Kuzushi is a Japanese term for unbalancing an opponent in the Japanese martial arts. The noun comes from the transitive verb kuzusu , meaning to level, pull down, destroy or demolish. As such, it refers to not just an unbalancing, but the process of putting an opponent to a position, where stability, and hence the ability to regain uncompromised balance for attacking, is destroyed. In judo, it is considered an essential principle and the first of three stages to a successful throwing technique: kuzushi, tsukuri and kake . Kuzushi is important to many styles of Japanese martial arts, especially those derived from, or influenced by, Ju Jutsu training methods, such as Judo, Ninjutsu, Aikido, Uechi-ryu karate, Goju-ryu karate, and Wadō-ryū karate. The methods of effecting kuzushi depend on maai and other circumstances. It can be achieved using tai sabaki , taking advantage of the opponents actions , atemi , or a combination of all three.