In the quiet judo dojos of Acireale, Sicily, where the Mediterranean sun casts long shadows across tatami mats, one of Italy’s most respected judo instructors is redefining how practitioners approach the fundamental role of uke—the receiver in judo techniques. Alfredo Vismara, a 78-year-old former international competitor and lifelong educator, has released a new instructional video breaking down the precise mechanics of uke in Harai Tsurikomi Ashi, one of judo’s most effective foot sweeps. The video, part of his ongoing series on traditional judo, offers a rare glimpse into the often-overlooked art of receiving technique—a skill Vismara argues is just as critical as executing throws.

The Forgotten Role of Uke

For decades, judo instruction has prioritized tori—the thrower—leaving uke’s role as an afterthought. Vismara’s latest lesson challenges this imbalance. “Too many students treat uke as a passive participant,” he explains in the video, his voice steady with the authority of 66 years on the mat. “But proper receiving isn’t just about falling safely. It’s about creating the conditions for a clean, effective throw.”

Vismara’s credentials lend weight to his approach. Records from the International Judo Federation (IJF) confirm he placed fifth at the 1971 World Championships in Ludwigshafen, Germany, competing in the -70 kg category. Since then, he has dedicated his career to teaching, currently serving as the head instructor at Judo Acsi in Acireale, where he emphasizes traditional judo’s technical and philosophical foundations.

Breaking Down Harai Tsurikomi Ashi

The video focuses on Harai Tsurikomi Ashi, a sweeping throw that relies on timing, balance and precise footwork. Vismara’s demonstration highlights three key principles for uke:

1. Weight Distribution: “Your center of gravity must remain low and slightly forward,” Vismara instructs. “If you lean back, you resist the throw. If you lean too far forward, you collapse prematurely.” His hands guide his partner’s posture, illustrating how subtle shifts in weight can build or break the technique.
2. Arm Positioning: Vismara emphasizes the importance of maintaining a firm, controlled grip on tori’s judogi (uniform). “Your arms should mirror tori’s movements, not fight them,” he says. “Suppose of it as a dance—your job is to follow the lead without stepping on their toes.”
3. Fall Mechanics: The video includes a slow-motion breakdown of the ukemi (breakfall) that follows the throw. “A excellent uke doesn’t just fall—they guide their own momentum,” Vismara explains. “Slap the mat with your arm, tuck your chin, and roll through the movement. This isn’t just about safety; it’s about preserving the flow of the technique.”

Vismara’s YouTube channel, “My Judo Is Your Judo”, has grow a resource for judoka seeking to refine their understanding of traditional techniques. His videos blend technical instruction with philosophical insights, reflecting his belief that judo is as much about personal growth as We see about competition.

Why This Matters for Judo Practitioners

The emphasis on uke’s role is more than a technical nuance—it’s a shift in how judo is taught and practiced. “In competition, athletes focus on throwing their opponent,” says Vismara. “But in training, every thrower is also a receiver. If you don’t learn to receive properly, you’re missing half the art.”

This perspective aligns with broader trends in judo pedagogy. The IJF has increasingly highlighted the importance of ukemi in its coaching certifications, recognizing that poor receiving habits can lead to injuries and stifle technical development. Vismara’s video arrives at a time when judo’s global community is grappling with how to balance its competitive and traditional roots.

The Man Behind the Technique

Born in 1948, Vismara’s journey in judo began at a time when the sport was still finding its footing in Italy. His fifth-place finish at the 1971 World Championships remains one of the highest achievements for an Italian judoka of his era. After retiring from competition, he turned to teaching, establishing himself as a bridge between judo’s traditional Japanese roots and its modern, globalized practice.

“Sicily is isolated, but I do my best to bring the world to my students,” Vismara shared in a 2023 interview with a local judo publication. His dedication to continuous learning is evident in his frequent travels to northern Italy and beyond, where he trains with other masters to refine his own skills. “I may be 78, but I’m still a student,” he says. “Judo is a lifelong pursuit.”

How to Apply Vismara’s Lessons

For judoka looking to incorporate Vismara’s teachings into their practice, here are three actionable takeaways from the video:

• Drill ukemi separately: Spend 10 minutes at the start of each practice session focusing solely on breakfalls. Vismara recommends practicing on both sides to develop ambidexterity.
• Film your uke role: Record yourself receiving throws and compare your posture to Vismara’s demonstrations. Pay attention to your weight distribution and arm positioning.
• Communicate with your partner: Vismara stresses that uke and tori should work together. “Tell your partner what you’re feeling,” he advises. “If a throw doesn’t feel right, it’s often because uke isn’t setting it up properly.”

The Future of Traditional Judo

Vismara’s video is part of a larger effort to preserve and promote traditional judo techniques in an era dominated by competition-focused training. His YouTube channel and blog serve as digital dojos, offering free access to his decades of knowledge. “Judo isn’t just about winning medals,” he says. “It’s about understanding the principles that make the techniques work.”

For those interested in exploring Vismara’s teachings further, his Linktree provides access to his full library of instructional content, including in-depth lessons on kata (forms) and randori (sparring). His next video, scheduled for release in May 2026, will focus on the nuances of Seoi Nage, another foundational throw.

Key Takeaways

• Proper uke mechanics are essential: Receiving a throw isn’t passive—it requires active participation to create the conditions for a clean technique.
• Weight distribution is critical: Vismara emphasizes keeping a low, slightly forward center of gravity to facilitate smooth throws.
• Arm positioning matters: Uke’s arms should mirror tori’s movements, not resist them.
• Breakfalls are part of the technique: A well-executed ukemi preserves the flow of the throw and reduces injury risk.
• Judo is a lifelong pursuit: Vismara, at 78, continues to train and learn, embodying the sport’s philosophy of continuous improvement.

What’s Next

Vismara’s next instructional video, covering Seoi Nage, is expected to release in early May 2026. In the meantime, practitioners can explore his existing content on YouTube or engage with his community through his blog. For those in Sicily, his dojo in Acireale remains open to students of all levels, offering a rare opportunity to train with a living legend of Italian judo.

As Vismara often reminds his students: “Judo is not about strength. It’s about understanding. And understanding begins with the role of uke.”