JTUC Ukemi Test
About
In order to participate in JTUC Hawaii programs, all participants must pass a JTUC ukemi test regardless of rank or belt color. The JTUC ukemi test will be administered by an approved JTUC mat supervisor by request or upon completion of the JTUC Ukemi Class (see below).
Purpose
The purpose of the JTUC Ukemi Test is to ensure the safety of all our judoka.
Furthermore, the motion of all judo throws is that of throwing oneself. If a judoka is not confident or capable landing safely when throwing him or herself, that judoka will never be able to throw another person successfully or well.
The JTUC Ukemi Test ensures that all program participants will have the basic skills necessary to reap benefits of program participation. Just as basic foundational math skills of adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing are necessary before learning Algebra, Geometry, or Calculus, so it is necessary to have solid foundational ukemi skills before attempting to learn advanced skills like throwing.
Preparation
The test will consist of the following:
verbal explanation of landing body position for back, front, and side falls
back falls from sitting, squatting, standing, and moving positions
side falls from sitting, squatting, and standing positions
front falls from kneeling positions
cat falls
randori style falls - test takers will need to land correctly after being thrown with the most common (non-sacrifice) throws: tai-otoshi, ogoshi, ouchi gari, kouchi gari, osoto gari, seoinage, haraigoshi, deashi harai.
JTUC Ukemi Class
About
JTUC programs are accessible to all. If anyone does not pass the JTUC Ukemi Test, or does not feel confident to take it, he or she may join a JTUC Ukemi Class, where all the basics of ukemi will be taught.
Purpose
The sole focus of the ukemi class is to teach participants to fall safely and well. The entire class will be dedicated to providing participants with ukemi practice time.
Anyone of any level with the goal of practicing or brushing up on ukemi skills is welcome to join.
Completion
The JTUC Ukemi Class will be "completed" when an individual acquires the skills necessary to pass the JTUC Ukemi Test. The JTUC Ukemi Test will be administered according to individual need and preparedness whenever appropriate.