Thread: Ukemi 101
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Old 09-06-2014, 01:14 PM   #23
Michael Hackett
Dojo: Kenshinkan Dojo (Aikido of North County) Vista, CA
Location: Oceanside, California
Join Date: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,253
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Re: Ukemi 101

The unbendable arm is the starting point. Have them get "strong" with that and that ability will aid a great deal.

Then, as Ian suggested, start working on what we call "koho tento undo" or back rolling exercise. One starts seated with one leg extended, then rolls backwards and then forward to the starting position. That gets repeated five times and then the student switches legs and does five more and switches legs again. Next the student rolls up to a position with one knee up and one down and rolls backwards and to the starting position five times, switches legs and repeats. Lastly the student assumes a full standing position, drops down and rolls backwards and back to standing five times on each side. That exercise helps them develop both a comfort level and a curved back.

After koho tento undo, have the student roll backwards from sitting or kneeling four or five times and then roll forward on the last repetition. One he develops some success and confidence, rolling seems to come fairly easily.

As for the exercise ball, they have proven to be valuable in our dojo. The biggest issue though is the arm placement on the ball - it is important to have the student place his forward arm on TOP of the ball as that replicates the unbendable arm position pretty accurately.

Then, of course you can always get a copy of Ellis Amdur's "Ukemi From The Ground Up", which I think is a valuable tool for both doing ukemi and for teaching it.

Good luck!

Michael
"Leave the gun. Bring the cannoli."
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