Small words often have rather large meanings, I can think of no better example than the Japanese word

‘Kuzushi’.

To most Judoka, Kuzushi means the way in which we break our opponents balance prior to executing a throw and in some very small way it is part of the meaning, one could say the “Micro” translation. There is of course a “Macro” translation and the true meaning of Dr Jigoro Kano's intention for this word.  

Kuzushi, Balance, may be taken literally as ones mental, physical, emotional, spiritual and moral balance in our everyday life, When you hear people going on diets they often go from the imbalance of over-eating to the imbalance of under-eating. 

All Budo philosophy is centered around the term balance. As explained above this not only applies to the state of balance we hope to achieve prior to our physically executing a technique on our opponent but throwing him mentally, this may sound absurd but mental intimidation of Uke by Tori is well recognized and practiced by Budo Ka. The Budo-ka should aim to achieve balance in all areas of his life, harmony between his own mind and body will result in a calm, well adjusted person who may socialize well with his peers, not feeling the need to ‘show of’ or be ‘leader of the gang’. The well balanced Budo Ka has an inner strength that he may call upon with the courage to say ‘NO’ when he needs to, peer group pressure is enormous and no parent should ever underestimate its power over their child.Correct Budo training gives the pupil the balance he needs to face life’s daily difficulties, most situations we face are neither black nor white, there are ‘shades of grey’, we could also call this ‘shade’ the balance.Over eating, eating the wrong food, sleeping to little or too much, watching too much TV, not enough exercise. All these are imbalances, they are all methods that we destroy our own balance every day of our lives, thus causing ourselves disharmony which turns to inner conflict that can manifest itself to outer conflict with others.

When we truly understand the genius of Dr Kano we can begin to see, in a very small way, just how great an art his Judo is. (was?) 

Ronin Judoka