My long-time readers know that, when translating Japanese martial arts terminology to English, I usually prefer looser translations over more literal translations. I do not so much care if I get the exact same connotation as a native speaker. What I want is for my students (and myself) to have an easily-understood, evocative, coloquial name for the thing.
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Traditionally, throws are said to be divided into four phases -
- Kuzushi - breaking uke's balance
- Tsukuri - fitting yourself into the throw
- Kake - the momentary effort of throwing
- Zanshin - remaining aware
But I realized today that I've got a metaphor that I like a lot -
- Kuzushi - placing uke right on the edge of the cliff
- Tsukuri - standing next to them
- Kake - tipping them over the edge
- Zanshin - watching them all the way down
Ha, that tickles me.
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Patrick Parker
