Ukemi
受身
The art of falling safely, literally “receiving body”. In judo, aikido and jujutsu it is the first skill a beginner learns.
Quick Facts
Word breakdown
Definition
Ukemi (受身) is made up of the characters 受, to receive, and 身, body. Literally, then, “receiving body”. It is the same root as in the word uke, the practitioner who receives the technique. Ukemi is a set of falls and rolls that spread the force of impact over the less sensitive parts of the body during a throw, so that the practitioner can get up and continue. In judo, aikido and jujutsu, ukemi is taught first, because without it throws cannot be practised safely. Many training sessions begin with several minutes of falls, which also serve as a warm-up. A well-mastered fall lets the practitioner avoid danger and follow up at once with another action.
In practice
Several kinds of falls are distinguished: mae ukemi, a fall forward, ushiro ukemi, a fall backward, yoko ukemi, a fall to the side, and mae mawari ukemi, a forward roll over the shoulder and back to the opposite side. Aikido also uses tobi ukemi, more a flip than a roll, for example against wrist throws. When falling on the tatami, the arm strikes the mat, which spreads part of the impact energy. In competitive judo there is no designated uke, but a competitor needs falls just the same.
Relations to other terms
See also
The practitioner who attacks and receives the technique in a pair, literally “the one who receives”. Must be able to fall safely, ukemi.
Tori取りThe practitioner who performs the technique in a pair, literally “the one who takes”. Their partner, who receives the technique, is called uke.
Tatami畳A traditional Japanese floor mat made of rice straw and rush. In the dojo the name also covers today's foam mats used for training and competition.
Nage-waza投げ技Collective name for all throws in judo and jujutsu. The Kodokan lists 68 of them, divided into standing throws and throws that sacrifice one's own balance.