Uke - Aikido Knowledge Base - Aikido Glossary
Uke
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:
In Japanese martial arts, the uke (受け?) (IPA: [ɯkɛ]) is the person who "receives" a technique.
The exact role of uke varies between the different arts and often within the art itself depending on the situation. For instance in aikido and also judo kata, uke initiates an attack against his partner, who then defends. In the early stages of training in traditional jujutsu, the primary function of the junior student is to be uke. In weapons based arts, uke is most often the teacher with the student attacking.
There are several terms used to describe the opposite of uke, again depending on the art or situation, they include nage (投げ, "thrower"?), tori (取り, "receiver"?) or shite (仕手, "doer"?).
The action of uke is called "taking ukemi (受け身?)." 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.
There are various forms of ukemi:
* Zenpo kaiten (前方回転?) - a forward roll from the leading foot's shoulder to the hip on the opposite side.
* Mae ukemi (前受け身?) - 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.
* Ushiro ukemi (後ろ受け身?) - a backwards roll or fall.
* Yoko ukemi (横受け身?) - a sideways fall.
* Tobi ukemi (飛び受け身?) - more of a forward flip than a roll, a cross between yoko (landing) and mae ukemi (initiation), often used in response to wrist throws.
An essential component of ukemi is awareness. The uke is able, with experience, to respond quickly to any action. Truly graceful ukemi derives from serious training and an often syncretic balance between partners.
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Aikido is a modern Japanese Martial Art and is very different from disciplines such as Karate, Kick Boxing, Taekwondo, Kung Fu, MMA, BJJ, Kempo and Krav Maga where there is emphasis on kicking, punching or wrestling.
Aikido is an extremely efficient self defence (also as Self-Defence Women London) system utilising balance-taking and posture-breaking movements to achieve joint locks, pins and throws. It contains elements of Ju Jitsu, Kendo, Judo and other budo.
Aikido Classes are held every Tuesday and Wednesday evening at our Harrow dojo, and Thursday evening at our Pinner dojo in NW London. Pinner Aikido Club London is a part of the Kai Shin Kai International Traditional Aikido Association (KSK), which is a member of the Aikido Alliance.
Aikido is essentially a non-violent Martial art system that encourages the avoidance of confrontation and harmony with an aggressor. The classes are well attended with Aikido students always on the mat and aimed at all levels, from beginner to advanced but everyone is welcome to come along regardless of fitness or experience.
Our Aikido students work at their own pace during the training sessions and no one is forced into doing anything they are not comfortable with.
Pinner Aikido Club in London can help you achieve self-defense skills, self-esteem, confidence, and fitness. Most of all though, our classes are fun.
You do not have to be competitive or naturally athletic to take part in the Aikido class. Learning Aikido is about self-improvement and self-confidence.
Regardless of your size, body type and current level of physical ability or disability. If you are looking for a healthier, more confident way of life, then the modern art of Aikido may well be for you.