Breakfalls & Front Rolls | Ukemi - The Art of Falling Properly for BJJ (Jiu-Jitsu) and Combat Sports

So many people are eager to learn all the techniques associated with combat sports that they forget to invest in learning how to fall properly, which is one of the most beneficial movements one can have in their arsenal of self-defense as well as competitive Jiu-Jitsu and Judo.
In this video, I cover how to breakdown the Breakfall, Forward Roll, and Backward Roll in order to facilitate the learning process for those who are just starting out and find these three movements difficult to perfect. Hope you enjoy the tutorial and keep bringing the questions!
Happy training!
DF
EXPERIENCE MMA & FITNESS
388 St-Louis, Gatineau, Qc
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Fully accredited Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu school affiliated with the World Muay Thai Council and Alliance BJJ, respectively.

[@mattsummers3018]

Agreed! I left a school because I got thrown into the class and told to "shrimp" and "roll" and "fall" without even the first bit of instruction. I knew that if this is how it is one the first day, only gonna get worse. Found a good instructor that didn't skip on these important details.

[@ExperienceMMA]

matt summers Yep, it is unfortunate, but so many schools are that way. They think students have to learn the "hard" way and that's a huge mistake. Glad to hear you were able to find a school that took the time to teach correctly and made you continue your Jiu-Jitsu journey! Big thank you for watching my video!

[@thepunpolice7932]

Seriously

[@redplanet9334]

Yeah that sucks, a lot of schools do this but i kinda get it, mines not very big, two instructers and like 7 regulars at my class, we have like two new people show up every week, a lot don’t come back cuz first sessions free and they just wanted to try it out but if we were doing this beginner stuff for every new person, wed just be doing the same class over and over again, no progression and people would stop coming.

[@MassaCreto]

@@redplanet9334you can easily separate the new comers with the regulars and have one of the instructors dedicated for beginners or they can switch each workout… many way, what is needed is the will. Sadly in my case, the only available club that suits my working hours and living location is not that keen on the basics for a first or second workout. They do show how to do it, but the expectation is you will pick it up from the first try. Still not gonna quit as I enjoy the sport, even with some injuries here and there…

[@davidb9166]

This is the most thorough instructional video on rolls I've seen.

[@ExperienceMMA]

Thank you very much!

[@Kirkmichals]

I agree! Thank you professor Fung for covering these basics so thoroughly.

[@ExperienceMMA]

@@Kirkmichals you're very welcome! Thank you for watching and glad you enjoyed the video!

[@mge456]

Thank you, I have recently joined a Jiu jitsu class and still learning the falls technique. Your explanation is extremely helpful, especially if one slows down playback to 0.75 speed.

[@audrag4874]

This is very helpful, thank you! My daughter and I did our first BJJ self-defense class this past Saturday and I struggled with the front and back rolls. She had no issues from being a gymnast, but I struggled to get it (and was sore!) This helps a lot! 🤲

[@ExperienceMMA]

Congratulations on both of you getting into Jiu-Jitsu! So glad I could help through the content of this video. Happy you enjoyed it and thank you for your comment! 🙏

[@sapphpirate]

Needed the hell out of this video. Thrown into a trial by fire type of class was rough. I’ve been curious for months now on proper falling technique. Thanks!

[@ExperienceMMA]

Thank you! Glad I was able to help you through this video! Happy to hear it served you well! Keep me posted on your progress!

[@edgarbiii4661]

This is the best instruction I've seen on breakfalls.

[@ExperienceMMA]

Thank you very much sir!

[@mixlab-market1291]

Thank you SIR! This is going to help me out TONS!

[@reinhold-vst9499]

Thank you, I just started jiu-jitsu class and it goes as you described... thanks to your video I can do these exercises at home now.

[@ExperienceMMA]

Thank you for the comment! Glad this video helps you! Jiu-Jitsu is a beautiful art, keep at it!

[@MassaCreto]

Thanks for the awesome video! Third workout today, good thing I watch a lot of videos! Will definitely improve my rolls! Cheers!❤

[@lorenzogianicontini]

Great video, needed this tutorial to improve my rolls. Very well explained, and like the fact that you showed the rolls from all angles. Great stuff! Thanks!

[@riorio5713]

Thank you, very clear and concise directions. I appreciate that you repeated the demonstrations a few times from different angles.

[@kaos702lv]

Thank you for this! Very informative

[@brooklynmadison7714]

Definitely helps out a LOT! thank you so much for providing this video!!!!

[@ExperienceMMA]

You're very welcome! Thanks for watching! 🙏💯

[@kakomako1197]

Rolls are smoooooooooth. Reminds me of the Japanese Aikido and Judo masters

[@artempetrov1205]

Watching this after landing on my shoulder during a mat return and partially tearing my AC ligament. Will have to give these a try in a month or so. Thanks for the info!

[@xylonguitars]

extremely helpful! thank you for sharing!

[@ExperienceMMA]

Very welcome, glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching and subscribing to the channel!

[@skc-wg2yq]

Best info! Thanks

[@martinettenes1789]

.. GREAT way to give youngsters & elders the perfect instructions. Thank you ...

[@ExperienceMMA]

Thank you sir! Appreciate the kind words! 🙏

[@TrishCanyon8]

THANK YOU! I have confidence in break fall because of you. I'm going to "warm up" and show my classmates. 😂

[@trezulu1755]

Great instructional video, I love the break downs.

[@ExperienceMMA]

Thank you Sir! I appreciate the feedback and comment!

[@jend4128]

You did a really good job of explaining this for beginners! Thank you!

[@ExperienceMMA]

@jend4128 You're very welcome! Appreciate the kind words and thank you for watching!

[@astinus4]

Excellent instructions and demonstrations, very helpful for beginners! 🙏🏾

[@ExperienceMMA]

Thank you! Greatly appreciated! 🙏

[@iammistergreen]

Needed this! Today was my first (trial) BJJ class. Since I'm huge (250+ lbs and 185cm)... the trainer found it hard to teach me the front/back rolling drills. I kind of nailed the back rolling but the front one was a massive failure. I now know why. The technique (taught by the trainer, who's quite athletic like a marathon runner) isn't supposed to work with my body physique! Thank you so much for sharing. Please share more drills, sensei!

[@ExperienceMMA]

I'm really happy to hear that I was able to help through this video! Keep up with your training and don't hesitate if there is anything I can help you with for your jiu-jitsu journey. Make sure to follow here and, not to worry, we'll be making a lot of content on this channel in hopes to share our knowledge and to help you out! Thank you very much for taking the time to comment and keep me updated with how your training is going! Oss.

[@sieable]

Helpful and encouraging. Thanks

[@ExperienceMMA]

You are so welcome!

[@TrainerDude51]

Very good instructions! Step-by-step helps understand the concepts.

[@ExperienceMMA]

Thank you!

[@brookeplesnar1618]

Ugh thank you! I just wanted to learn the fundamentals and nail them down. This was very informative!

[@ExperienceMMA]

Thank you! I am glad I was able to help through this video! Keep it up and wishing you a great journey in learning safely!

[@Da_daddy]

Well done brother

[@Eindrew9]

this video is awesome for animation reference, thank you!

[@ExperienceMMA]

Thank you! 🙏

[@vegancherry5503]

Thanks Sir!!!! 🙏

[@ExperienceMMA]

Thank you for watching! 🙏

[@newtocamelot]

Great video! I had my first BJJ class last Tuesday and I was taught pretty much everything in this video. It was a good experience (I’m definitely going back) but unfortunately during the backwards rocking chair motion the instructor wanted me to pull myself back up to a squat on the balls of my feet without using my hands to help me and I hurt the back of my neck trying to do that. It’s been 3 days and it’s still sore. 😩

[@slowlybutsurely444]

So true not enough effort gets put into learning these break falls I was chucked in the deep end last night whilst learning take downs before knowing how to properly break fall! Talk about the fastest way to get injured and embarrassed

[@ExperienceMMA]

slowly but surely sorry to hear about your academy missing out on an important piece for students. The nice thing is you can use the drills demonstrated in this video during your own solo workouts to enhance your own skills. Keep training and always make sure to stay safe and healthy so you can do it for a very long time and enjoy the journey! And thanks for watching! 👊

[@mikermilano]

Thank you, this is exactly what I was looking to find. I am just getting back into the gym after being out for 12 week with a broken rib because I had no idea how to properly breakfall.

[@ExperienceMMA]

Sorry to hear. I hope this video helps you out and that you can enjoy training training while staying injury-free! 🔝💯

[@AlexTheProdigy]

Nice job papa!!✌👊💚😁

[@ExperienceMMA]

Alex The Prodigy Merci mon p'tit gars d'amour!! Papa y t'aime! 😙😊🙏

[@pierrebridenne8870]

Thanks from France !

[@ExperienceMMA]

Merci beaucoup! C'est super gentil!

[@Budoka72984]

Budo Brother, this is an outstanding excellent video. Thank you!

[@ExperienceMMA]

Thank you very much for the kind words! Oss! 🙏

[@charlestuo2702]

This is very useful.scientific.thanks

[@ExperienceMMA]

Thank you!

[@KOP1968]

Have to say big thank you ,this is the best video I have seen on how to break falls and rolling , I just started BJJ so this will help me immensely. Thank you once again.

[@ExperienceMMA]

You are welcome! Very much appreciated, thanks for the comment and glad I was able to help through my video! This is an old one, we will be re-doing an updated version sometime soon! Make sure to subscribe and stay tuned for more! :)

[@KOP1968]

@@ExperienceMMA That's excellent stuff yesam already a subscriber.Thank you again Danny.

[@eddyrain5167]

osssssssssss!!!!!!!!!!!!!! cinco estrelas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@MinotaurvsCyclops]

My instructor is amazingly thorough and detailed when teaching, but for some reason I just couldn't get the side fall. The back fall was fine, I think we will be learning the front fall today. But you've really helped me get the gist of the side fall and I can keep up with the rest of the class. I really appreciate the thorough explanations and the breakdown into three steps to cement the process of learning.

[@ExperienceMMA]

It just takes practice and with proper breakdown of each move, you will be comfortable with these in no time. Thank you for your comment and I am happy that I was able to help you through my video on this subject. Keep me updated on this channel with your progress! 🙏

[@loribleau3802]

I felt really lost at my first class during warmups and didn't even attempt front rolls as I was afraid I'd hurt my neck. The instructor said he would spend some time teaching them but I'm reluctant to pull too much time away from more advanced material with the upper belts in the class. I've been using your video to practice, it's incredibly helpful. Thank you!!

[@ExperienceMMA]

Thanks for the comment and congratulations on your initiative in starting your training in the art! Glad this video helped! We will be doing a newer version of Breakfalls & Rolls, including an assortment of solo floor drills very soon! Stay tuned and make sure to subscribe to the channel to receive updates! 🙏

[@ShintaiRestaurantes]

Thank you !

[@ExperienceMMA]

Welcome! Glad you enjoyed it! 🙏

[@JoshMarriott]

Thanks so much! It’s so true that they just throw us in there expecting us to roll on day 1. I’m new at Alliance and I feel like I’ve just been shoulder diving😤

[@ExperienceMMA]

Thank you and I hope.this video was able to help you as much as possible! I totally understand you, 90% of BJJ academies simply "throw" their new students right into the fire and I find it disappointing to say the least. But on the bright side, JJ is an amazing art and I hope you reap all of the great benefits from your training! 🙏

[@jasonvanesch3093]

Yea although I already knew parkour rolls etc so I kinda had a headstart and my instructor picked up on it...therefore he never did much other than make me try 10 reps for each

[@mrsbootsworkouts]

Thank you! My rolls are not smooth yet, I will keep practicing!

[@naterossi2022]

thanks 🔥

[@ExperienceMMA]

💯🙏

[@jrraytanacariquelee8503]

Wow nice

[@ExperienceMMA]

Thank you! 🙏

[@milosmarinkovic797]

Man I just started doing it at 42 year old. And while teacher was great with technique there was no that much attention to drills. Thank you so much this is really helpful

[@ExperienceMMA]

Gladly appreciate your comment! Thank you! So happy I was able to help you out through this video! Kudos for starting in this sport, you will love it!

[@milosmarinkovic797]

@@ExperienceMMA could you maybe recomend me more videos from your play list to practice solo drills at home.

[@simirkresimir8975]

Thanks

[@ExperienceMMA]

Welcome! 💯

[@judokabeatz1041]

Wow! I am a beginner Judoka and so far you have best warm up for me as beginner and you are BJJ teacher! thank you. I had bad bike injury two years ago and still have messed up right wrist that can't bend backwards much. I have to ware wrist brace sometimes when warm up and especially when do randori and wrist still hurts after classes smh :( I also have bad back and knees smh and I do roll today and hurt my back and shoulder. now I see its better your way to start on ground first. my teacher do more work out and stretches with me now cause my injuries, any advice ? ??

[@ExperienceMMA]

Thanks for watching and for the nice feedback! As for advice, I would simply recommend to listen to your body and take it easy on certain exercises. Judo has to be harder on the body due to all the throwing and such, but if you enjoy it, I'm sure you and your Sensei can work it out during sessions. Jiu-Jitsu is softer in the sense that you could essentially always start from the ground during training if it made it easier on your body and its injuries. I would also start some prehab and rehab exercises to complement your mat sessions, as they can benefit you tremendously. Good luck and keep me posted on your progress!

[@Risperi1]

Is there any difference between rolling in bjj and ninjutsu?

[@_RYEN_]

I've been doing these wrong for the last few weeks and a few times it's actually been hurting my arm I've been throwing my arms straight out to the side and slapping them not at a 45ﾟ angle like you said I was never once told that thank you so much if you can also maybe show some videos on how to fall as a partner for judo throws would be helpful

[@ExperienceMMA]

Glad this video helped you out and I've taken note to make one on landing safely and correctly when being thrown. Thanks for watching and for subscribing to the channel! Keep training! 💯

[@jasonvanesch3093]

Once you practice enough with the right technique and become smooth then it will become automatic

[@_RYEN_]

@@jasonvanesch3093 Thanks guys still training! 4 strip white belt!

[@padraigin2929]

I think during the rolling motion at the start you should specify that the chin should be tucked, it's a strange sensation people should get accustomed to.

[@miguelpagan8436]

Great job sir, but if I may I have been rolling for many, many years and the only thing that I don’t teach is the placement of the hand for base before the forward roll. Why? Well we call it catching the mat, which means the student try’s to place the hand in the floor just to anticipate the throw. So you higher the percentage of a injury for the student. That base hand, I tell my students to wrap it around there stomach, and when they roll and ready to break the fall whip the arm off the stomach and hit the mat with it. Of course if there just rolling just stand up and leave the arm on the stomach, unless there switching side. Just my opinion and experience, I still subscribe and gave a like to the video. Thank you for the time and dedication.

[@ExperienceMMA]

Absolutely, it's just another way of tumbling. Since this tutorial was meant for beginners, I taught it this way. Brand new people who have never done rolls before are often intimidated at trying a forward roll for the first time with their head and shoulder first. By placing their hand out beforehand, it makes them feel the ground first and provides them with a stable point of reference at first. Add this to doing it on their knees before their feet, and you have a confident student that might just continue his/her journey in the art, by building that confidence instead of having them think they're not "made" to do this.

[@williebeaminiv1928]

This was the issue at my old academy. I’m a big guy (290lbs) and as a big guy, it’s extremely hard to perform these movements. Especially the back roll. If I can do the warm up, I would look stupid. By me being the new guy, I could see and feel everyone looking at me and laughing on the inside. The instructor didn’t spend a lot of time showing me these things. To learn how to do the warm ups properly. I positioned myself at the end of the line. Watching everyone else do the movement, then performing the movement as I saw. To this day, I still can’t do a backwards roll. After a month of training, I left that academy. Hopefully my next academy will work with me in showing me the proper way to do these movements.

[@ExperienceMMA]

I hear ya! It's not uncommon for BJJ academies to have that culture, unfortunately. But don't give up on Jiu-Jitsu for that sad reason. There are tons of great schools that will invest time and effort into making sure you become proficient and feel comfortable doing all these important movements. Keep me posted! 👊

[@lovehandles16]

Thanks for this 👍 im new

[@ExperienceMMA]

You're welcome! Glad you enjoyed the video! 👊🙏

[@lovehandles16]

@@ExperienceMMA Respect🙏 this video will be my warm before class. Love your channel👊🏽

[@ExperienceMMA]

@@lovehandles16 Thank you for the kind words and for the comment! Appreciate your support and lots more great content to come! Oss! 🙏

[@mereel77]

Thanks! Went to my first BJJ class...hurt my neck in the warmup trying to keep up with everyone who just started rolling around off the bat. I need to be more assertive and speak up next time, but also videos like this will help :)

[@ExperienceMMA]

Yes, careful with injuries and listen to your body. Glad this video served you positively for your Jiu-Jitsu training. Keep me posted on your progress!

[@lajuanjohnsonbtc9634]

Just had my 1st jujitsu school experience & they did exactly like you said ,they threw me in without any roll or fall training. Should i find a new school

[@ExperienceMMA]

Not necessarily... if you enjoy the academy and it's atmosphere, then you should ask the instructor to help you with the warm-up drills so you could perform them correctly and without the worry of injuring yourself. Luckily, you also found this video, which in my opinion, covers the most elaborate details on this subject. We are also going to film another tutorial on BJJ warm-ups soon, so stay tuned for that as well. Best wishes with your training!

[@edgarbiii4661]

Karate has been in the States now since 1960. What Americans have learned in instructing students is that they follow a curriculum, step by step. Basics first and safety first. That is what keeps the students in the Martial Arts so long. There is no "hard way". If there were there wouldn't be so many black belts around. Americans don't like to pay money to get injured. Jiu Jitsu has a long way to go to catch up. Danny has the right idea. Notice Danny's technical getup every time.

[@Djimbe]

Love the vid! Some advice, if you like your location take care of that electric power Humm that you have there. A lot of people think it's not worth the effort but you'll save a ton long term, and your audio will be more clear in your vids.

[@ExperienceMMA]

Thank you and thanks for watching! 🙏 I know, our ceiling lights aren't the best. Ideally, we'd change them for LED!

[@vegancherry5503]

Fundamentals

[@moumitachakraborty2479]

Type of falls

[@bgarren444]

Trying to make a practice area in my basement for break fall practice. I’m 6 foot tall, do you think an 8X12 foot area would be enough?

[@ExperienceMMA]

Yes, you can simply switch directions on every rep if doing them from a standing position, and definitely enough for seated and kneeling position front and backward rolling as well as breakfall practice. Get good mats and you'll be good to go!

[@bgarren444]

Danny Fung thanks for the reply. I used to do judo several years ago, recently started Jiu-Jitsu, you’ve got one of the best videos on break falls I’ve seen. Thanks again.

[@ExperienceMMA]

@@bgarren444 Thanks so much for the kind words! Happy I was able to help you through this video! 🙏

[@1ajdelacruz]

@11:51 standup rolls

[@edgardo9003]

Are ukemi and break fall the same?

[@ExperienceMMA]

Yes. Ukemi means breaking your fall.

[@marcelozerbini5411]

That "confiance" banner... What's that about? Weren't you going for "confiança"

[@ExperienceMMA]

It’s French. We’re in Québec.

[@marcelozerbini5411]

That explains it kkkkkkkk

[@chinothedreamgiver1629]

This video is making me think I'm in the wrong class.. I had 3 days, and no one showed me how to do the warm-ups.. even hurt my neck on day 3. It's been intense rolling since day one. Intense 15 min. Taking turns rolling.. with not much knowing what to do, except not getting hurt.. hmm.

[@junior.69420]

9:15

[@TheCrazyNekoGirl2123]

that makes me kinda angry. As an Instructor it's your job to make sure you prepare your students all things even the boring stuff. My sister for example was putin math class and the teach her didn't go over the lesson he just expected the students to do it. So when she had a question she didn't explain it to herhe just said it was obvious and told her to go sit down.. Long Story short he was talked to and given probation which means other teachers sat in on his classes to make sure he was actually teaching the subject and she was out in to class that went slower. You have to teach the boring stuff too That Math teacher just couldn't be bothered but if you don't teach and go over and over those things and that student gets hurt its your fault for not prepareing them and you can getting to a lot of trouble maybe even legal trouble and no one wants that

[@baj5605]

Back roles are easy but front roles are hard

[@ExperienceMMA]

Keep practicing and you'll soon become at ease with them.

[@angel-rq4fz]

BJJ is not Judo to nevesditate breakfall practice . In fact most BJJ guys practice wrestling for takedown .

[@BlueSMPNetwork]

Good exercise, but not a proper backfall, keep your feet on the mat, and rais your hips off the ground!

[@rhsweden]

No no no , this was embarrassing to see .

[@ExperienceMMA]

How can a well explained tutorial on a subject be embarrassing to see? 🤔

[@rhsweden]

@@ExperienceMMA question ,ukemi for self defence or competition ?

[@ExperienceMMA]

Tumbling exercises are excellent to warm-up and get your body loose, and along with totally understanding how to fall properly without getting injured is an important element to know for self-defense.

[@rhsweden]

@@ExperienceMMA one example ,slamming your straight leg onto a thick mat thats ok but doing it on the street is a no no ,and my experience is 12 years of ukemi waza on hard wood floor :-)

[@ExperienceMMA]

so I guess landing onto your knee, elbow or head would be a much better method then

[@gullybull5568]

not interested

[@ExperienceMMA]

The feeling is mutual.

[@3x4architecture77]

Unbearably over-produced piece of media.