From ancient times the admonishment to “attack where the opponent
has been unbalanced” has been a fundamental axiom of Japanese
combative theory. Unbalancing the opponent will make him weak and
in a disadvansive position. This is when we strike. Kihon gumite 10,
for example, involves much kuzushi. The first block is traditionally
a balance breaking technique. All other strikes that follow are meant
to unbalance, physically and or mentally, the opponent till the last
moment of the throw.
Theoretical approach
Imagine the body to be the Earth. The core of the earth is magma, this is not on the surface, but this is inside. The tanden, is also inside the body. So, the seichusen is not a line in the front of the body, but the seichusen is the line inside the body. Going straight through the tanden. Therefore, the seichusen changes constantly as you move around ukemi.
The kuzushi is to break the tanden from the weight distribution.
I will explain what I mean with the 2 most simple examples. As one assumes zenkutsudachi (junzukidachi) the weight is 60% front, 40% back, since an important focus of junzuki is the penetration. As ukemi stands in this position, push from the front. It will not effect his balance. Push from the back, again, no effect. Why? The weight is distributed in both directions and the tanden "rests" on this distribution. Now move to side of ukemi, and push.. Balance is easily broken. Push (or pull) ukemi in the empty space where there is nothing to re-distribute (transfer) the weight to. As a result, the tanden can't "rest" on the air.
The other example is to assume kibadachi (naihanchidachi). Pushing or pulling form the side, has less effect is pushing from the back or front. The result comes from the same explanation as above.
Possible physical and
mental responses of ukemi
To moment you act, ukemi reacts. This is natural. Even remaining and not freezing is a reaction. (This is a very strong mental response) I will illustrate some kuzushi techniques and the possible responses of ukemi. In a stress situation this is not always the same response, so, you have to be aware of the different responses. Off course, these different responses require different reactions for torimi as well.
more later.....
Practical example Shuto uke - tatezuki
Wadoryu karate applied principles. use taisabaki to avoid the upcoming
attack. Don't parry the attack in the direction of the punch, but force
it to the side, causing a balance problem to the side, making a gyakuzuki
impossible. (observe the hind foot) To parry in the same direction, may leave a possibility
to follow with a second punch. counter using tatezuki, make sure the
front foot and knee point to the opponent and put your whole body
in one line behind the punch.
PRINCIPLES
- TECHNIQUES
Theoretical approach