By Glyn Jones
"Chugaeri" Rolling Breakfall
The art of falling was defined around the year 1882, when Master Jigoro Kano was formalising his school of Ju Jutsu (Judo) at the now famous Eishoji Temple. Prior to
this, little or no consideration was given to the receiver (Uke) of such techniques. Injuries are known to have been frequent and of a serious nature. The first codifications
of safe falling can be found in early writings on Ju Jutsu, where it is refered to as a "Ha-Uchi". "Ha" is a contraction of "Hane" or wing, and "Uchi" is of course to strike.
Thus defining the action of the arms during breakfalling. Which is in resemblance to a bird flapping it's wings on the ground as they often do during their call of mateing.
The term "Ukemi" is the wording nowadays and derives from the Japanese verb "Ukeru", which means to receive oneself or one's own body, with "Mi" meaning the "body".
Ukemi is to be practiced through a technique progression, beginning from a prone, seated, or kneeling position, and gradually moving on to fall falls to the side and rear.
Later moving on to rolls, flip overs, and swallow dives. Through the teachings of a Sensei who is competent in this Art is the best way to learn, as there are many areas of
importance that one should be concentrating on.
this, little or no consideration was given to the receiver (Uke) of such techniques. Injuries are known to have been frequent and of a serious nature. The first codifications
of safe falling can be found in early writings on Ju Jutsu, where it is refered to as a "Ha-Uchi". "Ha" is a contraction of "Hane" or wing, and "Uchi" is of course to strike.
Thus defining the action of the arms during breakfalling. Which is in resemblance to a bird flapping it's wings on the ground as they often do during their call of mateing.
The term "Ukemi" is the wording nowadays and derives from the Japanese verb "Ukeru", which means to receive oneself or one's own body, with "Mi" meaning the "body".
Ukemi is to be practiced through a technique progression, beginning from a prone, seated, or kneeling position, and gradually moving on to fall falls to the side and rear.
Later moving on to rolls, flip overs, and swallow dives. Through the teachings of a Sensei who is competent in this Art is the best way to learn, as there are many areas of
importance that one should be concentrating on.
| Breakfalling "Ukemi" An Essential Part of Karate Training |
Breakfalls (Ukemi), are without doubt one of the most neglected areas of practise in
Karate training. (In most Dojos anyway !). Yet they are a vital part of our training at the
Shinken Dojo, and should not just be confined to the arts of Judo, Ju Jutsu and Aikido.
Personally I feel that Karate students should be introduced to the art of ukemi as soon
as they enter a Karate Dojo, just as they are in the throwing based arts. The reason
being is that most if not all Karate Dojos, regardless of their direction in training,
teach at least some forms of basic foot sweeps and takedowns even at quite a junior
level. Of which a bad landing from such a technique, can quite easily result in severe
consequences for the receiver. These bad landings can and do regularly occur.
Especially if no or little attempt is made to break the fall. Or a badly executed attempt at
that. One also needs to note that the bodys
natural reaction during flight is to tense up in preparation for impact with the floor.
Causing you to be winded at best.
Another common tendency is to thrust out one or both hands
in the direction one is falling. Causing sprained or broken
wrists. Therefore, some sort of training obviously needs to
be in place to override these natural human instincts that we
all poses. Where by we can transgress through a fall,
takedown, or throw, with confidence and ease.
The need for such a practice in Karate then is most certainly
growing, especially as many are now returning their art to it’s
roots. Where by senior exponents are researching and then
exploring the deeper levels of Okinawan Karate Training.
Karate training. (In most Dojos anyway !). Yet they are a vital part of our training at the
Shinken Dojo, and should not just be confined to the arts of Judo, Ju Jutsu and Aikido.
Personally I feel that Karate students should be introduced to the art of ukemi as soon
as they enter a Karate Dojo, just as they are in the throwing based arts. The reason
being is that most if not all Karate Dojos, regardless of their direction in training,
teach at least some forms of basic foot sweeps and takedowns even at quite a junior
level. Of which a bad landing from such a technique, can quite easily result in severe
consequences for the receiver. These bad landings can and do regularly occur.
Especially if no or little attempt is made to break the fall. Or a badly executed attempt at
that. One also needs to note that the bodys
natural reaction during flight is to tense up in preparation for impact with the floor.
Causing you to be winded at best.
Another common tendency is to thrust out one or both hands
in the direction one is falling. Causing sprained or broken
wrists. Therefore, some sort of training obviously needs to
be in place to override these natural human instincts that we
all poses. Where by we can transgress through a fall,
takedown, or throw, with confidence and ease.
The need for such a practice in Karate then is most certainly
growing, especially as many are now returning their art to it’s
roots. Where by senior exponents are researching and then
exploring the deeper levels of Okinawan Karate Training.
Indeed, these discoveries have increased both the usage and complexity of many throws and takedowns now being
executed within our Karate Dojo’s. Moving on from using just basic ashi bari’s (foot sweeps) or takedowns, to full on over
shoulder throws. Then later moving on to the more dangerous and hidden throws of old Okinawan Karate, that are to be
executed by using the head, neck or joints firmly locked in place. Exploration of this nature, quite naturally makes
breakfalling an essential part of our Karate training.
executed within our Karate Dojo’s. Moving on from using just basic ashi bari’s (foot sweeps) or takedowns, to full on over
shoulder throws. Then later moving on to the more dangerous and hidden throws of old Okinawan Karate, that are to be
executed by using the head, neck or joints firmly locked in place. Exploration of this nature, quite naturally makes
breakfalling an essential part of our Karate training.
The development of this method by Dr Kano is ingenious to say the least ! Your arms and at times legs act
like shock absorbers, striking the mat or tetami, a fraction of a second before the body lands, though
sometimes the two are so close together they are almost simultaneous. Your head is alaways to be well
tucked in and the spine is to be curved. Vulnerable joints such as the hips and knees must be pulled clear as
contact with the floor is made.
like shock absorbers, striking the mat or tetami, a fraction of a second before the body lands, though
sometimes the two are so close together they are almost simultaneous. Your head is alaways to be well
tucked in and the spine is to be curved. Vulnerable joints such as the hips and knees must be pulled clear as
contact with the floor is made.
Bearing in mind today's heightened awareness of one's health and safety, it is very wise to learn how to fall
safely and correctly without injury. Much practice is also required before even contemplating being a receiver
"Uke" to one who is highly experienced in the Art of throwing techniques "Nage Waza". As to be able to land
safely at ease and without personal injury when techniques are being executed at full speed.
Truely does need for you to be compitent within the Art known as Ukemi.
safely and correctly without injury. Much practice is also required before even contemplating being a receiver
"Uke" to one who is highly experienced in the Art of throwing techniques "Nage Waza". As to be able to land
safely at ease and without personal injury when techniques are being executed at full speed.
Truely does need for you to be compitent within the Art known as Ukemi.
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| Shinken Dojo Okinawa Goju Ryu Karate |
By Glyn Jones
