Student Testimony

“I started taking The Falling Class at Atlanta Midtown Judo in January upon the recommendation of a friend who had raved about how helpful these classes felt to her. I took the series twice (forward, backward, and sideways falling) and LOVED it. My initial doubts were dispelled after the first class when I realized how some fairly simple yet very specific instructions about how to “fall well” made such a huge difference. 

Over time, I built up more and more confidence in falling better. My body now knows what to do instinctively when I stumble or fall (which is quite a bit), i.e., protect my face, my head, protect my wrists, roll up into a ball, lower my center of gravity – to name a few of the behaviors we practiced in class. 

The most valuable thing for me was to develop this type of “muscle memory” so that my body remembers what to do when I stumble or fall next time. I also truly appreciated the supportive and safe learning and practice environment that Matt, Daniel and the other instructors created. I can’t recommend this class enough! I will probably take a refresher sometime this year to keep reinforcing the moves we learned. 

Finally, just yesterday I was out and about with friends getting ice cream and stumbled over my own feet, and FELL backwards. I did not hurt myself at all! I just rolled on my back and was able to keep myself safe. Thanks for teaching me this important life skill!”

“I highly recommend attending The Falling Class. The techniques I learned proved invaluable when I unexpectedly fell in a restaurant. Instead of instinctively trying to catch myself in a way that could have caused a more serious injury, I automatically fell to my left side, exactly as I had been taught in the class.

As a result, I walked away with only a sprained foot rather than a broken bone or a more severe injury. In the moment, I didn’t have to think about what to do—the training simply took over. The class provided practical skills that helped protect me when I needed them most, and I am grateful for what I learned.

For anyone concerned about preventing injuries from falls, I believe this class is well worth attending.”

“As a recent hip replacement patient, my fear of falling was real.  Since taking this class, my fear is greatly reduced.  Learning how to fall is critical as we age.   

I was introduced to the class by a long-time friend of mine who was taking it.  I loved it from the start. The staff is fantastic, very enthusiastic, and constructive in how they instruct and show us how to improve each time we do a particular exercise or fall.   

Before I started the class,  I had no idea how to fall and not injure myself.  After the first class, I understood the need to improve my core, tuck my chin, and not let my head "hit" the flooring.  After the second class, I understood more about my body's ability to protect itself by making sure I don't fall on my wrist, elbow or shoulder. I feel very good at the end of each class, even though it can be somewhat challenging for me. It is wonderful after each class to know that I can and am doing better!

While my hip replacement was not due to a fall, it does not mean I had not fallen previously.  I had!  So my fears have a real basis.  Now, I see myself walking differently, lifting my feet so I don't drag one and trip over my own foot.  I have already experienced being able to avoid some of the usual ways I have fallen in the past.  Stairs have frightened me for many years.  Not so much right now.  I am more aware of my footing now. I want all my friends, young and old, to take this class!”

“I signed up for the program because I have had a couple of falls, which were quite painful and could have been even worse. I knew people who practice judo get thrown all the time in training, and so must know something about falling safely.

After observing a class, I felt that while it would be challenging, it was something I could do.

The class has met my expectations in every way. The instructors are knowledgeable, patient, and very thorough. I also really appreciate the positive attitude they bring to the class. All of them have a great desire to see that students learn techniques that will help them stay safe as they age.”

“I started taking classes in February 2026 after attending a free open house. It is fun while building my confidence around moving through my daily life as well as should I fall;  having some muscle memory on how to tuck chin and have my body fall more safely. I love the teaching methods and I plan to be taking some of their workshops/classes repeatedly.” 

“When a friend first mentioned The Falling Class to me, I was highly skeptical of a class that involved intentional falling. But I decided to attend a free introductory workshop out of curiosity.  I had no intention of participating in actual falls!  Amazingly, after listening to the rationale for learning how to fall safely, I was happily participating on their safety mats.  Shortly after beginning the series of classes, I actually experienced a fall on a tricky slope while hiking. I think the fall could have had far more serious consequences had I not learned to protect my head and other vulnerable body parts by falling more safely.

I would encourage you to try one of the monthly free classes to learn about this opportunity and build your confidence by falling under controlled conditions.  Your muscle memory can be trained to help avoid injury when there is no time to analyze what’s happening during an actual fall.”

“When a friend told me about The Falling Class, I was skeptical. Really? A class that teaches you how to fall? But when you think about it, as you age, it becomes one of the things you fear the most. It's something we all have in common, no matter age.

After my first class, it made sense that Atlanta Judo Midtown would teach such a class.

I totally feel supported by the entire team at Atlanta Judo Midtown. The kindness, generosity, and support provided are what make the class so great. I feel no pressure if I cannot complete an exercise due to a lack of mobility. The encouragement is done with compassion and respect.

I would recommend The Falling Class to other seasoned youngsters (I hate terms like old, elderly, and senior citizen). It builds confidence in your physical self, and if you do fall, you have been taught some techniques that could potentially keep you from breaking a bone or suffering severe physical damage.”

“Many strength classes are available on how to avoid falls, but few classes on how to respond when the inevitable fall occurs. The Falling Class provides safe, real-world practice on safety mats.  The curriculum is well structured.  The trainers (all judo players) have lots of experience falling, and the trainer-to-student ratio is excellent. Best of all, the class is not a bit intimidating, and is taught in a fun and friendly atmosphere.  I fell playing pickleball and broke my arm badly.  With this class, my confidence is back on track.”

“I recently took The Falling class with some of my "over-60" active friends. It was a great experience!  I got lots of individual attention and learned several techniques to help make a fall as safe as possible. After taking the class, I had a chance to use what I learned when I took a fall while running backwards (not recommended). While it all happened really fast, the things I learned seemed to come back instinctively, and I did not hit my head or hurt myself. Try The Falling Class. You will feel more confident in your daily movement and will have fun too!”

“As a woman in her seventh decade, I was delighted to learn about a new program called “The Falling Class”. For people of my age, falls can debilitate, lead to loss of independence, or worse. Since attending these classes, offered by the excellent instructors at Atlanta Judo Midtown, I am building confidence, through their training, the acquired “muscle memory” will help protect me if I stumble or fall as I continue to age.”

"I am 78, a retired physician and current participant in the The Falling Class course. I can honestly say that only after 3 out of 6 sessions, I have learned to fall in a way that will help reduce severe injuries as a result of a fall. Everyone, especially those 65+, will benefit greatly from this course. Do your senior parents a favor and gift them a registration for this course and you’ll have them around much longer to play with their grandchildren and be of help to you."