11 Year Anniversary!  

The Jujitsu Annex has been online for 11 years.

Thanks for everyone's support.

Forward Rolling Break Fall - Zempo-Kaiten-Ukemi

Note: Only practice break falls onto a surface specifically designed to absorb such impact and only under strict supervision of a qualified Jujitsu instructor.

Key points to remember when practicing break falling techniques: 

• Strike the mat hard with one of both arms

• Curve your back

• Tuck your chin to your chest so that your head does not hit the mat

• Start from a low position and gradually work up to a standing position

• Never cross your feet.  If you are performing a left zempo-kiaten (forward rolling break fall)  then your left foot should be forward, If it's a right zempo-kiaten, your right foot should be forward.  Crossing your feet can cause you to separate your shoulder when you perform steps 3 & 4 in the pictures below.

From the standing position step forward with your right foot and bend forward. Place your left hand down (fingers turned inward) so that it forms a triangle with your feet. Put your right hand down between your left hand and your right foot (fingers of your right hand point back through your legs). Bend your right arm until it is rounded and tuck in your chin. Push off hard with your feet, rolling along your right arm, shoulder and back like a wheel. As your legs come down, slap the mat with your left hand. Do not let your legs cross.

Try to envision yourself as a leaf falling into a calm pond. Don't be like a brick.