Ukemi - The Art of Falling

In order to earn Aikido echniques we work in pairs, with one person playing the role of the attacker while their partner practices the technique. This means that the attacker will always be on the receiving end of the technique. As part of your Aikido training great emphasis is put on the art of attacking correctly and falling safely. This is known as the practice of ukemi.

Learning to fall safely has many benefits, both in terms of building confidence, coordination and fitness, and most importantly as a form of self-defense or protection in the case of an accident. Most ukemi takes the form of forward or backward rolls, but we also learn ways to protect ourselves in techniques that include immobilisations. We spend as much time as necessary with new students to make sure they feel relaxed and confident when falling. No one is ever rushed and forced to take a fall if they are not comfortable with it.

Once you get the hang of it ukemi is one of the most fun and rewarding aspects of Aikido.

Forward Ukemi

(Drawing by O Ratti from 'Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere' 1970)