Falling in Aikido

Last week's article stated that the original purpose of throwing in martial arts was to defeat the opponent. This is still the case in competitive budo today. In contrast, throwing in aikido is merely the culmination of a technique.
The counterpart to throwing is falling. This is usually considered more difficult than throwing. The type of fall depends on how you are thrown. In Ki Aikido, acrobatic variations are not particularly common. If you fall well, you won't injure yourself and can get up immediately and continue practicing.

1 Forward Roll

The forward roll is required in the 4th Kyu examination program. A 2nd Kyu student volunteered for the video.
In Aikido techniques, the forward roll is used when Uke is guided forward. The video shows kirikaeshi, zenponage, and kaitennage as examples.

2 Backward Roll

The backward roll is also required in the 4th Kyu exam, although, unlike in other styles, it is rarely used in Ki Aikido. Instead, after falling backward, one rocks forward and stands up facing forward.
The main difference between a backward roll and a backward fall followed by a forward rock is the resulting distance. When rolling, Uke moves far enough away from Nage. When rocking, it is the responsibility of Nage to create the appropriate maai by stepping back.

3 Falling Backward

Not only in shihonage, but also in various kokyunage, in Ki Aikido one falls backward without rolling back. The fall is cushioned by a rocking motion.

4 Slip through

In various kokyunage, such as "iriminage," as it's called in other styles, we prefer to let uke pass us rather than enter him (irimi). This way, his legs continue to move while his upper body is slightly stopped. This creates the typical "slip through," which is also a pleasant way to fall.

5 Fly

Jumping forward with the legs and then falling to the ground like a feather is a fine move for uke. We use this form in jonage with ashibarai.

6 Somersault

In some Aikido styles, throwing techniques borrowed from Judo have survived, such as koshinage. Uke is thrown more or less high into the air, but Nage doesn't let him go, forcing Uke to a "free fall" and to perform a somersault. The problem is the impact on the ground, which must be cushioned with the entire body. Yoshigasaki Sensei also demonstrates an alternative to this throwing.

7 Enjoying Falling

Continued throwing during demonstrations is a good opportunity for this uke to verify her physical fitness. She doesn't let herself get discouraged, she is always getting up immediately to attack again. Knowing that Nage can throw well, she doesn't have to worry and can enjoy the movements. It's a bit like riding a carousel, and it's free, too.
Intense practice as an uke is important to become a good nage, as can be seen in the corresponding video in the previous article on throwing.

8 Falling Together

Nage and uke falling together sometimes helps to better understand the movement. Especially in children's class, this is also a recommended method to overcome the concept of confrontation and promote cooperation.

9 Throwing and falling exercise

Uke should attack fluidly. Nage performs simple techniques.

10 Throwing and falling exercise

Uke should attack fluidly. Nage performs simple techniques.