Ukemi (breakfall technique)

Ukemi is a breakfall technique to diffuse attacker's force by gracefully landing.  It is one of the very first things learned in Judo because it prevents injury in practice and competition.  We practice ukemi over and over until it becomes part of our automatic bodily movement and upon falling ukemi naturally happens.

As I get older and notice more and more that being able to fall safely is very useful technique to have in life.  I've got hit by a truck or falling off high places without any major injuries.  All thanks to years of judo training.

In judo matches and practices it is more fun to throw others and win matches, but as I age, I realize the importance of being a good uke (receiver of throws) and practice falling in all kinds of ways.

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