- $29
Tobi Ukemi – The Art of the Soft High Fall
Learn to fall safely, softly, and with confidence.
This course guides you step by step through the practice of the soft high fall, one of Aikido’s most dynamic and beautiful Ukemi techniques. Discover how relaxation, timing, and control allow you to move freely and protect your body in motion.
What You’ll Learn
This course takes you step by step into the art of the soft high fall: Tobi Ukemi.
You’ll learn how to move softly through the air, absorb impact safely, and use your body with awareness and control.
Each lesson is structured to build confidence and guide you from basic body mechanics to the free soft fall from standing.
By following the progression calmly and consistently, you’ll not only improve your Ukemi, but also develop coordination, flexibility, and trust in your movement. Skills that will support you in all aspects of Aikido and physical practice.
In this course, you will:
Understand the principles behind the soft breakfall
Prepare your body with focused drills
Coordinate arms, legs, and center for smooth, controlled motion
Develop lightness, timing, and softness in your falling technique
Perform the Soft Tobi Ukemi safely - step by step and without fear
Ideal for practitioners who want to:
Refine their Aikido Ukemi skills with more softness and awareness
Overcome fear of falling through gradual, safe progression
Build stability, flexibility, and dynamic control
Explore the connection between relaxation, balance, and power
Course Structure & Lesson Overview
This course is designed as a gradual progression and each section builds naturally on the previous one. Below you’ll find a detailed overview of all lessons, so you can see how the training develops step by step toward the full Soft Tobi Ukemi.
Understanding the Soft High Fall (Tobi Ukemi)
In this section, you’ll learn what Tobi Ukemi is: the soft, controlled high fall used in Aikido to absorb impact safely.
We’ll explore the principles behind the technique, how it differs from regular Ukemi, and what makes it both powerful and graceful.
You’ll also learn how to prepare your body and mindset before starting the practical lessons.
Learning the Basic Movements of the Soft Aikido Breakfall
In this section, you’ll learn the fundamental movements that form the base of the soft breakfall in Aikido.
Through simple, controlled exercises, you’ll develop softness, coordination, and body awareness - the essential elements needed before progressing to the full Tobi Ukemi.
Each lesson builds step by step, helping you move smoothly towards the Tobi Ukemi.
Practicing Body Mechanics and Controlled Movement
In this section, we focus on developing the body mechanics required for the soft high fall.
You’ll work through practical exercises that build coordination, balance, and timing. These are all essential for executing a safe and fluid Tobi Ukemi.
By refining your movement awareness and physical control, you’ll learn to move softly, absorb impact more efficiently, and prepare your body for the next step of the soft breakfall technique.
Refining the Technique – Soft Tobi Ukemi over an Obstacle
In this section, we take the next step toward performing the full soft high fall.
You’ll refine the mechanics of the Tobi Ukemi by learning to move smoothly over an obstacle: developing precision, timing, and body control.
Through these drills, you’ll deepen your understanding of how softness, balance, and coordination work together to create a light and effortless fall.
Each lesson helps you connect the elements you’ve learned so far into one continuous, fluid motion.
Performing the Free Soft Aikido Breakfall from Standing
In this final section, all previous elements come together.
You’ll learn to perform the full Soft Tobi Ukemi - the free, soft high fall from a standing position.
We’ll combine the balance mechanics, arm and leg coordination, and momentum control developed in earlier lessons to create a smooth, flowing motion that feels natural and safe.
This section focuses on precision, awareness, and confidence.
Each exercise is designed to help you connect your movement, timing, and softness, so that the high fall becomes effortless and controlled.
Take your time, move mindfully, and enjoy the feeling of freedom that comes with mastering this technique.
Closing & Next Steps
In this final section, we take a moment to reflect on what you’ve learned and how far you’ve come.
You’ll review the key principles of the Soft Tobi Ukemi and understand how to continue your practice safely and mindfully.
This is also a good time to set new goals, whether it’s refining your technique, revisiting certain lessons, or exploring new forms of Ukemi.
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.
My approach combines traditional Aikido principles with a deep interest in acrobatics.
My background in Tricking has given me a unique perspective on how to integrate freedom of movement into Aikido practice , especially in techniques like Tobi Ukemi, where fluidity and timing are key.
My goal is to help you train safely, mindfully, and with confidence - wherever you are in your practice.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common questions about the Soft Tobi Ukemi course. I hope these answers help you prepare for your training and approach the course with confidence and clarity.
Do I need previous experience in Aikido or Ukemi?
Yes. For learning Tobi Ukemi, previous experience in Aikido or another martial art that includes falling and rolling techniques is strongly recommended.
You should already be comfortable with the basic principles of Ukemi before attempting the soft high fall.
Is this course suitable for beginners?
No.
Tobi Ukemi is an advanced form of breakfall and not suitable for complete beginners.
You should already have solid experience with Aikido or another martial art that includes falling and rolling techniques.
If you’re new to Ukemi, it’s strongly recommended to first complete the Aikido Ukemi Fundamentals course before starting this one.
Do I need special equipment?
For this course, you’ll need a soft surface such as tatami or a training mat.
You’ll also use a small obstacle and an elastic band in some exercises.
A soft crash mat or gymnastics mat can be helpful, especially for the higher falls, but is optional.
Other than that, no special equipment is required.
How long does it take to learn the Soft Tobi Ukemi?
That depends on your background, fitness level, and how often you practice.
If you already have experience with basic Ukemi, you’ll likely progress faster.
With regular and mindful training, you can feel noticeable improvement within a few weeks - and continue refining the technique over time.
Can I train without a partner?
Yes. This course is specifically designed for solo practice.
All movements and drills can be practiced safely on your own.
That said, if you have a training partner at your dojo, it’s highly recommended to also explore the technique together. That makes a great complementary practice and will deepen your understanding and timing.
Will new lessons be added later?
Yes. I regularly update this course whenever I discover new ways to refine or teach Tobi Ukemi through my ongoing training here in Japan.
Any new insights or helpful progressions will be added to the course over time.
Begin Your Tobi Ukemi Journey
Take the next step in your Aikido practice and learn to move softly, safely, and with full control.
The Soft Tobi Ukemi course will guide you through every stage - from the first gentle rolls to the complete soft high fall.
Train at your own pace, with clear structure, calm instruction, and a focus on safety and awareness.
Whether you’re practicing Aikido, Tricking, or simply want to feel more confident in movement - this course gives you the foundation to fall freely and rise smoothly.