Uke and Nage share a training partnership--not a competition.
The uke attacks and the nage (or tori) defends. The senior student in a pair is nage first, unless directed otherwise. Typically, the uke will attack four times, changing side each time. The uke should attack in response to the stance (kamae), or target offered, of the nage. Nage should, for example, set up to invite and attack to the left side and then change sides for each subsequent attack. After four executions, uke and nage reverse roles, unless sensei has given a student instruction, in which case it is appropriate to take a couple more executions before trading roles. Force (strength and speed) of the attack should be appropriate to the nage's skill level and the stage of learning at which the nage is engaged.. The power of the nage's response should be appropriate to the uke's attack and to the uke's ukemi skills. Uke is practicing their martial art as fully as is the nage in defending. Both strive to maintain awareness of their center and balance. Uke must maintain a martial intent during the attack, trying to strike or control nage and keeping alert to the nage's countermeasures as well as to potential openings to resume attack or reassert control. Similarly for the nage. The degree of the uke's active resistance to nage depends upon the uke-nage relationship and context. Uke goes from attack to defensive ukemi, taking a fall-when uke's balance is broken such that taking a fall is either unavoidable or the quickest way to renew the attack. Remain aware of your center, as well as the state of your partner's balance. You are responsible for your partners' safety, and the ultimate judgment of the quality of your art lies with those who have trained with you.
Injuries
In the event of an injury, inform the instructor immediately. A kit should be on-hand for cleaning up small amounts of blood with hydrogen peroxide. Cleaning and bandaging of a minor wound should permit one to continue training. For sprains or contusions, ice, compression and elevation may be appropriate. Injuries do occur, although severe injuries are very rare. To reduce the occurrence of injuries, avoid getting into a competitive frame of mind.
Hygiene in the Dojo
In the dojo, proper hygiene is one aspect of showing respect for others. Consider: