This section looks at martial arts falling techniques such as breakfalls and forward rolls. These techniques are used by martial artists in order to reduce the chance of injury when knocked to the ground or they have been thrown to the ground. Falling techniques also allow the martial artist to quickly get back on their feet and deal with their attacker. These techniques are used by a wide range of martial arts such as Judo, Aikido, Hapkido and Krav Maga. In Japanese martial arts, falling techniques are known as Ukemi.
These techniques should be practiced by beginners on their knees and/or from a crouching position before attempting a standing fall. All falling techniques should be supervised by a trained instructor in order to prevent injuries and to ensure the proper technique is utilized.
List of Falling Techniques – Click on pages below for technique videos and/or written instructions
- Backwards Breakfall or Back Breakfall
- Backwards Roll
- Forward Breakfall or Front Breakfall
- Forward Dive Roll
- Forward Roll or Front Roll
- Forward Shoulder Roll
- Side Breakfall
- Side Roll
Breakfalls
Forward Roll
Backward Roll