The Importance of a Good Uke

Uke: In Japanese martial arts, the uke (pronounced oo-keh) is the person who "receives" a technique.

Last night in Jiu Jitsu class I was working with a new white belt and I was struck by how much good training requires not only yourself knowing what you are supposed to be doing, but the uke knowing what is going on too.

I was trying to practice sparring by throwing half speed back fists, reverse punches, and some kicks. My partner was unsure of where to move or how exactly to block and I often found myself too close or getting whack by elbows and forearms. You see, the uke is supposed to let some attacks through and they are supposed to withdraw to simulate actual fighting because in a real fight you don't always have time to block everything.

Another thing a good uke does is tell you when you are off in your technique, but I don't expect a new white belt student with no previous martial arts background to be able to do that.  I know that both traits of a good uke come with time and experiecne. Still, I was struck by the difference last night especially when compared to training with high belts at the lunch classes.