Breakfalling Kata

As well as being able to perform breakfalls independently, jitsuka are also trained to fall in formation with one another. This is known as ukemi kata. The kata can be performed from kneeling or standing, and there is often a transition from kneeling to standing.

Ukemi kata is quite unusual in that it is usually demonstrated in a dynamic fashion with an instructor calling out the breakfalls for the jitsuka to perform.

When the call for ukemi kata is made, the jitsuka should make their way quickly (i.e. run) out into a neat formation facing the way the instructor requests, or by default facing the kamiza. The jitsuka should line out either in a grid, or in a staggered pattern - whatever looks neatest.

For example:

   X   X   X             X   X   X   X
   X   X   X               X   X   X
   X   X   X             X   X   X   X

The most senior grades should aim to stand at the front of the formation, and the jitsuka should progressively decrease in grade as the formation sweeps back.

The instructor will give any supplementary instructions (e.g. for kneeling down), and before each breakfall is carried out the instructor will call out the fall to be performed. Only when the instructor calls out 'break' should the jitsuka perform the fall. If a jitsuka performs the fall out of time they run a high risk of hitting another jitsuka (if they go early), or being hit by another jitsuka (if they go late) - hence the skill.

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