Kuzushi
崩しkoo-ZOO-shee
The act of breaking the opponent's balance before executing a throw. Without effective kuzushi, no technique can be successfully completed against a resisting opponent.
Context & Usage
Kuzushi is the first phase of every throwing technique in judo, followed by tsukuri (entry/fitting) and kake (execution). It may be achieved through pulling, pushing, lifting, or timing. Kodokan doctrine identifies eight primary directions of kuzushi (happo-no-kuzushi) — forward, backward, and the four diagonal corners — each corresponding to specific throwing techniques. Kuzushi is considered the foundation of judo's throwing philosophy.