This was written by David Schorn.

Getting The Most From Training

The Tori / Uke Connection

            The Tori / Uke relationship is critical to the evolution of their combined training. If they do not perform for themselves and each other they will find themselves wanting in a combat situation.

Tori and the intent

            Regardless of your training environment and the nature of specific concepts being discussed the Tori’s intent must be one of deliberate action. Action generated by internal and external energies. If the intent is to perform a Fudoken strike to the Uke’s head; execute it.

            We train as friends and family and wish no harm to them. The Uke’s first lesson, ingrained in them from the beginning is to get off the line, always be in a defensive kamae. If the Tori acts with intent and the Uke is injured, we attend to the injury and move on; such is life. 

            The Tori must have this focused intent. It will produce maximum results in training in striking forms. We all know that we do not train to miss or offer halfhearted attacks. The best development of the Uke’s senses comes from understanding and feeling the energy behind the intent.

            The other side of the Tori’s responsibly in training is in the Uke’s application of concepts. There is no combat situation where an attacker will allow the defender to apply concepts or techniques with out resistance.

The Tori’s best contribution to training is to truly represent the combative opponent. Resist the technique but the Tori’s posture should represent the moment.

Example: If the Uke responds to an attack with a shuto strike to the out-side of the Tori’s neck and connects; the Tori’s posture should respond to that type of devastating strike. The Tori should not stand rigid awaiting the nest movement in the concept. Don’t cheat yourself or your partner.

Uke and receiving

            Much of which was discussed earlier in regards to the Tori is directly related to the actions of the Uke. As with the Tori the Uke should apply the energy of intent to all of their concepts. It is paramount for the Uke to experience this energy exchange so as to understand how to receive it. Without training with intent from the Tori the Uke can never sense the danger that could be immanent from blind sided attack. The benefit and essence of Randori is a pure example of this. The Uke cannot get wrapped up in their own mind struggling with movement. Breathe and find Mushin and flow.

            The two elements of Uke and Tori in combat training represent a relationship that should have as much focus as the relationship of student, teacher. This relationship is not built upon recognition and criticism of the understanding of techniques and concepts. It is a respect born from the tradition and honor of warriors. The Uke and Tori must value this relationship as they would value their own lives, because it is what can be understood through this relationship that could mean the difference in surviving in combat.