Psychologists say that we are born with only two natural fears: the fear of loud noises and the fear of falling. It is natural for us to fear falling. Overcoming that fear is a key to your confidence with takedowns and grappling overall. Ukemi is the unsung skill that transforms a potential hazard into an opportunity for growth. As a grappler, mastering the art of Ukemi is the biggest secret to building confidence in your takedowns. There are two primary reasons for regular practice of breakfalls.

The First Pillar: Ukemi for Involuntary Falls

The first primary reason Ukemi is indispensable lies in its application when we fall involuntarily—whether it's an opponent scoring a takedown or a simple slip in our everyday lives. Ukemi is the safety net that prevents these falls from turning into potential injuries. It's the shield that guards against the unexpected, providing us with the ability to recover swiftly and continue the fight, both on and off the mat.

The Second Pillar: Ukemi for Confident Attack

The second pillar underscores Ukemi's role in building the confidence to attack for the takedown. We cannot commit to executing a takedown if we are not confident in our ability to fall safely. Ukemi is not just about self-preservation but a prerequisite for offensive maneuvers. To confidently attack with a takedown, we must first be competent and comfortable with our own ability to navigate the descent. Ukemi becomes the foundation upon which we build our grappling prowess.

It is for these reasons that ukemi should be part of every practice session, whether it is a “takedown day” or not. Muscle memory for breakfalls is of paramount importance. When a fall happens, we typically do not have any time to “think” about what our reaction will be. We want quality breakfall to be a reflex action in that instant.

Transform your approach to takedowns with the secret weapon of Ukemi, ensuring that you not only conquer falls but emerge with newfound confidence in every takedown attempt. Stay tuned for insights, tips, and exercises that will elevate your confidence in the art of the takedown.

And remember, when you learn one technique you know one technique.
When you learn a concept you know a thousand techniques.

See you on the flipside. - Larry Keith