.png){kind=logo}
Today’s NYT Strands puzzle centers on the theme “Disciplined combat”, featuring different forms of martial arts and organized fighting disciplines.
The answers include Japanese martial arts, a Korean fighting discipline, and a modern combat sport that combines punching and kicking techniques.
MARTIAL ARTS is the spangram, connecting the theme words through the common idea of structured combat and self-defence practices.
The NYT Strands puzzle puts a modern spin on the traditional word search, asking players to find themed words hidden across a 6×8 letter grid. Each puzzle centers on a common idea, while the spangram serves as the key phrase linking the theme words.
Today’s NYT Strands puzzle follows the theme ‘Disciplined combat’. The clue points towards different forms of martial arts and organized fighting techniques rather than unstructured street fights.
The theme includes traditional combat disciplines from Japan and Korea, along with modern fighting sports.
Here are a few additional hints to help solve the puzzle without revealing all the answers:
The spangram runs horizontally across the grid, so start scanning from left to right.
The spangram is a two-word phrase describing the overall category.
Two answers are Japanese in origin, while one comes from Korea.
One of the answers combines punching and kicking techniques.
The shortest answer contains just four letters.
There are six answers to find today, including the spangram.
Players who get stuck can also use the NYT Strands hint system. Finding three valid non-theme words of four or more letters can unlock a hint that reveals one of the theme words.
The first two letters of each theme word are:
JU
KI
MA
NI
KA
TA
These opening combinations can help narrow down the possible answers. Look for familiar martial arts disciplines and combat sports that fit the theme.
The spangram for today is MARTIAL ARTS.
The phrase refers to various traditional and modern fighting disciplines that involve physical techniques, training, self-defence, and combat.
It connects the puzzle's answers through their shared association with organized fighting practices. The spangram runs horizontally across the grid and is the longest word on the board.
JUDO: A Japanese martial art that focuses on throws, grappling, and using an opponent's strength and movement against them.
KICKBOXING: A combat sport that combines punching and kicking techniques, drawing from different martial arts disciplines.
NINJUTSU: A Japanese martial art traditionally associated with the techniques, tactics, and skills of historical ninja.
KARATE: A Japanese martial art that primarily uses striking techniques, including punches, kicks, knee strikes, and open-hand movements.
TAEKWONDO: A Korean martial art known for its emphasis on high, fast kicks, jumping kicks, and dynamic footwork.
The NYT Strands puzzle for November 8, 2026, follows the theme DISCIPLINED COMBAT, featuring different martial arts and fighting sports. The five theme words are JUDO, KICKBOXING, NINJUTSU, KARATE, and TAEKWONDO, while MARTIAL ARTS serves as the spangram that ties them together.