The Top Ten Principles Of Yachigusa Ryu Aiki Bugei - #2 Triangulation
Since I first stated that the techniques taught at my school were based on principles, and that we focus more on understanding the principles that makes things work than the techniques themselves, people have e-mailed me asking me if I could explain these principles in more detail.
Unfortunately trying to explain many of these principals in writing is very difficult, since many can’t be explained in words alone. However, I will try my best to describe these principles for the “blog” readers, using words, charts and pictures.
Keep in mind though, that in order to sometimes fully understand a principle you have to also understand other principles that relate to it. Most principles aren’t fully useable on their own, and have to be integrated with others.
Okay, if you understood the above scientific explanation you don’t need to read on. However if you’re like me you will need to read on. You’ll also want more details, especially how it relates to the martial arts.
Let's start with a less scientific and more martial definition of what Triangulation is. Basically, Triangulation is a geometry-based method of locating the specific point where an opponent's body can be projected with minimal effort. That specific point, is what we call the "Triangulation Point." If force is applied correctly towards that point, the human body will be forced to fall in that direction. This is an effect of physics and balance, and a person cannot prevent himself or herself from falling when this principle is correctly applied.
It’s another way of applying and thinking about Kuzushi, (balance breaking). Or to be more specific, the way in which one learns to use kuzushi for optimal effectiveness.
Before I discuss the specifics of Triangulation lets cover a few other scientific principles one needs to know.
Using this point as a reference the below formulas occur:
In order to fully understand the principle of kuzushi, one should first accept the concept that surrounding each individual there is a circle on the ground. The circumference of this circle is determined by the length of the farthest point one can reach with an extended arm or leg without leaning over.
Within this circle there are eight directions one can move (forward, back, left, right, and at 45 degree angles. If a person is forced out of the circumference of their circle in one of these directions (i.e. past their triangulation point), then they will be off balance.
The main problem with the concept of kuzushi is that is often taught incorrectly, superficially, or only geared towards sporting competition. However, a great description of kuzushi was written by Neil Ohlenkamp, 1999 Judo coach of the year, in the essay, “The Study of Kuzushi or 'I'm falling and I can't get up.'"
“Kuzushi is very often thought of as simply pushing or pulling. At more advanced levels however it is much more than that. For example, kuzushi can also be achieved by breaking the opponent's rhythm, fake attacks, strikes, changes of body position or grip, kiai (a shout), or a sudden change in speed or tempo. A critical element in kuzushi is that it should disrupt more than the body. Kuzushi is very much a mental thing. Kuzushi should always disrupt the opponent's concentration, resulting in a momentary opportunity for an attack. This is one of the reasons confidence is such an important factor in Judo. A strong and positive mental attitude can often dominate a weaker state of mind, resulting in effective kuzushi.”
The founder of judo, Jigoro Kano, made the a scientific study of kuzushi a fundamental element of judo training. However, despite Mr. Ohlenkano’s assertion that this study of kuzushi was new in Judo, “distinguishing it from old schools of jujitsu,” Kano basically took an old principle and extrapolated on it. In other words, Kano took esoteric explanations of kuzushi found in old densho (transmission scrolls) and made it more mainstream. He replaced metaphysical language with scientific terminology understandable to the layman.
In other words, simply knowing how to apply mechanical force to break balance is not enough to execute a proper projection/throw. Often projections/throws fail because the person being thrown is not destabilized to a point where their center of mass is extended past their base. Other times, they are taken too far past their base and are compelled to stumble away before the technique can be completed. This is where the principle of triangulation comes into play.
Basically, to determine the Triangulation Point of a person you start by measuring the distance between a person’s knee and ankle, and then extending that measurement to the front or rear of the person. For example, if the measurement between the knee and ankle equals 15 inches, then that person will be forced to step or fall if they are pulled more than 15 inches past their feet. At this point nothing they do will help them regain their stability.
1. Subject is up right in a fully stable position. His center of mass is over his base. The sticks in front of him represent his triangulation point, based on the measurement of his lower leg.
2. As the subject is extended forward towards the triangulation point, his stability is lost. However at this point in the extension he is not fully dependent on being held up, and could regain his stability on his own by either righting himself or taking a step forward.
3. As the subject is extended even further towards his triangulation point his dependency on the other person becomes absolute. At this point even though his “center of mass” has not crossed the triangulation point there is no way he can regain his stability. If the person holding him would let go he would have to fall.
It is worth pointing out that center of mass of a body is only located below the navel when the body is straight (standing/prone). Once the subject is bent over like the subject in the photo, his mass moves out into the empty space between his center and the triangulation point.
The specific techniques martial artists use to complete a throw or projection depends on the art they study. But despite stylistic differences, we all use the same science to make them work effectively.
Take for example the following six Judo throwing techniques
Each of these throws require specific kuzushi, and all require the uke (person who is being thrown) to be displaced over his triangulation point, whether the throw is to the front, the rear, or the side.
When using Triangulation, it really doesn’t matter how you get there (entering, pushing, pulling, circular rotation, joint lock, body drop, etc.), as long as you take your opponent to the right spot. Once stability is broken, and broken past the point of no return, one’s opponent will have to fall to the ground.
Unfortunately trying to explain many of these principals in writing is very difficult, since many can’t be explained in words alone. However, I will try my best to describe these principles for the “blog” readers, using words, charts and pictures.
Keep in mind though, that in order to sometimes fully understand a principle you have to also understand other principles that relate to it. Most principles aren’t fully useable on their own, and have to be integrated with others.
#2 Triangulation
Triangulation is a method for establishing the distance between any two points, or the relative position of two or more points, by calculations based on the vertices of a triangle, and the length of side of measurable length, (base).Okay, if you understood the above scientific explanation you don’t need to read on. However if you’re like me you will need to read on. You’ll also want more details, especially how it relates to the martial arts.
Let's start with a less scientific and more martial definition of what Triangulation is. Basically, Triangulation is a geometry-based method of locating the specific point where an opponent's body can be projected with minimal effort. That specific point, is what we call the "Triangulation Point." If force is applied correctly towards that point, the human body will be forced to fall in that direction. This is an effect of physics and balance, and a person cannot prevent himself or herself from falling when this principle is correctly applied.
It’s another way of applying and thinking about Kuzushi, (balance breaking). Or to be more specific, the way in which one learns to use kuzushi for optimal effectiveness.
Before I discuss the specifics of Triangulation lets cover a few other scientific principles one needs to know.
- All things with weight (mass) have a specific center of mass. This is also known as the "center of gravity" or "center of balance."
- The pull of gravity effectively occurs at the center of mass.
- The center of mass of an object must fall within the boundaries of its base support for equilibrium (balance) to exist. If the center of mass is not over an object's base, that object will fall over.
- Stability is inversely proportional to the distance of the center of mass above the base, all other things being equal. The closer one’s center of mass is to the base the more stable they become.
- Stability is directly proportional to the area of the base upon which a body rests. Increase in area at the base increases stability.
- Stability with respect to a constant force is directly proportional to one’s body weight. All other factors being equal, a heavier person is more stable than a lighter person.
- A straight (standing or prone) human body has its center of mass at a point approximately three inches below the navel. This point corresponds to the tanden or hara of traditional martial arts theory. This means that if you placed a frozen (rigid) human body on a pole it would balance on a point approximately three inches below the navel. (Figure 1)
Using this point as a reference the below formulas occur:
- If the body is placed on a fulcrum anywhere above the center of mass, the head will move towards the ground (Figure 2)
- If the body is placed on a fulcrum anywhere below its center of mass, the feet will move towards the ground. (Figure 3)
Happo-no-Kuzushi (Eight directions of breaking balance)
In the arts of Aikido, Judo, Jujutsu, and Aikijujutsu knowledge regarding Happo-no-kuzushi is essential. It is the cornerstone of every projection/throw within these arts. Properly executed, kuzushi disrupts the balance of the subject making any projection/throw almost effortless. Without this proficiency in kuzushi, one must rely more or brute force than finesse.In order to fully understand the principle of kuzushi, one should first accept the concept that surrounding each individual there is a circle on the ground. The circumference of this circle is determined by the length of the farthest point one can reach with an extended arm or leg without leaning over.
Within this circle there are eight directions one can move (forward, back, left, right, and at 45 degree angles. If a person is forced out of the circumference of their circle in one of these directions (i.e. past their triangulation point), then they will be off balance.
The main problem with the concept of kuzushi is that is often taught incorrectly, superficially, or only geared towards sporting competition. However, a great description of kuzushi was written by Neil Ohlenkamp, 1999 Judo coach of the year, in the essay, “The Study of Kuzushi or 'I'm falling and I can't get up.'"
“Kuzushi is very often thought of as simply pushing or pulling. At more advanced levels however it is much more than that. For example, kuzushi can also be achieved by breaking the opponent's rhythm, fake attacks, strikes, changes of body position or grip, kiai (a shout), or a sudden change in speed or tempo. A critical element in kuzushi is that it should disrupt more than the body. Kuzushi is very much a mental thing. Kuzushi should always disrupt the opponent's concentration, resulting in a momentary opportunity for an attack. This is one of the reasons confidence is such an important factor in Judo. A strong and positive mental attitude can often dominate a weaker state of mind, resulting in effective kuzushi.”
The founder of judo, Jigoro Kano, made the a scientific study of kuzushi a fundamental element of judo training. However, despite Mr. Ohlenkano’s assertion that this study of kuzushi was new in Judo, “distinguishing it from old schools of jujitsu,” Kano basically took an old principle and extrapolated on it. In other words, Kano took esoteric explanations of kuzushi found in old densho (transmission scrolls) and made it more mainstream. He replaced metaphysical language with scientific terminology understandable to the layman.
Triangulation
If kuzusihi is the physical aspect of breaking the balance, then triangulation is the mathematical formula used to determine what distance is needed to break said balance.In other words, simply knowing how to apply mechanical force to break balance is not enough to execute a proper projection/throw. Often projections/throws fail because the person being thrown is not destabilized to a point where their center of mass is extended past their base. Other times, they are taken too far past their base and are compelled to stumble away before the technique can be completed. This is where the principle of triangulation comes into play.
Basically, to determine the Triangulation Point of a person you start by measuring the distance between a person’s knee and ankle, and then extending that measurement to the front or rear of the person. For example, if the measurement between the knee and ankle equals 15 inches, then that person will be forced to step or fall if they are pulled more than 15 inches past their feet. At this point nothing they do will help them regain their stability.
Example
1. Subject is up right in a fully stable position. His center of mass is over his base. The sticks in front of him represent his triangulation point, based on the measurement of his lower leg.
2. As the subject is extended forward towards the triangulation point, his stability is lost. However at this point in the extension he is not fully dependent on being held up, and could regain his stability on his own by either righting himself or taking a step forward.
3. As the subject is extended even further towards his triangulation point his dependency on the other person becomes absolute. At this point even though his “center of mass” has not crossed the triangulation point there is no way he can regain his stability. If the person holding him would let go he would have to fall.
It is worth pointing out that center of mass of a body is only located below the navel when the body is straight (standing/prone). Once the subject is bent over like the subject in the photo, his mass moves out into the empty space between his center and the triangulation point.
The specific techniques martial artists use to complete a throw or projection depends on the art they study. But despite stylistic differences, we all use the same science to make them work effectively.
Take for example the following six Judo throwing techniques
Each of these throws require specific kuzushi, and all require the uke (person who is being thrown) to be displaced over his triangulation point, whether the throw is to the front, the rear, or the side.
When using Triangulation, it really doesn’t matter how you get there (entering, pushing, pulling, circular rotation, joint lock, body drop, etc.), as long as you take your opponent to the right spot. Once stability is broken, and broken past the point of no return, one’s opponent will have to fall to the ground.
Labels: Essays, Principles, Technical
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