Taking Sensei's Ukemi

The most challenging moments during my Aikido apprenticeship were while I was in the Uke role for my teacher. In the first year I was not called much for demonstrations, and felt a great hunger for it. When the moment finally arrived, I found myself doubting about my desire to be "in the fire" on a regular basis — although that was a point of no return.

First, it was a physical challenge, my body was not quite ready; I was always tired, I didn't eat right, nor was I drinking enough water. Yet, I had a great drive to experience the pressure and learn this new realm.

The next thing I had to study was how to empty my mind. Stop guessing and assuming on what's coming next. I learned to calm my internal noise, as I was called to take Ukemi. I tried different ways to prepare myself for the moment I was called up. It took months, but watching the more experienced Uke closely, and getting their advice helped greatly.

After being able to approach without assumptions, I had to work on a strong, clean attack, that derives from my center. Again, this is not the place "to be nice" and try and miss target. This just made things worst, and brought about some painful lessons. A good attack with intent, clarity and precision should be the goal.

Another lesson was about movement while in connection; being able to blend, follow, and adjust in a safe manner with the flow of the technique. I would often get "stuck", and my feet would not move. It took some time before my body learned how to relax just enough, so my legs, hips, and feet could lead the rest of the body with the flow of the technique - and not to be in its way.

"Being alive" throughout the process was essential. I had to maintain eye contact (sometimes peripheral vision) with Sensei, being ready for any shifts, and falling down in a manner that is alert and present for the next attack.

I believe that those who take Sensei's Ukemi are presented with a golden opportunity to learn in the best way possible. I was lucky enough to be able to do that for a few years. I also think that this was how I learned best. When I graduated the Kenshusei program, I felt there was still a long way to go in the path of Ukemi. I am grateful and humbled by this experience.

The thirst to deepen the study must be greater than the fear of facing ourselves.

In the video: Second Doshu, Kisshomaru Ueshiba Sensei

Ukemi | the art of blending

The art of Ukemi is about the ability to to blend with an energy, and respond in a natural and safe manner. The kanji in Japanese literally mean "Receiving Body" (受身). Why is Ukemi so important in our practice? I truly believe there is much to learn from Ukemi, as we may learn from applying techniques. Ukemi is much more than just falling down. It actually starts from the moment we get ready to attack, and continues somewhat after the technique has been completed.

Here are some of the lessons we can find in this deep art:

The lesson of Empty Mind: When we approach to an attack, we generate a spark. This spark will determine how will the flame look like, or, how will the encounter be. If we attack with some agenda, it will easily manifest within the outcome. For example, when we attack with fear, we usually leave our center behind, and use our upper body, we will probably be dragged behind the flow of the technique, and be somewhat disconnected. We should strive to execute a clean attack, without personal attachments, like assumptions, expectations and thoughts. As we attack, we empty our mind and turn our alertness and "body listening" on, and go for an unknown ride.

The lesson of "Giving in" and surrender: Once we started the ride, we should not react, yet respond to where the technique takes us. Quiet inside, we allow our body to follow without resistance, without any ideas and thoughts. We let the body do the work. Our mind usually gets in the way, so we strive to keep it silent.

The lesson of connecting and "Going with the flow": Placing our efforts on connecting to Nage is essential. Either we make sure that our grip is connected with the palms of our hands, tightening by using the two little fingers, or at a higher level, our body is "sticking" with energy that is directed towards us. Keeping the "receptors" of our body wide open and focus on our Nage's movements, will allow an easier way to blending.

The study of techniques: You may ask: what does Ukemi have to do with learning techniques? Well, just like a die creates a mark on the paper it pressed upon, so is Ukemi, being the "other side" of technique. We can learn though our body (rather than intellectually) where is the control point of the technique, where is the pressure, what body positioning and angles will work more efficiently, and much more. Rather than some analyzed idea about how a technique should be executed - we actually feel it, and it imprints in our "muscle memory".

The lesson of humility though falling and getting up: We are falling and getting up, time after time, all the time. Falling resonates as a non-victorious act, yet we have an opportunity to conquer this psychological affect with embodiment of Ukemi. We also learn to deal with self judgment, as we get up from each Ukemi fresh and ready for the next encounter, rather than dwell on the previous one. Each encounter is a new opportunity, and is unique - it will not be repeated ever again in the very same way. As the Japanese saying go: 一期一会 "Ichigo Ichie", One encounter - only once in a lifetime. A moment cannot be exactly duplicated. After we take a fall, we keep our awareness in the way we get up, with attention to Nage. "It ain't over until it's over". We use Zanshin (残心), being alert and aware, just in case there is another encounter coming right after.

Ukemi is a great way to closely observe ourselves, especially since our role is to blend with someone or something outside of us. Taking Ukemi has a wonderful application to all areas of our life - so please, do try it at home... and at the office, and on the road - the results are very satisfying!