The ideal Judo posture allows for free movement, and is inherently stable and balanced. Shisei is classified in Shizen-tai and Jigo-tai. Shizen-tai (Natural Standing Posture) is composed of: Shizen-hontai (Basic Natural Standing Posture) the posture standing naturally and mildly, Migi-shizen-tai (Right Natural Standing Posture) the posture standing with right foot advanced a bit rightward and forward from basic natural standing posture, and Hidari-shizen-tai (Left Natural Standing Posture) the posture standing with left foot advanced a bit leftward and forward from basic natural standing posture. Jigo-tai (Defensive Posture) is composed of: Jigo-hontai (Basic Defensive Posture) the posture lowering loins and opening both feet widely from Shizen-hontai, Migi-jigo-tai (Right Defensive Posture) the posture lowering loins and opening both feet widely from Migi-shizen-tai, and Hidari-jigo-tai (Left Defensive Posture) the posture lowering loins and opening both feet widely from Hidari-shizen-tai.

The purpose of Suri Ashi is to move while maintaining one’s balance. Since an opponent can easily destabilize you if you place your body weight disproportionately on one leg, Suri Ashi stepping method is used in order to avoid lifting the leg too far from the floor. Other basic Judo stepping methods include the Ayumi Ashi (Walking step) and the Tsugi Ashi (Following step).

Tai Sabaki entails changing the position and direction of your body while maintaining a stable posture. There are three major types of Tai Sabaki: Mae Sabaki (front movement control) shift your position by advancing one foot and withdrawing the other at a right angle to your opponent, Ushiro Sabaki (back movement control) shift your position by retreating one foot and pivoting on the other at a right angle to your opponent, and Mae-Mawari Sabaki (front turn movement control) shift your position, advancing one foot diagonally in front of your opponent, pivot on that foot and withdraw the other until you have made a complete 180 degree turn.

Kuzushi entails forcing the opponent into an unbalanced position. This is an important factor in executing effective Nage Waza (throwing techniques), when the opponent is off balance, unable to use his/her strength aggressively and is virtually under your control. Kuzushi can be performed in eight basic different directions (Happo no Kuzushi).

Tsukuri is the entry and proper fitting of your body into the position taken just before the moment required for completion of your throwing technique. Necessarily, the Kuzushi of your opponent takes place at the same time as Tsukuri, so that he/she is helpless and easily controlled.

Kake is the completing movement of your technique. Tsukuri and Kake can also be called technical principles of Judo.