Definition: Falling Technique - Ukemi Filename: Definition-Falling-Ukemi.txt ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Definition: Falling Technique - Ukemi Ukemi in a literary sense means "receiving body or self." In the simplest terms possible, the "uke" part of ukemi as in Tori and Uke means "receiving" and is a person who is on the receiving end of throw. It is always used in a passive sense. Mi means "body or self". Judo Falling Techniques — Ukemi Web Site: https://judoinfo.com/ukemi/ The principle of "mutual welfare and benefit" requires that we learn to fall as well as throw. In addition to the safety and confidence this practice imparts, it is an essential part of understanding the more advanced techniques of Judo. Unless one understands the correct positioning of uke (the one receiving the throw) it is difficult to fully master the action of tori (the thrower). Zenpo Kaiten Ukemi, Forward Roll The traditional order of training is to move from the simple to the more difficult. At first practice falling from a low position and gradually move higher. First fall in place, then add movement. In the beginning move slowly and carefully, then increase speed. First fall by yourself, then have a partner throw you and repeat these steps (start with a low throw, no movement, and slowly). For more information see The Study of Falling or Understanding Ukemi. Ukemi is about receiving the fall gracefully. In judo, and life, this is important so that you can rise up to continue the struggle. We learn that you can benefit from the lesson of the fall rather than suffer from it. Falling in judo teaches us to get to acceptance quickly. We must not deny that we were thrown, dwell on it, feel angry or depressed about it, or try to justify it. We must accept it as a lesson and move on before we are pinned where we lie. Understanding Ukemi (Falling Techniques) By Brandon Lee Web Site: https://judoinfo.com/lee/ Definition and Role of Ukemi Ukemi, itself a question to many, has a very simple explanation. Ukemi in a literary sense means "receiving body or self." In the simplest terms possible, the "uke" part of ukemi as in Tori and Uke means "receiving" and is a person who is on the receiving end of throw. It is always used in a passive sense. Mi means "body or self". In this case, self is the better translation. In his Kodokan Judo, Kano Sensei states "before practicing throwing techniques or engaging in randori, it is imperative to master ukemi, the technique of falling safely."2 So, ukemi means "falling safely" when one receives a throw. Simple logic testifies that one should master it before throwing a partner or taking on free practice. Herein, the question is raised as to what is "falling safely." I conclude that "falling safely" is the technique that must incorporate the least chance for injury. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY Ukemi - Falling Technique Ukemi in a literary sense means "receiving body or self." In the simplest terms possible, the "uke" part of ukemi as in Tori and Uke means "receiving" and is a person who is on the receiving end of throw. It is always used in a passive sense. Mi means "body or self". Judo Falling Techniques — Ukemi The principle of "mutual welfare and benefit" requires that we learn to fall as well as throw. Ukemi is about receiving the fall gracefully. In judo, and life, this is important so that you can rise up to continue the struggle. We learn that you can benefit from the lesson of the fall rather than suffer from it. Falling in judo teaches us to get to acceptance quickly. We must not deny that we were thrown, dwell on it, feel angry or depressed about it, or try to justify it. We must accept it as a lesson and move on before we are pinned where we lie. Confucius: Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising every time we fall. Zig Ziglar - It's not how far you fall, it's how high you bounce that counts. It is inevitable to fall. It is a decision to get back up. Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. ----------------------------------------------------------------------