Ukemi in a literary sense means “receiving body or self.” The person who performs a waza is known as tori (taker) and the person to whom it is performed is known as uke (receiver). In the simplest terms possible, the “uke” part of ukemi as in Tori and Uke means “receiving” and is a person who is on the receiving end of throw. It is always used in a passive sense. Mi means “body or self”. In this case, self is the better translation. In his Kodokan Judo, Kano Sensei states “before practicing throwing techniques or engaging in randori, it is imperative to master ukemi, the technique of falling safely.” Therefore, ukemi means “falling safely” when one receives a throw. Judo practitioners typically devote a portion of each practice session to ukemi, so that nage-waza can be practiced without significant risk of injury. Distinct types of ukemi exist, including:

• Ushiro Ukemi (Rear break-fall)
• Yoko Ukemi (Side break-fall)

• Mae Ukemi (Front break-fall)
• Zenpo Kaiten Ukemi, also known as Mae Mawari Ukemi (Rolling break-fall)