The three things I remember from a long-ago judo class that have served me in good stead are (1) If falling forward, roll—that is, constrict all the muscles of my torso and neck so my head is driven towards my knees and I end up on my back. (2) fall as flat as I can, spreading the impact out over the largest possible surface area. (3) keep my chin tucked up against my chest while falling so my head doesn’t bounce off whatever surface I strike.
Of course, these are the sorts of lessons that have to become reflexes to be worth anything. And reflexes are taught by practice.
The three things I remember from a long-ago judo class that have served me in good stead are
(1) If falling forward, roll—that is, constrict all the muscles of my torso and neck so my head is driven towards my knees and I end up on my back.
(2) fall as flat as I can, spreading the impact out over the largest possible surface area.
(3) keep my chin tucked up against my chest while falling so my head doesn’t bounce off whatever surface I strike.
Of course, these are the sorts of lessons that have to become reflexes to be worth anything. And reflexes are taught by practice.