Roban on Ukemi

by Bobby Newby, Shodan Grading December 2000

A friend introduced me to Aikido in September of 1995. I was apprehensive going on my own, so I asked him to introduce me to the local club. I was a spectator at my first class and was taken back by the open and friendly nature of the club. During the class I was asked on more than one occasion whether I wished to come on to the mat and participate. The class continued with a lengthy warm up with plenty of stretching. They moved on to something that piqued my interest. It wasn't a strike or kick or even a technique, it was these smooth effortless symmetrical rolls. I had a sudden desire to be able to do what everyone was doing. That was my first taste of "Ukemi" the art of falling or receiving a technique. Little did I know then of the importance of Ukemi.

Many instructors teach Aikido in many ways. The principles are the same, we learn by listening to our instructors and watching what they are doing. Pairing up we attempt to execute what was just demonstrated. This is the basis of how we learn Aikido. We advance through the grades watching and practicing, refining our technique, becoming more relaxed and centered. Meanwhile we are still rolling and falling, often overlooking the fact that we spend 50% of time training taking Ukemi.

During the research for my Roban I read through numerous articles about Ukemi. There was one passage by Oscar Medina that stood out. "Ukemi is the actual vehicle through which you learn Aikido". To me it made sense, reinforcing my own thoughts. The one aspect of Aikido which can't be taught. How it should feel! As Nage we have one point of view as to whether we have performed the technique correctly. We observe how uke reacts as we complete our throw. Our second opportunity to learn is by feeling how nage applies the technique. To gain this insight we must give a committed and sincere attack. Only then can we truly feel what is happening. Remember Aikido after all is a martial art and we should train with that in mind. When attacking we should do so honestly. Don't anticipate the fall even when you know what technique nage is going to execute. I try to lead by example, training with the spirit I wish others to train with, helping to create the ideal environment to learn Aikido.

The next time you are thrown, don't think of it as just another fall, or even losing a battle but as an opportunity to delve deeper into some of the mystery of Aikido. How it feels is the one aspect of Aikido that can't be taught. Don't be in such a hurry to slap the mat. Enjoy the experience of Ukemi, learn from it. It is part of the journey.

Nishio-sensei once said,