Self-defense course

Module 3 — Hands-On Basics

Lesson 29 of 50Falling safely on concrete

8 min

Dr. Mira explains · Module 3 — Hands-On Basics · Lesson 29

Dr. Mira explaining lesson 29: Falling safely on concrete

Dr. Mira's selected Voice Calibration voice

Transcript

Hi, sweetheart. It's Dr. Mira. Welcome to lesson 29: Falling safely on concrete. How to go down without hitting your head. Let me walk you through this properly, the way I would if we were sitting together. Everything starts with your base. Feet about shoulder width, one foot slightly back, knees soft. From that stance you can push, turn, or run. Go slowly. Do each movement ten times slow before you ever do it fast. Speed comes after the movement feels natural. Break grabs by moving against the thumb — that is the weakest point of any grip, every time, on both sides. Strike with the heel of your palm, not your knuckles. Your hand stays safe and you keep it available for pushing off and running. These are escape moves, not fighting moves. The goal is always to create one second of space and use it to get away. If you go down, tuck your chin and land on the meat of your arm and hip, never your head or a straight elbow. Practice with someone you trust, or in front of a mirror. Ten slow minutes a week beats one hard hour a month. Now here's how I want you to practice. Read the lesson once, picture yourself doing it, and then do it for real one time today. One repetition is enough to start. If it feels awkward the first time, that's normal. Awkward means new, not wrong. That's all for this one. Watch it as many times as you need. I'm so proud of you for being here.

What this lesson covers

How to go down without hitting your head.

Module goal: Build a few simple physical skills that still work when you are scared and shaking.

What you'll be able to do

Fall on concrete without hitting your head.

Key points

  • Chin tucked, arms slapping out, land on the meat of your side.
  • Never brace with a straight arm — that breaks wrists.

Step by step

  1. 1Tuck your chin to your chest.
  2. 2Round your back.
  3. 3Slap the ground with your forearm, palm down.
  4. 4Land on your side, not your tailbone.

Common mistakes

  • Reaching back with a stiff arm.

New York City scenario

Shoved on the sidewalk. You land tucked, no head impact, and get up immediately.

Practice drill

Practice on a bed or mat: twenty controlled side falls with chin tucked.

Quick check

What breaks wrists in a fall?