Side Fall

The side fall is next most common type of fall. It is used when falling onto either side of the body. The side fall is similar to the back fall except you roll onto one side rather than onto the back and then only slap with the hand on that side of the body. In practicing the side fall, start practicing the technique from a lying position and progress to a rolling position, squatting position, a standing-squatting position, and finally a standing-drop position.    

Side Fall (from lying position)

Begin the side fall by starting in what will become the final position of the fall:

• Lie on the ground leaning toward the right side (at about a 45-degree angle).
• Lay the right arm on the ground extended at a 45-degree angle palm down.
• The left arm is held across the stomach in a guarding position. If thrown, this arm will be used to grab the opponent and pull upward an effort to alleviate some of the force of the fall.
• Lay the right leg on the ground extended in line with the body with a slight bend in the knee and the outside of the foot flat on the ground.
• Bend the left knee so the sole of the foot is flat on the ground near the mid-calf of the right leg.
• Hold the head up and slightly turned toward the left shoulder.
• This is the final landing position for the side fall. Now practice the slapping motion:
• Lift the right and left legs about 12-inches while maintaining their position.
• Simultaneously pull the right arm to the left shoulder with a tight fist.
• Slap the legs back to the ground to their original position.
• Simultaneously slap the right arm back down to its original position at a 45-degree angle to the side of the body palm down with a kiai. The slapping arm and the legs should strike the ground simultaneously.
• Now practice getting into position and slapping while leaning to the left side. Everything is performed the same as on the right except everything is opposite.
• Repeat movement on each side until the they become smooth and powerful.

  

  The side fall is next most common type of fall. It is used when falling onto either side of the body. The side fall is similar to the back fall except you roll onto one side rather than onto the back and then only slap with the hand on that side of the body. In practicing the side fall, start practicing the technique from a lying position and progress to a rolling position, squatting position, a standing-squatting position, and finally a standing-drop position.    

  Side Fall (from lying position)

  Begin the side fall by starting in what will become the final position of the fall:

  • Lie on the ground leaning toward the right side (at about a 45-degree angle).
  • Lay the right arm on the ground extended at a 45-degree angle palm down.
  • The left arm is held across the stomach in a guarding position. If thrown, this arm will be used to grab the opponent and pull upward an effort to alleviate some of the force of the fall.
  • Lay the right leg on the ground extended in line with the body with a slight bend in the knee and the outside of the foot flat on the ground.
  • Bend the left knee so the sole of the foot is flat on the ground near the mid-calf of the right leg.
  • Hold the head up and slightly turned toward the left shoulder.
  • This is the final landing position for the side fall. Now practice the slapping motion:
  • Lift the right and left legs about 12-inches while maintaining their position.
  • Simultaneously pull the right arm to the left shoulder with a tight fist.
  • Slap the legs back to the ground to their original position.
  • Simultaneously slap the right arm back down to its original position at a 45-degree angle to the side of the body palm down with a kiai. The slapping arm and the legs should strike the ground simultaneously.
  • Now practice getting into position and slapping while leaning to the left side. Everything is performed the same as on the right except everything is opposite.
  • Repeat movement on each side until the they become smooth and powerful.

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Side Fall (rocking motion)

Now practice on both sides by rocking the body from side to side. From the final position on one side:

• Roll onto the back with the head facing up.
• Simultaneously lift the legs into the air, knees bend, with the feet about 12-inches apart.
• Simultaneously lift the arms into a guarding position with tight fists.
• Move the slapping leg and other leg into slapping position.
• Simultaneously cross the arms to the shoulders with the slapping arm on top.
• Roll over to the other side simultaneously slapping the arm and legs into final position with a kiai.
• Repeat the roll to the other side.
• Repeat the rolls back and forth until the movements become smooth and powerful.