You uke is very valuable to you as a training partner and demonstration tool for the rest of the class. A good uke is like a good partner - they'll make you both look good and make sure you get your point across.
Given that the uke is typically one of the more advanced students in class, there's a definite trickle-down/setting examples of how you expect your class to run. Toss the uke mercilessly and you'll see the less-experienced in your class hurting each other while they try to imitate your example. Take care of your uke and you'll see your students being respectful to each other while making sure they understand the technical aspects of the techniques.
A couple things to keep in mind when working with an uke:
- The uke should have an idea of what you're doing so they can prepare. If you're going to do three knee strikes from the clinch, make sure that you only throw three knees, elsewise, your uke might be getting ready to move the pads for the next technique while you're teeing off on him like Wanderlei vs. Rampage. Discussing "a throw" and not giving the uke enough advance notice means they'll potentially injure themselves if they can't guess correctly which way they're going to land.
- A good uke should be skilled. Generally instructors pick an advanced student to be the uke because the uke will be able to execute any desired techniques (or defenses) properly. Picking a nerd is a recipe for disaster.
- Ukes are people too. They need to do things like breathe. Please remember that while you're explaining how to finish a choke and taking questions, all without letting go of the hold.
- Use only enough force and intensity to get the point across. Presumably because you're demonstrating the technique, you're the instructor. And you're the instructor presumably because you've got a mastery of the technique. That of course means you should be executing the techniques with intensity, but lightly. No need to crunk up your uke's leg while showing low kicks.
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