How to Be a Great Uke
If you’ve ever stepped onto the mats for jiu jitsu training, you’ve probably heard the term uke thrown around. But what exactly does it mean, and why is it so important?
In Japanese martial arts, uke refers to the person who receives a technique in practice. In jiu jitsu, this role is crucial—whether in drilling, positional sparring, or even demonstrations led by an instructor. Being a good uke isn’t just about being a training dummy; it’s about actively helping your partner develop their technique. A bad uke can ruin a drill, while a great uke helps their partner improve—and, in turn, becomes a better grappler themselves.
So, how can you be a good uke? Let’s break it down.
What Makes a Bad Uke?
Before we talk about the right way to do it, let’s look at what not to do. A bad uke falls into one of two extremes:
The Overly Stiff Competitor
This person resists every movement as if they’re in the finals of ADCC.
When your partner is trying to learn a move, you’re not supposed to fight them like it’s a live match—save that for sparring.
Over-resistance makes learning impossible.
The Dead Fish
On the opposite end, some ukes provide no resistance at all.
They flop onto the ground, give no structure, and make it unrealistic for their partner to practice properly.
If your partner can’t feel how a move should actually work, they won’t be able to apply it later.
A good uke finds the right balance—giving just enough resistance to make the movement feel natural while allowing their partner to execute the technique correctly.
Keys to Being a Good Uke
If you want to help your training partners and improve your own skills in the process, keep these principles in mind:
1. Hygiene Matters
Nobody wants to train with someone who stinks.
Keep your rash guard clean, clip your nails, and show up fresh.
2. Provide Realistic Reactions
Don’t go limp, and don’t resist too much.
Move the way a real opponent would in a match, without over-exaggerating.
3. Pay Attention to the Details
Listen carefully to the instructor.
Your job is to give the right responses so your partner can execute the technique as intended.
4. Don’t Be a Know-It-All
If you notice your partner making a mistake, it’s okay to gently point it out.
However, don’t try to re-teach the technique or contradict what the coach just said.
Let them learn at their own pace.
5. Adjust as You Go
If something isn’t working, adapt.
The goal is to make the drill beneficial for both of you.
When You’re Called Up as Uke for the Coach
Being asked to be the instructor’s uke can feel like an honor—or a nightmare. If this happens to you, here’s how to handle it:
Listen carefully. Coaches often give cues in their speech that tell you how to react.
React appropriately. If the coach says, “Most people try to frame here,” then frame—don’t just lie there staring at the ceiling.
Stay engaged. Make the demonstration look smooth so the entire class benefits.
For Advanced Grapplers: How to Be an Even Better Uke
If you’ve been training for a while, take your uke skills to the next level by:
Providing dynamic reactions. Try giving different responses to simulate real-world variations.
Asking intelligent questions. If something doesn’t work as expected, ask the coach, “What if they do this?”
Helping your partner troubleshoot. Without coaching them, guide them through realistic adjustments.
Conclusion
Jiu jitsu isn’t a solo sport—you need training partners to improve. Being a great uke isn’t just about helping your partner; it’s about making the most of your own training as well. Whether you’re brand new or an experienced grappler, focusing on good uke habits will make a massive difference in your progress.
So next time you step on the mats, ask yourself: Am I being a good uke? If not, start making adjustments, and watch how much better your training becomes.