Learn the Language of Combat Sports at AZ Combat Sports
Whether you’re brand new to training or brushing up on terminology, this glossary covers the most common terms you’ll hear during class at Arizona Combat Sports. Learn key concepts in MMA, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and Muay Thai so you can step onto the mat with confidence.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) Terms
Guard – A ground position where one fighter uses their legs to control or submit an opponent.
Mount – Dominant top position with both knees on the mat above your opponent’s torso.
Submission – A technique forcing an opponent to tap out using a choke or joint lock.
Sweep – A technique used to reverse position from the bottom to top.
Gi / No-Gi – Gi refers to the traditional kimono worn in training; No-Gi means without it.
Rear Naked Choke – A submission hold from behind that compresses the neck and cuts off airflow or blood flow.
Triangle Choke – A submission using the legs to trap an opponent’s neck and one arm.
Passing the Guard – Moving from inside your opponent’s guard to a more dominant position.
Tapping Out – Submitting to avoid injury by tapping your hand or body.
Drilling – Repeated technique practice without resistance.
Muay Thai / Kickboxing Terms
Art of Eight Limbs – Describes Muay Thai’s use of fists, elbows, knees, and shins.
Teep Kick – A push kick used to keep distance or off-balance opponents.
Clinch – A standing grappling position used to control the head and body, often followed by knees.
Roundhouse Kick – A powerful turning kick using the shin.
Elbow Strike – A close-range blow using the elbow.
Check – Defending a kick using your shin.
Low Kick – Targeting the thigh or calf with a shin strike.
Pad Work – Practicing striking combinations on pads held by a coach.
Sparring – Controlled practice fighting with a partner.
Conditioning – Drills to build strength, endurance, and fight stamina.
MMA / Mixed Martial Arts Terms
Striking – Using punches, kicks, elbows, and knees to attack.
Grappling – Wrestling or BJJ-based control on the ground or clinch.
Takedown – Bringing your opponent from standing to the ground.
Ground and Pound – Striking a downed opponent from a dominant position.
Octagon Control – Dominating space and positioning during a match.
Cage Work – Using the cage to control, escape, or defend.
Fight Camp – A focused training period to prepare for a match.
Southpaw / Orthodox – Left-handed vs. right-handed striking stances.
Cutman – A person who treats fighters’ facial injuries between rounds.
Amateur vs. Pro – Amateurs fight with headgear or shorter rounds; pros have higher rule standards and longer fights.
Youth Martial Arts Add-Ons
Bully-Proofing – A curriculum that teaches kids how to protect themselves non-violently.
Mat Chat – Short life lesson talks at the end of class.
Respect Bow – A traditional gesture of respect at the start and end of class.
Belt Promotion – Advancing in rank through skill and attendance milestones.
Still Have Questions?
Ask your coach during class — we’re here to support your learning on and off the mat.