The use of micro-progressions and mechanics in teaching ukemi to older participants.

This paper concerns the introduction of judo-based safe falling practices to older people. There are four clearly acknowledged ukemi techniques identified by the Kodokan; yoko-ukemi, ushiro-ukemi, mae-ukemi and mae-mawari-ukemi. Two cohorts of older people took part in adapted judo sessions for up to 9 weeks. Two coaching approaches were applied to teach these techniques to these cohorts; coaching the three principles underpinning the mechanics of ukemi and the effective coaching of micro-progressions to develop technique. The three principles underpinning the mechanics of ukemi are; maintaining proper alignment, distributing the force of impact and reducing the velocity of impact. Participants who followed the programme for 8 or 9 weeks were observed by the experienced coaches satisfactorily performing two specific ukemi exercises from a standing position; mae-mawari-ukemi and ushiro-ukemi. It was found that by utilising the two coaching approaches outlined in this paper, the older participants were able to progress confidently in their judo lessons focussed on ukemi. This approach provides the underpinning pedagogical method advocated by the British Judo Association in their coach education initiative ‘Introducing judo to an older population – for safer falling and ageing well’.