Kuzushi
崩し
Breaking the opponent's balance. In judo the first of the three phases of a throw, without which the throw rests on brute strength alone and often fails.
Quick Facts
Word breakdown
Definition
Kuzushi is the Japanese term for taking an opponent off balance. The verb kuzusu, source of the word, means to demolish, tear down or break. So it is not just about making the opponent wobble, but about depriving him of the ability to stand stably and defend himself. In judo, kuzushi is the first of the three phases of every throw: it is followed by tsukuri, the entry into position, and kake, the execution of the throw itself. Kano Jigoro, the founder of judo, regarded the elaborate concept of kuzushi as a difference setting Kodokan judo apart from older jujutsu schools. Aikido carries the same principle, and it is also applied in some karate styles, for example Goju-ryu, Uechi-ryu and Wado-ryu.
In practice
An opponent can be unbalanced in three ways: by direct action, that is by pulling or pushing on the grip, by provoking his reaction, when he defends against the first technique and the second opens up, and by using his own movement, as in counters. Kano Jigoro described six basic off-balancing directions (roppo no kuzushi): forward, backward and four diagonals. Add movement to the right and left and eight directions arise (happo no kuzushi), as commonly taught in judo today. Kano himself noted that the directions are in fact countless and the division serves teaching. The right direction is always set by the partner's reaction. On the tatami, kuzushi is easy to spot: the opponent stands on his toes, on his heels or on one leg, and the throw goes almost effortlessly.
Common mistakes and confusions
Kuzushi is often confused with a mere pull on the kimono. A pull is only one of the means, the result decides: an opponent who cannot take his weight onto both legs. Kuzushi is also not a separate technique but a principle that precedes every throw.
Relations to other terms
See also
The way of gripping the opponent in judo and the fight for a favourable grip. Whoever controls the grip sets the direction of off-balancing and so which throw can be done.
Nage-waza投げ技Collective name for all throws in judo and jujutsu. The Kodokan lists 68 of them, divided into standing throws and throws that sacrifice one's own balance.
Comparable terms in other languages and arts
- off-balancing — English