The Art of Being an Uke or Tori

    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.

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