- $39
Learn to Fall Safely — Aikido Ukemi Fundamentals
Master the art of safe falling with step-by-step progressions that build confidence, coordination, and control.
What You’ll Learn in This Course
In this course, you’ll learn how to roll and fall with control, protect your body, and build confidence in every motion.
Each lesson guides you step by step, helping you connect technique, awareness, and balance.
You’ll discover how Ukemi isn’t just a skill for martial arts, but a way to move more freely and safely in everyday life.
Understand the principles of safe falling
Learn forward, backward, and side rolls step by step
Develop coordination, flexibility, and core stability
Protect yourself from injury during training and daily movement
Gain confidence through mindful, controlled motion
Improve your body awareness and reaction speed
Who This Course Is For
This course is designed for anyone who wants to move safely, confidently, and with more awareness.
Whether you’re new to martial arts or already practice Aikido, Judo, or acrobatics — the Ukemi fundamentals will help you improve balance, coordination, and control.
The lessons are clear and accessible, making it easy to follow even if you’ve never practiced rolls or breakfalls before.
Aikido practitioners who want to refine their Ukemi technique
Martial artists from various backgrounds
Trickers, movers, and athletes looking for more body control
Beginners who want to learn safe falling step by step
Anyone interested in developing confidence through mindful movement
Course Content Overview
The course is structured step by step to help you build strong Ukemi fundamentals in a safe and logical way.
You’ll start with simple preparatory drills that develop balance and coordination, and gradually progress to full rolls and breakfalls.
Each section builds on the previous one, so you can learn at your own pace and gain confidence as you go.
Below is a short overview of what’s included:
Introduction – Welcome to Ukemi Training
Get started with the fundamentals. In this introduction, you’ll learn what Ukemi is and why it matters for your safety, health, and confidence. I’ll share a bit about my own journey and passion for Ukemi, and give you a clear overview of how this course will help you step by step to build strong fundamentals in falling safely.
Pre-Exercises for Safe Falling
Before we move into full rolls and breakfalls, this section introduces simple preparatory drills. These exercises will help you build balance, coordination, and body awareness, giving you a safe and solid foundation for all Ukemi techniques that follow.
Backward Roll Progressions (Ushiro Ukemi)
In this section, we begin our Ukemi practice with the backward roll – one of the safest and most fundamental falling techniques. Starting from a semi backward roll and gradually progressing to the full version, you’ll learn how to protect your head, spine, and arms while moving smoothly to the ground. These drills teach you how to absorb impact, stop momentum safely, and build the coordination needed for all future Ukemi.
Forward Roll Progressions (Mae Ukemi)
In this section, you will learn the forward roll, one of the most important Ukemi techniques. Step by step, we practice the roll from a kneeling position, then from standing, and finally a half forward roll. Each variation builds control, confidence, and the ability to fall safely while protecting your body. These progressions form the foundation for many other Ukemi skills.
Side Roll Progressions (Yoko Ukemi)
In this section, you’ll learn the full sideways roll (Yoko Ukemi) from a standing position. This technique builds on the preparatory drills from the Pre-Exercise section (Pre-Exercise 9, 10 & 11), where you practiced hand and leg placement and rolling up to standing.
Now you’ll combine those elements into one smooth standing roll. The sideways roll is often seen as the most challenging Ukemi, as it requires precise direction, timing, and body coordination. Once mastered, it greatly enhances your mobility, spatial awareness, and confidence in all Ukemi practice.
Conclusion & Next Steps
In this final section, we wrap up everything you’ve learned in this course. You’ll review the key ideas behind Ukemi and understand how to continue improving your rolls and breakfalls. This is also a good moment to reflect on your progress, set new goals for your training, and see how the fundamentals of Ukemi connect to more advanced techniques like the High Breakfall, the Tobi Ukemi.
What’s Included in the Course
This course is designed to give you everything you need to practice Ukemi safely and effectively — with clear explanations, practical drills, and detailed demonstrations from multiple angles.
All lessons are structured step by step, so you can learn at your own pace and revisit any section anytime.
Lifetime Access — Revisit any lesson whenever you want, at your own pace.
Step-by-Step Video Lessons — Each technique is explained clearly and demonstrated from different perspectives.
Slow-Motion Studies — Analyze each roll in detail with four slow-motion views per progression.
Safe & Progressive Learning — Every exercise builds gradually, helping you improve while avoiding unnecessary strain.
Instructor Guidance — If you have any questions just leave me a message - I`m here to help you.
Access on Any Device — Train from your computer, tablet, or phone - anywhere, anytime.
About me
Hi, I’m Thomas Inauen, founder of Tomtricks and Aikido practitioner.
Since 2001, I’ve been training martial arts and acrobatics, and I currently live and practice in Japan, training at the Aikikai Hombu Dojo in Tokyo.
Ukemi has always been one of my favorite aspects of Aikido.
It’s not only the dynamic of the movement and I also like it as a method to develop awareness, softness, and of course - avoid injury.
Through regular Ukemi practice, I’ve learned how to move with confidence, stay calm and recover quickly - skills that are just as valuable in daily life as they are on the mat.
I created this course to help you build the same foundation: a clear, step-by-step approach to falling safely, staying relaxed, and understanding how your body moves.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common questions about the Aikido Ukemi Fundamentals course.
Do I need previous experience in Aikido or Ukemi?
No. This course is designed for complete beginners and anyone who wants to learn how to fall safely and confidently.
All movements are introduced step by step, with clear explanations and gradual progressions.
Is this course suitable for older practitioners or people returning to training?
Yes. The Fundamentals Course focuses on safety, awareness, and control - not on speed or power.
You can move at your own pace, repeat lessons as often as needed, and adapt the intensity to your comfort level.
Do I need special equipment?
All you need is a soft surface to train on. Ideally tatami, a yoga mat, or a padded floor.
No other equipment is required. Optional: a small cushion or folded blanket can help for extra comfort during the first rolls.
How long does it take to learn the basics of Ukemi?
It depends on your individual background and how often you practice.
Most students feel noticeable improvement after a few sessions.
With consistent, mindful training, you can develop a solid foundation within a few weeks.
Can I train alone, or do I need a partner?
You can absolutely train alone.
All techniques and exercises are designed for solo practice and can be done safely without a partner.
If you have access to a dojo or partner later, you’ll find it even easier to apply what you’ve learned.
What’s next after completing this course?
Once you’re comfortable with the basics of falling and rolling, you can explore more advanced Ukemi techniques, such as the Soft Tobi Ukemi course.
That’s where you’ll learn how to apply these principles to higher, softer, and more dynamic falls.
Start Your Ukemi Journey Today
Learn how to fall safely, move with confidence, and train with awareness.
With clear guidance, structured lessons, and detailed demonstrations, this course will help you build a solid foundation in Ukemi - one of the most important skills in Aikido and a really helpful one in movement practice.
Whether you’re just starting out or refining your technique, you’ll discover that Ukemi is not only about falling - it’s about developing control and connection with your body.