The size of movement, whether footwork, blade, or body motion.
to angulate
To take a step off the line of engagement, ideally creating an opportunity to counterattack. Sometimes called "zoning".
prima or prime
Hand perpendicular to the floor, thumb to the floor. When holding a sword with the knucklebow, the knucklebow is to the sky.
secunda or seconde
Hand parallel to the ground, palm facing down. When holding a sword with a knuckle bow, the knucklebow is to be outside.
terza or tierce
Hand in neutral, perpendicular to the floor, thumb to the sky. When holding a sword with a knuckle bow, the knucklebownis to the floor. Same position as neutral.
quarte or carte
Hand parallel to the ground, palm facing up. When holding a sword with the knucklebow, the knucklebow is to the inside.
wrist cut
A cut originating at the wrist. Very fast but low strength.
elbow cut
A cut originating at the elbow. A balance of speed and strength.
shoulder cut
A cut originating at the shoulder. Slow but very strong
cleave
A defensive blade action that takes your adversary's blade off-line with minimal action from you. A short cutting action running almost parallel to the incoming attack.
subjugate
Lowering your adversaries blade by resting your weight upon it. Accompanied by demi-lunge. Distinct from a croisé.
structure
Biomechanical alignment. Having "good structure" means that you are using your body in the most efficient manner possible. To be balanced and to be able to negotiate incoming energy with minimal extraneous effort. Also called "alignment".
perception
Receiving stimulus, whether visual, audible, kinesthetic or energetic
unbroken circle
Structurally sound arm positioning, found by clasping one hand in the other and forming a circle through both arms and through torso, so that that force can be negotiated with minimal muscular effort, including relaxed shoulders).
Foundation Martial Principles
Time, distance, proportion and positioning (or angulation).
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