Martial Arts Glossary

Abecedario (Spanish for "alphabet") is the foundational Filipino martial arts drill that teaches the basic angles of attack and their defenses one at a time — the "ABCs" of stick, knife and empty-hand work, and the starting point for more advanced flow drills.

The sudden release of adrenaline during a real confrontation, causing increased heart rate, tunnel vision, and loss of fine motor skills. SAMI training includes stress inoculation drills to help practitioners function through adrenaline dumps.

Training with a non-cooperative or semi-cooperative partner who provides realistic resistance, as opposed to purely scripted drills. Creates more realistic preparation for actual confrontations.

The ability to use both hands equally well. Heavily emphasized in Filipino martial arts and stick fighting, where practitioners train both left and right sides to become complete fighters.

The direction from which a strike or weapon attack comes. Filipino martial arts categorize attacks by numbered angles (1-12), each representing a different direction. Understanding angles is key to effective defense.

Techniques for escaping when an attacker wraps their arms around your body from the front or behind. Includes variations for arms pinned and arms free. A fundamental Krav Maga self-defense scenario.

A ranking structure used in martial arts to indicate a practitioner's skill level and progression. SAMI uses a level system with official certifications rather than traditional colored belts.

A defensive technique using the arms, hands, or legs to intercept and stop an incoming strike. Blocks are fundamental to all SAMI combat systems and are often combined with immediate counterattacks.

An evasive movement where the fighter ducks under a punch (bob) and moves laterally (weave) to avoid being hit while maintaining position to counter. Common in boxing and Panantukan.

The efficient use of the body's structure, alignment, and movement to generate maximum power and effect in techniques. Proper body mechanics allow smaller practitioners to generate significant force.

An imaginary vertical line running down the center of the body. Many vital targets (nose, throat, solar plexus, groin) lie along the centerline. Controlling the centerline is a key principle in many combat systems.

An official credential awarded after passing an exam that validates competency in a specific combat system or level. SAMI-X offers online certification for all its combat systems.

Techniques specifically designed to escape choke holds, including front chokes, rear chokes, and headlocks. One of the most commonly trained self-defense scenarios in Krav Maga.

A close-range grappling position where both fighters are locked in body-to-body contact, used to control an opponent, deliver short-range strikes, or set up throws and takedowns.

Fighting at very close range where longer strikes are impractical. Involves elbows, knees, headbutts, clinch work, and short-range techniques. The specialty of Panantukan and a critical component of all SAMI systems.

A series of strikes, blocks, or techniques executed in rapid succession. Combinations are trained to build fluidity and to overwhelm an attacker with multiple threats at once.

Physical training focused on building the endurance, strength, and resilience needed for combat. SAMI-X offers dedicated conditioning guided trainings that simulate fight-like intensity.

A SAMI combat system designed as a foundational self-defense program. CORE (Conceptual Organized Realistic Effective) Defense teaches the essential principles and techniques that apply across all SAMI systems.

An offensive technique executed immediately after defending against an attack. In SAMI systems, defense and counter-attack are often taught as a single fluid movement rather than separate actions.

A straight punch thrown with the rear hand, rotating the hips and shoulders for maximum power. One of the most powerful punches in boxing and self-defense, forming the core of many striking combinations.

Verbal and non-verbal techniques used to reduce the intensity of a confrontation before it becomes physical. A core principle in SAMI self-defense: the best fight is the one that never happens.

An official document issued by SAMI upon successful completion of an exam, certifying the holder's proficiency at a specific level in a combat system.

An informal term for close-range fighting techniques that go beyond conventional boxing rules — including elbows, knees, headbutts, trapping, and limb destructions. Panantukan is often called "Filipino Dirty Boxing".

A technique used to remove a weapon from an attacker's grip. Disarming techniques are a core component of SAMI knife defense and stick fighting curricula.

The skill of controlling the space between you and an attacker. Proper distance management is crucial in self-defense — too close and you can't react; too far and you can't counter. Different distances favor different techniques.

A training method using two sticks simultaneously, one in each hand. Develops ambidexterity, coordination, and the ability to attack and defend at the same time. A key component of Filipino martial arts.

A structured, repetitive training exercise designed to develop specific skills, reflexes, or techniques through repeated practice. Drills are the backbone of SAMI training methodology.

A SAMI combat system focused on unarmed self-defense techniques, combining strikes, kicks, and defensive movements for real-world scenarios without weapons.

A close-range striking technique using the elbow as the impact surface. Elbow strikes are devastatingly effective in close quarters and are a core technique in Panantukan and Krav Maga.

A Filipino martial art emphasizing stick and blade fighting. Also known as Arnis or Kali. SAMI integrates Escrima principles into its stick fighting and edged weapons programs.

Defensive body movements used to avoid an incoming attack without blocking, such as slipping, ducking, weaving, or stepping offline. Evasion preserves energy and creates openings for counterattacks.

The role of the training partner who provides attacks for the other person to defend against or practice on. Good feeding is controlled, realistic, and appropriately paced. In SAMI-X, virtual feeding allows solo training with video-guided attack sequences.

The body's natural, instinctive reaction to a sudden threat — typically raising hands to protect the head. SAMI Krav Maga techniques are built on these natural flinch responses rather than fighting against them.

A continuous, cooperative training exercise where partners cycle through a sequence of attacks and defenses in a fluid, non-stop pattern to develop reflexes and muscle memory.

The movement patterns and positioning of the feet during combat. Good footwork provides balance, mobility, and the ability to quickly close or create distance. Foundation of all striking and defensive systems.

A low kick targeting the groin area, one of the most effective self-defense techniques due to the vulnerability of the target. Simple, instinctive, and effective regardless of size difference between attacker and defender.

Combat techniques executed when one or both fighters are on the ground, including submissions, sweeps, and positional control. In self-defense contexts, the goal is often to return to standing as quickly as possible.

The ready position from which a fighter can both attack and defend. A proper guard protects the head and body while allowing quick transitions to offensive techniques.

Techniques for reacting to a firearm threat at close range. SAMI teaches realistic gun defense as a last-resort measure, emphasizing that compliance is often the safest option.

Gunting (Tagalog for "scissors") is a signature Panantukan technique: an intercepting strike — usually an elbow or punch — that "destroys" an attacker's incoming limb by meeting it, damaging the muscle or nerve. A core limb-destruction tool in Filipino dirty boxing.

A striking technique using the bottom of the closed fist in a downward or sideways hammering motion. Safer for the hand than a conventional punch and effective in close-range self-defense scenarios.

A close-range strike using the forehead to hit an attacker's face. Effective in extremely close quarters when hands are trapped. Must be executed correctly using the hard part of the forehead to avoid self-injury.

A circular punch thrown with a bent arm, targeting the side of the head or body. Hooks generate power through hip rotation and are devastating at close to medium range. A fundamental strike in all striking-based systems.

A sensitivity drill originating from Filipino martial arts, involving a cyclical pattern of tie-up, untie, and counter movements. It develops close-range reflexes and is heavily used in Panantukan training.

Everyday objects used for self-defense, such as pens, keys, bags, chairs, or bottles. SAMI teaches how to effectively use common items for protection when no dedicated weapon is available.

Combat at very close range where conventional punches are less effective. Includes elbows, knees, headbutts, and clinch work. Panantukan specializes in this range with its "dirty boxing" techniques.

A core SAMI philosophy: techniques should work with the body's natural reactions (flinch response, covering up) rather than requiring complex motor skills that break down under stress. This makes SAMI systems learnable faster and more reliable in real situations.

A quick, straight punch thrown with the lead hand. The fastest punch in boxing, used to measure distance, set up combinations, and keep an opponent at bay. Foundation of all striking combinations.

A technique that manipulates a joint (wrist, elbow, shoulder, knee) beyond its normal range of motion to control or subdue an attacker. Used in restraint and control situations by security professionals.

An Israeli combat system (Krav Panim el Panim, meaning "face-to-face combat") that encompasses hand-to-hand fighting, weapons training, and tactical skills, originally developed for military use.

A curved, claw-like blade originating from Southeast Asia. SAMI-X Karambit teaches both offensive techniques and defense against karambit attacks, making it one of the most unique combat systems offered.

A choreographed sequence of movements practiced solo, common in Japanese martial arts like Karate and Judo. Katas serve as a method of preserving and transmitting techniques across generations.

A striking technique using the legs and feet. In self-defense, low kicks targeting the shins, knees, and groin are preferred over high kicks as they are faster, harder to counter, and maintain balance.

A powerful close-range strike using the knee, targeting the thighs, midsection, or head of a bent-over attacker. One of the strongest natural weapons of the body, requiring no training equipment to practice.

Techniques and strategies for defending against knife attacks. SAMI-X Knife is a comprehensive system covering threat assessment, evasion, redirection, and disarming against various knife attack angles.

The two primary ways to hold a blade: forward grip (Sak-Sak, blade extending from the thumb side) and reverse grip (Pakal, blade extending from the pinky side). Each grip offers different advantages for offense and defense.

A self-defense system developed in Israel, known for its practical, no-nonsense approach to real-world threats. SAMI-X Krav Maga builds on traditional Krav Maga with modern training methodologies.

A technique from Filipino martial arts where you target the attacking limb itself — striking the incoming arm or leg to damage muscles and nerves, effectively neutralizing further attacks from that limb.

A Filipino martial arts technique where you strike the opponent's attacking limb (bicep, forearm, thigh) rather than blocking it. "Gunting" means scissors in Filipino. The attacker's arm or leg is damaged, reducing their ability to continue fighting.

Real-time video training sessions on the SAMI-X platform where students train simultaneously with an instructor over video. Live trainings allow for feedback, corrections, and interaction with other participants.

A Thai martial art known as "the art of eight limbs" using fists, elbows, knees, and shins. While SAMI is not a Muay Thai system, many striking principles overlap and SAMI practitioners benefit from understanding its techniques.

Self-defense scenarios involving more than one attacker. Training focuses on positioning, awareness of surroundings, and strategies to avoid being surrounded. An advanced topic in Krav Maga.

A strike using the heel of the palm instead of the fist. Reduces the risk of hand injury while delivering significant impact. One of the first techniques taught in beginner self-defense classes.

Filipino dirty boxing — an empty-hand combat system emphasizing limb destructions, gunting (scissors), elbows, knees, and trapping. SAMI-X Panantukan is one of the core combat systems offered.

A defensive technique that redirects an incoming attack rather than stopping it directly. Parries use less energy than blocks and can create openings for immediate counterattacks.

Striking first when a physical attack is imminent and unavoidable. Legally and ethically complex — taught in context of de-escalation failure. SAMI training covers the legal aspects alongside the technical execution.

Sensitive areas on the body that, when pressed or struck, cause pain or temporary dysfunction. Knowledge of pressure points enhances control techniques and is used in close-range self-defense.

Free-form sparring practice originating from Judo, where practitioners apply techniques against a resisting partner. Unlike competition sparring, randori focuses on learning and experimentation rather than winning.

The time between perceiving a threat and initiating a defensive response. Regular training shortens reaction time by building neural pathways through repetition. This is why consistent practice matters.

A compact self-defense training tool developed by SAMI. The Defender is a palm-stick-like device used to enhance strikes, apply pressure points, and improve grip techniques in close-range self-defense.

A SAMI combat system focused on using a short stick or similar object for self-defense. SDS teaches practical defensive techniques that can be applied with everyday objects like umbrellas or walking sticks.

The practice of defending oneself from physical harm. Modern self-defense training, like SAMI, emphasizes situational awareness, de-escalation, and practical techniques that work under stress.

A solo training method where you practice techniques against an imaginary opponent. Excellent for developing form, combinations, and footwork without a partner. A key part of SAMI home training.

A double-stick weaving pattern from Filipino martial arts. The name comes from "sawali" (woven bamboo walls). Sinawali drills develop coordination, timing, and ambidexterity through rhythmic, flowing stick patterns with a partner.

The ability to perceive and understand what is happening in your environment, identify potential threats, and make informed decisions. Often called the most important self-defense skill — avoiding danger before it becomes physical.

A head movement technique where you rotate the upper body slightly to let a punch pass by your head. More efficient than blocking because it keeps your hands free to counter-attack immediately.

Sombrada is a Filipino martial arts flow drill of continuous counter-for-counter exchanges. Each partner answers the other's attack with a defense and immediate counter, building timing, sensitivity and flow at close range with stick, blade or empty hands.

Controlled practice fighting between partners, used to develop timing, distance management, and the ability to apply techniques against a live opponent. Sparring intensity varies from light to full contact.

A defensive technique against takedown attempts where you throw your legs back and drive your hips down onto the attacker's back, preventing them from grabbing your legs. Essential for keeping a fight standing.

Stick defense is the set of techniques for defending against an attack with a stick, baton or club — covering distance management, blocking or evading the swing, and closing in to control or disarm the weapon. Trained in SAMI-X Stick Fighting and self-defense programs.

Weapon-based martial arts training using sticks or batons. SAMI-X Stick Fighting draws from Filipino martial arts and adapts techniques for modern self-defense scenarios including improvised weapons.

Training under simulated stress to prepare the body and mind for real-world confrontations. Includes scenario-based drills, pressure testing, and adrenal stress conditioning. A hallmark of realistic self-defense training.

The part of the body used to make contact when striking — including fists (first two knuckles), palm heel, forearm, elbow, knee, shin, and head. Using the correct striking surface prevents injury and maximizes impact.

A technique that uses the legs to knock an opponent off balance by sweeping their feet or legs out from under them. Can be used offensively or as a follow-up to a block or parry.

A technique used to bring an opponent from a standing position to the ground. Takedowns are important in self-defense for controlling a situation and can include trips, throws, and body locks.

Techniques that immobilize or control an opponent's arms to create openings for strikes. A signature element of Wing Chun and Panantukan. Involves pinning, holding, or redirecting the opponent's limbs.

A vertical punch thrown upward, targeting the chin or solar plexus. Generates power from the legs and hips. Most effective at close range, making it a natural complement to Panantukan inside fighting techniques.

Areas of the body most vulnerable to strikes in self-defense: eyes, nose, throat, groin, knees, and solar plexus. Targeting these areas allows a smaller or weaker defender to effectively stop a larger attacker.

Techniques for maintaining control of your weapon (stick, knife, or improvised) when an attacker attempts to take it from you. Critical for security professionals and anyone who carries defensive tools.

Witik is a short, snapping strike in Filipino martial arts, delivered with a quick whip-like motion of the stick or blade from a relaxed grip. It generates speed and cutting power for fast, deceptive attacks that recover instantly into the next move.

Self-defense training specifically designed for scenarios women commonly face, including grabs, chokes, being pinned, and attacks from behind. SAMI offers a dedicated Women's Krav Maga program that emphasizes awareness, prevention, and practical escape techniques.

A joint manipulation technique targeting the wrist, used to control, restrain, or disarm an attacker. Commonly used in security and law enforcement applications and taught in SAMI's professional defense programs.

A defensive technique where both forearms cross to form an X shape, used to block powerful downward strikes or overhead weapon attacks. Simple, instinctive, and effective — especially for beginners.