The Falling Class
The Falling Class training begins very gradually. Classes start with slow warm-ups and balance exercises, then move to falling progressions. All falls are practiced on cushioned safety mats. As your body becomes more familiar with the safer shapes, movements become slightly more complex and challenging, always at your own pace! Small class sizes allow instructors to offer individualized adjustments and modifications based on your comfort and mobility.
In Level 1 Foundations, you learn the foundational shapes of safe backward, side, and forward falls. Students will learn each of these falls twice; first to learn the safer shape and then again to practice the movement.
In Level 2 Application, you apply your safe-falling skills to more dynamic situations, such as navigating uneven surfaces or tripping while carrying items.
The Falling Class is designed to boost students' confidence and falling-competence. With individualized instruction, practice on padded mats, and a supportive small-class environment, participants develop essential skills to stay active. The Falling Class improves:
Your body’s awareness in motion
How quickly your body responds when balance changes
How force is distributed when contact happens
The Falling Class students report greater confidence when navigating uneven sidewalks, carrying groceries, hiking on varied terrain, and moving through busy environments. The goal isn’t to eliminate all falls. It’s to move through life with more confidence, knowing you have safer-falling skills!
*Please note, the minimum physical requirement to join The Falling Class is the ability to get up and down from the floor under your own power.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Level 1 is taught on Mondays and Fridays from 10:00-11:00am.
Level 2 is taught on Mondays from 11:00-12:00pm.
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The Falling Class is designed for adults 55+ who are generally independent and looking to maintain or improve their strength, balance, and confidence through movement. It's a great fit for those who may have mild changes in mobility or stability but are still active in daily life. Participants must be able to get up and down from the floor under their own power and should be cleared by their doctor for light to moderate physical activity. This class is ideal for those interested in a preventative approach to aging well.
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This course is not appropriate for individuals with serious or unstable medical conditions that limit mobility or require medical supervision. If you experience frequent falls, cannot stand or walk without assistance, have severe joint pain or swelling, get dizzy or lightheaded during normal activity, or cannot get off the ground unassisted, this program is not a safe fit. It is also not suitable for those recovering from recent surgery or for anyone unsure about their ability to exercise safely without first consulting a doctor. This program is not a substitute for physical therapy or clinical care.
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Judo-based safer-falling programs are still emerging in the U.S., and evidence-based programs exist internationally in countries like Australia, Spain, Japan, and Sweden. The Falling Class is the first internationally recognized program in the USA.
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By 2030, the global population aged 65 and above is estimated to reach a staggering one billion. Falls are the leading cause of injury and death for this demographic. Serious injuries associated with older adult falls are common, costly, and preventable.
The fear of falling breeds a scary cycle—avoidance of activity leading to muscle deterioration, a decline in balance, and subsequently an increased likelihood of falls. This fear isn’t merely physical; it can spiral into isolation and loneliness, impacting mental and physical well-being. Studies have shown that the fear of falling directly correlates with the likelihood of falling. -
6 Class Punch Card ($249): Start with Level 1 Foundation classes. You have 3 months to use your 6 classes.
12 Class Punch Card ($459): Start with Level 1, then seamlessly move to Level 2. You have 6 months to use your 12 classes (this punch card is slightly discounted).
Unlimited Monthly Membership ($149): Join as many classes as you want! Memberships are billed monthly.