Up until now we'd always done our Ukemi in a fairly broken down fashion. In this lesson we had the opportunity, whilst practicing our Kihon Waza (basic techniques), to experience full-projected Ukemi.

I was looking forward to it and jumped at the chance to be thrown around the room as Swanny (one of the fellow pupils) applied the technique. It was pretty liberating as he span and hip-turned me nearly 360º. I even got some air as I was going around and felt like shouting 'Cowabunga!' such was my euphoria.

It's a great feeling to be able to take the techniques well and be a good Uke for Shite.

Combined with a roll when we explored more practical techniques using a Tanto (wooden knife) was even better. I almost felt like a freaking superhero, it was all so free-moving and fluid.

But let's not get carried away, I did struggle as Shite during the practical techniques. I was moving too early, possibly the presence of the Tanto making me nervous or a little too juiced. It's something I'll have to work on.

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