During our karate training there are certain roles we play in order to safely practice. We call these roles, Uke and Tori. The Tori is the "defender" or the person who successfully completes the technique. The Uke is the "receiver" or the person who usually initiates the attack and receives the throw, pin or lock.  Sometimes the Uke is referred to as the "attacker" however, this is not accurate. In some cases, the Tori may initiate the attack or first more, the Uke counters and the Tori completes the defense technique.
    There is an art to being a good Uke and Tori. There is an important relationship between the two partners. If one partner doesn't perform their technique properly, with enthusiasm and in the correct way it could take away from the lesson or possibly even lead to injury.
    Are you being a good Uke or Tori? Here are some tips to help you become a better Uke and Tori.

• Be enthusiastic. As an Uke when you throw the initial attack, do it with intention and excitement. This doesn't mean overly fast or hard. You want to perform the attack in such a way that it gives the Tori a fair chance to learn the technique. As the Tori, be ready to defend and do so with the same enthusiasm and speed as the Uke.
• Leave your ego at the door. Never give the impression that you know more or are better than the partner you are working with. It's okay to have pride in yourself, but don't underestimate your partner. This attitude robs yourself of learning something new. If you do something 1,000 times, does that mean you know it? No, this means you have had 1,000 opportunities to experience it. Never assume you are too great to take those first steps repeatedly. I have been taught things from white belts on their first day of training!
• Let your partner "feel" a good technique. Don't be a limp fish. Assist your partner in learning by giving them a good attack. Every attack and defense should come from the heart so you can practice being thrown, pinned, struck, kicked and taken down. With that said, you may have to adjust your speed and strength to match that of your partner. Follow your partner's lead, don't go full force and full speed if they aren't yet at the level to handle that at this point in their training.
  
• Don't be a spoiler. Nothing drives me crazier than an Uke that shows you how they can get out of every technique. Don't spoil the learning opportunity by telling them how you can get out of everything or worse actually getting out of all the techniques. Give your partner a chance to learn the motions as taught. It is perfectly fine to offer positive feedback like, "the wrist lock is loose" or "my balance is still good." A good Uke lets their partner work the motion, but always makes mental notes of the openings and opportunities.
  
• Remember both partners are learning. The Tori is learning how to properly perform an effective technique. The Uke is learning how to roll, fall and not get hurt when being taken down. The Uke and Tori relationship is really a partnership. If one of them does not do well, the other will not do well either.
  
• Practice safely. Be aware of body motion and distance from your partner. The goal is not to injure each other. Each person needs to be alert and aware of their partner. If you are going to take your partner down be aware of other students in the dojo, the edge of the mat, posts, mirrors, etc. Tori's listen to your partner! If they are tapping out, release the pressure right away. If you are the Uke, tap out BEFORE you feel pain. If you can tell they have you in the proper position and you are feeling the pressure, tap out. There is no need to be a tough guy or gal and try to see how much pain you can take.
  

    The Uke and Tori relationship is much like a dance -- It's lead and follow, listening and moving together. Keep it fresh and alive. Feel the excitement and thrill of motion as your arms circle and make contact with an incoming attack. Enjoy the beauty of doing something you love and appreciating the most basic of its movements every time, like it was the first time.

    Have you ever been pushed to your limit? I'm not talking about being tired from a hard work out or being mentally drained from a challenging day. I'm talking about mentally, physically and spiritually just barely hanging on.  Perhaps you have been in a situation where you found yourself out of breath, heart pounding, body aching, bruised, bloodied and barely standing. It's a point where you are so worn out that it takes every ounce of mental energy to focus on moving one foot in front of the other. Step by step you move, inching yourself forward with a determination to never give up even though you are completely tapped out.
    If you have ever been there, then you are one of very few people who have. Rarely do we push ourselves to our limit. 

    With this in mind, I am hosting a special challenge that coincides with a celebration. The challenge is called Kokoro Kaizen (more on this in a bit). The celebration is the two-year anniversary of the Branson branch of Seiyo-no Shorin-ryu Karate & Kobudo. Our dojo, at the Branson Sports Club, first opened it's doors on Aug. 28, 2010!
    We will host our anniversary challenge/celebration on Saturday, Aug. 25th at Sensei Borich's home. For those of you who haven't been to Sensei's home, she lives on a little acreage surrounded by woods, hiking trails and a path down to the lake. It will be a nice setting for the challenge and celebration.
    What does Kokoro Kaizen mean?
    Kokoro is a Japanese word that represents mind, heart and spirit. In the Japanese culture, there is no distinction between the three. Similar to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit in Christianity, they are different, but still the same. In Japan, they often point to their heart when discussing kokoro as it represents the center or essence of a human being.
    Kaizen is a Japanese word for "improvement." Specifically, it represents a practice that focuses upon continuous improvement for the better. It's a process of continuous, gradual, orderly and never ending improvement. In karate, it means pushing yourself further each day... testing your limits.
    So, Kokoro Kaizen means "To improve the mind, body and spirit through never ending improvement."
    What will happen at Kokoro Kaizen?
    Kokoro Kaizen will test your limits. It's an opportunity to push yourself physically, mentally and spiritually. It is a series of challenges that all willing participants will be tasked to do. It will not be easy, but those who complete the challenges and push through their own limitations will be awarded.  The event starts at 7 a.m. with group exercises and then a 4-mile run/hike. Some of the challenges that you can expect are:

• Sit ups -- 100+
• Push ups -- 100+
• Kicks -- 100+
• Punches -- 100+
• Kata -- 50 x
• Blocks -- 100+

These, and other challenges, will be done outdoors in karate gi uniforms.
    For those Warriors who successfully complete Kokoro Kaizen, they will have their names emblazoned on a hand-carved hardwood Samurai totem. The Samurai totem is being crafted by Ronald Leach, Hanshi. The totem will have a permanent home in the Branson Dojo for all to see.
    The event will be followed by lunch and an anniversary celebration.
    How do I participate in Kokoro Kaizen?
    There are two ways to participate; as a Warrior or on the Support Squad. The Warriors will compete in the event. The Support Squad will assist with tracking participants, set up, clean up, food/water and general cheer leading. Cost to participate is by donation only. We will use the donations to start a karate scholarship fund for honorable students who could use help with purchasing equipment and karate tuition.  The deadline to register is Aug. 7, 2012.
    Where do I get more information and register?
Click here to Contact Sensei Borich.  She will provide information and registration documentation.


A Kokoro Kaizen warrior cannot give up. Even after he is broken, fatigued and wanting nothing more than to just give up, he must keep fighting. There may come a time when a Kokoro Kaizen warrior won't have the luxury to quit fighting, because lives may depend on it.