Judo Basics – The Art of Falling
The judo basics involve the maximum efficient use of mental and physical energy. This is no more evident than in the special facet of judo called ukemi - the art of falling. The key point of ukemi is to make your upper and lower extremities strike the mat simultaneously just before your trunk makes contact. You can then utilize your shoulder, thigh, and knee joints as shock-absorbing. If you succeed in doing so, you can break your fall by dissipating the impulsive force. Practise the drills outlined in this article and you will have mastered the art of falling.
