Ukemi- have you ever had to use it outside the dojo?

Question

Tripped pretty badly down a hill the other day. I was really surprised when I went into a perfect back rolling breakfall. It still hurt like h**l because there were no mats, but at least I didn't hit my head and I was able to walk away with a few bruises.

Answer 1

Then your ukemi practice served its purpose.

When I was learning, we practiced ukemi but because we practiced Okinawan arts, we had no mats.

We did ukemi on our floor which was 3/4" plywood on top of concrete.

In the beginning it was h**l but you get used to it.

My Jujutsu friends couldn't believe we were doing it.

Answer 2

Couple of times, actually. I got body checked by a guy once, did a backward breakfall then back rolled back up. I also tripped at the top of a set of steps and did a near perfect forward breakfall onto concrete (didn't even hurt).

I've done a fair amount of training on hard surfaces, and really recommend anyone who wants to know if they're doing ukemi and taihen correctly to try it. You'll learn how forgiving mats are of mistakes.

Answer 3

Yep.  On ice, concrete, blacktop, dirt, grass.  It even saved me when I tripped while jogging.

Answer 4

That's great!  I once turned a corner on a rainy day, and slipped on concrete.  I landed perfect in a Yoko-ukemi!  It was an awesome feeling.  You are your own worst enemy!  People hurt themselves all the time by falling or tripping.  Learning how to fall properly should be taught everywhere, not just in Jujitsu classes.  I think it would even save lives.

Answer 5

I used it when I rolled into my bed so I won't fall off.