2013

English 2010
Memoir

Stephanie Valdez Salt Lake Community College 9/9/2013

English 2010

Memoir

Stephanie Valdez

Memoir:
Falling is a pretty basic universal fear. Typically, when you fall you get hurt. Nobody enjoys injuries. Injuries are a pain in the backside, quite literally, and medical bills only add insult to injury. What if I could tell you there are ways you can prevent most injuries simply by falling properly? I know what you are wondering, and yes, I have found that there is in fact a right and wrong way to fall on your fact. (Hint: the wrong way hurts). I am a Sankyu 3rd Rank Green Belt with the United States Judo Federation & instructor at Hidden Valley MMA. I earned my belt and train under Michael Hermosillo, 4th deg. black belt, the 2002 US National Brazilian JiuJitsu Champion, 8 time Utah State Judo Champion (to name a few). In addition to practicing martial arts, I am also extremely clumsy. Between those two contradictory facts, I have had broken ribs, broken toes, a broken nose, torn hamstring (twice) as well as countless contusions. Some typical jokes in our household are Oh, did the floor trip you again? and Wow, did that wall come out of nowhere? The funniest part about these jokes, is that they never get any funnier! With the multitude of injuries I have had, I can tell you with the utmost conviction that proper falling techniques (Ukemi) can help prevent serious injuries and promote confidence. It has enabled me to participate in more extreme sports with less fear and more conviction. I am also not as jumpy around walls. Everyone at some point in their life has taken a tumble. For those of us who engage in more extreme sports, the chances of injury are much more likely. Learning how to fall properly is not only for people practicing martial arts. Young children are also prone to falling, as well as the elderly. I wish I had known years ago how to fall on my backside without busting it!

Tai Otoshi (The Body Drop) One of the Approved 67 Throws of Kodokan Judo
Pictured: Professor Michael Hermosillo, Michael Hermosillo Jr., Stephanie Valdez

English 2010

Memoir

Stephanie Valdez

Bibliography
10 July 2012 <http://www.hvjudo.com/instructors.php>. Dryer, Shari. Aikido Info. 1 November 2011. 5 September 2013 <www.aikidofaq.com/practice/ukemi.html>. Gracie, R & Danaher, J. Mastering Jiu Jitsu. Champaign: Human Kinetics, 2003. Hermosillo, Michael. Professor Stephanie Valdez. 5 July 2012. Ohlenkamp, Neil. 10 Septermber 2011. Judo Information Site. 28 June 2012 <http://judoinfo.com/kano4.htm>.