Kensuke Gunji's Japanese Style Kuzushi

Kensuke Gunji (@ken_judo_nyc), 4th dan judoka at Gunji Judo Academy, on push-and-release kuzushi: push, release the lapel hand when they push back, enter uchimata or seoi nage, and push throws when they go back. From the video: https://youtu.be/FPZ7N5djfzo

Flow outline

  1. Grip And Push

    • Grip the opponent and push into them to start the exchange.
    • From Kensuke Gunji (@ken_judo_nyc), 4th dan judoka at Gunji Judo Academy, in the video "How to Break Balance Like a Japanese Judoka: Kuzushi for Judo & BJJ".
    • Grip: take the grip first before pushing
    • Checkpoint: push instead of pulling; pulling with power makes them resist, squat down and defend

  2. Opponent Pushes Back

    • The opponent pushes back against your push.
    • Reaction: opponent pushes back and makes triangle style

  3. Separate Lapel Hand

    • Release and separate your tsuri te, the lapel hand, when the opponent pushes back.
    • Grip: separate the tsuri te, the lapel hand
    • Timing: release as they push back

  4. Opponent Falls Forward

    • The opponent falls down and leans forward after the release.
    • Reaction: opponent falls down and leans forward
    • Reaction: their head drops and they lean forward, which makes the throw easy

  5. Enter Uchimata Or Seoi Nage

    • Use the space created by the release to enter uchimata or seoi nage.
    • Entry: the release creates space to enter
    • Checkpoint: pulling instead keeps the space small and close
    • Avoid Pulling them in. The space stays small and close to you, and it's hard to enter uchimata or seoi nage.

  6. Opponent Goes Back

    • If you push and they don't push back, their balance goes back.
    • Reaction: opponent goes back without pushing back

  7. Pushing Throws: Tani Otoshi Or Osoto Gari

    • When their balance goes back, use a pushing technique like opposite kouchi, tani otoshi or osoto gari.
    • Entry: use your foot, like opposite kouchi, when they go back
    • Finish: tani otoshi or osoto gari as well
    • Checkpoint: opponent's balance is back so it is easy

Branch conditions