Ukemi (the ‘roll’) is not an expression of defeat, but a way of regaining one’s freedom of movement.
This puts Uke in a position from which he can either attack again or bring the conflict to an end.
The three basic takedown techniques
Ushiro Ukemi
Backward roll
Mae Ukemi
Forward roll
Yoku Ukemi
Lateral roll
In Aikido, ukemi is usually performed as a soft roll.