-
Kuzushi – A Fundamental Principle of Aikido
Kuzushi 崩し is a term widely used in Japanese martial arts. Kuzu 崩, literally meaning crumble or collapse, and kuzushi generally refers to breaking the opponent’s balance in a martial arts context. It is commonly used in Judo but is also used in Aikido and other martial arts, although they may interpret it slightly differently. In Aikido, Kuzushi should happen on the first contact. It is achieved through a combination of timing and positioning. By using precise timing, the Aikido practitioner can anticipate their opponent’s movements and apply force at just the right moment to unbalance them. Proper positioning is also crucial, as it allows the Aikido practitioner to use…