Martial intent
Dissipate the energy of a forward throw through continuous rotation. Protect the spine and joints during a rolling fall.
In short
This is a falling technique (Ukemi) that teaches you how to roll forward safely to both the right and left sides.
The idea is to transform your body into a supple wheel that progressively distributes the impact, from the rounded arm to the opposite shoulder and then across the back, following a diagonal path depending on the side engaged.
This rotational movement protects the spine and joints by dispersing the energy of the fall over a wide surface, like a wave gently spreading across sand.
Video
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Source: official YouTube channel of the Kodokan Judo Institute
⚠️ This technique should be learned and practised in a club under the supervision of a qualified instructor. The explanations below do not replace supervised judo training.
Steps
- Stand with the right or left foot placed slightly diagonally across the body.
- Extend the corresponding arm (right or left) in a rounded arc, with the hand pointing outward and the elbow relaxed.
- Bend the legs and place the hand on the tatami, keeping the arm rounded and the chin tucked in.
- Roll diagonally over the engaged forearm, the opposite shoulder, and then the back, without impact.
- As the back touches the mat, tap the ground with the free arm, palm open, to dissipate the energy of the fall.
- Finish on one side, body engaged and stable, legs straight and slightly crossed.
Key points
- Keep the engaged arm (right or left) rounded throughout the rotation to protect the joints.
- Roll diagonally from the engaged arm toward the opposite shoulder, never directly onto the spine, regardless of the side being practised.
- Keep the chin tucked toward the chest to protect the head and neck.
- Use the momentum of the movement to transform the energy of the fall into a fluid rotation, on both the right and left sides.
- Dissipate the remaining energy by tapping the tatami with the open palm of the free arm.
Recommendations
Focus on the diagonal trajectory of the movement by visualising a line crossing the body from the entry shoulder to the opposite hip.
To optimise energy dissipation, maintain continuous contact with the tatami by forming a smooth, regular curve with the spine, avoiding isolated points of impact.
Direct the gaze toward the back hip to naturally initiate the rotation and keep the head protected throughout the roll.
Common mistakes
Beginners often try to roll directly “onto the spine” in a straight line rather than following a diagonal path.
This mistake is usually the result of muscular stiffness and apprehension, which prevent the natural rounding of the back.
How to fix them
- Place the right or left hand flat on the mat, depending on the side being practised, with the fingers pointing inward at approximately forty-five degrees.
- Initiate the movement by actively pushing with the back leg while directing the gaze toward the hip opposite the engaged arm.
- Consciously exaggerate the sensation of rolling over the outer edge of the engaged arm and the opposite shoulder blade to establish the correct diagonal trajectory, on both the right and left sides.
- Begin by practising the fall from a kneeling position on both sides to develop this sensation before progressing to the standing position.