Judo – Mae Ukemi (Forward Breakfall)

This page provides details about the Judo Front or Forward Breakfall. This technique is known as Mae Ukemi in Japanese. Ukemi techniques help Judo students to land safely when thrown or they are knocked off balance. Other breakfalls include Ushiro Ukemi (Back Breakfall), Yoko Ukemi (Side Breakfall) and Zenpo Kaiten (Forward Roll Breakfall).

The forward or front breakfall is necessary to learn because it will help to prevent a student’s head from hitting the ground if attacked from behind. For other techniques (i.e. Judo throws), please visit the main Judo Techniques section.

To properly and safely utilize Judo techniques, you need to learn them from a Judo instructor who can give an in-depth explanation of the technique, provide instruction on your mistakes and detail how the technique should be employed. These martial arts techniques should be only practiced under the supervision of a trained martial arts instructor.

Instructional Video for Judo Breakfalls