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I’m going to begin with the triangle, since I think its properties might be the most familiar.
The triangle is a “strong” shape. This refers to the fact that it is not easily deformed. That is, the shape itself doesn’t “voluntarily” deform or assume another shape. Rather, as long as the joints (vertices) hold, and the line segments don’t deform (due to material failure), the triangle will hold its triangular shape. It is for this reason that we use triangles in construction, They “stiffen” quadrilaterals and other shapes that can be segmented into triangles.
Related to this is another unique characteristic of triangles. (Using my layman’s terms) force, applied to a triangle, is distributed throughout the structure of the triangle. Both of these properties can be used in many, many Aiki waza.
When moving something, it is usually convenient to have that object moved held static. For example: Pretend I laid a full 50-gallon drum in the back of a truck and drove away. This would be dangerous due to the drum’s shifting about. However, if I used triangularly shaped wood to help hold the drum into place, I could transport the drum without fear of it shifting about. When a part of an individual’s body is set into a triangular shape, that portion of the individual’s body becomes easier to move through space.
Moreover, the forces entering, or generated within, the part of the individual’s body that is set into a triangular shape are, due to the nature of a triangle, self-contained. In other words, any force generated by, or entering into, the limbs that form the triangle, are equally distributed throughout the triangle. This is VERY cool. It essentially means that (given a good quality triangle is maintained) the forces of uke’s body within that triangle are “zeroed” out relative to what is outside the triangular structure.
Make no mistake, uke can still issue forth power, but the power contained in the triangle is isolated. What about outside the triangle? Well, nage, had better account for that. [Extra for experts: When whatever power uke generates outside the triangle is vectored to land within the triangle, that power becomes isolated as well. ]
That creates a pretty nice situation for nage and is not so convenient for uke!
How is this done? For the most part, it is done through force relationships. In other words, there doesn’t have to be three solid lines to create a triangle of forces. An example of a triangle consisting of three solid lines is, an individual’s lower leg, upper leg and spine forming a triangle. But there don’t have to be three appendages involved to create a triangle of force.
Two connected body parts and a third force path can establish a force triangle. This is much more easily demonstrated (felt) than described. Obviously, that isn’t possible via this the internet. I can “kind” of show examples with illustrations in the hope of conveying at least some of my meaning. Before we get to that, let me address another issue.
To create a triangle of forces (or to BE a triangle of forces), all forces must be in a connected relationship with each other. This doesn’t happen well if there is slack in the system. One could “Allen’s triangle theory” (This isn’t my theory by the way, these are well established properties of triangles. I’m just pointing out their use in waza.) by making a triangle out of noodles. It can be done, (not very well or easily) but care must be taken to take the slack out of the noodles and out of the joints connecting the noodles. How? You might have already guessed the answer based on earlier blogs. One must spiral (twist) the noodles (and usually the joints) such that when one moves (f=ma) any part of the triangle, all parts of the triangle move.
BTW, one could force uke’s body to form our desired triangle. In fact, that is what is commonly seen. However, if one were to use Aiki, one could cause a triangle to be formed in uke’s body without opposition or resistance.
[Keep in mind, I am relating how the properties of the Triangle, Circle and Square are used in waza. As previously stated, waza can be executed with “Go” (hardness), “Ju” (softness), or “Aiki” (Yin/Yang). Waza are NOT “go,” “ju,” or “aiki.” Waza is waza!]
I was going to show some photos of body parts in positions typically found in waza with superimposed triangles (indicating a force path) drawn in. But, I’ve decided against it. It is far too simplistic and easily misunderstood. So, instead, I plan to address this in a video.
Unfortunately, video can’t be felt, but it is WAY easier to communicate some ideas via video than through writing. Or, in this case, along with writing.
That means I need to have a partner, video, edit, upload and finally embed and post. I may end up writing about the property of the circle and square before that happens. But you know what? That’s okay! If I have to make I video to share about something as straightforward as triangles, I KNOW I’m going to have to make videos for circles and especially squares.
So, there you have it. More to look forward to!
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