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A DIFFERENT APPROACH TO LEARNING

THE FALLS OF JUDO

Perhaps the most striking difference in my teach-ing methods from that of the old-fashioned way is my approach to the Judo falling techniąues.

As was described in the Introduction, the standard procedurę of teaching Judo is to restrict the new student to learning falling techniques only for his first six months of training. As a discipline, this is acceptable. As a way of teaching it is contrary to all modern concepts. It makes the falls a dreary, repetitious and unpleasant part of learning Judo.

I have reversed the procedurę. Under my instruction, the student learns to throw at the same time that he learns to fali. Moreover, at my school it is considered a mark of advancement for a student to Receiyę from a throw. It is actually easier to learn to throw than to receive. Newcomers are permitted to throw advanced students from the very beginning. When the new student has spent some time learning both throwing and falling techniąues, then he is permitted to be thrown.

This method also frees the Judo student from an aversion to continuing a practice of the falls for their own sake. I encourage the constant practice of the falls because they are excellent for exercise, coordination, suppleness and safety.

The basie and intermediate falls can be learned and done by anyone who will practice. The advanced falls are for those who wish to develop special skills and are not intended for the average student.

In practicing the falls, be certain that you have good form in the basie falls before going on to the intermediate falls. Do not attempt the advanced falls unless you have achieved excellent form in the intermediate falls.

Learning and practicing the falls with pleasure will be a great aid in beginning freestyle Judo play. Students are commonly stiff and defensive if they have a worry about being thrown. If you have con-fidence in your ability to Receive, you will find

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