Miyama-ryu Ju-Jutsu of Miami
THE ART OF BEING THROWN & UKEMI
by O'Sensei Echavarria
Miyama-ryu Combat Ju-jutsu is a non competitive martial art and the most lethal form of self defense ever. It comprises of throws, chokes, joint-locks, pressure points, weapons, strikes (kicks and punches) and break falls.
The best way to perfect a throw is to continually practice it until it becomes smooth and automatic. However sometimes training can be jeopardize if the person being thrown is not willing to go. Some one would argue that you should be able to throw a person regardless of whether they are willing or not. That's true in a a real life threatening situation, but in the point of view of practice we are trying to perfect a throw and built up confidence in being thrown and that's the most important factor with a beginner.
It is normal to tense yourself a little in anticipation of a throw, particularly on a more advanced techniques as there is a degree of trust and confidence required, but some people involuntarily resist being thrown. This automated reaction can actually make it tough for the person throwing, no matter how skilled they are and then there is the risk of injury for both practitioners.
As an instructor, I believe it is important to identify immediately a student who might have difficulty at being thrown (usually a first timer). Normally, you would notice the student tends to appear rigid when going over their partner's body instead of giving and relaxed. They may have a tendency to roll off their partner's hip to one side which can quickly become a bad habit as well as detrimental to their safety and ukemi or break falling skills. That is an involuntary attempt to control the direction of their fall.
To help students having trouble with being thrown, I put them through several stages. First, the Tori or student throwing moves into the preparation position for the throw in Ippon Soenage (e.g. feet placed between their partner's legs, arms in the right position, body leaning slightly forward and knees slightly bent to get below their partner's center of gravity). The Uke or student being thrown then needs to lean onto their partner and allow them to control the balance. Watch they are not pulling back off their partner or have planted their feet into the mat to attempt to keep their own center of gravity. I tell them to be "light like an empty jacket" on their feet, almost to the point of lifting off their feet of the mat. At this stage don't attempt the throw. I get them to do this "Uchikomi or entrance" a few times.
The next stage is to for the Uke or student being thrown to allow their whole body to be lifted off the ground and balanced on the back of their partner's. This is good practice for both practitioner. For the Tori or one throwing, it helps them find the center of balance of holding another person on their back and learning where bodyweight should be. For the Uke or one being thrown, it gives them a sensation of being totally committed to giving up their control as they dangle across their partner's back. Discourage them from staring at the mat. It puts a mental block in place. Make them think about preparing for their throw by relaxing, breathing and getting ready to perform a ukemi or break fall. Once again, don't do the throw and do a few "Uchikomi or entrance" up to this stage until both are comfortable with it.
The last stage is the actual throw. Keep reiterating to the Uke or student being thrown to relax when lifted. Watch that the Tori or student throwing is also not under duress and have their partner's body in their control. They should now do the throw in one flowing movement. The uke or person being thrown should finally come down in the correct ukemi or break fall and the Tori or person throwing should still be holding onto their partner's arm, controlling the speed, impact and direction of the throw. Once a student has achieved a good ukemi or break fall as an outcome of a throw, it increases their confidence. The next time around, they will be relaxed now knowing what to expect from a throw and that they aren't going to get hurt!
There is a great benefit to being thrown. If you have no confidence in your partner or in your own break fall, things can go wrong and if you're hurt even in the most miniscule way, it can put a mental block in place which makes it harder and harder to overcome as time goes on.
I believe the responsibility is mutual between two students practicing an throwing art. They both are responsible for their own safety and their partner too. If they understand this principle and practice their technique by working together as a team, then they will succeed in overcoming any fears of being thrown quickly.
Once you perfected your ukemi, you will know no limits in your practice.
9600 SW 8 St. local#51 Miami, FL. 33174
Tel: 305 229-3839 / 305 978-5595