What is Judo?

Judo, which means “the gentle way,” was founded in 1882 by Jigoro Kano. It’s more than a martial art, it’s a lifelong practice in resilience, adaptability, and control.

While Judo is often recognized for its dynamic throws, one of its most essential (and often overlooked) teachings is how to fall safely and intentionally. This practice is called ukemi.

Ukemi is the art of falling.

Rather than bracing or resisting impact (which can lead to injury), ukemi teaches the body how to move with a fall. These techniques help distribute force and protect vulnerable areas like the head and joints.

In traditional judo training, students learn ukemi before anything else. It’s considered a foundational skill that builds awareness, confidence, and the ability to respond calmly when getting thrown.

For many adults, especially as we age, falling becomes something to fear or avoid. But in judo, falling is something you can learn, practice, and improve, just like balance or strength.

The Falling Class draws directly from ukemi principles, adapting them in a safe, gradual, and accessible way for adults of all experience levels.