The Proper Role of NAGE & UKE in Aikido Training

by Tip Harris Sensei

When we train in Aikido, we use the KATA method of training. That is, after the Sensei has demonstrated the attack and defense, and the role he expects the NAGE (the person performing a defensive technique) and UKE (the person attacking) to perform, we pair up with a partner and alternate the roles of NAGE and UKE.


It is important to understand that this KATA form we use is not a contest between NAGE and UKE in which they compete with each other, but rather a controlled situation that both parties should learn from. A proper understanding of the role of both NAGE and UKE is very important for the training to be beneficial to both.

There is a clear distinction between real life and what happens on the DOJO mat. In real life... (CLICK HERE to read the rest of the article.)

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Why Do We Spend So Much Time Learning UKEMI? part 2

What does a black belt in Aikido mean to you? I was told that a black belt should be able to take UKEMI from any throw. My training insured that was true. UKEMI is the Japanese term for being able to safely receive an Aikido technique from anyone. It is the ability to follow, flow and fall without injury. It is often said that the first three years in Aikido training is UKEMI. UKEMI is that important.

A few years ago, we were training in Sasaki sensei's dojo in Fujiminou City in Saitama, Japan. Many of his students were already 4th, 5th, and 6th degree black belts. Sasaki Sensei, himself, is an 8th degree black belt. So imagine me, being only a 2nd degree black belt at the time! I was intimidated to say the least. In this situation, 2nd degree black or NI-DAN means next to nothing. Their level of understanding of techniques was so deep that it would blow your mind. In this situation, the only thing I could be confident in was my UKEMI. In their presence, I wasn’t even comfortable saying that I had a basic understanding of Aikido. All I knew was that I could receive their techniques. Of course, it is by receiving their techniques that I would learn the most from them. That is where the real learning in Aikido takes place, through the physical dialogue of UKEMI.

Once you’ve learned to take UKEMI, your technique will follow. If you really want to improve your Aikido technique… focus on developing your UKEMI. A little known secret about Aikido is that UKEMI is the key to reaching black belt, not technique execution. Many students spend a disproportionate amount of their focus on the performance of techniques like KOTE-GAESHI or SHIHO-NAGE. If one is truly present during training, one will be extremely intent while be both uke and nage. Being equally skilled is what will make you a complete aikidoka.

Yakusokugeko – The Proper Roles of Uke and Nage

Since Aikido is about avoiding struggle and performing a technique with the least amount of effort, we must consider our roles as both Uke and Nage.

As Nage, first and foremost, it is our responsibility to protect Uke. If there is resistance, if one is off balance or if the technique just is not going as it should, just relax, slow down and find your "way." Aikido is about power - an inner power - rather than force. Try not to force a technique. As Nage it is our responsibility to smoothly establish and maintain a connection with Uke throughout each technique.

As Uke it is our responsibility to provide a realistic attack (but not overly aggressive), and then move our bodies in relationship to Nage's movement so as to be in the safest position possible, while maintaining a sense of connection.

Grabs by Uke should be firm, but not rigid. The hand and wrist will be used to control whatever is being grabbed. The rest of the body should remain loose and able to adapt to the situation.
Strikes by Uke should have good extension, without locking out your own joints. Locking out joint can lead to injuries. Always try to keep some bend in the elbows, and give about 95% of your full energy. You do not want to over commit and not be able to react.

The loss of connection is an opportunity for either Uke or Nage to commence a new attack. Therefore, maintaining the connection is of the utmost importance.

Remember, you take ukemi to avoid injury only. Uke must be able to respond appropriately to the situation. This requires much training and introspection as how to do this best.

"Free of weakness ignore the sharp attacks of your enemies: Step in and act!"
– Morihei Ueshiba