Where can I learn how to fall the right way?
I am in the same boat, I work with a trainer twice a week at a gym, for this and other problems, strengthening the core is key to keeping you balance.
I learned at Fort Benning.
Edited to add: Google "parachute landing fall" and I'm sure you can find a good video demonstration.
I played a ton of sports as a youngster. I'm very good at falling. The "tuck" is important
Minimizing damage when you fall is one thing. More important from my point of view is finding a way to prevent those frequent falls in the first place. If you have't had a recent check-up, I would strongly suggesting having one now and discussing the falling issue with your doctor. In my case, my frequent falling was a "known" side effect of a medication I was taking. I stopped taking that medication and no more falls. Balance testing is something else you could try. There are a variety of possible causes for falling that could be corrected or partially prevented through physical therapy or use of an assistance device such as a cane or walker. Balance testing will help zero in on any physical condition you may have that is contributing to these falls. Then, they will be able to recommend exercises and/or a work around that works best for you.
In addition to falling the "right way" there are all sorts of fall prevention tips that you can follow. I too am/was a skinny Caucasian woman and my diagnosis has recently morphed into proper full-blown osteoporosis. That said, I learned all sorts of things about fall prevention while caring for my aged mother-in-law.
The number one tip for fall prevention is making sure your eyes have been checked and your prescriptions are up to date. After that it is all about moving throw rugs, making sure stair treads stand out from the landing, chair seats should be of a contrasting color to the carpeting, keep an eye out for pavement changes outdoors, etc.
FWIW: I have a stand up desk and use a balance board from "Fluid Stance" all day. Fluidstance Hopefully my micro-adjustments are helping!
Rivoli said:
The Times just published a piece on the importance of learning how to fall the right way: stay relaxed, round and roll, fall "on the meat, not the bone," fall like a toddler (or a drunk).
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/24/well/move/the-right-way-to-fall.html
I do none of these things. I fall often and hard. Not a good thing for a skinny Caucasian woman with early signs of osteoporosis.
The writer says that martial arts schools sometimes offer classes in how to fall the right way. (Also parachuting schools, but I don't want to be pushed off platforms - crazy, right?)
Does anyone know of a place with lots of soft floor mats where I can learn how to fall?
Have you seen a doctor about frequent falling? There could be something going on beyond just learning how to fall. I don't think "falling often" is normal.
SAGE in Summit used to offer fall prevention courses a few times a year. Even if the class isn't taught there any more, SAGE staff might be able to recommend another location. (They seem to use only the acronym these days, but it stood for Summit Area Gerontological Endeavor.)
This article is much too late. 63 million Americans just fell the wrong way, and I'm not sure we can ever heal from it.
absolutely endorse Feldenkrais. Also check your community health/ medical centre/physio etc for "stay on your feet" or Otago style exercise/balance classes. People think they're for 'oldies' but really anyone over age 35-40years should be starting to consider these regular movements.
Thank you to all for the great suggestions! Yes, I've been checked out: physical, neuro, eyesight, etc. I've also done PT and I work out. Maybe I'm just a klutz but I fall, and falling will have worse consequences as I get older. I'll check out Feldenkrais and Otago for preventive help but right now, I'm looking for a martial arts school that offers classes in how to fall. I want to get better at the pratfall 
you'll get faster results by beefing up your balance and reflexes I.e. NOT falling. Do the Feldenkrais and Otago.
(My profession is providing information and advocacy about this kind of life-skill information)
I've posted these before, and I'll keep posting them: they're effective and fast. If you do them every day you'll find that automatically you're experiencing fewer complete falls and over time you'll experience fewer slips, trips and stumbles.
It takes as long as the full kettle takes to boil to perform these exercises. http://www.activeandhealthy.nsw.gov.au/assets/pdf/Falls_Prevention_Home_Exercises.pdf
Edited for spelling
The Times just published a piece on the importance of learning how to fall the right way: stay relaxed, round and roll, fall "on the meat, not the bone," fall like a toddler (or a drunk).
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/24/well/move/the-right-way-to-fall.html
I do none of these things. I fall often and hard. Not a good thing for a skinny Caucasian woman with early signs of osteoporosis.
The writer says that martial arts schools sometimes offer classes in how to fall the right way. (Also parachuting schools, but I don't want to be pushed off platforms - crazy, right?)
Does anyone know of a place with lots of soft floor mats where I can learn how to fall?