Green Belt – Falls and Grappling

This specific type of roll should be executed when thrown on your side. Just like any other sort of falling technique, the side roll reduces the chance of injury by distributing the impact and also allows you to quickly recover and transition to your next move, whether defensive, offensive or an escape. As always, make sure to work your way up to the full version of this fall. Start from kneeling or crouching and only when you feel comfortable move to practicing from a standing position. Kneel on your right knee. Reach your right arm across to the opposite side so that your palm is touching the front of your left shoulder. This will tuck your shoulder inwards. Shift your weight to your right to roll from your right shoulder to your left hip. Break the momentum of the roll by extending the right arm out 45 degrees and extending the right leg straight out and slapping the ground at the end of your roll. This will give you additional control over the roll and lessen the impact if you were thrown or if you fell. Keep your head tucked to prevent it from smacking the ground and try to end with your left knee bent. Once you feel comfortable with this side, practice on your other side by following the same steps on the left, because you never know which you’ll need in a real-life situation. Next, advance to practicing from standing by following the same steps and bending your knees as you begin to roll. If practicing with a partner as an “opponent”, make sure to always maintain eye contact with them.