Judo Champ Teaches Seniors How to Fall Safely

Learning how to fall might sound strange, but for millions of older adults, it could be the skill that keeps them independent and injury-free.

Team England judo champion Kelly Petersen-Pollard is leading sessions in Lichfield, Staffordshire, teaching people with mobility issues how to land safely when falls happen. The program, hosted at MoveMojo's Centre, targets a critical problem: about a third of people aged 65 and over fall at least once per year, and that number jumps to half for those over 80.

Petersen-Pollard brings real expertise to the mat. In judo, athletes learn to "fall well" as a fundamental skill, using techniques like forward and backward break falls that distribute impact and reduce injury risk.

"We're teaching people to fall so that when falls do happen, you can land a lot better to prevent injuries," Petersen-Pollard explained. The key is using the softer side of your arm to slap the ground, which takes pressure off vulnerable areas like the spine and head.

The technique might feel unnatural at first, but muscle memory can kick in during a real fall. "You might not think you're going to do that as you're mid-fall, but it might come back in your memory and you will put your arm out," she said.

Tracy Rhodes, who joined the session while waiting for knee replacement surgery, already sees the benefits. "I'm prone to falls at the moment, so starting to learn how to fall is really good," she said. "It's stuff I can practice at home."

The Ripple Effect

The program reaches beyond fall prevention. Petersen-Pollard is also organizing sessions for children with learning disabilities, creating an inclusive space where people from different backgrounds connect through sport.

She's breaking down barriers around judo, showing it's not just for elite competitors. "Some people think 'oh, I can't do that, that's too hard,'" she said. "There's so many things in judo that aren't just the competitive, elite side."

The sessions also help shy participants build confidence and meet new people. It's community building wrapped in practical life skills, delivered by someone who knows the sport inside and out.

For older adults facing the daily worry of falling, this simple technique offers something priceless: the confidence to keep moving.