Tai sabaki

(lit. Body Movements) methods of entering, turning, and shifting the body while performing techniques.

A rotation of the body brought about by the displacement of the feet with Tsugi-ashi steps. This produces a pivoting effect, forward or backward, and is used to avoid an attack or prepare for an attacking or defensive movement. See Tai no Henko. [Aikido] This is basic to Aikido movement, with Te-hodoki. It consists of three phases:

Koshi-sabaki, concentrating on the placing of the hips and pelvis Ashi-sabaki, study of the displacement of the feet and legs Te-sabaki, concentrating on the arms and the hand movements. See Tenkan-ho.

(teye sa-ba'kee) "body movement" The turning action of the body. In judo, the circular motion required to perform certain throws. An important principle in aikido relating to one's position in relation to the opponent. 6. Body positioning Combat Ju-jutsu utilizes circular motions extensively in meeting an attack. Assuming the attacker is stronger, a weaker defender will always lose if he directly opposes the force. The circular motion allows the Ju-jutsu practitioner to redirect the attacker's force and use it against him. Linear attacks are also utilized, as sometimes it is advantageous to meet an attack head-on. Taisabaki theory combines circular and linear body positioning. Taisabaki involves the defender moving his body out of harm's way and creating an opening for retaliation. Body positioning is an essential element in the art. Taisabaki was designed to encompass any attack from any angle. In its most basic form it consists of ten movements against punching attacks. In more advanced forms, it encompasses defenses against armed attacks and multiple assailants. Taisabaki is the heart of the art; technical skill in striking or major techniques is secondary. If you fail to avoid the initial attack, there is little need for countermoves.

7. turning movement 9. body control Tai-sabaki is the term for body control. This involves primarily turning movements, which must be fluid and fast. The body must be carried lightly and you must maintain your balance at all times. Mastery of tai-sabaki is the key to executing effective throwing techniques. 10. body shifting