How it works
This martial artist name generator names a made-up teacher or fighter, such as Sifu Dorravek, the Patient Crane. The title is real and explained, the name is invented, and the epithet joins a quality to an animal.
Read the full guide
A title, a name and an epithet
Press New martial artist name. Tap a part, press its padlock, then press again. Lock the title on Sensei and press for a whole school of teachers, or lock the animal on Heron and press through the qualities. Coach and Instructor are there for a modern gym.
What the titles mean
Sensei literally means person born before another. A sifu is a master or teacher in the martial arts, especially kung fu and tai chi. A shihan is an expert or senior instructor, and an oyakata is a sumo elder who coaches active wrestlers. The list under the tool explains every title.
Questions and answers
What is the difference between sensei and sifu?
Sensei is the Japanese word, which literally means person born before another and is used to mean teacher. Sifu is used for a master or teacher in the martial arts, especially kung fu and tai chi.
What are the five animals of kung fu?
The five traditional animal styles of Southern Chinese martial arts are Tiger, Crane, Leopard, Snake and Dragon. All five are in the Animal row, beside the mantis, the monkey and the eagle, which also have styles named after them.
Are the names Chinese, Japanese or Korean?
No. The names are invented: they are not Chinese, Japanese or Korean names and are not styled on them. Only the titles are real words. For a real name, use this site's Japanese, Chinese or Korean name generator.
Can I use a name for a game character?
Yes. Each invented name, such as Tolmaren or Mavvrek, was checked against Wikipedia page titles and a search of its text, and an epithet that matched a title was taken out. Search a name before you publish it.