In the beginning of training in sports you will focus on the movement of your own body. Later, the rules of the game start to apply and after that the relationship between your body, the rules and possible opponents within the game.
ura ashibarai, Bulgaria 2007
In karate, which is not a sport, this also applies. First you will focus primarily on the movement of your own body. In junzuki you will look for the stance of the feet, what leg should be in the front and which hand. Of course the focus on your own movement will remain and there will always been room for improvement. However, when you reach a certain point in training, you will start to realize the importance of the technique being actually applied. There are – at least the following - factors to perfect, to reach maximum result.
1: Correct technique, to be able to deliver maximum energy transfer.
2: Correct target (actual target), hit the vital points to reach maximum damage.
3: Correct body positioning, make sure point 1 and 2 are fluid and executed in such a position that is good for you and bad for him. That means, to be able to execute the correct technique to the correct target. You will only be able if you position the body well. The position has to be suitable for this moment and for the next moment. Always remember this.
If you start getting this and are able to actually do it, then you can start manipulating him.
Kihon gumite is all about this manipulation. This is sente, taking the initiative. When you take the initiative, this means you are constantly manipulating the circumstance to your own advantage. Apart from manipulating the circumstance to your favorable position, you have to manipulate the opponents posture as well. More details and function is in the next part of kuzushi.
You can manipulate your opponent by leaving an opening for the opponent to attack. An opening or showing a weakness in your guard (suki) should not be created with the arms or legs, but by changing maai while offering suki with the body.
So actually the manipulation has to do with
1: The position and posture of the body
2: The position and posture of the opponents body
3: The distance in the present moment
The point is thus to continuously master these 3 and by that making sure the enemy is under pressure.
PRINCIPLES