The artform focused on defensive kata that were used by courtiers and artisans to defend themselves, and even sometimes used as routines in plays. The first Mizu-do sensei Kakita Merao once said; "The softest thing in the world overcomes the hardest; a thing without substance enters where there is no room. The stiff and unbending is the disciple of death - the gentle and yielding is the disciple of life." On both mental and physical levels Mizu-do was and art, focusing on throws and joint locks with inspirations from kenjutsu. It did not incorporate kicking or punching, but rather using their own opponents energy against them. When performing Mizu-do as an exibition the movements were exaggerated, and the performers were taught special rolls to avoid taking any serious damage.