Help Aikido...?

Question

I've just recently started Aikido and I'm having trouble with the break falls. The forward and backwards one where you roll over your shoulder, I'm getting the hang of.

But the other two where you have to roll back, slam you hands down and get back up again and also where you move to the side and drop. I'm having trouble getting back again the way we're supposed to, can anybody offer some useful tips?
did you ever have problems with this when you were taking aikido?
help appreciated.

Answer 1

You need to practice either from a sitting position or if you are an absolute beginner, then while lying on your back first to get the hang of the basic principles of Ushiro Ukemi(back breakfall roll) and Yoko Ukemi(side breakfall roll). For the back roll, the position of the hands are the same as the Mae Ukemi or forward roll, it's only the direction of your roll that's different as you're going in the opposite direction. Try to roll backwards the way you do with the Koho tento exercise and inhale as you roll backwards and pull your feet diagonally over to one side of your head along with the momentum of the roll, this is important, don't hold your breath, holding your breath will make your body stiff and act as a brake to the rolling motion. Then as your feet go over your head and touch the mat, exhale and push off the mat with your hands into an upright position. This takes a lot of practice, but you can train at home on your own so you can spend a lot of time on this, when you can stand after rolling from a sitting position, try rolling from a standing position by slowly dropping to one knee then hip while slapping the mat to your side and roll backwards. If you spend enough time practicing this movements, you'll get it sooner or later. As for the side roll, you need to develop a strong tegatana and extend your forearm and slowly roll side ways along your shoulder with your other hand positioned near your opposite ear to keep your head from making contact with the mat, meaning if you're rolling to the right, your left hand should be held near your right ear with palm out to protect that side of the head from making contact with the mat. The same principles for forward and backward roll apply, don't hold your breathe, inhale while rolling to the side and exhale when your feet makes contact with the mat. You should also try this from a sitting or kneeling position first before trying from a standing start. And always lower your center of gravity by crouching and bending your knees before rolling from a standing position. And make it a habit to tuck your chin in to keep your head from slamming into the mat, you can do this by bowing down and looking at your belt knot at all times as you roll. Hope that helps. Good Luck.

Answer 2

I haven't had that much experience with Aikido but I do know how to fall. The trick is to break each move down to its lowest common denominator. (I know this isn't math but even math comes in very useful in martial arts since it's all about physics.)
First of all, if you hit the floor, the floor will hit back. (physics again)
So the trick is to hit the floor in a way that minimizes the hurt. So the trick to both the falls are that you do it very slow. Do it as slow as you possibly can. Learn how your body is naturally falling, and what can you change/control to make it even better/ easier for you. Practice slow until you get comfortable and slowly speed up as you get more comfortable with it. Depending on how hard you practice, you can actually get this down in one day (within couple of hours). The thing is that the very next day, your body will naturally go back to doing it the wrong way, and you have to start slow again and work your way up. Each day, you'll do it faster and better until it will be second nature to you.

I know I didn't give you any technical information. But since everyone is different, you have to figure the mechanics of your body out yourself. Since no one knows you as well as you do.
Good Luck. :)

Answer 3

Learning how to do a descent fall is not as easy as it might seem. A descent fall technique can take years to master. However falling is as important as standing or walking. I can't really make out what falls you are describing but I'm guessing you are talking about seems to be an advanced backward fall (getting up on your feet in the end.) and a sideway fall. general tips when falling
1 do not fear the ground: sounds stupid but many people are afraid to hit the ground=> they cramp up=> they make a bad fall. the ground does not hurt you train and lose your fear.
2 angle do not roll. To roll your body must be round make yourself big and round to fall
3 momentum give yourself momentum by pushing yourself out with your feet
more specific to your problem.
Getting up while rolling backwards need momentum so make sure that you take care to push out with your feet. you need some lift while rolling across the shoulder use your back to lift your back and pelvis upward (this will lift your feet onto the mat) finally place your hands on the mat and push the rest of your body upwards : you just completed a stand up backwards fall. (I actually manage to turn this one into a handstand which is now a signature capoeira move of mine)
rolling sideways This one usually proves tricky for beginners as you need to be perfectly round to do this. The only real tip I can give is to make your arms as wide as possible while still making a round form.
all the rest is just practice practice practice

Answer 4

Hi,

It's hard to help without seeing exactly what you're doing, but often one of the hardest things to do is relax when you fall...or throw for that matter. Just take your time and break down the fall into its parts so you can understand the dynamics. You need to develop new ways of moving and it takes a little time for those grooves to form in the brain. :>) So, relax, have fun with it and remember we all were in the same place you are at one time.

Answer 5

i took aikido also, but i dont' understand the question you are asking, the best thing for you to do is perfect the other falls, and then ask your sensi or a higher rank to help you out. Asking online won't help you, because you wont understand what we mean. Your gonna have to learn by seeing or someone instructing you to get a certian move down.

sorry if it isn't want you want to hear, but its the truth, you can't do martial arts online or from a book, you have to study under someone to get a better under standing of what you do.

Answer 6

If you've only just started, it isn't surprising that your Ukemi is imperfect. Give it some time, and ask your Sempai/Sensei for help. You'll get it eventually.

Good luck.

Answer 7

Train in a real martial art, with practical real-world applications.