two dogs showing threat display in playful mock combat.

Mock combat is the execution of combative actions without intent to harm. It can be practiced for ritual, training, or performance. The nature of mock combat can vary from realistic to symbolic.

Types of mock combat may be choreographed, or unchoreographed.

Unchoreographed mock combat includes:

• Display behaviour in tournament species
  • threat display
• ritual battle
  • Tinku
• Sparring
  • Randori
• Battle reenactment
• Military simulation or war games

Choreographed mock combat includes:

• Stage combat
• Theatrical fencing
• Cinematic fencing
• Arranged performance fighting
• Professional wrestling
• War dance
  • Kailao
• Kata, a term used in Japanese martial arts
• Hyung, or poomsae, terms used in Korean martial arts