Rooting and Up-Rooting an attacker

In many martial arts it is common to use joint locks and throwing techniques. What many martial artists either are not taught or have forgotten is that any joint lock or throw either roots or up-roots the attacker. To explain consider this. if you use a hip throw, you are in effect up rooting your attacker. An even better example is seen by some joint locks. Lets say you apply a joint lock that causes the attacker to stand up on his toes due to pain. This is a good example of up-rooting. Not only have you tied up one of the attackers limbs, you have taken much of his balance away by causing him to stand up on his toes. Although his strength has not changed, it is very hard for hime to get the leverage to use his strength against you.
Rooting is just the opposite of Up-Rooting. If you apply a joint lock that causes the pressure to be downward, you not only create pain, you may cause the attacker to bend his knees and squat or lean slightly. A good rooting technique many times makes it hard for the attacker to use his legs to kick. It is helpful to keep the concept of rooting and up rooting in your mind when you are training. Take time to look at every technique that you practice and look to see if it roots or up-roots the attacker. you may be surprised to see how many times your techniques incorporate this concept. By identifying those techniques that use this concept, you are better able to correct your own techniques. At the same time watch others when they are doing the same techniques. You may see small errors in the way they are doing the technique that will be helpful to them.