Safer-Falling Research
Judo-based safer-falling programs are still emerging in the U.S., but internationally, they have been studied and implemented for years.
Evidence-based programs exist in countries like Australia, the Netherlands, Spain, Japan, the UK, and Sweden. Researchers and practitioners are exploring how ukemi training can reduce injury risk and improve confidence, mobility, and independence for older adults.
The Falling Class is among the first programs in the United States to bring this work into a structured, community-based setting. In December 2025, TFC Co-Founder Matt Scheib presented at the 3rd Annual International Safe Falls Conference at Tokai University in Kanagawa, Japan. As the only American presenter, he shared The Falling Class methodology, early outcomes, and future vision for safer-falling training in the U.S.
This growing body of research points to a simple and powerful idea: falling is not just something to avoid, it’s something that can be practiced, improved, and taught.
As this field continues to evolve, The Falling Class is actively interested in collaborating with researchers, clinicians, and institutions to further study and expand safer-falling training in the U.S.
Check out some of our current research-based projects below!
The Falling Class Research Projects
Georgia State Research Study: A randomized controlled trial evaluating The Falling Class.
The Falling Class is in the recruiting phase of our research partnership with Dr. Feng Yang and Georgia State University. We are seeking volunteers 55+ who would like to participate. If you or someone you know may be interested and have never been involved in our safer-falling program, a judo program, or any other type of perturbation training, please reach out to fallprevention@gsu.edu
Interprofessional Experience with Mercer University
The Falling Class is pleased to announce our partnership with Mercer University and a grant award to develop a simulation-based interprofessional experience for healthcare students from four of Mercer’s colleges/schools. In 2027 this project will bring together students across nine Atlanta-based Health Sciences Center programs to increase students' awareness of age-friendly care, the impact of injurious falls in older adults, and their understanding and awareness of a novel injury prevention intervention based on the principles of judo. The activity will also identify how an interprofessional approach is critical to address the complex nature of falls in older adults.
Analytical Essay Submission to the American Journal of Public Health
The Falling Class has submitted “Program Evaluation of Community-Based Safer Falling Training for Older Adults: The Falling Class” to the American Journal of Public Health for review in partnership with staff at Georgia State University, Augusta University, and Emory University.
Authors: Adam K Stevenson,1 Deborah A Jehu,2 Joshua Parker,3 Katherine Hsieh4
Psyconsultants LLC, Atlanta Judo Midtown Atlanta, GA, United States
Community and Behavioral Health Sciences Department, School of Public Health, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
Department of Physical Therapy, Byrdine F. Lewis College of Nursing and Health Professions, Georgia State University, Atlanta GA, United States
Curious about the science behind safer falling?
Explore an interactive AI research library built by The Falling Class Research Team and Psyconsultants LLC.
Search, ask questions, and engage directly with the research to better understand how safer-falling training supports strength, confidence, and injury prevention.