Back fall

The back fall is most common type of fall. It is used when falling backward with no backward momentum, such as being tripped and pushed backward. If a strong horizontal force is also used, such as being forcibly shoved backward, then the back-rolling fall should be used.

In sparring situations, the attacker may fall after a high or spinning kick is blocked or misses. In either case, the attacker can end up falling backward; therefore, this fall will be used often. In practicing the back fall, start practicing the technique from a sitting position and progress to a squatting position, a standing-squatting position, and finally a standing-drop position.

Back rolling fall

The back-rolling fall is used when falling backward with a lot of backward momentum, such as being forcibly shoved backward, If there is no backward momentum, it is best to use the plain back fall.

Begin the back-rolling fall from a standing position with the arms in a guarding position, then:

• Stand erect with the feet about 12-inches apart.
• Cross the arms in front of the chest with tight fists in a guarding position and tuck the chin down to the chest.
• Curl the back into a half circle and squat while simultaneously rolling backward and pushing backward with the legs.
• As the upper back hits the ground, slap the ground just was with the back fall with a kiai except let the momentum carry the legs over either the left or right shoulder in a back roll until the feet contact the ground behind the head. Keep the head tucked tightly and the body in tight half circle so the roll may be completed smoothly.
• As the feet touch the ground compete rolling until standing in a crouch with the arms in a guarding position.
• Return to the standing position.
• If the backward momentum is very great, two backward rolls may be needed before returning to a standing position.
• Repeat until the movements become smooth and powerful.

Back fall from sitting position

Start learning the back fall by sitting on the ground with the legs together, knees bent, and feet flat on the ground with the arms in a guarding position, then:

• Cross the arms in front of the chest with tight fists in a guarding position and tuck the chin down to the chest.
• Curl the back into a half circle and roll the body backward.
• As the upper back touches the mat, slap the mat with open palms with the arms at a 45-degree angle from the body and kiai. The palms of the hand should hit the ground a split second before the upper back hits the ground. Do not reach backward with the arms (may break the wrists). Do not keep arms to close to the body (ineffective). Do not extend arms too far out to the sides (ineffective and may sprain the shoulders).
• Immediately snap the arms back in front of the chest in a guarding position to protect yourself from further attack.
• Return to the sitting position.
• Repeat until the movements become smooth and powerful.

Back fall from squatting position

Now practice the same technique by falling backward from a squatting position. Begin by assuming a deep squat position with the arms in a guarding position, then:

• Cross the arms at the chest with tight fists and roll backward with a kiai.
• Follow the same steps as explained in the sitting position description.
• Do not let the legs fly back over the head.
• Return to the squatting position.
• Repeat until the movements become smooth and powerful.
• Standing-Squatting
• Next practice the same technique by starting from a standing position with the arms in a guarding position, then:
• Squat and fall backward with a kiai, all in a smooth motion.
• Follow the same steps as explained in the sitting position description.
• As you roll backward quickly pull the knees inward toward the chest to absorb the rolling momentum and keep the legs from flying back the head.
• Return to the standing position.
• Repeat until the movements become smooth and powerful.

Back fall from standing position

As you gain proficiency in the back fall, start the fall from a standing position with the arms in a guarding position, then:

• Suddenly drop to the back from the standing position with a kiai without squatting first.
• Follow the same steps as explained in the sitting position description.
• Be careful when you do this type of back fall. Your timing must be perfect or there will be a jolt that may "knock the wind" out of your lungs.
• Return to the standing position.
• Repeat until the movements become smooth and powerful.