Ukemi
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Ushiro_Ukemi_per_Shinken_Shobu_waza.jpg
Ukemi, or "receiving the throw/attack," is the art of knowing how to land or fall and recover correctly from a martial arts technique with minimal impact. Within a jujitsu, judo or aikido context, ukemi often refers to falling and getting up again in a fighting stance. Ukemi is most useful when being thrown or after powerful atemi but is also valid as an exercise in itself. Many classes begin with ukemi training as it conditions the body and mind. Ukemi, after all, literally means "receiving body" and it is in this spirit that a practitioner of martial arts should begin training.
There are various forms of ukemi:
- Mae ukemi - a forward roll. There are subtleties in the different types of forward roll but the principle is that when being thrown forwards the uke is able to roll out of danger in preference to sustaining an injury.
- Ushiro ukemi - a backwards roll. Similar to mae ukemi but in reverse.
- Yoko ukemi - a sideways fall. Used less often than mae or ushiro ukemi but nonetheless important.
An essential component of ukemi is awareness; knowing what is going on around you and your partner whilst on the dojo (training hall) tatami (mats). Furthermore, the uke (attacker) is able, with experience, to anticipate what the nage or shte (the thrower) is going to do. This allows the uke to respond accordingly so as to prevent injury. Truly graceful ukemi derives from serious training and an often syncretic balance between partners.
Ukemi is also the name of an earnable action in the Viewtiful Joe video game, which allows the player to regain health with diligent timing when thrown back by an enemy's attack.ja:受身 pl:Ukemi