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Mr. Iikubo was over fifty years old at the time, but he was still strong, and I used to work with him often. Although I practiced my technique industriously, I could never vie with him. I think it was about 1885 that I found, while practicing randori (free practice) with him, that the techniques I tried were extremely effective. Usually it had been he who threw me. Now, instead of being thrown, I was throwing him with increasing regularity. I could do this despite the fact that he was of the Kito-ryu school and was especially adept at throwing techniques.

This apparently surprised him, and he was upset over it for quite a while. What I had done was quite unusual. But it was the result of my study of how to break the posture of the opponent. It is true that I had been studying this problem for some time, together with that of reading the opponent's motion. But it was here that I first tried to apply thoroughly the principle of breaking the opponent's posture before moving in for the throw. Afterward, at the Kodokan, I taught this principle as the happo-no-kuzushi (breaking the oppo­nent's posture in eight directions) and the roppo-no-kuzushi (breaking the opponent's posture in six directions).

In short, the crux of the study was that a human body would lose its balance if it was only pushed backward or pulled forward. A care­lessly standing man, however large and strong, leans backward if pushed from the front and forward if pulled to the front; his posture is broken. A strong opponent, however, may be able to resist your pushing and pulling. Even so, you can easily break his posture back­ward if you push him backward when he pulls you forward, or pull him forward when he pushes you backward. It must be emphasized that the throw to be applied is effective only when the opponent has lost his balance.

I told Mr. Iikubo about this, explaining that the throw should be applied after one has broken the opponent's posture. Then he said to me: 'This is right. I am afraid I have nothing more to teach you. From now on, you should continue your study with younger men. I will no longer practice with you.' And he has refrained from prac­ticing with me since. Soon afterward, I was initiated in the mystery of the Kito-ryu jujitsu and received all his books and manuscripts of the school.

Jigoro Kano

The first four applications of the menu 'seiryoku zenyo' were mainly about ethics. The great principle as the basis of moral education and application in everyday life. While on the tatami it's also of great importance to be in harmony, there is more than only virtues.

The application of seiryoku zenyo on judo is actually shown the best by the principle of kuzushi.

We spoke in detail about the mental element of balance in the first four points of the menu. Now we are talking about the physical balance.

In addition, we must note that kuzushi in physical sense, it is particularly important to standing judo (tachiwaza) and the execution of throws (nagewaza). Of course, balance on the ground is important (newaza) because there the body and the laws of gravity are also doing their jobs. But Jigoro Kano learned the principle of kuzushi in studying the Kito Ryu-school and there was a strong emphasis on nagewaza. Judo is obviously more than standing technique. But if we are honest, it seems to be true that there is an indication that Kano's philosophy on kuzushi was mainly based on nagewaza - just think of the 'holy' 40 Kodokan techniques of the Gokyo-no-waza. Without newaza negligible - but with a more fundamental interest in the kuzushi effect of nagewaza.

Physical laws

Techniques are nothing more than illustrations of concepts and scientific principles. While some can be useful for the movements contained within them, and can definitely be used as taught, it is more important to understand them at a deeper level. Like any illustration they are meant to make something very complex clearer, give a student an example to support the principle, and to show the principles usability.

 

Gary Moro

Kuzushi has everything to do with the laws of Newton on motion and gravity. You can find everything about it in the manuals from all over the world and Mitesco does not provide a lesson in physics. We can make it as complicated as we want - we will save you the formulas.

But shortly is the essence:

(1) The principle of motion is inherent to judo: Judoka's move continuously. Especially during kumi-kata they exercise force (momentum) on each other.

(2) Thus the laws of inertia (first law), motion / acceleration (second law), action / reaction (third law) and gravity (separate law) come into action. The first law means: a balanced judoka who will be stable as there is no effect on him. Or he will be moving at a certain speed. The second law means a judoka experiences the force of the other to the extent of his weight and speed. Either he exercises this power himself. The third law means his body absorbs the momentum and 'kicks' back. In addition he's also moving through the power of the attack on him. The law of gravity is: when someone during the capture of movement loses his balance, he will be prey of gravity; his mass (weight) being attracted by (the center of) the earth.

(3) Balancing is: a judoka remains, when force is applied (pushing/pulling), in balance if he can cope with the impetus and thus restores the balance with a different (counter) move. The body does that naturally, instinctively.

What is balance? It's not just the labyrinth (labyrinthus vestibularis) which is the inner ear (balance) system in our body.

(4) With regard to kuzushi is important that every human being has in himself a center of gravity. That is - simply said - a center, an axis, a rotation point in the body. The center of gravity is usually 'located' in the underbelly. The classic martial arts called it tanden or hara.

(5) A judoka is in balance if there can be drawn a perpendicular line up from the feet (the middle of the base) through the center of gravity. The feet are a in a maximum angle of 90 degrees, forming a triangle.

(6) When that perpendicular line is broken, balance is broken. If balance is broken and not repaired by the reaction of the labyrinth through the brains, using the nerve system and making the feet step to restore the balance, the judoka loses literally the "balance". Then gravity draws the judoka to the ground.

(7) Anyone who is using this rotation point in nagawaza, applies less force because gravity does the main job. It's all about moving mass around the center of gravity, and that makes the whole body rotate around the axis. Mass (weight) is subject to gravity.

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2. Balance and center of gravity

Balance in the feet

The key element in tachiwaza is of course a matter of the position of the feet. The feet (more from each other or not) will form a triangle, with the feet at an angle of up to 90 degrees. You won't measure it, but the center of gravity is right above the geometric center of the triangle to be in balance. That is meant by the "perpendicular line" upwards. If the judoka is balanced on his feet, the only gravitational force is also perpendicular. Thus he will not fall. (Detailed explanations below)

In all cases, the triangle is decisive. That doesn't mean of course that there should be a permanent, static position. If the feet are closer together, the triangle will be smaller and the line runs nearly along the legs up. That is so in case of the basic natural posture (shizen-hontai or shizentai migi / hidari). If your feet and legs are spread further apart, the triangle will become greater, and the line runs slightly up behind the judoka. From nature the legs will curve a bit when the basis with the feet is getting broader. That's exactly how it's meant to be, because standing with stretched legs is a forced position and will soon imbalance the judoka backward or forward. This stand, with the hips a bit lowered (jigo-hontai or jigotai migi / hidari) is the best defensive attitude.

Balance in the upper body

There is yet another calculation applicable to kuzushi and gravity, which some call 'triangulation'. It is a somewhat eccentric theory, (coming from aikido), but it seems to be no nonsense. The upper body of the judoka can move freely during kumi-kata or in defense. The question is: when will the judoka be kuzushi (not kuzushi in his feet, but with his upper body!) and so: when does gravity get grip on the upper part of the body? Could we calculate at which point the upper body loses its balance?

The theory of triangulation says: yes, we can calculate that. It is something like this: you can draw from knee-height towards the ground a triangle to a certain point in one of the kuzushi-directions. That point is so, depending on the length of the legs, at a certain distance - the same distance as that of the knees to the ground. If the upper part of body-mass (the shoulders) gets over that point, it is irrevocable kuzushi and will fall down. If the judoka is still before that point, recovery of balance can still succeed. With every attempt to throw the other, tori will try to get uke beyond that point. The principle of triangulation is to be applied by judoka's instinctively, both in attack and defense, but seems to be mathematically measurable.

The reason why judoka themselves often fall when, for example, a successful uchi-mata has been applied, is also because they're diving so deep during the throw, that their upper body mass is moving beyond the triangulation point. The better judoka throws, but remains with his upper body mass before the triangulation point, so that he may set up again.

If kuzushi is the physical aspect of breaking the balance, then triangulation is the mathematical formula used to determine what distance is needed to break said balance.
In other words, simply knowing how to apply mechanical force to break balance is not enough to execute a proper projection/throw. Often projections/throws fail because the person being thrown is not destabilized to a point where their center of mass is extended past their base. Other times, they are taken too far past their base and are compelled to stumble away before the technique can be completed. This is where the principle of triangulation comes into play.
Basically, to determine the Triangulation Point of a person you start by measuring the distance between a person’s knee and ankle, and then extending that measurement to the front or rear of the person. For example, if the measurement between the knee and ankle equals 15 inches, then that person will be forced to step or fall if they are pulled more than 15 inches past their feet. At this point nothing they do will help them regain their stability.

 

(Gary Moro, Yachigusa-Ryu)

Kuzushi and the line to the center of gravity

Effective waza after kuzushi is entirely dependent on the speed of the reaction. Everything concerning kuzushi has to do with moving and restoring alignment with the center of gravity. As a judoka is moving continuously, he must also reposition continuously around his center. An experienced judoka knows exactly how he should do that quickly, even if he is attacked. Speed at reacting is anyway of not-too-underestimated importance. Judo and randori training teaches the judoka to observe quickly and respond promptly through his nervous system and muscles. Responding a fraction of a second too late, means directly imbalance and a chance for the other. You could also say that any counterattack, and the eventual takeover waza is a successful 'game' quickly responding to each other's kuzushi. Who ultimately is responding just too late, will fall. That is pretty judo and completely in accordance with the principle of ju - see below.

The center of gravity is below the upper body. However, because the upper part cannot move independently from the lower, it means that a more rapid movement of the upper body in relation to the feet, causes kuzushi. Conversely a faster movement of the feet in relation to the upper body causes kuzushi in the same way. Kumi-kata affects the movement of the upper body; attacks on legs and feet, or movements of the feet in general, affect the movements of the lower body parts. Therefore, the center of gravity is also a kind of axis, 'rotation point'. Say you could anchor someone with his axis floating in the space, you could turn him in all directions as a ball.

Who is in balance, can not fall. Why? Because the center of gravity is positioned vertically above the feet-triangle. This requires further explanation. It has to do with the law of gravity. The line from the center of the earth (which constitutes the force of gravity) runs straight through the center. The attraction from the earth is in harmony with the body. Any disruption of the vertical line - even the smallest - means that the attraction of the earth gets grip over the rest of the body, or the parts sticking outside the vertical line, for example, the upper part. Then the body starts to fall, and if it is done properly, this movement drags the rest of the body over his center / triangulation point - to the ground. All that happens during kuzushi, kumi-kata and nagewaza.

Kyuzo Mifune would say now, the principles of judo are in harmony with the truth of the universe - that is no esoteric language, but very concrete and understandable in this way - literally feet on the ground!

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3. Application of kuzushi and seiryoku zenyo in nagewaza

• Kuzushi: in one of the eight directions in which the human body can move globally, the judoka loses the aforementioned vertical line of the feet triangle to the center of gravity and becomes a prey to the physical laws.

   

  • Seiryoku zenyo is: the physical laws already doing their work, making the judoka not needing to use all of his energy . The beginning fall of the other will provide most of the effort. There is even a measurable moment where no more energy needs to be invested and the other will be kuzushi hopelessly.

   

• Kumi-kata: experiencing the other in his motion, after which the judoka moves with / or actively applies force to uke's upper body part. Create kuzushi or take over during kumi-kata is: to ensure that the movement of the upper body is such that the line from the feet to the center is distorted.

   

  • Seiryoku zenyo is: during kumi-kata especially reacting to the strength of the other (give in / move with), paying attention to his falling movement which has already started, and the rotating movement over his axis with his own power (you let him rotate himself).

   

• Nagewaza: using the kuzushi of the other during kumi-kata, applying a  technique that uses the laws of motion and gravity  - the right throwing technique related to the experienced kuzushi. Rule: kuzushi first and only then tai-sabaki and kake - or: never throw without prior kuzushi !

   

  • Seiryoku zenyo is: applying waza optimally, using the center of gravity in yourself and the other, so that you use the natural rotating movement of the body - and the effect of fulchrum and leverage. Technique used according to the first law of Newton (see below). There is a moment in the application of the throw where no own energy needs to be invested  - gravity is finishing your technique. The only energy that you still need is: to ensure that you and the other reach the ground properly to continue in ne-waza.

Kuzushi: push if you're pulled, pull if you're pushed.

Waza: push forward and sweep if you're pulled, swift and lift if you're pushed.

Application of nagewaza and the movement around the axis or the center of gravity

The impetus of judo technique in nagewaza is usually an attack on two fronts:

• Apply force above the axis : kumi-kata and / or tewaza.

• Apply force below the axis : attack with ashiwaza or koshiwaza.

• Both forces move in the opposite direction around the center of gravity in order to let the body rotate/turn over.

Combined with the ever-present kumi-kata-momentum above the center of gravity, the technique is a tool for the right move related to the axis:

• Ashiwaza work on the kuzushi effects of the legs and feet, they sweep, hook or reap the leg or foot so that balance is finally lost.

• Koshiwaza work on the kuzushi effects of the whole body, and swifting the hip (the own axis) under the center of gravity of the other in order to rotate him and disturb the overall balance of the other, and lifting him on the hip.

• Tewaza work on the kuzushi effects of kumi-kata (the hands and arms), possibly reinforced by other elements such as the shoulders (katawaza: seoi-nage, kata-garuma) or legs (such as the later tai-otoshi). (N.B. Some tewaza thus only work with momentum above the axis, which means you must invest extra power because below the axis you can't use nothing complementary ...)

• Sutemiwaza work at all kuzushi effects simultaneously, and optimize all forces in a continuous movement of the whole body.

Good kumi-kata will have grip high on the chest (collar) and low at the sleeve to be always flexible and to be able to push and pull. Both the chest and the arms work on the upper part, directly or through the shoulder. The kumi-kata point is as high as possible above the axis - the head or neck is not a place to grip - to have more effect with less force applied.

N.B. Some also speak about kumi-kata below the belt, which indeed seems to be true for some tewaza. Techniques like morote-gari, kibisu-gaeshi and kuchiki-taoshi make use of it. Not for nothing they are of the so called shinmeisho-no-waza, lately allowed by the Kodokan, and although these throws are always very popular, it is a matter of debate to what extent we are dealing here with a natural (valid)-kumi kata, or an interrupted kumi-kata during the throw, similar to the very original Kodokan technique (sankyo) kata-garuma.

Suppose your opponent is standing straight in front of you. If you execute a hip throw, you must thrust your hip against your opponent's abdomen and, using your hips as a fulchrum in a spot where the balance is good. If the fulchrum is the chest, the part above the fulchrum is lighter than the part below, and unless you have an exceptional amount of power, you will not be able to throw your opponent. If the weight is even, you can throw your opponent easily. You should make good use of this principle: doing so will enable you to overcome an opponent two or three times your power. (Jigoro Kano, Mind over muscle, p. 44)

Application of the first law of Newton on kuzushi and nagewaza

The law of inertia (first law) is that bodies are inert: they want to persevere in its state of being at rest or of moving uniformly straight forward. The speed is only slowed down by friction with the air, or confrontation with an object, depending on the resistance of the form. Think of a ball that is thrown, which aerodynamically flies forward, sometimes several meters away.

In kuzushi and nagewaza the principle of continuous speed is particularly of immense importance. A judoka who attacks, who gets kuzushi, is in motion and moves with a certain velocity. That speed needs not be big - preferably not, because accidents could happen. If there is only speed. The body naturally wants to continue that moderate speed. Therefore, using the principle of kuzushi is energy-efficient: the physical laws - in this case the first law - all work excellent. Once there is motion, the body moves further in the same direction when it encounters no resistance. In kuzushi it's exactly the intention that the body just falls further in the direction of the desired technique.

Nagewaza applies this scientific law in a technique that makes the body of the other fall by the speed of the movement by the body, and delay it, speed it up, or block it - put a part of tori's own body between them. Consider the following example:

Think about a city bus. Someone who's standing in the bus, should stick. Why? If the bus accelerates quickly, you'll fall backward, as the bus slows his speed down, you'll fall forward. Newton's first law is: the body moves along with the speed of the bus. If the bus is changing its speed, the body is not immediately keeping up and loses its balance - and falls. It seems like you stumble on the speed of the bus. It is the same with loose junk in the car: if you brake, it is flying in advance against the windshield.

If someone gets kuzushi and moves with a certain speed in a certain direction, waza is like the brake of the bus.

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4. Ju, kuzushi and seiryoku zenyo

 

Ju is especially effective when applied kuzushi.

'Ju' means being natural or in other words the way which is natural and in accords with the truth of the universe and the one that human beings have to follow. Judo rests on flexible action of mind and body. The word flexible however never means weakness but something more like adaptability and open-mindedness. Gentleness always overcomes strength.

Kyuzo Mifune

The principle of Ju (柔, Jū) is the basis for all classical Budosports. Who acts in accordance with the principle of ju is always able to respond with the right amount of force to an attack. The principle is: gentleness and flexibility, both spiritually and physically. A judoka is both mentally and physically able to adapt to any situation whatsoever.

The principle of ju involves two things:

1) Yielding or giving in. The first principle of ju means that if another judoka is attacking, you will not counter with the same strength or opposition. In relation to energy it means that you accept the opponent's force by intercepting and warding it off and use it against him. In this way, the energy of the attack is neutralized and converted to the energy of the counterattack by yourself. The energy in one's own (counter) attack will be (in normal cases) not much larger than the absorbed energy of the attack by the other.
 

2) Resistance only if necessary. There are situations where the attack of an opponent can not be accepted because it would be harmful. Then a small opposing force could be deployed. But that is a very short, defined application of force, which will only be applied if it is not otherwise possible. As soon as the resistance has had its impact, the judoka will return to the strategy of yielding.
 

Techniques in which the principle of ju be applied are called "soft techniques" - where the usual explanation of judo as the 'gentle way' refers to. So, it has nothing to do with 'softness' of a complete lack of power, but with kuzushi and the proper amount of power !

For an outsider it is sometimes difficult to tell whether a technique is soft or hard. The difference is not included in the technology itself, but how it is implemented. The standard for ju is: there will never be more power applied than strictly necessary.
 

Example: tomoe-nage. If uke pushes tori, tori lets himself fall, pulls him over, pushes his leg below uke's axis and throw him. The pushing-movement can come directly from uke (action) or after a push by tori (in response). But the fact that the strength comes from uke, and he will become therefore kuzushi, it makes the application a ju-technique, soft. If tori pulls uke at full strength during kumi-kata, without a slight push of uke, we will not call it a soft technique. Therefore, the first application is judo, the second in fact not. But try to make that clear to a judoka who just scored an ippon with it. Generally, competition is in most cases not that ju... unfortunately. (Exceptions happily accepted!)
 

Another example: tai-otoshi. If the technique during kumi-kata is based on a nice surprise-attack by tori and uke is pulled kuzushi with full force from the ordinary position (which most do when applying tai-otoshi, also according to some manuals!) the technique is not ju. If it is an appropriate response to uke making himself kuzushi by a wrong move or responding to a push of tori, or a wrong move with his leg, it is a soft technique. N.B. We must remark in relation to tai-otoshi, that the common application with the leg crossing and making uke fall (as a kind of ashi-waza), is not the original application (as te-waza)! Originally, tai-otoshi without leg-technique works exclusively on the effect of uke's kuzushi and the proper amount of force by tori (very little!) which makes uke to be dropped. When applied as originally devised, it is extremely ju - purely using the effect of kuzushi.

Another example during a tournament in the Netherlands, February 2008: hikikomi-gaeshi. Tori attacks, trying a regular kumi-kata, but uke dives under his arms, probably for fear or while trying to attempt a morote-gari. While uke bends forward his right foot is getting loose from the tatami. Tori bends over uke's back, pushes him a tiny bit further down and grabs his belt. Uke is now standing on his toes, completely kuzushi and behind his triangulation point. Tori pulls uke's belt very slightly and appropriately, tori lets himself fall for the sacrifice technique, uke stumbles spontaneously forward and tori pulls uke further, rolling over. Rewarded with an ippon. If tori would have tried to counterattack uke without his kuzushi, it would probably not have been successful, and above all not ju. Because then the power in pulling uke's belt had been too large, and would have been therefore a hard technique.
 

The principle of ju in relation to kuzushi:

• Being naturally = seiryoku zenyo: muscle-power as little as possible and use of physical laws as much as possible. Think about the quote of Mifune: judo is consistent with the truth of the universe. Who feels and applies these principles, practices ju-do.

• Openness: feeling during kumi-kata what is happening to the other and giving in with him. Good perception and response thereto. The principle: "Push if you're pulled and pull if you're pushed." That will create kuzushi for the opponent, based on his own strength / movement.

• Gentleness: who applies excessive force, will force his muscles and betrays himself during kumi-kata - and thus will be rather kuzushi. Those who master their force, do feel more what the opponent is doing and will waste less energy - and is still keeping enough reserve for his attacks or counters.

• Flexibility: who is smoothly in balance, can rapidly move if the other or he himself is getting kuzushi: flexible attacks and defenses! Think of Kyuzo Mifune : he was during randori elusive because he was as flexible as a ghost! Who attacks flexibly, is fighting not only with strength, but with a flexibility responding to the movements of others. Who is flexible, will become less kuzushi himself because balance can be restored smoothly.

Daigaku Judo Dojo (MT USA) says: "Ju and kuzushi are not the same. Ju is a strategy. Kuzushi is a tactic."
 

We can understand it now. Who tactically uses kuzushi doesn't need much energy or force during kumi-kata and nagewaza. The movement and momentum has been measured, but minimal, because the forces of nature are doing the heavy job. That strategic insight (ju) and practical application (kuzushi) is the essence of seiryoku zenyo in judo.
 

Seiryoku zenyo: heavier judoka's thrown

Let us assume I have an opponent who possesses power to the value of 10, whereas I must face this opponent with power only to the value of 7. When my opponent thrust at me with all his energy, it follows that if I resist I will be overcome, even if I expend all my power. If, however, rather than resist my more powerful opponent, I adjust and adapt to his energy and pull back, he will fall forward under the strength of his own attack. His power of 10 will become merely a power of 3, and he will stumble and lose his balance. I will not be pulled off balance and can pull away, maintain my stance, and retain my original power of 7.
In short, resisting a more powerful opponent will result in you defeat, whilst adjusting to and evading your opponent's attack will cause him to lose his balance, his power will be reduced, and you will defeat him. This can apply whatever the relative values of power, thus making it possible for weaker opponents to beat significantly stronger ones. This is the theory of ju yoku go o seisu. (Jigoro Kano, Mind over muscle p.39-40)

Kuzushi makes it possible to - using the physical laws - to throw judoka's much heavier than normal.

On mere muscle strength a judoka can never win from a heavier opponent. That is a law of Newton (the second one): movement is accelerated by rapid kilogram's (The product of the mass and velocity is the momentum of the object (which Newton himself called "quantity of motion"). But the third law is about reciprocal actions (action / reaction).

Example: accidents of two cars. Two Suzuki Alto's are colliding with 50 km / h, wrinkling in the same way. If the same small Suzuki drives up to a heavy truck with both the same speed, nothing will be left of the Suzuki (and the driver), while the truck might have only lack-damage. Strength is not only speed, but also a matter of weight and the physical reaction of the object encountered.

It is the same in judo. A heavier judoka pushing will push a lighter one easily and throw him. Unless ... The heavier should be unable to deploy his mass because the mass is kuzushi and prey of gravity. In that case, he might have his muscle strength and mass, but could not apply it optimally anymore. A heavy judoka being kuzushi has no profit from so much weight. Weight is a disadvantage when making a correction in the relation with your axis. Because the more pounds above the axis will be sticking out, the harder gravity is getting grip. The law of gravity has shown that there is much more energy needed to move heavy objects than lighter. A heavy judoka who must move his feet, needs a lot more energy. If he is getting kuzushi, he must invest much more energy for corrections to be made.
 

Therefore, if a heavier judoka gets loose from the ground by making a step or movement, he is more vulnerable to kuzushi than someone who is lighter, especially if the weights are not equal. Who realizes that this is so true, will take in case of a heavier opponent the initiative just at the moment that he is vulnerable on the feet and is getting out of balance. Then it still requires a proper amount of strength, but that is no point. Judoka's are not excessively strong, but also not limp. Judo technique and power (impulse) are always short and intense. While applying a throw, for one second maximum force is to be used - and because that strength being so large, even a heavy body will be put in motion with a decent speed. If the balance of the heavier is not optimal (anymore), his mass will be disrupted and the laws of weight and speed will no longer be in his favour. There is still mass, but no adequate (counter) movement - because the movement is not stabilized from the balance in the base. 
 

So that is the essence of the physical law of kuzushi - effective throwing with less power !

Example: tai-otoshi. Uke has 80 kg., tori 65 kg. Uke pushes during kumi-kata very hard to the right and moves with the full 80 kilos forward. He meets tori who has only 65 kg. reactive force, so his speed is not completely broken. As a result, he will get extra kuzushi migi-no-maesumi. Tori should not have to use his (insufficient) force to pull uke kuzushi. The difference of 15 kg. of body weight is uke's 'gift' for tori while pushing and making himself kuzushi. But tori 'pulls' with the full 65 kg. of his own (little force, but quickly and intensively applied) complementary to the heavy movement of uke, ensuring that he himself is not getting kuzushi by the 'superiority' of uke's push. We call it 'pulling', but in fact it's more 'moving with' the force of uke in the right direction! Effectively tori has therefore his own 65 kg. + the 15-kg. 'extra-weight' of uke's movement, not being broken by the reaction of tori's 65 kg while giving way. So tori can easily throw the 80 kg. of uke. Thereby tori needs to apply of course his own flexibility and speed, while his lighter weight is in his favour! This example shows also how little energy is needed... even in case of heavier judoka's. 
 

It seems to be a simple calculation in the example of this tai-otoshi. There is of course something more to say. But overall, it is true and some things you should keep simple to understand the principle. The scientists could make a better formula of it, of course...

According to Jigoro Kano kuzushi is the tactical principle of judo to apply waza despite greater differences in weight. To use seiryoku without major tairyoku (muscle-power) is the proper way to practice judo. Stronger judoka will have no profit of their strength when their balance is not optimally being kept.

By putting energy to work rationally, you can knock down a person with considerable more power with merely a finger--- from whichever direction you push him, if he is completely relaxed and his balance is weak, he will fall. If that person applies his energy to move forward, you cannot resist that force and push back, but pulling or pushing in the direction of that force will cause his balance to break, and at that moment you can defeat him. Even if you opponent has two or three times your power, if you can execute you move ant the precise moment he is off balance, you can easily throw him by something as simple as tripping him. (Jigoro Kano, Mind over muscle p.44-45)

The principle has been made clear by now. But at the same time the following is so true:

The perfect technique is one without much effort or conscious thought. It must be applied at the right time, in the right direction, with the right amount of force -- a spontaneous reaction to the opportunity presented by the opponent's movement. This kind of perfect technique is rare. In fact, technique is like water forever slipping through your fingers; the only expertise we can hope to develop is occasionally to remember to cup our hands. We can gather it together for a moment, sometimes long enough to take a refreshing drink, but it is too fluid to capture at will. 

 

(Neil Ohlenkamp, Black Belt)

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5. Conclusion

 

In short: the principle of kuzushi and seiryoku zenyo are belonging absolutely together in the application of the best and original judo technique. Without kuzushi it is only an exaggerated presentation of useless power and waste of precious energy. Thus we state: Kuzushi is the practical essence of seiryoku zenyo.

The examples mentioned are obviously all chosen from the original Kodokan techniques of Jigoro Kano. Not for nothing. Precisely in the classical judo techniques kuzushi is playing the role it has (or should have) in judo. They are all beautiful waza, low-energy, if properly applied...

Mitesco hopes that with this particular statement about kuzushi, in relation to the many moral exhortations of Jigoro Kano and Kyuzo Mifune relating to the basic principle of human behavior, the judoka-reader will be convinced that with judo we have a treasure in our hands if we apply it, but if only we would like to use it according to the original principles of the founding fathers. No technique without knowledge of the human body, of nature and of the principles ju and kuzushi...!

The fundament still remains: judo is a way - morally and practically - who is always ju, in accordance with the fundamental purposes of seiryoku zenyo, kuzushi and waza leading to the higher goal of the jita kyoei.

For that reason Mitesco has made this webpage. As ideal-judo. Hoping that it will be applied.

To read more about it...

Tip:  Wilfried Visser (4e dan) sensei with Bos en Meester (Holland), wrote in 1997 an outstanding article about kuzushi: "The Role of Unbalancing in Judo Class".  http://www.judoinfo.com/kuzushi1.htm.  

 

Tip:  A shorter introduction by Neil Ohlenkamp in: "The Study of Kuzushi or "I'm falling and I can't get up" op http://www.judoinfo.com/kuzushi.htm

graphic in nr.1 (happo no kuzushi) taken from : "The Secrets of Judo", Jiichi Watanabe and Lindy Avakian, 1960.

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