Aikido Techniques: Yoko Ukemi (Side/Break Fall)…Should It Hurt?

Aikido Techniques: Sumi Otoshi

Yoko ukemi is a side fall that is often referred to as break fall and is part of the fundamental Aikido techniques.  This is also a great example of how Aikido techniques are similar to those of Judo.  These similarities involve training the mind to be comfortable with what many would consider a fully exposed position of being airborne and falling straight toward the ground….on your back!

Aikido techniques and Judo: Old School

My early martial arts training was in the martial of Judo.  When I first entered the dojo, I learned to proper way to wear the gi (uniform) and then the real work began.  My sensei (instructor) believed in teaching Judo in the “Old School” way meaning that I spent the first week feeling like a tackling dummy as I was continuously thrown to the mat by a senior student so that I could learn ukemi (the art of falling).  Again and again I was thrown to the ground.  While learning ukemi was tedious it was, nevertheless, essential to my getting a sense of what it took to disturb balance as well as how to fall safely on the mat.  Old School method requires a firm foundation of the basics before one is taught to throw.

Koshi nage (hip throw) – Where Aikido Techniques and Judo Coincide

A basic Aikido technique is koshi nage (hip throw) which is similar to some Judo throws.  Aikido students are often reticent to throw and be thrown because it involves yoko ukemi and the perception of some newer students is that it hurts.  This begs the obvious question: “should it hurt?”  The short answer is no.   However, it is also true that many students are afraid to fall because hip throws create a feeling of exposure.  It is easier to learn to roll out of a projection throw than to adjust one’s body as it is falling straight down in an effort to dissipate the kinetic energy.

The following articles discuss how the principles learned in the martial art of Judo can also help take ukemi without excessive concern about “hurting something.”