First High Breakfall!! Woohoo!!

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[Jeff Stallard]

Sensei was showing a technique similar to shihonage, except the grip is a little different and you're not throwing down the back, but out beside their shoulder. After we paired up, I had the pleasure of working with sensei. After a few times without the throw, I asked if he thought I could handle the breakfall (I'm only 6th kyu). He said he wouldn't throw it if he didn't think I could take it. Well that was good enough for me, so he took it slow and let me get ready to fall, then WHAM...I'm on the mat. Well not quite. First I fell for what felt like 10 minutes. I was amazed how painless and uneventful a fall from that height was. It was a lot less traumatic than the standard back fall that you learn from day 1. Just to make sure it wasn't a quirk, I asked if I could try it again, and it felt the same. It's an amazing feeling to be able to be flip end over end and land without any discomfort at all.

Please forgive my rambling; this is just a big new step for me, and the giddiness hasn't worn off.

[Jeff Stallard]

Whoops, I'm actually 5th kyu. Forgot...

[Robert Cheshire]

Congrats on your first step into a larger world.

Not trying to take anything away from your ukemi skills, but, I'd venture to say you have a pretty good sensei. Most falls from that high cause at least a little discomfort when you first learn to take them. Unless you have a good instructor that takes care of you (provides a good throw and supports the body in the right places to ease the fall). Glad to hear that you probably have both (good ukemi and good instructor).

Happy Falling!

[Nick Simpson]

Welcome to the wonderful world of high ukemi Jeff, best feeling ever!

[Greg Jennings]

Congratulations. Now, back to training!

Best,

[Lan Powers]

now you can get a jump on your "frequent flyers miles" :p
Lan

[Robert Cheshire]

File a flight plan! I guess that could give a different meaning to the mile high club (well, it feels like a mile high sometimes!)

[Jeff Stallard]

Not trying to take anything away from your ukemi skills, but, I'd venture to say you have a pretty good sensei. Most falls from that high cause at least a little discomfort when you first learn to take them.

Yes, I have a great sensei! I realize I'm still a rank amateur, and there's no way I could take that sort of fall in a situation even SLIGHTLY resembling full speed and full intent. I'm giddy, but I'm not dillusional. :)

[Robert Cheshire]

Good for you! Keep up the good work. The more you practice and learn how to take the higher falls the more often you will get to play with them. :) :) :)

[aikijoel]

congratulations! now thats the way to get acquainted with the mat.

[Waldir]

Congratulations , I know perfect what do you feel , and hope more improvements.......soon .

Try in a few months your first fall in Irimi.......then tell me about it.

B. Regards

[daniel loughlin]

lol i cant remember my 1st break fall but i do remember the 1st time i joined in on a free kokynage with my sensei and he threw me the lenth of the room its was great :) :) :) keep up the good work jeff
all the best

[David_francis]

my first high breakfall my sensei held my arm on a technique and didnt let go as i fell so i couldnt put it down to roll along it, so i did it without it and landed properly. I was freaked out and pleased at the same time because i didnt know what he did, but i knew i landed it.