The action of
uke is called "taking ." Literally translated as "receiving body", it is the art of knowing how to respond correctly to an attack and often incorporates skills to allow one to do so safely. These skills can include moves similar to
tumbling and are often used as a valid exercise in itself. In aikido and judo training for instance, many classes begin with
ukemi training as conditioning.
Forms • / – a forward roll from the leading foot's shoulder to the hip on the opposite side. • / – a forward breakfall. This can be in the form of a hard slapping breakfall or more of a forward roll like motion. There are subtleties in the different types of forward roll but the principle is that when being thrown forwards the uke (person being thrown) is able to roll out of danger in preference to sustaining an injury. • / – a backwards roll or fall. • / – a sideways fall. • / / – more of a forward flip than a roll, a cross between
yoko (landing) and
mae ukemi (initiation), often used in response to wrist throws.
Tobu (跳ぶ or 飛ぶ) is the
Japanese verb for "to jump" and "to fly". Correct
ukemi will allow the
uke to suffer the least amount of damage possible from a fall. If done correctly, the force of hitting the ground will be spread out along non-critical parts of the
ukes body. By properly doing
ukemi, the
uke can roll out of danger and move into their next course of action without being damaged too much by hitting the ground. ==References==