Originally Posted by Uke

Actually, I never said that there weren't combat applications for flying ukemi. I've seen big men knocked out cold from being hit by flying ukemi. I said not necessarilycombat applications. If you don't know the value of flying ukemi then its not your fault. Its the fault of your teacher.

And in systems that practice flying ukemi, you should be able to do it at 1st dan. Maybe even before. But you are correct. Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses, just as some systems place emphasis on different aspects. If you have difficulty performing flying ukemi but can perform ukemi like free side falls and forward flip, then its a matter of fear, not a physical limitation.

With your size, I suspect you believe that its a case of flexibility or mobility, which is wrong. Its the ability to relax during the fall and keep proper form. That's basic and I'm sure you know that by now.

But before you can master flying ukemi, you have to learn that ukemi is not only about breakfalls but about feeling and understanding the motion that drives the fall. Its all about mastering motion.