Kuzushi
Encyclopedia
is a Japanese
term for unbalancing an opponent in the martial arts
.
The noun comes from the intransitive verb, kuzusu, meaning to level, pull down, or demolish. As such, it is refers to not just an unbalancing, but the process of getting an opponent into a position where his stability, and hence ability to regain uncompromised balance, is destroyed.
In judo
, it is considered an essential principle and the first of three stages to a successful throwing technique: kuzushi, tsukuri (fitting or entering) and kake (execution).
Kuzushi is important to many styles of Japanese martial arts
, especially those derived from, or influenced by, Ju Jutsu training methods. Judo, Ninjutsu
, Aikido
and Wadō-ryū karate
are examples of arts that can be found in the latter category.
The methods of effecting kuzushi depend on maai
(combative distance) and other circumstances. It can be achieved using tai sabaki
(body positioning and weak lines), taking advantage of the opponents actions (push when pulled, pull when pushed), atemi
(strikes), or a combination of all three.
There are three primary ways of applying kuzushi in judo:
Japanese language
is a language spoken by over 130 million people in Japan and in Japanese emigrant communities. It is a member of the Japonic language family, which has a number of proposed relationships with other languages, none of which has gained wide acceptance among historical linguists .Japanese is an...
term for unbalancing an opponent in the martial arts
Martial arts
Martial arts are extensive systems of codified practices and traditions of combat, practiced for a variety of reasons, including self-defense, competition, physical health and fitness, as well as mental and spiritual development....
.
The noun comes from the intransitive verb, kuzusu, meaning to level, pull down, or demolish. As such, it is refers to not just an unbalancing, but the process of getting an opponent into a position where his stability, and hence ability to regain uncompromised balance, is destroyed.
In judo
Judo
is a modern martial art and combat sport created in Japan in 1882 by Jigoro Kano. Its most prominent feature is its competitive element, where the object is to either throw or takedown one's opponent to the ground, immobilize or otherwise subdue one's opponent with a grappling maneuver, or force an...
, it is considered an essential principle and the first of three stages to a successful throwing technique: kuzushi, tsukuri (fitting or entering) and kake (execution).
Kuzushi is important to many styles of Japanese martial arts
Japanese martial arts
Japanese martial arts refers to the enormous variety of martial arts native to Japan. At least three Japanese terms are often used interchangeably with the English phrase "Japanese martial arts": , literally meaning "martial way", , which has no perfect translation but means something like science,...
, especially those derived from, or influenced by, Ju Jutsu training methods. Judo, Ninjutsu
Ninjutsu
or may be:*the arts associated with espionage and assassination in feudal Japan, see Ninja*modern schools of martial arts claiming to be based in these traditions, see Modern Schools of Ninjutsu*fictional depictions, see Ninja in popular culture...
, Aikido
Aikido
is a Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba as a synthesis of his martial studies, philosophy, and religious beliefs. Aikido is often translated as "the Way of unifying life energy" or as "the Way of harmonious spirit." Ueshiba's goal was to create an art that practitioners could use to...
and Wadō-ryū karate
Karate
is a martial art developed in the Ryukyu Islands in what is now Okinawa, Japan. It was developed from indigenous fighting methods called and Chinese kenpō. Karate is a striking art using punching, kicking, knee and elbow strikes, and open-handed techniques such as knife-hands. Grappling, locks,...
are examples of arts that can be found in the latter category.
The methods of effecting kuzushi depend on maai
Maai
, translating simply to "interval", is a Japanese martial arts term referring to the space between two opponents in combat; formally, the "engagement distance". It is a complex concept, incorporating not just the distance between opponents, but also the time it will take to cross the distance,...
(combative distance) and other circumstances. It can be achieved using tai sabaki
Tai sabaki
is a term from Japanese martial arts and which relates to 'whole body movement', or repositioning. It can be translated as body-management. It is a term used widely in kendo, jujutsu, aikido, judo, karate and ninjutsu...
(body positioning and weak lines), taking advantage of the opponents actions (push when pulled, pull when pushed), atemi
Atemi
In Japanese martial arts, the term designates blows to the body, as opposed to twisting of joints, strangleholds, holding techniques and throws. Atemi can be delivered by any part of the body to any part of the opponents body. They can be percussive or use 'soft' power. Karate is a typical...
(strikes), or a combination of all three.
There are three primary ways of applying kuzushi in judo:
- direct action (e.g. pulling or pushing while entering for a throw);
- inducing opponent's action (e.g. a feint or combination attack);
- direct action by opponent (e.g. a counter throw).
Additional reading
- Kano, Jigoro (1994) Kodokan Judo is the standard reference on judo. ISBN 4-7700-1799-5.
- Ohlenkamp, Neil (2006) Judo Unleashed another basic reference on judo. ISBN 0-0714-7534-6.