Kuzushi

Kuzushi in japanese terms means to unbalance an opponent. It refers to not just an unbalancing, but the process of putting an opponent to a position, where his stability, hence the ability to regain uncompromised balance for attacking is destroyed. The methods of effecting Kuzushi depend on Maai (combative distance) and other circumstances. It can be achieved using Tai Sabaki (body positioning and weak lines), taking advantage of the opponents actions (push when pulled, pull when pushed), Atemi (strikes), or a combination of all three.

"Don't break your opponents balance, take him to a place where he has no balance"

Masaaki Hatsumi Soke