emptyhand

Emptyhand refers to fighting, self-defense, or sport methods conducted without weapons. It covers techniques used to defeat or control an opponent using only the body, including strikes, kicks, blocks, throws, pins, chokes, and joint locks. The term emphasizes the absence of armaments and equipment, contrasting unarmed practice with armed or weapon-based combat.

Historically, many martial arts have developed extensive empty-hand systems. In Japanese traditions, taijutsu and karate focus on unarmed techniques; in Chinese wuguan and various kung fu styles, there are numerous empty-hand forms and drills; Korean martial arts such as taekwondo and hapkido include unarmed sections, alongside weapon-based training. In the West, boxing, wrestling, and judo are foundational unarmed arts, with later systems incorporating striking and grappling from mixed martial arts.

In practice, empty-hand training emphasizes fundamental attributes such as distance management, timing, balance, and body mechanics. Common components include stance work, footwork, posture, defensive blocks, offensive strikes, throws, ground grappling, and submission techniques. Training often combines forms or drills with sparring or controlled scenarios to simulate real encounters while prioritizing safety and control.

In modern contexts, empty-hand disciplines are used for sport, self-defense, and fitness. Mixed Martial Arts and other combat sports showcase advanced unarmed techniques in competitive formats, while law enforcement and self-defense programs teach practical skills for real-world situations. The term generally denotes any unarmed approach to combat, regardless of cultural tradition or specific system. See also unarmed combat and martial arts.