Hey I've reacently done a little falling on non matted surfaces, and I smacked my hand so hard on the ground I thought I broke it! Every one has always told me to slap when I fall to absorb some of the impact, and this works all well and good in the dojo, or in the park on some nice grass, but it sucks when your in the middle of the street! Tim I noticed that you slap when you fall and I was wondering if you might have somting to say about this.
Thanx
Chris

Hi Chris,
I teach new students to slap when they fall, because I think it makes the transition to not slapping when you fall easier. Eventually, you need to learn to roll and fall without reaching out or slapping your arms. BUT, falling on a hard surface and stinging your hand (from a slapping breakfall) is still far more preferable that falling incorrectly (without slapping) and breaking something.

Also, bear in mind it will always be uncomfortable to fall on concrete or asphalt, no matter how well you breakfall. The goal is to avoid serious injury, getting a little banged up is inevitable if thrown with force on a very hard surface. When your adrenaline is pumping, you won't even notice.

Tim gave me some helpful advice about breakfalls:

1- don't reach out (slap down by your own hip)
2- conact with ground should be spread out from
the tip of fingers all the way to the elbow.

*1- avoids elbow and shoulder injury (hyperextnsn)
*2- greater area of contact takes the sting out.

Happy fallin'.
Shane