For several weeks I've been tinkering with the idea of kuzushi (offbalance) on this blog. I've also covered the topic pretty extensively before - you can click here to see all the kuzushi articles in my archives.
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But there's one most common problem with beginners' ability to generate and use kuzushi - and that is timing. Kuzushi is not a static condition, but contains elements of both posture and timing. Even if you teach a beginner to generate kuzushi in their opponent, often by the time they recognize that the opponent is offbalance and get ready to do something, the opponent steps and spoils the offbalance.
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The opponent always steps! That's the biggest problem. And here's how to solve it: step on their foot!
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I mean it. If you want uke to stand still in offbalance for a moment while you collect your wits and do your thing, stand on their foot. Simply stepping on a foot will both magnify an offbalance and will prolong it in time. This one simple trick improves the self-defense potential of much of the things you know.
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You have to be really careful with this in practice, though. Ankles and feet are super-easy to sprain this way. If you want to practice this, do it slowly and gently with a compliant partner, and for goodness sake, get off their foot as they start to fall. Don't stand on a foot as you throw someone!
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Patrick Parker, is a Christian, husband, father, judo and aikido teacher, Program Director for a Cardiac Rehab, and a Ph.D. Contact: mokurendojo@gmail.com or phone 601.248.7282
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