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Kuzushi: Reframing Disruption

Writer's picture: Ann O'BrienAnn O'Brien

 

Kuzushi in Japanese translates to “breaking balance.” A key Aikido principle, it makes sense in terms of taking down an attacker.

 

When we think of Aikido as the way of harmonizing with life force, as a means of protecting both yourself and your partner, how does kuzushi fit in? How does breaking their balance actually serve them?

 

I remember training with a highly ranked senpai, who noted the sweetness of a kuzushi moment just as someone would savor a fine wine. He loved it! This feeling of un-balancing tells us that something is happening! Aikido is happening. It’s palpable if you’ve felt it.

 

Beginners in Aikido often tense up, overly muscling their throws and resisting their partner’s. No kuzushi can happen here. Of course, we try to maintain good posture and center even in our ukemi (falling and receiving), but that can still happen from a relaxed place. Otherwise, it’s a standoff, a war to see who is stronger.

 

In the play of our energies, there comes a moment when the tension breaks and energy starts to move. This allows technique to emerge. To push your partner any sooner is not Aikido.

 

To feel the pressure and then its release is like watching a storm build up and let go into rain. It’s electric and refreshing. Our Aikido practice can feel this dynamic. A huge amount of life force gets activated, as we increase both our skill and willingness to play in the tension.

 

I think of kuzushi as Divine disruption. Most of us humans don’t change when everything is going according to plan. Occasional un-balancing is a gift to us.

 

When we get off-balance, we tend to fix things that were broken anyway. And in the midst of chaos and uncertainty, great creative breakthroughs are possible. These can be breakthroughs in relationships, work or something else.

 

Is it just me, or does the world feel extra chaotic these days? It felt timely to share this, and I hope it was useful to you. Feel free to share in the comments.

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