Why isn't that a regular thing people should learn, particularly as
they get older.
This came up after a tumble I took the other day and rolled out of it
unharmed. The question was "how did you do that"?
It is the simple "PLF" (Parachute Landing Fall) as taught to airborne
troops. In typical military fashion, it is a simple process where they
teach the tuck and roll. My old roomie was in love with the trick
(Marine Force Recon) and showed it to me. He could roll out of a
moving car. I never went that far but I did get to the point where I
instinctively learned the trick pretty fast.
It actually took me a while to remember how I learned it but it has
saved me from injuries more times than I can cite. I really think
everyone should learn the basic moves. We would have a lot fewer
broken bones in the elderly if they just learned a few basics about
how to fall. Needless to say, when I mentioned it to the trainer at my
wife's club, he freaked, saying the insurance for that class would be
a killer ;-)