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Demonstrating a technique on Jason.

First, what does the word “uke” mean in martial arts? “Uke” means “receiver of a technique” and, in layman’s terms, means “demonstration partner.” Instructors often use demonstration partners to teach techniques during a class.

If you’re a new or inexperienced instructor, there are things that you need to know about demonstrating techniques on a uke during class or at a seminar and not killing them. 

Before we get into how to treat uke, we need to address the purpose of demonstrating techniques to someone in front of a class or a seminar setting. Most readers would say, “Duh! It’s so that proper technique can be demonstrated, step by step, for the students to try and practice.” Yes, but there’s more to it.

On a deeper level, this is also an opportunity for the uke/demonstration partner to experience good technique. To demonstrate the effectiveness of a technique, the instructor may go full speed. Uke is getting hands-on experience that bystanders are not getting. If that uke is an experienced martial artist, he or she can assist others in executing the demonstrated technique correctly, thus potentially accelerating the students’ learning process.

Demonstrating a technique on uke for ego satisfaction or to abuse someone in front of a group is undoubtedly not for “instruction.” I’ve seen a couple of instances of this, and I can say that I lost respect for the instructor. For the instructors, don’t go there. This is a surefire way to lose the respect of students.

That said, here are some tips for demonstrating a technique on the uke/demonstration partner:

(1)  For the advanced techniques, pick someone whose skill level you trust.

(2) Pick someone with whom you wish to share knowledge.

(3) For techniques requiring falls, pick someone who can take a break fall.

(4) Pick someone who can rock and roll with you for uptempo demonstrations.

(5) Pull uke aside and practice a technique a couple of times to both smooth out your presentation and prep the uke for the upcoming demo.

(6) For basic techniques, use different ukes and rotate through them. This can instill camaraderie among the students. “Hey, I got to be a demo partner!”  An increase in skill and confidence often follows after being uke several times.

(7) Don’t pass up a chance to use uke from different martial arts backgrounds. Caveat: make sure that they are respectful, are truly there with “empty cups,” and are genuinely interested in learning the art you teach. This can be a great way to see a technique differently. For example, one of my students, a black sash in Wing Chun, often offered me great insights into his art and connecting our arts.

(8) Thanks to uke, I’ll often show uke a variation or two of the technique I had just demonstrated.

(9) If, after a demonstration, Uke has a question regarding the technique, take the time to answer it. I often learn a thing or two when answering questions. You never know!

(10) Lastly, if you’ve got a beginner in class, using them as uke for a basic technique is a great way of making them feel a part of the group!

Demonstrating a technique with a martial arts demonstration partner will be a post for another day.

Over to you, do you have any tips from your experience to add to this list? Let’s hear your tips!

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