Uke (martial arts)

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Uke


Uke on the left, "receiving" a throw by executing a forward roll.
Japanese name
Kanji: 受け
Hiragana: うけ

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?), tori or shite.

The action of uke is called "taking ukemi (受身?)." 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 - a forward roll from the leading foot's shoulder to the hip on the opposite side.
  • Mae ukemi - 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 - a backwards roll or fall.
  • Yoko ukemi - a sideways fall.
  • Tobi ukemi - more of a forward flip than a roll, a cross between yoko (landing) and mae ukemi (initiation), often used in response to wrist throws.

A description of some of these techniques can be found within the U.S. Army Field Manual 3-25.150.

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.