The Body is like a block of wood. It can be tipped in 8 different directions to achieve unbalance. To practice these positions picture a person standing with both feet forward and parallel and no wider than shoulder width apart. The first unbalance is directly forward. Have the Student (Uke) lean forward towards his toes until he must stumble. The second is directly back. Now have the Uke lean backwards until he is on his heels.
Third is directly to the right side. Now have the Uke lean until he is on the side of his right foot, eventually he will stumble. Fourth is to the left side and now the Uke leans on the side of his left foot until he eventually stumbles. The fifth unbalance is to step forward with your right leg. Now have the Uke lean and bend his right knee. He will NOT fall or stumble. Now have him move his head toward his belt. When his head reaches the center of his body he will stumble as his weight comes forward on his toes. This is called the right front corner.
Now have lean backwards on his right foot. Again he will not fall. But by moving his head to the center he will stumble. This sixth point is called the right rear corner. The seventh unbalance point is a repeat of the fifth with the left leg forward and leaning forward to the left front corner and the eighth point is a repeat of the the sixth to the left rear corner. And now the fun begins. Have the Uke (receiver) attack the Tori (doer) with his feet in all of the eight positions. It is here that the Tori must now discover exactly how to move. For a practical example, take a look at the video. Let me know of any comments you may have about this exercise, including any different ways you may know of how to tweak it or make unbalancing more understandable.
From what I've understood, the points of balance are an important theory that one must understand to effectively apply judo techniques. Additionally, there is a correct way to throw an opponent or the Uke, depending on where their point of balance is at that point in time.
ReplyDeleteAs I reflect on the 8 points of unbalance, it occurs to me that reacting quickly to an opponent’s attack would allow for other types of throws and techniques that would put the opponent on the floor because to attack, one must usually sacrifice some balance. For example, in the middle of a kick, the opponent should be less balanced than when he was standing erect, therefore with a quick reaction it should be easier to get him on the ground.
In regards to my Judo experience so far, the combat sport of Judo is greatly interesting to me. The concept seems simple, to get the opponent flat on his back. However, as experience has taught me becoming a novice in something always seems simple until ones gets more entangled with the subject. I hope to pursue a martial art sometime in the future and will strongly consider Judo into my decision; it has already given me a lot of useful and practical information and techniques.
Ultimately, I'm sure the 8 points of unbalance will contribute to my experience in Judo greatly, and it will force me to consciously take notice of which point of unbalance is possible for me to exploit against the Uke in training.
Alec Braynen~
In this exercise, it is clear that the basis of judo falls upon balance, and the positions of the body. The article and video teach us that there are 8 points of unbalance in the body, and taking advantage of those in judo is the key to proper application of techniques. We see that in order to throw the Uke effectively, the Tori must read his body position and act accordingly. As shown in the video above, if the Uke is in the right-forward or left-forward positions, it would be difficult to throw him forward or to the side because his body is properly centered. So you must use the opportunity to throw him diagonally, thus catching him off balance in that position. However, throws are not the only ways to topple your opponent. Swift kicks to the knee or shin can be a very effective method of sweeping your opponent off of their feet when taking advantage of the 8 points of unbalance we have been taught earlier.
ReplyDeletePersonally, my experience in judo so far has been very informative and practical. Teaching me not only methods of defense and body manipulation, but also historical events and figures. Having learned of the origin of judo in Japan, I have gained important knowledge as to what judo stands for both as a martial art and as a sport. I look forward to advancing further in my practices of judo and receiving even more knowledge as time and training progresses.
Errin Francis~
After reading the post on unbalance and watching the video I have come to understand the importance of balance when it comes to Judo. The post itself explained how unbalancing an opponent is the key to maximizing your improvement of the throwing techniques. While the video demonstrated how the eight point unbalancing technique is used in throwing.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading where the post said that “the body is like a piece of wood” it made me imagine a piece of wood. I thought about how it stands straight and firm until it is simply leaned to the side; it just crumbles to the ground. I visualized how that applies to the body when performing Judo. The post helped me understand the balancing part but it was the video which tied everything together for me. As I watched the Tori use the technique on the Uke I saw how to put the words to action. In my opinion I think another thing that makes the throwing successful is the Tori’s speed. For example, as I watched the side to side movement as the Tori swept the Uke’s feet from under him I saw the use of the technique with great control and speed.
So far my experience with Judo has been exciting and interesting. I had always wanted to try a marital art; it fascinated me. Now after starting Judo my interest is being satisfied. I have learned new information and techniques I didn't imagine I would ever have the opportunity to learn. As the lessons progress I plan to make a final decision whether to continue with Judo or not.
-Bria Brown
After watching this video and reading the blog, I realize that balance plays a very important role in Judo. It is good for your core to be intact also so that you may be able to hold your ground. From this video I have learnt that the eight points of unbalancing developed by the Judo Masters are good teaching tools. It shows at what points your feet need to be in order to have good balance and performance. The feet also needed in the correct position when you are throwing so that u get a solid throw.
ReplyDeleteI understand that there is a correct way of doing everything in judo. I believe that the proper technique’s, positions and balance determines your strength. When The Uke attacked the Tori and he has to know how to move quickly was very interesting. This means that you must always be ready to move, shift or whatever it takes to get in a good position to attack or defend yourself. I like that way the sport teaches you be alert at all times not letting your guard down.
So far, my experience in Judo has been an interesting one. I have learned about the history of Judo, its origin, the development triangle and the rules of the sport. I’ve also learned how to score in Judo. Personally Judo seems to be a sport I would be interested in. It teaches respect, discipline and poise. Which I think is very important in any sport and throughout life. I am very excited about learning more about the Sport of Judo.
I joined Judo because I was curious as to what it really was. I had prior knowledge of Judo but only through the eyes of a spectator. When I joined, I did not know what I was getting into. I was expecting cuts, bruises and broken bones. Obviously I was misguided by the Hollywood interpretation of Judo in their Kung Fu movies. Over the past weeks my mind has been rewired. The fear of being hurt has pasted. I now know that Judo is a combat sport derived from Japan which teaches discipline. Besides, I was in a class setting which meant that the only way I could get injured is if the techniques taught were poorly executed.
ReplyDeletePresently, my favorite technique is the Ogoshi (the hip throw). It gives me a sense of empowerment to know that I can left and throw someone up three times my size. I am enjoying the physical exertion in practical classes, along with the history and technicalities of Judo in the theory classes.
The video above displayed the eight unbalance points we learnt in class, and how to throw an opponent off balance using the points of unbalance. The instructor in the video shows how to position your body in case the attacker’s body is squared on and if the attacker right foot or left foot is forward.
I was particularly interested the side throws when the instructor swept the bottom of his foot to the side of the opponent’s closed feet, throwing him off balance. Today we tried this technique in class and I discovered that it is not as easy as it looked. Not only do you have to control the direction your opponent is moving in, but you also have to keep a rhythm making sure you sweep your foot at the right time.
This technique will not only be useful in getting the upper hand in a match, but also in a real life situation. I could invasion sweeping an aggressor off their feet giving me the chance to take whatever additional step(s) to survive an attack.
Subsequent to observing the video and passage provided, I have realized that a foundational element is balance and the various positions of one’s body. The footage provides a bird’s eye view of the eight (8) points to unbalancing techniques to use on you Uke. However, in order to effectively toss the Uke, the Tori must cautiously analyze his body position and act swiftly. Additionally, I believe proper balance depicts the level of strength necessary to perform at your best ability in Judo. You must take proper steps to do this correctly, which will prevent serious harm to yourself, but still strategically capturing and harming your opponent.
ReplyDeleteFurthermore, Judo is all about defending yourself, and if it means that you have to attack, then that is what you must do. While watching the video, three elements stood out to me. I realized that promptness, posture and balance are three elements that are necessary to be productive in Judo. Likewise, my favorite example was when the Uke leaned to his right side, using his right foot. It also seems that swift kicks to the back of the knee are very effective when trying to get your opponent onto the floor and in a pin.
Personally, my time in Judo was full of intrigued and enticement. I enjoyed each task and lesson learned thus far. Also, the Japanese language used is a very beautiful one. Two of my favorite parts of practical sessions are counting in Japanese and saying, “ありがとう (Arigatou gozaimasu)”, which means thank you. However, my practical time in Judo was short lived due to severe damage to my right knee ligaments. In the near future, after healing and much therapy, I plan to resume to my much loved studies in Judo.
- Jordan Hutcheson (000-07-5708)
In accordance to the post and my background knowledge in Judo, a Kuzushi or the unbalancing of an opponent using the 8 points of unbalance is the main element of Judo, seeing that it is the objective of the sport to get your opponent on the ground. This technique is the key of what makes Judo plausible for anyone to learn and or use for self defense or sport. The use of these points are wisdom in itself and has been passed down for many years, and should be learnt, respected and used properly. Kuzushi can also be achieved by using tai sabaki or body positioning and weak lines (for instance pushing when being pulling or bending opponent's knee). Knowing how to accurately unbalance someone can disable one's opponent. Even if they have a weapon one who is trained to perform a Kuzushi properly would still have the upper hand. The weapon would be of no use to your opponent if they cannot maintain their balance. If Kuzushi is used incorrectly it can lead to a failed throw or even injury. Kuzushi does not only apply to Judo but also to many other Japanese martial arts. It can also be used "Off the mat", as in self defense. Even "Off the mat" a Kuzushi should be preformed correctly to ensure safety for yourself in a life or death situation. For instance, when being attacked by someone if one throws their attacker incorrectly it can lead to the attacker escaping the throw or even injury to yourself making you subjective to them.
ReplyDelete-Moriah Lightbourn
After reading the blog post and watching the video I understand that learning and mastering judo unbalancing is very important in this sport. Fully understanding the 8 points of unbalance and being able to use them to your advantage play a huge role in judo because the main objective is to throw your opponent efficiently and almost effortlessly.
ReplyDeleteThe video above thoroughly displayed the eight points of unbalance and showed various ways to take down an opponent through knowing the points and being able to effectively carry out the take downs. We were also shown the correct way to place your feet to get a highly effective throw, and what to look for in our opponent’s feet when attempting to throw him or her off balance.
In the blog post the line, “The body is like a block of wood” allows me to think of the body as a strong weapon in itself, and makes me believe that the body can withstand almost anything one puts it through.
My experience in judo has been a humbling yet fun one nonetheless. At first everything seems so simple, however, learning the basics and breaking it all down shows that there is definitely more to this sport than just getting people on their backs and trying to keep them there. Along with the practical elements comes the theory. Learning about the history of judo and various Japanese terms intrigues me and keeps my mind percolating. I’m happy to be learning a martial art and at the same time expanding my knowledge of such an underrated sport.
After watching the video and reading the post. I have concluded that there are a total of 8 points of unbalance. Understanding and mastering the 8 points of unbalance will lead to my ultimate success in judo. Before I learnt the 8 points of unbalance I realized that I was learning and could do judo techniques. However, I wasn't using what I had learnt to its full potential. Now that I have learnt the 8 points of unbalance it makes being Tori a lot easier. I now understand why we throw Uke’s a certain way. When you throw a Uke you should aim for their point of unbalance instead of trying to overpower them.
ReplyDeleteBy learning the 8 points of unbalance, I also realize how vulnerable I am while sparring. I have learnt to be more aware of my points of unbalance. Even though, it is impossible to maintain balance at all times. There are measures that you can take to limit the openings you create for your opponent. Speed and balance are essential to winning a match. An Uke can defend against a throw by Tori if the Uke sees the throw coming. However, if the Tori catches the Uke off guard, then the Uke can’t defend against the throw. As it relates to me, this means that I must always be aware to my opponent’s movements, as well my own at all times.
I truly enjoy Judo and respect it as a sport. The lessons I learn from Judo, I can apply to the rest of my life. For example, discipline is key in judo but it is also key to success in life. Judo continues to excite me more and more and I hope that I can move up the ranks and become a recognized Judo fighter.
After watching the video, I realized that balance is important when taking down or getting the upper over an opponent. The eight points of balance provides a basic structure to build upon when learning the techniques, to rid your opponent of their leverage.
ReplyDeleteThe paragraph “The Body is a Block if Wood,” helps one to understand where these balance points are both the right and left side, forward and backward, with legs apart right foot in of the left, leaning forward and turning into your belt is when your centre of gravity is lost, with legs apart left foot in of the right, leaning forward and turning into your belt is when your centre of gravity is lost, and the last two are the same of the fore mentioned but leaning backward. Knowing the balance, or the loss of balance points, make the techniques easier to understand and possibly accomplish.
The video provided a visual understanding of the unbalancing in Judo. The practical portion of the video also gave a visual idea on how to use the unbalancing points of your opponent to your advantage. From which side you’d throw them to, when they are standing in each unbalancing position, and how to position yourself when you throw them.
All in all, my experience is Judo so far has been just that an experience! It’s fun experience though, you get to meet new people. Especially since Judo is a very interactive sport, I think after you’ve had your face in the pit of someone’s arm willing, it’s an automatic friendship. Even though I leave bruised after class every Tuesday and smelling of armpits, I am enjoying my experience so far.
- Antannia Gibson
From what I’ve learned, Judo uses the principle of maximum efficiency, which requires us to understand the points of unbalance to throw or takedown an opponent effectively. The blog and video teaches us what the eight points of unbalance are and how they can be used in sport. Once a person has learned how to use the eight points of unbalance efficiently, he/she is equipped to take down any person. Judo, however, is not just restricted to applying techniques and subduing an opponent, it requires skill and timing as well. As learned in class, the instructor taught us unbalance points three and four, in which you sweep the foot of your opponent so that they can fall to the ground. You must monitor their feet when moving either in the left or right direction, and then decide when to kick their feet so they can fall. Timing is important to successfully get your opponent to the floor and score. When skill, technique and timing are used together efficiently, rather than the use of brute strength, the greatest success is achieved.
ReplyDeleteAs a beginner, my experience in Judo has been pleasing and enjoyable so far. It has been exactly what I’ve expected. My interest in Judo sparked from my desire to learn self-defense techniques. I am very grateful that a sport like this exists because it provides me with the knowledge to protect myself when faced in a dangerous situation. I was very appreciative to learn these unbalance techniques and apply them through my throws and takedown when practicing in class. Additionally, Judo also provides me with the fitness aspect that I have so long needed.
The theory component of Judo has been very intriguing as well. Learning the history, judo rules and the Japanese terminology continues to keep me interested in this modern combative sport. I look forward to the continuation of my classes and will consider incorporating judo further in my future plans.
-Lethiese Anderson
Judo is a gentle art in which clever and well-timed movements triumph over brute strength. Breaking your opponent’s balance, termed as “Kuzushi”, is a fundamental and highly effective skill that proves essential in efficient throwing. The post and video above denote very simply the eight points in which bodily unbalance can be achieved. The eight points; directly forward, backward, to the right and left, as well as to the right and left forward and rear corners, are all directions in which one can tip the body of their opponent in order to easily disrupt his or her balance. During competition Judokas make swift use of kuzushi in order to take advantage of the body’s ability to become facilely unbalanced at certain points. The information depicted above proves useful for both offensive and defensive scenarios as one may not only use their knowledge of kuzushi to “take down” their opponent but also to avoid certain positions in order to maintain their own ideal balance. Though it may seem frivolous to the untrained eye, precise implementation of kuzushi can be the difference between a win and loss in competition as well as life and death in practical self-defense.
ReplyDeleteThroughout my years of experience in Judo, great emphasis has been placed on the importance and efficacy of Kuzushi, and the video above displays just how easily the human body can be placed into a state of unbalance.
For me, Judo is more than just a momentary college course; it has been a childhood avocation and a lifelong passion and I am humbled by the opportunity to further my studies of this intricate art.
-Onisa <3
I in video I learnt that knowing the eight points of balance will help you have better control over a persons balance.The first and second points are when you have both feet together and you lean forward or back. The third and fourth points are when you're feet are together and you lean to either your right or you left side. The fifth position is when you have you right foot in front and you leaning forward and towards the center of you belt, while the sixth has to deal with your feet being in the same position and leaning back and going towards the center of your belt. The seventh position is when you put your left foot in front and move it towards the center of you belt, while the eighth and final position has to deal with your feet in the same position and then you move back and to the center of your belt. The first and second points of balance being directly centered you can throw some directly forward. Utilizing the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth points you can throw someone to the side because you cannot pull them neither forward or push them back, so you would have to throw them to either the left or the right side. The third and fourth points good when you are doing sweeps.
ReplyDeleteMy experience in Judo has been exciting I always wanted to learn a form of martial arts. I expect a lot of physical training but I didn’t expect to be put through this much physical training. I also like the fact that I will be learning how to defend myself in certain situations. Even though I am getting confused with all the terminology it is interesting to learn the meaning behind each move and each technique. The history is the part that keeps my interest during the theory class because I always find it interesting to know why something was started.
According to this post it is evident that the eight points of unbalance is essential in Judo and the key to the throwing down technique. The post made me realize that balance is therefore an important aspect of Judo. The points of balance help me to be aware of my partner weakness. For example, in the video the Tori had to be aware as when to unbalance the Uke in order to perform the technique effectively. When the partner is balance, he is not “open to attack”. For example, in the video when the Uke brought his right leg forward the Tori was unable to throw him down forward when he tried because his body was balance. On the other hand, when the Tori thrown him in another corner his balance was broken therefore the Tori was able to throw the Uke down.
ReplyDeleteIn addition the post made me aware that speed in accuracy and in direction will help the Uke perform the throwing down technique more effectively as to throwing him on the ground. Therefore, it is important to practice the sport progressively in order to accomplish maximum effectiveness.
My experience in Judo so far has been exciting, educative and functional. I am fascinated that I will be able to defense myself in the combat sport and gain more knowledge of techniques in Judo. I will use the eight point of balance during Judo to make me more mindful in accomplishing when to throw down the Uke and also to remain in balance to be unable to be thrown down when under attack. I am aroused about improving my technique and to further my knowledge in learning technique more effectively in Judo throughout the ending of the semester.
People constantly mistake Judo for Karate. But, with Judo, the root of our defense is to get our opponent off balance. I learned that our bodies basically mimic the balance level of a block of wood. It takes eight different directions/positions to put our bodies or the piece of wood, off balance. From the video I learned that, knowing the eight different points of balance makes a difference between winning and losing a match. This is so because knowing if your opponent is off balance or not determines the way you would throw him. I also learned that with some of the balancing points, the head is a major factor. While reading the blog, it was clearing illustrated through words, but the video tied it all together.
ReplyDeleteSo far, my practice in Judo has been an exhausting yet exhilarating experience. During the time spent in the class, not only the practical knowledge was exposed to me, but also the historic knowledge of the art. In each class, the words, “I didn’t learn anything” could never fathom escaping our lips.
From the post on unbalance, I've learnt that being balanced is key to the throwing aspect of Judo. I can see that without bringing the uke to one of the eight points of unbalance it will be impossible to get them to the ground and into a pin. I find that it’s interesting how such a simple aspect as balance can affect such a staple to this sport.
ReplyDeleteThe points of unbalance – either directly forward, backward, right, left, right front corner, right rear, left rear, or the left rear corner - are important to know when throwing somebody so that the throw can be done efficiently. In the video, for example, the tori had to bring the uke to the point of unbalance while doing ogoshi. Had the tori done it without pulling the uke, the throw would not have been successful
My experience in Judo thus far had been challenging but fun. At first, I thought that me being able to throw someone physically bigger than me was farfetched. I just kept an open mind and did it. With enough practice, the techniques become easier to do.
From this lesson, blog and video i gain information on the eight points of balance. With knowing these points i now know my opponents weak points and how to use them effectively to overpower them. With these points one must be swift and must be carried out in an orderly manner. My overall experience in Judo so far has been a very interesting one. I can in with the idea of judo being like karate but i saw the difference immediately. I also thought that the class would be a very easy class but I no see like every other class it require practice, studying and dedication for the wanted success. Certain techniques and throws in judo seem a bit strenuous but one the techniques is understood it is a very interesting sport. One technique that I find very interesting is the osotogari and the pins are interesting also. From the lessons and lectures, we have come to see judo as more than just a sport but more as a group effort with athletes, their coaches, family members and every one in between to get success. Also there is not enough attention on judo as they do on other sports, for example basketball and soccer. Judo is becoming an enjoyable sport for me and would be a sport that i would enjoy doing out of the classroom for recreation.
ReplyDeleteAfter watching the Judo unbalancing video, I've learnt that the techniques unbalancing is extremely important while participating in the art of Judo. There are eight points of unbalancing and they are the foundation of Judo. This is especially important when performing throwing techniques.
ReplyDeleteHere is what I interpreted after viewing the post and watching the video about the unbalancing techniques. The first unbalance technique is when one leans forward until he/she loses balance. The second techniques is when one lean s backwards until he/she loses balance. The third is when one leans to the right until he/she loses balance. The fourth is when he/she leans to the left until losing balance. The fifth is when one steps forward on his/her right foot and look towards his belt. The sixth is when one leans backwards on his/her right foot until losing balance. The seventh is the opposite of the fifth technique. Instead of stepping forward with your right leg, one must step forward with their left foot. The eighth and final unbalancing technique is when one steps backwards on his/her left foot and then lean towards his/her belt until losing balance. Now that I am more knowledgeable about the right unbalancing techniques I will apply them to my judo.
So far, Judo had been a wonderful experience for me. It is a great way for me to exercise and keep fit. It also teaches me to be more discipline and focus. I've learned many techniques. This sport also exposes me to a little of Japanese culture. Judo is very enjoyable to me and even after I've finished this course at cob I'll continue to practice the sport.
Judo unbalancing
ReplyDeleteAfter watching the post, I’ve learnt how important unbalancing is in Judo, especially as it relates to throwing. The lesson taught the 8 points of balance and how one must move to the center of his or her belt in order for unbalancing to be successful. In order to get for me to get my uke to fall, I must watch for his point of balance and accommodate it with my best possible option for a throw to get him to fall. Without unbalancing many throwing techniques in judo are impossible to perform. In the video, I saw that if my uke’s left leg is forward I won’t be able to throw him because he’s fully balanced. I’ve also learnt, from watching the video that when moving my uke using a side point of balance (left and right), my best possible option would be to use a sweep throw. My experience so far in Judo has be a remarkable one. I’ve learned so many things about this Japanese sport that I never knew before, like the different throws and their names. I encountered my challenges during my Judo sessions, but there hasn’t been one class that I haven’t learn something new and exciting about Judo. This is a unique sport to me because I was only limited to knowing of basketball, softball and track and field. I enjoy practicing Judo and hope to further my experience and knowledge of it.
After watching the video on Judo unbalance I have learned that there are 8 different points of balance in Judo and how to overcome them in a match. Learning the 8 points of unbalance can help a person tremendously in a match because once you take your opponent off balance you can gain the upper hand in your fight. For instance, when you start to move your opponent in any direction you must watch their feet and establish at which point they are balanced and then throw them to the point where they go off balance and fall. If you do not follow the 8 points of unbalance you can end up stuck between a throw and end up blocked then thrown yourself. Avoiding this is key in a match and one you keep in mind your opponents for stance you can keep the advantage in the match. The Japanese are a very interesting culture of people. They have so many different forms of self defense that can benefit anyone in a certain situation and it's a very healthy way of life. My experience so far in Judo has been wonderful. It is a sport that can benefit me in the future in a desperate situation of self defense and I take my practical serious in order to combat a hostile. I am always eager in class to learn new techniques so I can advance to higher ranks in the sport and hopefully in the future I can take my training even more seriously.
ReplyDelete