Kuzushi: How is it applied? | Katate Mochi Ikkajo 1

This class had begun with ryote mochi tenchinage 1 as a warm up. We then applied the concept of tenchinage to the more common attack of ryo eri mochi (front lapel grab). We looked at this technique from the point of a throw with uke either releasing voluntarily, being made to release or the clothing failing and they fall away. We also looked at how to absorb uke’s weight drop if they hold on, using our posture to maintain advantage and place our wait tactically onto to uke as they fall, giving us control of the situation.

We then moved on through rote mochi shomen iriminage 1 and ryote mochi ikkajo osae 1.

Now focused on katate mochi ikkajo osae 1 we have a similar yet different contact point and a different threat.

In learning aikido we often focus on the movement and shape but are prone to forgetting why these movements are important. In learning its important for the uke to be passive so that shite can “learn” the technique, but at some point uke needs to “come alive” otherwise we have an art of two halves, shite & uke, yet one half is overly passive or inactive. Recognising that uke’s free arm is the real threat, we need to use our positioning within technique to minimise or offset this threat. This is the defensive element of aikido.

The term kuzushi means balance break. If one is physically unbalanced they cannot attack and are susceptible to our technique. Aikido is considered to be a defensive martial art. I agree with this in principle, but prefer to think of aikido in terms of receiving an attack and then counter attacking. This is a different mindset to defending. We should be looking for the opportunity to counter attack within uke’s own attack. While each attack is itself a threat, there is always an inherent weakness within it. We need to train to recognise this and exploit that moment.

Metsuke or eye contact is important to practice constantly. That means from the opening rei (bow) to the finishing rei. What we train will become our reality. If one becomes accustomed to completing a technique then turning away from their attacker as they return to the start point that is what they will do outside the dojo. Practice metsuke constantly and correctly. It helps to develop awareness and control of open space.