Ukemi has a Purpose.

Tonight, I devoted some time on forward ukemis. Ukemi, first and foremost is technique to protect yourself in a fall. In the case of the forward ukemi it allows you to recover when your balance is lost as you are projected, safely dissipating the impact of the throw, by rolling.

In Aikido practice, a throw is usually applied so that the uke is projected forward, allowing time to set for the fall. If the uke is relaxed, and moving naturally, in rhythm with the throw, the uke will be safely projected away from the nage. Too often, during warm up exercises. students forget the connection between throw and the ukemi, making a dive for the mat.

This becomes a bad habit. It inhibits the student's understanding of the technique's rhythm, and increases the chances of  injury.It is important in training to emphasize to project the mind forward, relax, and naturally reach forward as if reaching to hold someone.