Front fall

Front fall from toe touch position

Begin from a standing position with feet about 12-inches apart, then:

• Bend at the waist and touch the toes with the fingertips of both arms.
• Turn the head to the side, slightly raise the head, and tense the neck muscles.
• Fall straight forward.
• Slap the ground with the palms with a kiai. Do not reach forward with the arms so the elbows hit the ground or let the arms drop so they land in a push-up position. The hands should hit the ground on a horizontal line with the head. When the hands initially hit the ground, the elbows should be at a 45-degree angle to the hands (about 9 to 12 inches off the ground).
• After the hands slap, the arm and shoulder muscles are used to absorb the forces of the fall and slowly lower the elbows to the ground.
• Simultaneously with the hand slap, the body is extended supported by the feet that are about 2-feet apart and resting on the balls of the feet.
• Tense the entire body so it is rigid and supported above the ground. The body is supported above the ground so it will not impact the ground or a piercing object on the ground. Many vital areas are located on the front of the body.
• Return to the standing position.
• Repeat until the movements become smooth and powerful.