The Martial Arts Takedown Method of Doki Mori DVD by Toru Dejima

"If your opponent pushes, draw them in. If they pull, press forward."
— A fundamental principle of Shorinji Kempo.

The late Doki Mori, an 8th Dan Grandmaster of Shorinji Kempo, became famous for effortlessly unbalancing even powerful foreign practitioners through his unique theory of kuzushi (off-balancing), known as the Triangle Method (Sankaku Gihō).

In this instructional video, Toru Dejima, one of Mori's final disciples, carefully analyzes and explains the principles behind his teacher's renowned methods. Rather than relying on leverage alone, Mori's approach uses subtle body mechanics, timing, and human reflexes to destabilize an opponent with remarkable efficiency.

These teachings offer valuable insights for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of traditional martial arts mechanics and the art of kuzushi.

About Doki Mori (1932–2002)

Doki Mori was an 8th Dan Grandmaster of Shorinji Kempo, widely respected for developing his distinctive theory of off-balancing known as the Triangle Method. During his lifetime, he attracted dedicated martial artists from across Japan and abroad, earning the nickname "Mori of Kuzushi" for his exceptional ability to break an opponent's balance with seemingly effortless movement.

Contents

Introduction

• Quotations and teachings of Doki Mori

Fundamentals of Kuzushi

• What is the Triangle Method?
• Why kuzushi is essential
• Understanding human reflexes
• Doki Mori's distinctive hook hand (kagite)

Using Your Opponent's Reflexes to Unbalance Them

• Introduction
• Cross Wrist Lock (Jūji Kote)
• Winding Wrist Lock (Maki Kote)
• Throw from a one-hand wrist grab

Unbalancing Without Triggering a Reaction

• Introduction
• The concept of balance
• Breaking balance (using Gyaku Kote as an example)
• Applications to Judo
• "Use only what is necessary." (traditional teaching)
• Throw from a one-hand wrist grab

Practical Applications

• Reverse Wrist Lock (Gyaku Kote)
• Sending Wrist Lock (Okuri Kote)

Advanced Applications

• Breaking balance against a straight punch
• Throws against punches and strikes

About the Instructor:

Born in 1959, Toru Dejima studied under Grandmaster Doki Mori during the final years of Mori's life. Following Mori's passing, he became a student of renowned martial arts researcher Yoshinori Kono, drawing on Kono's theories of body mechanics to further understand and develop the principles behind the Triangle Method.

He is a researcher with the Shoseikan Technical Research Group, holds the rank of 5th Dan (Daikenshi) in Shorinji Kempo, and is the founder of Seiyokai, a study group dedicated to body mechanics and movement training.

Language: Japanese