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

Kneeling - Knee with your heals raised, keeping your back straight.  Bring both arms upward, palms out fingers pointing in, forming a 45-degree angle with the elbows pointing outward.  Fall forward hitting the ground with the forearms and hands.  The stomach and face do not touch the mat. The body is supported off the mat by the toes and forearms.

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.

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