The Shuai Chiao Kungfu Club at The Ohio State University (return)



Instant Kungfu Lesson

Why is "Instant Kungfu" an oxymoron?
Because "Kungfu" means a skill developed with much time and effort.
This is an "instant" lesson -- but to have it be useful will require practice, practice, practice.

General Hints:

Keep breathing: don't hold your breath!  Exhale on impact!


The Art of Falling

One of the most important skills that a student of the martial arts learns is how to fall safely.  While the throwing arts (Aikido, Jujutsu, Shuai Chiao, etc.) take special care in teaching falling skills, all martial arts teach basic falling methods for survival.

 

All martial artists tend to visualize how they would defend themselves against one, or a group, of attackers but it is a relatively rare event outside the practice hall.  However, it is a certainty that you will have accidental falls in real life.  Practice falling properly, and it could save your life, or at least a trip to the hospital.

 

Falling Position

 


The basics:

1. TUCK YOUR CHIN

Clamp your chin to your chest and bring your arms up to protect your face and head. Most falling fatalities are due to head injuries.

 

2. SIT DOWN

Sit down as quickly as possible to get your body closer to the ground.  The natural reaction is to try and stay upright, often by flailing the arms wildly.  You must train yourself to curl up and drop down.

 

3. CURL YOUR BODY INTO A BALL

Curl up into a natural fetal position.  If falling forward at speed, on a bike, skis, or while skating, curl and roll forward.

 

4. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE

The instinct to reach out and stay up is very strong.  You MUST practice your falling on a soft surface or mat to learn the techniques and make them comfortable and natural to do.


Come to any OSU Shuai Chiao Kungfu Club workout for a quick (15 minute) lesson in proper falling technique, with no obligation or cost.  This single lesson, if practiced several times, could save your life!




The Shuai Chiao Kungfu Club at The Ohio State University (return)