kuzushi: Most Jiu jitsu student know that the act of off balancing an opponent is referred to as “kuzushi” in Japanese. Most also realize the importance of this to set up techniques on the feet and also from bottom position on the ground. That's all fine as a theory – but what about practice? How do you know you've done a good job of off balancing an opponent in the heat of sparring or competition to a degree that it will be useful for your move? When working from bottom guard position the single clearest sign is simple – DID YOU MAKE YOUR opponents hand TOUCH THE MAT? If the answer is yes – well done – he is definitely out of balance and you are ready to attack. When working your kuzushi on your opponent just try to involuntarily touch his hand to the mat and then immediately attack. Learn to do it and learn to recognize it as an important sign and your effectiveness from guard will greatly increase
