Isn't performing Kata a beautiful thing? It's through learning and practising Kata, that free play develops, and as free play develops, the martial artist develops too.
Perhaps a strange introductory sentence, but since I'm not fully training properly at the moment, my mind does tend to wander off on such tangents. And yes you did read that right, I'm back training, in a fashion anyway.
What started this train of thought was that I am currently banned both medically and also by Sensei not to do any Ukemi unless I have to. Its in my best interests whilst the endometriosis is still active because basically, if I fall badly, that may trigger further bleeding, and it also hurts too much anyway. So frankly, I don't really mind, but I miss it. Again you read that right, the girl who hates Ukemi, misses doing it, even though there is a very valid reason for her not to be doing many breakfalls at the moment.
Anyway, enough waffle!
I ended up reflecting on the roles of both Tori and Uke, not as it being one person does the technique and the other is thrown...but more of when you swap over and assume the opposite role. As I can't fully Uke at the moment, I'm finding that the technique doesn't feel fully complete, and that there is something missing. Yes, I can give verbal feedback on being taken to the point of balance, but the last couple of weeks have really taught me the value of ukemi when training with someone.
I was always given to think that the main reason for ukemi was to practise safely. Well, yes it is- but maybe the underlying reason is that Tori can see that the technique works. If Uke remains on their feet, the technique is not correct. So perharps ukemi and tapping out is Uke saying 'yes this works'.
