Back Breakfall & Command Control

Objective

Teach kids to follow commands with precision, copy movements exactly, develop body control, and learn a safe back breakfall.
This drill builds discipline through strict copying, timing, and staying still until the next command.

Setup

Kids sit on their own spots in a circle or scattered safely.
Instructor stands where all kids can see clearly.
Assistant or parent helpers are ideal for the pad-kicking section.

Drill Breakdown

1. Sitting Position – Copying the Clap (Discipline Phase A)

Kids start sitting upright, feet in front, hands free.

Instructor claps once.
Kids must clap once.
Instructor claps twice.
Kids clap twice.
Emphasise:
“You must copy exactly. No more, no less.”

Repeat until timing and discipline are clean.

2. Clap the Floor (Discipline Phase B)

Instructor now slaps the floor with both hands.
Kids copy exactly.
Go back and forth between:

• Clapping hands

• Slapping the floor

Increase speed gradually.
Kids love this and it builds disciplined reaction control.

3. Hands to Shoulders – Controlled Movement (Phase C)

Instructor adds a starting position:

• Hands on shoulders

• Forearms crossed over the chest

From this position, perform the clap or floor slap on command, then return hands to shoulders.

Repetition:

• Shoulders → clap → shoulders

• Shoulders → floor slap → shoulders

Do this slowly at first, then add speed.

No elbows on the floor at any time.

4. Back Breakfall from Sitting (Phase D)

From the hands-to-shoulders position:

1. Fall back safely.

2. Slap the floor with palms out.

3. Head stays off the floor.

4. Hips slightly elevated.

5. One leg up in a kicking position.

Repeat until every child shows:

• No elbows hitting

• Good head control

• Good hip position

Return to earlier phases (A, B, C) if corrections are needed.

5. Breakfall from Squatting

Move kids into a squat position.
Same commands:

• Hands to shoulders

• Fall back

• Slap

• Leg up for kicking

Repeat with command accuracy.

6. Breakfall from Standing

Kids stand tall on their dots.

Commands:

• “Hands to shoulders”

• “Fall”

• Kids fall back into correct breakfall position

• Instructor checks form

Repeat as needed.

7. Pad Kick Sequence (Controlled Reaction)

Now introduce focus mitts.

Process:

1. Instructor calls: “Fighting stance!”

2. Instructor calls: “Fall!”

3. Kids perform perfect standing breakfall.

4. Instructor approaches one child and holds a pad above them.

5. Child performs up to 3 kicks toward the pad.

6. Instructor commands: “Get up!”

7. Child stands properly.

Meanwhile, all other kids stay in the original ready position on the floor.

Rotate so each child gets a turn.

8. Final Discipline Round – Whole Class Commands

Instructor calls: “Fighting stance!”
Kids stand.
Instructor calls: “Fall!”
Kids fall back.

Now approach one or two children only with the pads, let them kick.
Then call: “Up!”
Every child stands up together—even those who did not kick.

Repeat until every child has kicked at least once.

This reinforces:

• Patience

• Discipline

• Following commands even when not chosen

Progressions

• Increase speed of clap/floor sequences.

• Add directional commands (“Left leg up”, “Right leg up”).

• Use numbered calls (1 = hands, 2 = floor, 3 = breakfall).

• Add a “freeze” command mid-motion.

Variations

• Silent copying (no verbal cue, only visual).

• Partner mirroring (kids copy each other).

• “Who is listening?” challenge: clap pattern becomes longer.

Coaching Points

• Remind kids: “Control your body, control your mind.”

• Reinforce exact copying for discipline.

• Correct elbows touching the floor immediately.

• Keep pad height low and easy for beginners.

• Praise effort and neat form, not speed.