The David Brent Wolfe Dictionary of

Chinese Martial Art Terms

When possible, terms are given in Mandarin (Hanyu) pinyin spelling. The older spelling of the Wade Giles method is used when it is the more commonly known version. For some terms the most common version is given in Cantonese.

- G -

• Gai means to cover. It is one of the basic straight sword techniques in Taiji quan.
• Gai bu means cross over step. This is movement with the back foot stepping in front of the other foot.
• Ganqiwu was an ancient, Zhou Dynasty (about 11th century to 211 B.C.E.), method of fighting with an axe and shield.
• Gao means high.
• Gao tan ma means high careful horse or more commonly, high patting the horse. It is a technique in the Chen family style Taiji quan routine called old frame first set, Lao jia yi lu.
• Gao xu bu means high empty stance.
• Gao yu yao qu means waist high.
• Garn sau, (Cantonese), is the Wing Chun term meaning splitting block. It is a low block done with a simultaneous punch.
• Gar sau is the Chow gar term for phoenix eye block.
• Gau, (Cantonese), means the number 9.
• Gau san kuen means adhering fist. Sifu Wong Chiem was known for his useage of this technique.
• Ge means the dagger axe.
• Ge means an outer block towards the side.
• Ge means to hamper or impede. It is one of the basic straight sword techniques in Taiji quan.
• Ge dang means to parry or deflect.
• Gee ng dui tie ma, (Cantonese), is a Wing Chung phrase meaning half hanging stance. It is found in the pole routine taught in Wing Chun.
• Gejue are structured verses of poetry used to transmit usages and applications in a manner that can be remembered, i.e., poetry verses following a set formula as a memory aid.
• b>Gen means the heel of the foot.
• Gen bu means to do a short step up with the back foot towards the front foot.
• Gerk, (Cantonese), is a Wing Chun term meaning leg.
• Gnoi moon, (Cantonese), is a Wing Chun term meaning outside gate.Gnoi yeun sau is the Chow gar term for outside circle hand.
• Gong means to hit.
• Gong means skill, energy, or hard work.
• Gong bei means hollow back.
• Gong bu means a bow stance, i.e., bow as in bow and arrow. It is also known as a lunge stance.
• Gong bu an zhang means to press the palm while in a bow stance.
• Gong bu chong quan means to strike or thrust forward while in a bow stance.
• Gong bu jia da means to parry and strike while in a bow stance.
• Gong fang ji shu means the art of attack and defense.
• Gong fu (kung fu) means skill acquired through hard work. Only in recent times has it become related to any meaning associated with martial arts.
• Gong jian bu means bow and arrow stance. It is one of the basic stances found in the northern Chinese martial art styles. It is also known as the mountain climbing stance.
• Gong li quan means power fist.
• Got choi is the Chow gar term for throat and elbow punch.
• Go ti means horn gore. It was an early Chinese fighting art.
• Got sau is the Chow gar term for cutting hand.
• Gou means a hooking grab. Hook is also the name of a twin or double weapon. One is held in each hand.
• Gou jiao means hooking foot.
• Gou quan means dog fist. It is a style of Chinese martial art.
• Gou shou means hooking hand.
• Gu is used to mean to pay attention to something or to take care of something.
• Gua means to hang.
• Gua means to lift. It is one of the basic straight sword techniques in Taiji quan.
• Gua means scraping. It is one of the thirteen basic Taiji quan broadsword techniques.
• Gua means hook.
• Guai means a crutch or cane.
• Guan (kwoon) means a training hall.
• Guan means an uppercut punch.
• Guang bang means shinny board. Shinny board is one of the branches of northern praying mantis styles.
• Guangdong nan quan means Guangdong Province southern fist. It is a style of Chinese martial art.
• Gua wan means paring wrist. It is one of the basic straight sword techniques in Taiji quan. It is a technique to cut the opponent's wrist by moving the sword holding hand in a circle, wrapping the sword tip around the opponent wrist.
• Guen means a routine or set of techniques. It is also spelled as Kuen.
• Gui Tao Dao means a ghost head broadsword.
• Gum sau, (Cantonese), is a Wing Chun term meaning pinning hand.
• Gun is a staff.
• Gung bo ma is a Shaolin Fut gar term meaning bow and arrow horse. (1)
• Gung jee fook fu kuen is a Sil lum empty hand routine meaning taming the tiger form.
• Guo means to wrap.
• Guo means fruit.
• Gurn a choi is a Chow gar term for ginger fist.
• Gwai jarn, (Cantonese), is a Wing Chun term meaning downward or kneeling elbow.
• Gwailos is Cantonese for ghost. It is sometimes used as a derogatory term for Caucasians.

Sources of information

1. Suggested by Mrs. Jay Acdan in an email dated 13 March 2004.