While we continue covering structure and foundation, we are expanding to include mae ukemi (forward rolls) and ushiro ukemi (backward rolls). With each of these ukemi (literally meaning to fall away from harm), we want to ensure that we are rolling across the sholders. When we do this, by turning our bodies to allow a “blading”, we are able to utilize our shoulders to roll and protect our spine, head and neck.  In addition to the ukemi practice, we will be working on defense from a multitude of grasps including shoulder, hands from the rear, and bear hug.

1. Ukemi ~ Ukemi is the Japaneese word for falling away from harm. Mae ukemi (forward roll); Ushiro ukemi (backward roll)
2. If a child is being abducted, the most probable situation is that they will be grabbed and pulled along by a wrist, elbow or shoulder; or they may be bearhugged in an attempt to pick them up and carry them away.