Today's Strands clue is "Disciplined combat". Use the hints below to find the theme words and the spangram.
Ready for a fresh grid? Take your time and let the pattern reveal itself.
Theme nudge: What to look for
Think of carefully trained ways to fight, each with its own traditions and moves.
Hint 1: How many words to find
There are 5 theme words plus one spangram.
Hint 2: The spangram
The spangram has 11 letters, starts with M, and runs from one side of the board to the other.
Hint 3: Theme word lengths and first letters
- 4 letters, starts with J
- 6 letters, starts with K
- 10 letters, starts with K
- 8 letters, starts with N
- 9 letters, starts with T
Show the spangram
MARTIALARTS
Show all theme words
JUDO, KARATE, KICKBOXING, NINJUTSU, TAEKWONDO
About this puzzle
- Made by Tracy Bennett
- Edited by Tracy Bennett
Strands deep dive
More about today's puzzle. Everything in this section can include the answer.
The solved board
Gold squares are the spangram, green squares are theme words.
What the theme words mean
- JUDO: A Japanese martial art and sport adapted from jujutsu.
- KARATE: An Okinawan martial art involving primarily punching and kicking, but additionally, advanced throws, arm bars, grappl...
- KICKBOXING: (martial arts) A hybrid martial art derived from Muay Thai, karate, and especially boxing during the 1960s to 1970s; ...
- NINJUTSU: (martial arts) A Japanese martial art that is a collection of techniques originally practiced for Japanese espionage ...
- TAEKWONDO: A martial arts form from Korea, known for its elaborate kicking techniques. The sparring aspect is a recognised Olymp...
Play today's Strands at The New York Times
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