Falling & Acrobatics (낙법 · Nak Bub)

Overview

Nak Bub (낙법) refers to falling and breakfall techniques used to safely absorb impact and recover from throws or loss of balance.

Training may also include rolling and acrobatic movements that extend these principles into dynamic motion.

Nak Bub is considered a foundational skill set in Kuk Sool training.

Context

In Kuk Sool training, falling techniques are used to:

reduce risk of injury
develop body awareness and control
support throwing and grappling techniques
prepare for dynamic movement and recovery

More advanced training may incorporate acrobatic elements that build on these foundations.

Language

Hangul: 낙법
Romanization: Nak Bub (also Nak Beop)
Naver Dictionary:
- 낙법 (Nak Bub)

Basic Falls

Front Fall (앞 낙법 · Ahp Nak Bub)

앞 + 낙법
Alternative (organizational terminology): Jun Bang Nak Bub

Back Fall (뒤 낙법 · Dee Nak Bub)

뒤 + 낙법
Alternative (organizational terminology): Hoo Bang

Side Fall (옆 낙법 · Yuhp Nak Bub)

옆 + 낙법
Alternative (organizational terminology): Cheuk Bang

Front-Side Fall (앞 / 옆 낙법 · Ahp Yuhp Nak Bub)

앞 + 옆 + 낙법
Alternative (organizational terminology): Yuk Cheuk Bang

Rolling & Transitional Falls

Rolling Fall (회전 낙법 · Hweh Juhn Nak Bub)

회전 + 낙법
Alternative (organizational terminology): Jun Bang Hoe Jun

Cat Roll (고양이 낙법 · Goh Yahng Ee Nak Bub)

고양이 + 낙법

Advanced / Aerial Falls

Acrobatics (Poong Cha)

Two-Hand Cartwheel (두손 풍차 · Doo Sohn Poong Cha)

두손 + 풍차

One-Hand Cartwheel (한손 풍차 · Hahn Sohn Poong Cha)

한손 + 풍차

Elbow Cartwheel (팔꿈치 풍차 · Pahl Kum Chi Poong Cha)

팔꿈치 + 풍차

Aerial (공중 풍차 · Gong Joong Poong Cha)

공중 + 풍차

Hand Spring (두손 앞 풍차 · Doo Sohn Ahp Poong Cha)

두손 + 앞 + 풍차

Notes

Terminology varies significantly across Kuk Sool schools and instructors
Some terms describe direction rather than distinct techniques
Alternative naming systems (e.g., “Bang”) reflect organizational or historical variation
Acrobatic techniques extend falling principles and may be taught separately

Source Notes

Published: Kimm, Kuk Sool: Korean Martial Arts
Organizational: WKSA instructional materials
Practitioner: standard training usage

Source classification reflects context, not authority. See Methodology for details.