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  1. Judo Glossary/
  2. Throwing: Nage-waza/
  3. Kuzushi

Judo term

Kuzushi

Pronunciation
koo-zoo-shee
Meaning
Breaking balance

In Judo

Kuzushi is the first big idea in throwing. Before a throw works well, uke's balance must be disturbed.

Lessons that teach this

  • Nage-Waza FundamentalsLearn about the fundamentals of Nage-Waza.
  • O-soto-otoshiLearn the basics of O-soto-otoshi.
  • ReviewReview the core words and concepts from the previous lessons.

Throwing: Nage-waza

The phases and language of throws.

Quick check

Before a throw, what does kuzushi change?

Reveal answer

It moves uke's balance into a direction where an entry and throw can work. It is not the throw itself; it creates the opening for it.

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