Tsukuri - throwing preparation
The throwing preparation or screwing into the technique (Tai sabaki) is called Tsukuri. Contrary to the first phase of a throw; the Kuzushi, here is already clear defined with kind of technique TORI wants to throw UKE with.
To execute a perfect throw, TORI must bring his own body into a suitable position for throwing. The condition is, that even before TORI has broken the balance of UKE accordingly (Kuzushi) and can exploit this instability of UKE. UKE will try by compensating movements or blocking to prevent his fall. TORI must move with speed and precision while his attack. In the Judo sport, there are numerous variants of turning into a throw (Tai sabaki). Examples are given here (see also Shintai):
- Kodokan entrance
- Direct entrance
- Kawaishi entrance
- Pulling out entrance
- Stepping in entrance
| When UKE trys to free himself with a step in the pull- or push direction from its unstable position, TORI must respond and prevent this defend action of UKE. By continual and fast movement of the feet TORI brings himself into a good starting position to execute the throwing technique (Kake). This is caused by a pulling-, pushing- and/or lifting movement of TORI's arms with the help of his entire body. The key forces are transmitted here via the arms of TORI at UKE. |
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Should throwing technique of TORI require a lifting of UKE, TORI must bring his center of gravity under the one of UKE, because the deeper TORI's center of gravity is below the one of UKE, the less force is used by TORI and go to Kake. To produce a further torque TORI uses his hips, legs or/and back, which act as a barrier; thereby is UKE while falling (Nage) deprived additionally his supporting axis.
Without good Tsukuri TORI will not be able to throw opponents that are stronger than himself. Beginners should therefore initially focus on learning the Tsukuri, and later to improve the execution of a throw (Kake).
