A few days ago, while teaching a small group of kids, I realized that I haven’t discussed the importance of falling as a self-defense response. Yes, there are good and bad ways to fall. These break falls are easy to learn, but you have to practice them several days/week to make them automatic.

This video demonstrates how you might use them, but it doesn’t cover the how to do them part. I want you to see the practical reason for doing break falls before I get into the how to.

Now, for the first one: The Front Roll

https://youtu.be/fNMQ7eX5Er8

You can practice this at your local gym. Chances are they have mats for stretching. They might also have some stacked in a corner somewhere, so ask. If you can’t get to a gym, you can do this on a carpeted floor. Eventually, you’ll work up to training outside on grass, etc.

You’ll also learn to do this from a standing, walking, and diving position, but not yet. For now, learn the basics.

Go practice.

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Note: As with every technique I post, 1) you need to practice with a willing adult participant, 2) I don’t endorse any of the sites or teachers, and 3) you need to be aware of, and know, the self-defense laws in your state. The purpose of these posts is to provide you with information about techniques I would use in certain situations. If you really want to become an expert in self-defense, then you need to find a dojang or dojo. If you have questions about how to identify a good dojang or dojo, post your questions in the comments.