Video: How to do Yoko Ukemi – Side Breakfall by El Idrissi Judo Academy. Not affiliated with MatRecap; their version may differ from this drill.
Technique recap
The side breakfall spreads the impact of a fall across the side of the body and the slapping arm. It's the breakfall you use most in judo.
3 key details
- Tuck the chin to protect the head.
- Slap the mat about 45 degrees from the body, palm down.
- Exhale as you land and keep legs apart.
Your 10-minute home drill
- 2:00Lying side-to-side slaps
- 3:00Squatting side breakfalls
- 3:00Standing side breakfalls
- 2:00Shoulder stretch
Safety
Train on a soft mat and progress height slowly.
Instructor disclaimer
Follow your instructor's version. Schools and styles teach this technique differently. This page is general education, not a substitute for qualified instruction.
