(Break-falling Techniques)

Sutemi-waza is the Hikari Ryuza Ryu/DanZan Ryu Jujutsu method of break-falling which is slightly different than the break-falls of sport Judo. In Judo break-falling techniques are termed Ukemi-waza. The difference between the two methods of break-falling are slight. Sutemi-waza includes both 'flat falls' and 'rolling falls'. In Classical Jujutsu, the break falls were not practiced as Jujutsu was designed as a killing or maiming art which did not provide opportunities for safe falling. Break-falling did not come about until the inception of sport Judo in the late 1800's. The founder of sport Judo, Dr. Jigoro Kano devised the current practice of break-falling and made it an integral part of Judo training. The old style of Jujutsu became a sport, and was practiced with the student's safety in mind. Break-falls are important if one is to continue to practice with a minimum amount of injury. Break-falls today are a traditional part of all the grappling forms in the martial arts. The Classical Method of applying Jujutsu throws also had to be redesigned in order to allow the participants an opportunity to land in a safe position.

Learning Sutemi-waza is probably the most unenjoyable part of the martial arts. Yet it is one of the most critical aspects of the martial arts. Sutemi-waza must be practiced with diligence, paying attention to every detail; learn your basics or nothing will ever fall into place. We get out of something what we put into it!

If one develops the patience to learn Sutemi-waza properly, the mind and body will become disciplined and able to grasp the more complex concepts of Jujutsu. A basic principle in Jujutsu stipulates that "In order to learn to throw one must learn to fall". Taking the fall for a technique is the other half of throwing a technique both must be understood in order for the technique to be complete. An old rule in Jujutsu is that a student should take at least 1000 falls before being considered for their next promotion. Learning your Jujutsu step by step, learning all the minute details perfectly will build a strong foundation for the future.

The theory of Sutemi-waza is quite simple, but the perfection of these techniques is much more difficult. There are many levels of Sutemi-waza all the way up to and through the ranks of black belt. As one moves through the black belt ranks the Sutemi-waza become more intense. These advanced forms of Sutemi-waza are very easy to perform if one has learned their basics.

The idea behind the art of Sutemi-waza is to land in such a way that the entire body will absorb the impact of the fall in an evenly distributed fashion with resilience and recoil. This will prevent shock and injury to the vital parts of the body and enable one to recover an act defensively. If one uses their natural tendencies during a fall they will stiffen up, grit their teeth, reach for the mat, and chances are that they will break or dislocate a wrist or an arm, get the wind knocked out of them, tear muscles, or injure their vital organs. In this case the fight is already over, and they will fall prey to any subsequent attack the assailant may apply. If on the other hand, the force of the fall is reduced due to relaxing the body, tucking the chin, and curving the body to distribute the force of the fall evenly while executing a good Kiai, the injury, if any, will be minimal. In order to get rid of the natural tendencies which cause injury, one must develop the falling techniques into a reactive, spontaneous, and second nature action. One must continue to practice proper Sutemi-waza until the techniques feel natural, automatic, and the element of fear (the fear of falling) is alleviated.

When you execute each fall, slap the mat with your cupped hand(s) in a percussive strike (hataku ate) at the moment of impact. This will help to absorb the shock of the fall. The slap should never be any further out from the side of the body than 12 inches. If the slap is omitted the shock of the fall could be transmitted to the kidneys or the spine. To protect the kidneys and the small of the back, arch your back upon impact. To protect your head and your neck, tuck your chin to your chest. No one part of the body should receive the entire force of a fall. Never reach for the mat! Your slapping arm(s) should be positioned across your chest in preparation for the slap. After slapping the mat your arm will then recoil off the mat back to the ready position.

Points of safe falling:

1. RELAX: Tense muscles will transmit the shock of the fall to the less protected parts of the body.

2. DO NOT REACH: Reaching for the mat when falling will bring the full brunt of the body's weight to bear on the fingers, wrists, elbows, or shoulders resulting in sprains, dislocations, or breaks.

3. AVOID BONY SURFACES: Avoid letting any part of the body where the bone is close to the surface strike hard surfaces. Including the hips, knees, ankles, heels, elbows, spine, and the back of the head. In the case of the face fall or front fall (mae-sutemi) turn your head to the left keeping your head up so as not to strike the mat with your nose or head.

4. SPREAD THE SHOCK: Spread the force of the impact evenly over the entire body on the muscular surfaces of the body, i.e. upper back, forearms, buttocks, thighs, and calves.

5. SLAP: Slap the mat with the entire arm using a cupped hand. The arm should be relaxed yet firm, striking no further out than 12 inches from the sides of your body. The slap is executed in a recoil fashion returning immediately to the ready position.

6. KIAI: Kiai sharply from your diaphragm throughout the entire impact. (More on KIAI next time)

© Thursday, August 21, 2003 Dr. Crimi Ph.D. O.M.D.