U guys want some tips
Systo-Funk
not really into breaking that much now but who knows I might get back into
it.
Peace,
SYSTO-FUNK
Six-Step
What up, new breakers?? A lot of you have been askin' about how to do a
six-step, and have never gotten an answer, this is for you. The six-step is
basic footwork that you should practice, everytime you break. You should be
able, eventually to improvise your six-step with extra movments and steps
(sometimes referred to as Techs) for style and originality. As you learn
power moves (windmills, flares, etc), you should strive to be able to go
into them from a six-step, and come out of them into the six-step (in
addition to the other methods of starting and ending them).
For counter-clockwise six-steps, start from a push-up position with your
legs spread (this seems kinda silly, but it's the easiest way to explain it,
you can start from any position).
1) Lift your RIGHT arm, and move your LEFT leg through so it's in front of
your RIGHT leg.
2) Move your RIGHT leg so that your RIGHT foot is BEHIND the LEFT foot (your
legs will be crossed LEFT over RIGHT).
3) Move your LEFT foot in a small arc so your legs are uncrossed. At the
same time switch your hands (pick the LEFT one up, and put the RIGHT one
down.
4) Extend your RIGHT leg and sweep it around (wide) in a counter-clockwise
arc so that your LEFT foot ends up covered by your RIGHT knee joint and your
RIGHT foot is almost touching your butt (NOTE: Steps 3 and 4 shoud be done
in quick succession).
5) Put your LEFT hand back down on the ground, and move your LEFT leg back
to where it was in the push-up position.
6) Move your RIGHT leg back to where it was in the push-up position, and you
find yourself back at the beginning. Now, go back to step one, and repeat.
That's it. If you want go clockwise, just reverse all the LEFT/RIGHTs. One
more thing, don't try to do this fast at first. Go VERY slow to get the
technique down, and then increase your speed gradually. No matter how fast
you go, if your footwork is sloppy, it's noticable. Peace to all.
-Scan1 da Survivor
Sit down on the floor with your torso and your RIGHT leg at a 90 degree
angle with your LEFT leg bent at the knee so your left knee points straight
up and your left foot is flat on the floor. Now place your right palm on the
floor to the right of you and slightly behind you and lean and twist your
upper body to the right, going towards the floor (bending your right arm
altogether) to where your right shoulder and right/front of your face are
almost touching the ground. Your right leg should still be straight, and
your left leg bent. Now, a CRUCIAL move, you are going to "stab" your LEFT
elbow into your stomach, between your navel and your left hip-bone, closer
to your hip-bone. This is SO important, because your left arm is going to
support all your weight. Now, twisting and leaning, stabbing your elbow, put
your LEFT palm flat on the floor with your fingers pointing to your left. At
this point you can visualize how your left arm will support your weight.
Next, the one, two, three kick. At this point you should be leaning to your
right, with the frontal part of your upper body ALMOST facing the floor, and
very close to the floor, with yor left arm ready to catch all your weight.
Elbow in belly!) O.K. Your LEFT leg, which is still bent, is going to be
kick ONE, your RIGHT leg kick TWO and your LEFT leg kick THREE. During this
sequence, your body weight goes to your left arm. Now kind of finish turning
your lower body over to where you are practically horizontal to the floor
while KICKING your LEFT (bent) leg up into the sky (about 4 feet or so if
you're average size) while pushing off HARD with your RIGHT foot (your
STRAIGHT leg) (LEFT elbow in belly) Kick two-Kick your RIGHT leg
(outstretched) HARD to your RIGHT (your legs will be OPENING)At this
point(in full motion!) you should be facing the floor with your legs open
and your bodyweight on your LEFT arm (elbow in belly!).
Kick THREE-this is where you develop your first bruises!-During kick three,
a lot of things happen at the same time. KICK your LEFT leg HARD to your
RIGHT, going UNDER your right leg. Your legs should still be open, with your
right leg "circling" (imagine your legs are a drawing compass and your
pelvis the pivot) AT THE SAME TIME of this kick, your entire body needs to
roll onto your LEFT side, BUT your left upper body only should touch the
floor (not your hips or legs!)This means, on kick three, your LEFT shoulder
should touch (Hit?) the ground right about where your LEFT fingers are (I
crushed mine several times) Now you should be rolling onto your back, of
course your left arm no l onger supporting your weight. At this point, I
STRONGLY urge you to pull your legs in and do a BACKSPIN. Many veteran will
tell you the same. The reason being you should be able to do what I've
already described with relative ease before moving on. But when you're
ready...
O.K. Once you've got the previous down, do the following:
After kick THREE, you roll onto your UPPER back and quickly roll over your
RIGHT shoulder to where you are going to face the floor again. At the same
time, though, your RIGHT leg will be KICKING "Backwards and to your right".
Just remember the pivot and the compass thing. As you are turning to face
the floor, quickly STAB your LEFT elbow into your belly, just as before,
because your left hand will have to support you. ( You know the routine).
You are now at the most difficult phase of this deal. Linking them, when you
stab your elbow put all your weight into it. As your legs come around, you
will most likely hit your LEFT foot on the floor and get pissed because you
can't get past there. Never to fear! Learn by "PAUSING" your windmills. When
your left foot hits, just use it (LEFT FOOT) to push upward and OH!, you're
back to KICK ONE with that push upward! Proceed to kick two and three and so
forth, and when you come around again and your left foot hits the floor,
well...do it again! And keep doing it that way. Trust me, one day you'll
shock yourself and put three together without hitting your left foot on the
floor! Once you get this style down, you can move on to STOP stabbing your
elbow. It might take a while, but you'll get there. I know this is a long
post, but I tried to be as detailed as possible so you guys can learn. To
those that can do windmills already, this might seem like a stupid
explanation, but I know all beginners will appreciate the detail. If this
helps anyone learn, let me know.
SPINNING ON YOUR HEAD
Posted by B-Fast Saturday, 28 February 1998, at 4:23 p.m
A rule of thumb for learning any move is to be comfortable in the position
before you actually attempt movement in that position. This is especially
true in head-spinning.
Before any "spinning" on your head can occur, you must locate your balance
point. This is called an Equilibrium.
The first step in locating your balance point is to perform a head-stand. In
a correct head-stand your knees are locked and your legs are in-line with
your torso. Your body should be perfectly in-line from your head to your
toes.
Now, if you can sustain this position infinitely, then you can move to step
two;
Practice moving your legs in different positions while keeping your knees
locked. This will help build strength in your neck and back.
Step 3 is the beginning of the movement. Perform a head-stand and move your
legs to a position that looks similar to a shaft and helicopter blades.
Ideally, your torso, and your legs should be in a 90 degree angle. DO NOT
SPIN YET. Next, SLOWLY attempt to WALK your body in a circular motion while
retaining your form. Be sure to keep your legs spred. Practice this motion
until you can successfully sustain momentum in a circular motion. If you
have done this correctly you have located your "spinning " balance point for
your taps. You should be able to "walk" around rather quickly. If so, move
to Step 4.
Step 4 if continuous movement. Get in the head-stand position as stated
above. Now, with your legs spread, knees lockeds, and body in-line; attempt
to whip your legs in a circle and catch and then whip again and catch. Start
slowly, your not Orko yet(w ink). You will most likely fall down quite a few
times before you can successfully tap continuously. If you can do this, move
to step 5.
Step 5: If you can perform the above step, whip your legs harder. Whip them
to a point where you do not have to tap every rotation. You should be able
to 'tap' every other rotation. Remember to keep your form. Legs spread,
knees locked, toes pointed. I f you feel comfortable move to Step 6.
Step 6. If you can tap continuosly, it's time to let go. 'Tap' until you
feel you have attained sufficient momentum and let go!, you may only "glide"
1-2 times if you are lucky. Keep practicing this and you should be able to
"glide" considerably well. Your glides may not have correct form but that
comes alot later.
Keeping your arms out might help you with your balance. Remember, everyone
is different. It took 2 1/2 months of practice at atleast 3 hours a day for
me to get respectable taps. It takes time, don't get frustrated. Before you
attempt each step, visual ize as Kujo said. You cannot perform physically
what your mind cannot visualize mentally.
How To Hand Glide 101!!!!
Yo, what's up! Have you ever seen someone spin on one hand and wonder "how
do you That???" Well here is the answer! (This discription is to go Counter
clock wise. Reverse the LEFTs & RIGHTs to go clock wise) In order to hand
glide you nee d to know how to balance on two hands first! 1) Place both
your elbows right next to your belly button. 2)Then have your legs bent like
frogs legs are 3)Apply all your weight on your two arms and try balancing.
Practice balancing in this turtle possition with two hands until you think
you can ballance on it for a long time! 4) After that, get a peice of cloth,
rag, bennie or cotton glove under your LEFT hand then tuck that LEFT elbow
next to your belly button. 5) now use the Right hand which is doing noth ing
at the moment and start paddling with it so you are spinning on your LEFT
hand! (CAUTION) Do it slow at first or you may fall and pain will inflict
you! 6) After you got spinning on your hand really good, add style in to it!
While you are paddling gai n as much speed as you can then place your RIGHT
hand on your back or head. So all you will be doing is spinning with no
paddling and will be spinning with the momentum!
AIR TRACK
HOW TO FLY
Before you even attempt to learn air tracks, you should know what you're in
for. This is one of the hardest and most dangerous moves you'll ever learn.
First, be prepared to experience a great deal of pain. You're going to land
on your head, shoulder, chest, back and hip many times. Second, you have to
overcome the fear that comes with spinning in the air. If you've ever tried
a back flip, you know what I mean. Third, you won't master it any time soon.
You might get a single air track pretty quickly, but be prepared to spend
the rest of breaking career mastering it. Last but not least, good windmills
are absolutely necessary for good coordination, since an air track is
basically a windmill in the air. You don't necessarily have to have combos
with windmills, but you should be able to do them with ease, and also
without hands, so that your abdominal and waist muscles are strong enough to
give you the whip you need. But windmill combos do help, of course. Another
thing: there is an infinite number of ways to do this move. I'm going to
tell you my way and several others. You can use any of these tactics, or
come up with your own way that might be easier for you. And I strongly
suggest that you practice this move on the softest surface possible, such as
a mat or your front lawn. These instructions are for someone going
counter-clockwise. If your moves go clockwise, just reverse the
instructions. Start as if you're going to do windmills (standing or
kneeling), and make sure your body's angle stays between horizontal and
about 45 degrees. Don't ever let your body get vertical (you'll land on your
head). Put your right hand down first, then your left hand, while your legs
do a windmill motion. Your left leg is going to kick up behind you first,
then your right leg, and then your left leg is going to kick around and over
your right leg in a circular motion. Your legs are split at all times. Just
as your left leg swings over the right, you let go of the ground with your
right hand, while your left hand stays put for a few micro seconds more.
It's important to look over your right shoulder because you have to be able
to see the ground after you let go and before you land.
During these microseconds, kick your right leg under your left leg
(remember, your left leg kicked over your right leg first) and wait on your
left hand until your body spins as far as it possibly can, then let go of
the ground with your left hand. If that seemed too complicated, then simply
visualize the motions of a windmill, only your body is about two feet above
the ground, and remember to let go of the ground one hand at a time, first
with the right and then with the left. You are now airborne, but only for
another few microseconds. After you let go with your left hand and are in
the air, try to "catch" the ground with your right hand first and then your
left hand in rapid succession, and try to keep your legs moving in a
windmill motion (and make sure you can see the ground). Right here is where
it gets dangerous. If you don't whip your legs hard enough, or you don't
catch the g round quick enough, or both, you are going to land on your
shoulder, hip, head, or all three. If you don't catch the ground at all,
you'll land on your chest and maybe your face. If you overspin, you'll land
flat on your back, knocking the wind out of you, or worse, you'll land on
your hip and cause long term damage. However, if you do everything right and
you keep a continuous motion with your legs, and if you catch the ground
immediately after you let go, then you should spin right into windmills
(your foot or feet may hit the floor though, which is why you should spin at
an angle instead of horizontally).
It's perfectly alright to land on your hands and feet at first, but the goal
is to go into windmills out of it. Just pretend you're going to start a
windmill from standing up, but you do a windmill in the air on the way down
to the floor. Here's another (much easier) way: instead of launching off one
hand at a time, push off with both hands and land on both hands, while using
the same lower body technique. Or you can do a drilled air track: push off
with both hands, and instead of swinging your legs like a windmill, close
them and spin as fast as you can. With this technique, it's possible to do
more than one spin (1.5-2).
One more way: using momentum, swing into a cricket/handglide position and
use the same lower body technique described above. I suggest you try these
techniques before going on to the technique I described in the preceding
paragraph, as they're all much easier, and don't require as much practice.
You just push and spin (and pray). Remember, always visualize! Before you
even try air tracks, imagine what it looks like based on these instructions,
and imagine yourself doing each little part of the move, when and how to
swing your legs, when to let go and when to catch. Imagine how every part of
the move feels, how it feels to be airborne for an instant, and imagine
yourself seeing the ground just before you catch. Your body can't do it if
your mind can't do it first.
1990's
The trick to a 90 is your form going into it. You may first get the feel to
it, by standing on your hands and winding your legs in a circular motion.
build your shoulder stength. Doing a 90's As you place your first arm down,
swing the opposite leg of the arm you just used. Swing that leg up in a
circular motion and open both legs wide on one arm. The second you have both
legs open on one arm. Slightly shift your weight onto your other arm. The
minute your on both hands try to focus your energy on winding your legs
shut. At the same time lifting up your first arm and balancing yourself on
your spinning arm. On your hand, spin on the lower part on your hand
opposite you thumb. Also look down at your hands as your spinning. I'm
working on putting together a Orko tape. I've got some amazing footage I
know all Bboys will surely enjoy. As far as I know I hold the record for
most 90's, and I've got the footage to prove it. I hope the info will help
you. Peace and GOD Bless You.
Exercises/Poses
Well, if you want to learn upper body strength, a plange is NOT the best way
to start off. A plange basically looks like this: arms straight (locked),
planted shoulder-width apart, body perfectly horizantal, legs split or
closed. Looks sort of like a h orizontal handstand. This is one of the
hardest floor poses you can do, especially the closed-leg one. But what I
suggest you do is start off with easier poses. If you can't already do it,
start with a turtle or cricket position. If you can already do tha t, then
try doing those two poses and pushing up to a handstand, and repeating. If
that's too easy, then try straight-arm poses, like UFO (buddha) or air
turtle positions. Or you can do an "L" position, which is where you're
sitting with your le gs together in front of you, and then with your hands
to your sides, pick yourself up and hold it as long as you can. Or is that
also too easy? Then try this. Do a UFO or air turtle position and push up to
a handstand. Try to keep your arms as straight as possible . Also try
pointing your hands in different directions while you do all these poses. It
works different muscles . Here's another one. If your fingers are strong
enough, do an "L" pose on your fingertips, then bend your legs and pull yo
ur body up to a handstand, and then drop back through to an "L" pose. Or if
you're really flexible, keep your legs straight when you do this. After you
can do all that, you're ready for planges and beyond.
FLOATS (turtle, tabletop, UFO, buddha, flying buddha)
Spin of body performed down on the floor, facing downwards. Whole weight of
body is balanced in the air only on hands, with elbows bent and tucked under
body for support, and with both legs raised off the ground. Rotation
performed by remaining in this position spining around and transferring all
weight from one hand to the other while using wrists to turn.
HAND GLIDE (fist glide)
Similar in position and motion to floats, but differs in execution. All
weight is balanced on one hand on the floor, with elbow bent and tucked
under body, and with legs extended in the air. The circular motion is
executed by pushing with free hand whenever necessary. This move usually is
performed with a toque, a glove, or some other type of cloth between your
hand and the floor to provide a smooth surface for you to rotate on. Having
your hand and elbow properly positioned in the center of your body and good
balance is essential for this move.
SIDE GLIDE
A variation of the hand glide. The only difference is that your body is
facing sideways rather than the floor. Elbow is lodged at hip, and legs are
one over the other.
CRICKETS
Same motion as a hand glide, but hopping up and down on your wrists. You
keep one hand in the middle and the other is used to help gain momentum by
pushing.
HEADGLIDE
Balancing on your head and pushing yourself across the floor with your
hands. Aiyo I seriously recomend only doing this with a hat or toque on,
otherwise it may get a little painfull.
SWIPE (sideswipe)
Using your hands to support yourself, a single rotation of the legs around a
horizontal plane. From all fours on your back, reach over your body with one
arm, twist your body slightly in that direction, and plant your hand next to
your hand that is still on the ground, but about a foot away, so that you
will have enough balance. Spin your whole body in the direction of your
hands, using the closest foot to push off, drive your outside leg up and
around followed by your second leg (both feet leave the ground and rotate).
If you push off hard enough, you should have no trouble rotating your body
360 degrees to end up back on all fours on your back.
WINDMILL (helicopter, continous backspin)
{in the works) Hands tucked close to upper body, palms down touching the
floor, this move is a continuous flow of circular motion that takes place
only in the upper chest and shoulder area. Arms can either be held together
behind back or at crotch, or extended. spread your legs and keep them stiff
(the muscles have to be strained) start on your hands and not on your back
go from the hands onto your shoulder and not on the side of your back or on
your hip! try to be as high as possible when you are turning over your back
(it would be perfect if you turn only over your shoulders, but for that you
have to be fast enough..) try to turn over your head, but put it early on
the floor (go with your head to the floor when you are on the back or at the
latest on the side; (several variations are possible, including not using
your hands)
EGGROLL
The basic motion of a windmill, but remaining on shoulders and chest the
whole time rather than using your arms to hold yourself off the floor.
Stalling occurs after each completion of each rotation. A good point to
start from when learning the windmill.
HALO
The halo is a mix between windmill and headspin. It almost looks like you
are doing a windmill, except the only part of your body touching the floor
is the back of your neck and your shoulders (instead of your back), and your
hands as you push yourself (in the same motion as with a windmill). The rest
of your body does not touch the floor.
1990 (hand spin, 1999)
Basically this move is spinning around on your hand in a one-handed
handspin. Start off from a handstand and drive your legs around, putting all
of your weight onto the hand you want to spin on. Continue to spin by
driving your legs around, using both legs equally to maintain balance. It is
essential that the hand you are balancing on is directly underneath and in
line with the center of your body.
KNEESPIN
Spinning on one knee in a kneeling positon. As simple as that. All your
weight should be balanced on one knee, and the other one should not be
touching the floor, nor should the feet. To begin spinning push off with
hands. Continue to do so as necessary or increase speed by pulling the free
leg higher into the body.
ELBOWSPIN
No description available. (If you know how to do it, please email me.)
BACKSPIN
The name says it all. You spin around on your back. Spin is initiated
through a circular drive of your legs in the direction you want to spin. All
weight is balanced on the upper back, and your legs should be tucked close
to body. The less of your body that touches the ground, the easier it is to
spin fast.
HEADSPIN (Screw, Drill)
Another pretty self explanatory move. You spin around on your head. From a
headstand, split your legs apart, and drive them around in a circular motion
using the same amount of drive in each leg. If you are balanced properly you
will be able to spin on just your head, and should not need your hands at
all, though you can use them to help start the spin and for balance until
you can do this well. A word of caution: be sure to stretch your neck
muscles before attempting this move, as they will be supporting the full
weight of your body.
SLIDES
Simply pulling yourself across the floor. The name of the slide signifies
what part of your body you are sliding on. eg. Head slide is a slide done
inverted while resting on your head.
FLIPS
Jumping in the air and fliping forwards or backwards. There is not a lot to
flips, other than working up the guts to actually try them. Try them first
on a matress or something so you won't kill yourself. What you have to do is
spring up off the ground, and begin rolling in the direction you want to
flip. Tuck your legs, and try to use them to propell you around. If you're
trying to flip forwards, try at first to land on all fours, and if you're
trying to flip backwards, try to land on your hands (in a position similar
to a handstand).
SPIDER
Both thighs are placed behind the dancer's own back, knees are on top of the
shoulders at ears, calves are in front. Weight is balanced on either hands,
feet, or when moving across the floor, in combinatins of both.
SUICIDE
B-Boy drops to the ground from midair freeze, landing flat on their front or
back, as if they have died.
FLAIR
(in the works) Similar to the move performed by gymanists hips high and at
the same height , keep your legs spread, drive with the leg which is nearer
the ground make fast changes in the front and in the back with your legs and
your hip: the leg which was nearer the ground is after the change high in
the air
Breakin Moves - ELECTRIC BOOGIE
Electric Boogie is basically the part of breakdancing you do standing up. It
incorporates many different moves from miming to karate. It also includes
club dances like the running man, the smurf, and the roger rabbit. Depending
on the music and the circumstances really any dance form can work. Here are
some classic electric boogie moves.
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Basic Footwork (Up-Rock)
Footwork is what you do before you get down. Basic footwork involves putting
your weight on one foot, swinging the other foot forward, and sliding the
foot with the weight on it back as you switch your weight to your front
foot. your front foot should now be in the position your opposite started
in. Slide your front foot back as you swing your back foot forward. This
step can be done in an extremely large number of ways and is easy to vary.
This makes it a good move for beginners but it is also a necessary move for
experts to warm up with and to catch their breath.
Moonwalk
The moonwalk is a fairly simple move but it looks impressive when done
correctly. Start standing still with one leg bent and the other straight.
The heel of the bent leg should be a few inches off the ground, the other
foot should be flat on the ground. The majority of your body weight should
be on the bent leg. Slide the flat foot backwards until it is at a
comfortable distance to arch. Then simultaneously straightening the bent leg
and bending the straight leg flatten your front foot and slide it backwards.
The main thing to remember when learning this move is: the bent foot stays
still while the flat foot slides backwards. The tricky part is the
transition. Try to keep it as smooth as possible. Your head and upper body
should stay at the same level the whole time and glide at a regular speed,
but you can always throw in some cool hand motions. This move works better
if your shoes don't stick to the floor when you drag your feet. Also, a word
of caution, make sure you know what's behind you when you're moonwalking.
Side Glide
This step is essentially a sideways moonwalk. Instead of sliding your flat
foot backwards you slide it to the side. Also it looks cooler if you can
manage to slide your flat foot under the raised heel a couple inches and
then slide the flattening heel across the top of the raising heel. This
takes a little bit of fancy ankle work but its worth it.
The Wave
This move is sort of tricky to learn. The most basic wave is from hand to
hand. It looks just like a wave traveling from one hand to the other and
back. The hardest part is coordinating your arms to move correctly. I
recommend practicing the separate positions before putting them all
together. This move incorporates the basic principle of miming. That is
keeping your body still while you move one segment at a time. The following
steps should be done in sequence with your arms pretty much straight out to
the side. Your arms should always be straight across and motionless accept
for the step you're on.
Raise your left hand, bending at the wrist.
Lowering your left hand raise your wrist. Your fingertips and elbow should
be on the same line as your right arm.
Flattening your left hand and wrist, raise your elbow.
Raising your elbow will raise your shoulder slightly. As you flatten your
elbow allow the motion of the wave to roll across your shoulders.
As you flatten out your right shoulder bend your right elbow while keeping
your hand and wrist flat.
Continue the motion to your wrist and then your hand and reverse the wave.
This time starting with your right hand.
There are many variations to the arm wave including "wave from hand to
foot", "the full body wave", and "the full body wave with kick" as well as
innumerable multi-person waves. These all follow the same principle as the
arm wave so I won't bother describing them.
The Spider (the Crab)
You need to be sort of flexible to do this move well. It is very easy to
learn otherwise. Just bring your arms in-between your legs so the back of
your legs just above the knees are resting on your upper arms. Then go nuts.
Walk around by switching your weight distribution from your hands to feet
and swaying forwards or backwards with your arms. Wave your feet around like
a spider while your weight is on your hands.
The Spider Bounce
While in the spider position you should be able to jump up and down by using
your feet. This looks twice as cool if you have someone pretending to bounce
you. Have them grab the back of your shirt and pretend to pull you up and
down while you jump.
The Robot, the Wall, and the Tut
These are all moves adapted from miming and rely on the same basic principle
of moving your body in segments. B-boys just add music, spontaneity, and
style. Mess around grabbing air and holding on and dragging yourself around
and you'll get the idea. The beauty of the moves are purely in originality
so I won't bother with a detailed description.
For the Robot just watch some Robocop or Lost In Space. Act like a total
slave unit from Star Wars and make cool sound effects or get some industrial
music. Most likely where this move originated from crazy creative kids
copying stuff like this off TV.
For the Wall just ram your face into one until you get the feel for how dumb
any self respecting breaker would have to be to do this move seriously. Then
just pretend there is a wall in front of you and feel it up leaving your
hands still while your body moves. A rave variation of this is Spheres,
pretend you're holding a sphere that is stuck in place and dance around it
showing its shape by pretending to hold on to it.
The Tut is walking the electric Egyptian. Go nuts with it and throw in some
cool freezes. Going basically from one freeze to another like moving
hieroglyphics.
BREAKING
Breaking is the more strenuous half of breakdancing. Most of the moves are
done with your arms supporting at least part of your weight. For this reason
some of the moves require tremendous upper-body strength as well as balance,
coordination, and agility. Alot of breakin moves involve spinning around on
the ground. This is probably the most painful aspect of breakdancing as well
as the coolest. It is important to remember that these moves should not
actually hurt that much when done correctly. Try to find the least painful
way to execute them while looking twice as good.
Basic Floorwork
This is without a doubt the easiest of all breaking moves. Start, as if you
were about to do a push-up accept with your knees slightly bent, with your
hands on the ground in front of you. Step to about 8 o'clock with your left
foot then simultaneously bring your right leg under your left and your left
arm over and back so you are in a stretched out crab soccer position. Then
step under your right leg with your left and at the same time bring your
right hand back in front of you. You should now be in the position you
started in accept rotated slightly. Repeat with your legs moving at a fairly
constant speed. The possibilities are endless for making this basic move
unique. This move is also great for going into almost any other move be
creative.
The Helicopter
This move is easy but requires fairly flexible legs to look right. Crouch on
one foot with your ass resting on your heel and your hands on the ground.
Your other leg should be going straight out to the side. Bring the straight
leg around in front of you lifting your hands as your leg comes around and
putting them back down after your leg goes under. Your hands should support
your weight as you hop over your spinning leg with your crouched leg. It
helps to point your toes back as you hop so the back of your knee doesn't
get caught on the top of your foot. The main thing to remember is keep your
leg straight and moving smooth. This move can also be done backwards but its
a bit trickier.
The Backspin
Get a windbreaker and a smooth floor before trying this one. One of the most
basic breakin moves, the backspin is a little trickier the it looks. The
best way to start a backspin is to kick into it. Sit on the floor with your
left leg bent and the other straight back as far as you can stretch. You may
want to hold your body up with your left hand. It is preferable to have
rubber soled shoes for traction. Then bringing your leg around as fast as
possible simultaneously roll from your ass onto your back. Stop rolling
wherever is comfortable for you to spin. The higher up on your back and
smaller the area that your spinning on the faster you will spin. Also pull
your legs in as tight and as fast as you can. If you do not balance your
body correctly over the point on which you are spinning you will spin out of
control. If you time it correctly you can flair your legs out and draw them
back in to keep up a good speed. The best way to end a backspin is with a
slick freeze. Check out the freeze section for some flicks or make up your
own.
Baby Swipes
Baby swipes can be as hard as you want. In a crab soccer position simply hop
with both feet. One hand should be on the floor and one in the air.
Gradually bounce higher, keeping your body as still as possible bending only
at the shoulder of the hand touching the ground. Once your hops are fairly
high up kick your feet out at the peek of your hop. Bring them back in to
land and hop again. Switch your support hand as much as you want or just use
both.
Swipe
Ill and funky like.
Start in a crab soccer position.
Bring your right arm around in front of you in a cool arc, at the same time
twisting your upper body to allow you to place your right hand on the ground
reasonably close to your left. If you want to do this move fast bring your
left arm over to your right first and then whip them both around to your
left for momentum.
Your legs should now follow in the air. As soon as your hands touch the
ground jump with your left foot sending your lower body around in a 360. Try
to land with your weight on your left foot.
For added challenge/coolness use only your left foot and do a bunch of
swipes in a circle bouncing off your left foot as soon as it touches the
ground and gyrating like a crazy fuck (I don't know what that series of
swipes is called).
The Master Swipe
The master swipe is actually a good way to start off some baby swipes. Start
by walking forward then bend backwards with your left hand leading towards
the floor. Your right foot should leave the floor as your left hand is
heading toward the floor. Your body should rotate so both of your hands
reach the floor at about the same time. As soon as your hands reach the
floor your left leg should leave the floor. At this point your legs should
be swinging though a broad arc in the air and your hands should be planted
on the floor. As your right leg approaches the floor, raise your left hand.
You should end up in a crab soccer position, about 11 o'clock in relation to
where you were originally standing, perfect for some baby swiping. When
attempting this move try to keep your feet an even distance away from each
other. Make it one fluid simple motion.
The Windmill
The windmill is the hardest breakdancing move I know. Please take into
account that I have learned how to do windmills completely from watching
videos and improvising. No-one has ever told me how to do one, so I am
instructing from experience alone. It is almost impossible to visualize what
a windmill looks like unless you have actually seen one. Imagine that you
are rolling across the floor on your side. Now imagine that you are rolling
with your legs spread apart at a ninety degree angle. Only instead of
rolling across the floor you are rolling in a circle, rotating, roughly
around your center of gravity. This is essentially what a windmill is, if
you can picture that.
To start a windmill kick as if you were going into a backspin. Only kick the
opposite direction that you are most comfortable spinning (This just happens
to be the way it worked out for me). Lets say your kicking with your left
foot.
As you roll onto your back keep your legs outstretched and spread apart as
far as you can. From now on your whole body, except your arms, should remain
fused as one unit for the duration of the windmill (this is not completely
necessary but it is a good thing to strive for as far as form).
As you are rolling into your backspin, start turning to your left. It helps
to have your left hand on your hip with your elbow on the floor supporting
your weight, but the more weight you can support on your head and shoulders
the better. Your hips need to stay at least a foot off the ground at all
times for the move to look right.
What you have to do from this point is turn your body a full 180 degrees and
at the same time spinning so you are not rolling in a straight line
(spinning should come naturally unless your some sort of monster). The most
effective way to do this is to roll across your forehead, using the momentum
from your kick, throwing yourself from your left to your right shoulder. It
also helps to use your arms for support.
If you can roll from this position onto your back instead of having your
right leg slam the floor you are set. This is the main pain to watch out for
when attempting a windmill. The only thing you need is enough speed and
enough willpower to do more rotations.
Windmill Pointers
· The way I first figured out how to flip my body was on a nice queen size
mattress. For your poor neck's sake find something soft to get it going! Get
a nice hat too unless you like sliding your face across the floor; a
sweatshirt is kind of nice as well.
· Push off with your arms as much as you can but be careful not to catch
your right hand under your shoulder. This is where most of the speed for
more rotations comes from.
· Its easier if, when you're learning, you bend your legs at the hip. This
makes it easier in general because it gives you a much higher center of
gravity making it easier to come around. Straightening your body out will
also give you more momentum to bring your body around.
· Practice backward somersaults before you go to work at the mill. These
make it easier for you to go as far up onto your back and actually your head
as you need to.
· Make sure you've got enough room for your legs to flail around lest you
knock the shit out of something or someone.
· Psyche the shit out of yourself and toss the move with as much energy as
you can.
· It helps to be good at the float if you plan on stabbing yourself in the
gut with your right elbow for support. Some other ways I've seen people
support their body's while on their front (but don't ask me how)
· making a cradle with your arms and pushing off with whatever is touching
the ground- shoulder, forearm, forearm, elbow.
· Putting your hands on your crotch and throwing yourself with your
shoulders, using mostly momentum to carry you through the air.
· Putting your hands under your body while on your back, again relying on
momentum.
The Donkey
This move isn't as popular as it was in the eighties but who the fuck cares
I think it looks sweet.
Start in a hand stand. Don't worry about balance, you won't stay their for
long.
Kick your legs and push off with your arms at the same time sending your
feet on a mission. The goal is to spend as much time in the air before your
feet touch the ground.
When your feet touch, bounce immediately off your toes sending your upper
body back towards the ground.
When your hands touch, repeat from step two and get a fly bounce goin'
The Float
I love this move. Get used to balancing on your hands supporting the weight
of your body by sticking your elbows in your hips, this is the basic float
position. If you stick your legs out straight it makes a good abdominal
exercise. You can do the Float with your legs bent but it doesn't look as
good as straight. To do a quality float you'll need to get good at balancing
on one arm.
Start in the still position.
Twist your wrists so your body turns to the left. Then lift your left arm
and reposition your hand back and to the side.
Pull your body around with your left hand and by twisting your right wrist.
Reposition your left elbow in your hip and push off with your right at the
same time twisting your left wrist, and repeat the motion.
The Float feels really cool when you do it right because you actually float.
The motions are all synchronized in a pleasant rocking motion, shifting
weight from one arm to the other. Your body should remain fairly steady and
you shouldn't have to support any wait using upper arm strength. You can
either spin in circles or float around. Part of the reason I like this move
is even if your not great at it its good for dancing alone in slow dances
and if you are great at it you can go dangerously fast (check out the famous
battle between Rock Steady Crew and NYC Breakers in the movie Beat Street).
The Hand Glide
This move is simpler than the float but requires better balance. Get
something for your hand to spin on- pull your sleeve up over your hand, use
a hat, or a piece of cloth. and in a one-handed float position simply spin
using your other hand to build up speed and keep your balance. The longer
you can go with your second hand behind your back the better.
The Jackhammer
(I might be wrong on this name)
Like the hand glide but hurts more and is strictly one-handed.
Start the same as a hand glide but without the cloth.
Push off the ground with your support hand and simultaneously twist your
hand. This is your only method of propulsion for this move.
While you're body is hanging in mid-air quickly rotate your hand back and
land ready to push off again.
Your body should move in a fluid rotation but pumping up and down to the
music.
The Headspin
Yeah Right.
Stand on your head and get good at it.
To start twist your hips and kick back out at the same time staying
balanced. Your legs should not be straight up unless you know something
about physics I don't. Use them to balance. I like the pretending to be
knighted whilst spinning on head stance.
Use your hands to catch yourself and to push off for more speed.
Keep your neck straight and rigid at all costs and get a reel smooth pad to
lubricate and protect that delicate head of yours. Make sure you've got
enough room to fall in every direction. Just get used to falling on your
back or you'll never be comfortable balancing.
The Handspin
a.k.a. 1990, 1999, 90/90
YEAH RIGHT!
Spin on your hand.
Keep your body in a straight line balanced perfectly spin like a motha and
prepare to catch silly wreck.
The Three Person Helicopter
This move is sick, don't hurt yourself. The three person requires one stocky
person who can lift at least one person on their shoulders, and two lighter
people one slightly heavier or slightly taller than the other. You need a
lot of room preferably someone's lawn or a broad cardboard fucking expanse.
The stocky bro (B1) must kneel and let the heavier of the other two (B2) on
his shoulders just like daddy and child at some parade. The stocky kid
stands up and gets his footing.
Now B2 sticks his legs out straight and B1 holds on to B2's legs. B3, with
his back to the front of B1 puts B2's legs under his arms and holds on
tight, while still allowing enough room for B1 to get started.
B3 runs to the right as fast as he can and B1 starts rotating in place. B1's
foot action is important so he doesn't trip over his own feet. When B3 has
reached the fastest speed he lets his feet fly out and B2 simultaneously
leans back to balance the weight.
Spin until you hear B2 screaming in pain.
To stop B3 simply puts his feet down and B2 does a sit up.
FREEZES
Freezes are what you do to stop breakin'. At the most awkward moment
possible flip as fast as you can into your favorite pose. Some generic
freezes are the bridge, or just grabbin your nuts in some strange manner.
HOW TO DO THE SIX STEP
The six-step is basic footwork that you should practice, everytime you
break. You should be able, eventually to improvise your six-step with extra
movments and steps (sometimes referred to as Techs) for style and
originality. As you learn power moves
(windmills, flares, etc), you should strive to be able to go into them from
a six-step, and come out of them into the six-step (in additionto the other
methods of starting and ending them).
For counter-clockwise six-steps, start from a push-up position with your
legs spread (this seems kinda silly, but it's the easiest way to explain it,
you can start from any position).
1) Lift your RIGHT arm, and move your LEFT leg through so it's in
front of your RIGHT leg.
2) Move your RIGHT leg so that your RIGHT foot is BEHIND the
LEFT foot (your legs will be crossed LEFT over RIGHT).
3) Move your LEFT foot in a small arc so your legs are uncrossed.
At the same time switch your hands (pick the LEFT one up, and
put the RIGHT one down.
4) Extend your RIGHT leg and sweep it around (wide) in a
counter-clockwise arc so that your LEFT foot ends up covered by
your RIGHT knee joint and your RIGHT foot is almost touching your
butt (NOTE: Steps 3 and 4 shoud be done in quick succession).
5) Put your LEFT hand back down on the ground, and move your
LEFT leg back to where it was in the push-up position.
6) Move your RIGHT leg back to where it was in the push-up
position, and you find yourself back at the beginning. Now, go
back to step one, and repeat.
That's it. If you want go clockwise, just reverse all the LEFT/RIGHTs. One
more thing, don't try to do this fast at first. Go VERY slow to get the
technique down, and then increase your speed gradually. Peace and good luck!
HOW TO DO THE WINDMILL
(Very important! These are counter-clockwise!)
Sit down on the floor with your torso and your RIGHT leg at a 90 degree
angle with your LEFT leg bent at the knee so your left knee points straight
up and your left foot is flat on the floor. Now place your right palm on the
floor to the right of you and slightly behind you and lean and twist your
upper body to the right, going towards the floor (bending your right arm
altogether) to where your right shoulder and right/front of your face are
almost touching the ground. Your right leg should still be straight, and
your left leg bent. Now, a CRUCIAL move, you are going to "stab" your LEFT
elbow into your stomach, between your navel and your left hip-bone, closer
to your hip-bone. This is SO important, because your left arm is going to
support all your weight. Now, twisting and leaning, stabbing your elbow, put
your LEFT palm flat on the floor with your fingers pointing to your left. At
this point you can visualize how your left arm will support your weight.
Next, the one, two, three kick. At this point you should be leaning to your
right, with the frontal part of your upper body ALMOST facing the floor, and
very close to the floor, with yor left arm ready to catch all your weight.
Elbow in belly!) O.K. Your LEFT leg, which is still bent, is going to be
kick ONE, your RIGHT leg kick TWO and your LEFT leg kick THREE. During this
sequence, your body weight goes to your left arm. Now kind of finish turning
your lower body over to where you are practically horizontal to the floor
while KICKING your LEFT (bent) leg up into the sky (about 4 feet or so if
you're average size) while pushing off HARD with your RIGHT foot (your
STRAIGHT leg) (LEFT elbow in belly) Kick two-Kick your RIGHT leg
(outstretched) HARD to your RIGHT (your legs will be OPENING)At this
point(in full motion!) you should be facing the floor with your legs open
and your bodyweight on your LEFT arm (elbow in belly!).
Kick THREE-this is where you develop your first bruises!-During kick three,
a lot of things happen at the same time. KICK your LEFT leg HARD to your
RIGHT, going UNDER your right leg. Your legs should still be open, with your
right leg "circling" (imagine your legs are a drawing compass and your
pelvis the pivot) AT THE SAME TIME of this kick, your entire body needs to
roll onto your LEFT side, BUT your left upper body only should touch the
floor (not your hips or legs!)This means, on kick three, your LEFT shoulder
should touch (Hit?) the ground right about where your LEFT fingers are (I
crushed mine several times) Now you should be rolling onto your back, of
course your left arm no longer supporting your weight. At this point, I
STRONGLY urge you to pull your legs in and do a BACKSPIN. Many veteran will
tell you the same. The reason being you should be able to do what I've
already described with relative ease before moving on. But when you're
ready...
O.K. Once you've got the previous down, do the following:
After kick THREE, you roll onto your UPPER back and quickly roll over your
RIGHT shoulder to where you are going to face the floor again. At the same
time, though, your RIGHT leg will be KICKING "Backwards and to your right".
Just remember the pivot and the compass thing. As you are turning to face
the floor, quickly STAB your LEFT elbow into your belly, just as before,
because your left hand will have to support you. ( You know the routine).
You are now at the most difficult phase of this deal. Linking them, when you
stab your elbow put all your weight into it. As your legs come around, you
will most likely hit your LEFT foot on the floor and get pissed because you
can't get past there. Never to fear! Learn by "PAUSING" your windmills. When
your left foot hits, just use it (LEFT FOOT) to push upward and OH!, you're
back to KICK ONE with that push upward! Proceed to kick two and three and so
forth, and when you come around again and your left foot hits the floor,
well...do it again! And keep doing it that way. Trust me, one day you'll
shock yourself and put three together without hitting your left foot on the
floor! Once you get this style down, you can move on to STOP stabbing your
elbow. It might take a while, but you'll get there. I know this is a long
post, but I tried to be as detailed as possible so you guys can learn. To
those that can do windmills already, this might seem like a stupid
explanation, but I know all beginners will appreciate the detail. If this
helps anyone
learn, let me know.
WINDMILL GLOSSARY
· GENIES -- windmills with your arms crossed over your chest.
· NUTCRACKERS -- windmills with your hands covering your nuts (or whatever
else you might have down there).
· AIRPLANES -- windmills with your arms straight spread out to the sides as
high as you can get them.
· BARRELS -- windmills with your arms rounded in front of you (like you're
carrying a barrel).
· SUMOS -- windmills grabbing your knees.
· SUPERMODELS -- windmills on your chest and arms reaching out to the
front/sides.
· EGGBEATERS -- windmills with your hands high on your hips.
· CONFUSIONS -- windmills with your hands over your ears and elbows straight
out to the sides. This one causes death.
· BODY GLIDES -- same as supermans.
· BABY WINDMILLS/COFFINS -- windmills with legs curled up and crossed at the
ankles. No hands used. Coffins is the same but without crossing your ankles.
· TOMBSTONES -- windmills with legs closed and body in "L" position. No
hands used. Invented by Babak the Flying Monkey.
· CANNONBALLS -- windmills done in cannonball position with arms wrapped
around knees. Like jumping into a pool.
· EGGBEATER BABIES -- baby windmills with hands high on hips. Invented by
Infurno.
· DOUBLE WINDMILLS -- while doing windmills without hands, skip your back
once and a do full rotation on your head (NOT a halo). Example -- EZ-Roc.
· BODY FLAIRS -- hopping supermans/body glides. That's all for now. Peace.
Krayz E Kujo Soul Control: Slaves To The Rhythm
The trick to a 1990: is your form going into it. You may first get the feel
to it, by
standing on your hands and winding your legs in a circular motion. build
your shoulder
stength.
Doing a 1990: As you place your first arm down, swing the opposite leg of
the
arm you just used swing that leg up in a circular motion and open both legs
wide on one
arm. The second you have both legs open on one arm, slightly shift your
weight onto
your other arm. The minute your on both hands try to focus your energy on
winding your
legs shut. At the same time lifting up your first arm and balancing yourself
on your
spinning arm. On your hand, spin on the lower part on your hand opposite
your thumb.
Also look down at your hands as your spinning. Good luck.
HOW TO DO A HEADSPIN
A rule of thumb for learning any move is to be comfortable in the position
before you actually attempt movement in that position. This is especially
true in
head-spinning.
Before any "spinning" on your head can occur, you must locate your balance
point. This
is called an Equilibrium.
Step One:The first step in locating your balance point is to perform a
head-stand. In a
correct head-stand your knees are locked and your legs are in-line with your
torso. Your
body should be perfectly in-line from your head to your toes.
Now, if you can sustain this position infinitely, then you can move to step
two.
Step Two: Practice moving your legs in different positions while keeping
your knees
locked. This will help build strength in your neck and back.
Step Three: is the beginning of the movement. Perform a head-stand and move
your
legs to a position that looks similar to a shaft and helicopter blades.
Ideally, your torso,
and your legs should be in a 90 degree angle. DO NOT SPIN YET. Next, SLOWLY
attempt to WALK your body in a circular motion while retaining your form. Be
sure to
keep your legs spred. Practice this motion until you can successfully
sustain momentum
in a circular motion. If you have done this correctly you have located your
"spinning "
balance point for your taps. You should be able to "walk" around rather
quickly. If so,
move to Step 4.
Step Four: if continuous movement. Get in the head-stand position as stated
above.
Now, with your legs spread, knees locked, and body in-line; attempt to whip
your legs in
a circle and catch and then whip again and catch. Start slowly. You will
most likely fall
down quite a few times before you can successfully tap continuously. If you
can do this,
move to step 5.
Step Five: If you can perform the above step, whip your legs harder. Whip
them to a
point where you do not have to tap every rotation. You should be able to
'tap' every other
rotation. Remember to keep your form. Legs spread, knees locked, toes
pointed. If you
feel comfortable move to Step 6.
Step Six: If you can tap continuosly, it's time to let go. 'Tap' until you
feel you have
attained sufficient momentum and let go!, you may only "glide" 1-2 times if
you are
lucky. Keep practicing this and you should be able to "glide" considerably
well. Your
glides may not have correct form but that comes alot later. Keeping your
arms out might
help you with your balance. Remember, everyone is different. It took 2 1/2
months of
practice at atleast 3 hours a day for me to get respectable taps. It takes
time, don't get
frustrated. Before you attempt each step, visual ize as Kujo said:
"You cannot perform physically what your mind cannot visualize mentally".
WINDMILL
I'm an "old breaker", 29 and still crankin' out some moves. I'm going to
explain, as best I can, the easiest way to learn "windmills".
There are several starting positions, but the best to learn with, in my
experience is the following: (Very important! These are counter-clockwise!)
Sit down on the floor with your torso and your RIGHT leg at a 90 degree
angle with your LEFT leg bent at the knee so your left knee points straight
up and your left foot is flat on the floor. Now place your right palm on the
floor to the right of you and slightly behind you and lean and twist your
upper body to the right, going towards the floor (bending your right arm
altogether) to where your right shoulder and right/front of your face are
almost touching the ground. Your right leg should still be straight, and
your left leg bent. Now, a CRUCIAL move, you are going to "stab" your LEFT
elbow into your stomach, between your navel and your left hip-bone, closer
to your hip-bone. This is SO important, because your left arm is going to
support all your weight. Now, twisting and leaning, stabbing your elbow, put
your LEFT palm flat on the floor with your fingers pointing to your left. At
this point you can visualize how your left arm will support your weight.
Next, the one, two, three kick. At this point you should be leaning to your
right, with the frontal part of your upper body ALMOST facing the floor, and
very close to the floor, with yor left arm ready to catch all your weight.
Elbow in belly!) O.K. Your LEFT leg, which is still bent, is going to be
kick ONE, your RIGHT leg kick TWO and your LEFT leg kick THREE. During this
sequence, your body weight goes to your left arm. Now kind of finish turning
your lower body over to where you are practically horizontal to the floor
while KICKING your LEFT (bent) leg up into the sky (about 4 feet or so if
you're average size) while pushing off HARD with your RIGHT foot (your
STRAIGHT leg) (LEFT elbow in belly) Kick two-Kick your RIGHT leg
(outstretched) HARD to your RIGHT (your legs will be OPENING)At this
point(in full motion!) you should be facing the floor with your legs open
and your bodyweight on your LEFT arm (elbow in belly!). Kick THREE-this is
where you develop your first bruises!-During kick three, a lot of things
happen at the same time. KICK your LEFT leg HARD to your RIGHT, going UNDER
your right leg. Your legs should still be open, with your right leg
"circling" (imagine your legs are a drawing compass and your pelvis the
pivot) AT THE SAME TIME of this kick, your entire body needs to roll onto
your LEFT side, BUT your left upper body only should touch the floor (not
your hips or legs!)This means, on kick three, your LEFT shoulder should
touch (Hit?) the ground right about where your LEFT fingers are (I crushed
mine several times) Now you should be rolling onto your back, of course your
left arm no l onger supporting your weight. At this point, I STRONGLY urge
you to pull your legs in and do a BACKSPIN. Many veteran will tell you the
same. The reason being you should be able to do what I've already described
with relative ease before moving on. But when you're ready... O.K. Once
you've got the previous down, do the following: After kick THREE, you roll
onto your UPPER back and quickly roll over your RIGHT shoulder to where you
are going to face the floor again. At the same time, though, your RIGHT leg
will be KICKING "Backwards and to your right". Just remember the pivot and
the compass thing. As you are turning to face the floor, quickly STAB your
LEFT elbow into your belly, just as before, because your left hand will have
to support you. ( You know the routine). You are now at the most difficult
phase of this deal. Linking them, when you stab your elbow put all your
weight into it. As your legs come around, you will most likely hit your LEFT
foot on the floor and get pissed because you can't get past there. Never to
fear! Learn by "PAUSING" your windmills. When your left foot hits, just use
it (LEFT FOOT) to push upward and OH!, you're back to KICK ONE with that
push upward! Proceed to kick two and three and so forth, and when you come
around again and your left foot hits the floor, well...do it again! And keep
doing it that way. Trust me, one day you'll shock yourself and put three
together without hitting your left foot on the floor! Once you get this
style down, you can move on to STOP stabbing your elbow. It might take a
while, but you'll get there. I know this is a long post, but I tried to be
as detailed as possible so you guys can learn. To those that can do
windmills already, this might seem like a stupid explanation, but I know all
beginners will appreciate the detail. If this helps anyone learn, let me
know.
Six STEP
What up, new breakers?? A lot of you have been askin' about how to do a
six-step, and have never gotten an answer, this is for you. The six-step is
basic footwork that you should practice, everytime you break. You should be
able, eventually to improvise your six-step with extra movments and steps
(sometimes referred to as Techs) for style and originality. As you learn
power moves (windmills, flares, etc), you should strive to be able to go
into them from a six-step, and come out of them into the six-step (in
addition to the other methods of starting and ending them).
For counter-clockwise six-steps, start from a push-up position with your
legs spread (this seems kinda silly, but it's the easiest way to explain it,
you can start from any position).
1) Lift your RIGHT arm, and move your LEFT leg through so it's in front of
your RIGHT leg. 2) Move your RIGHT leg so that your RIGHT foot is BEHIND the
LEFT foot (your legs will be crossed LEFT over RIGHT). 3) Move your LEFT
foot in a small arc so your legs are uncrossed. At the same time switch your
hands (pick the LEFT one up, and put the RIGHT one down. 4) Extend your
RIGHT leg and sweep it around (wide) in a counter-clockwise arc so that your
LEFT foot ends up covered by your RIGHT knee joint and your RIGHT foot is
almost touching your butt (NOTE: Steps 3 and 4 shoud be done in quick
succession). 5) Put your LEFT hand back down on the ground, and move your
LEFT leg back to where it was in the push-up position. 6) Move your RIGHT
leg back to where it was in the push-up position, and you find yourself back
at the beginning. Now, go back to step one, and repeat.
That's it. If you want go clockwise, just reverse all the LEFT/RIGHTs. One
more thing, don't try to do this fast at first. Go VERY slow to get the
technique down, and then increase your speed gradually. No matter how fast
you go, if your footwork is sloppy, it's noticable. Peace to all.
Flare 101
These instructions will be for flarin' counter-clockwise. If you have room,
start out with your legs together (or pretty close), then take a jump step
to your left and land with your left leg slightly behind your right one
(your legs are spread now). While doing this, swing your arms so that your
left arm is extended in the air in front of you and your right arm is down
behind you (almost like John Travolta's Stayin' Alive stance) (your body
must be slightly twisted to do this). *Then kick your left leg low to the
ground behind you, and just before your left leg is about to sweep out your
right ankle, jump high with your right leg as high as possible (sounds
stupid, but try to kick your face) (Note: I've seen some b-boys actually
kick their right leg and I used to do it to, but it hurts after a while).
While kickin' your left leg behind you, you should swing your arms around so
that your left arm touches the ground (keep it pretty close to your body so
that your body can have leverage) and your right arm is now up in the air
above your head (Note: all your weight will now be on your left arm). Now
after your left leg goes under your right leg, it'll be in front of you.
Now, you also have to put your right arm down parallel to your left one
(about shoulder width apart). Both legs are now in front of you with your
weight supported on your arms. Now, you must lift your left arm and left leg
(lift your left leg very high, almost kickin' the side of your head) at the
same time so that you can bring your right leg under your left one. (Note:
all your weight is now restin' on your right arm). Now, as both legs go
behind you, you must put your left hand down so that all your weight is
restin' on your hands (you're in a semi-handstand position with your legs
spread behind you).
To go around again for another rotation, just pick up your right arm so that
all your weight is resting on your left arm, and then swing your left leg
under very quickly with your right leg high in the air again. Repeat the
instructions stated.
The above method is simply used to gain momentum because the key to flarin'
continuously is momentum (it's a plus if you have madd abdominal and upper
body muscles), but there are different ways of gainin' momentum.
If you have little room, you can get into a flare by standin' straight with
your legs together. You then swing your left leg in front of your right leg
and then swing it back out slightly behind your right one (like in the above
instructions). While doing this swing your arms in that John Travolta
position with your left arm extended in the air and your right arm down at
your side (your body must be slightly twisted). Then repeat instructions
from where the asterix is above.
Key points: Always have your legs as straight as possible with toes pointed,
and keep your legs spread apart. You must also torque your hips and
shoulders properly, but that's hard to explain.
SPINNING ON YOUR HEAD
A rule of thumb for learning any move is to be comfortable in the position
before you actually attempt movement in that position. This is especially
true in head-spinning.
Before any "spinning" on your head can occur, you must locate your balance
point. This is called an Equilibrium.
The first step in locating your balance point is to perform a head-stand. In
a correct head-stand your knees are locked and your legs are in-line with
your torso. Your body should be perfectly in-line from your head to your
toes.
Now, if you can sustain this position infinitely, then you can move to step
two;
Practice moving your legs in different positions while keeping your knees
locked. This will help build strength in your neck and back.
Step 3 is the beginning of the movement. Perform a head-stand and move your
legs to a position that looks similar to a shaft and helicopter blades.
Ideally, your torso, and your legs should be in a 90 degree angle. DO NOT
SPIN YET. Next, SLOWLY attempt to WALK your body in a circular motion while
retaining your form. Be sure to keep your legs spred. Practice this motion
until you can successfully sustain momentum in a circular motion. If you
have done this correctly you have located your "spinning " balance point for
your taps. You should be able to "walk" around rather quickly. If so, move
to Step 4.
Step 4 if continuous movement. Get in the head-stand position as stated
above. Now, with your legs spread, knees lockeds, and body in-line; attempt
to whip your legs in a circle and catch and then whip again and catch. Start
slowly, your not Orko yet(w ink). You will most likely fall down quite a few
times before you can successfully tap continuously. If you can do this, move
to step 5.
Step 5: If you can perform the above step, whip your legs harder. Whip them
to a point where you do not have to tap every rotation. You should be able
to 'tap' every other rotation. Remember to keep your form. Legs spread,
knees locked, toes pointed. I f you feel comfortable move to Step 6.
Step 6. If you can tap continuosly, it's time to let go. 'Tap' until you
feel you have attained sufficient momentum and let go!, you may only "glide"
1-2 times if you are lucky. Keep practicing this and you should be able to
"glide" considerably well. Your glides may not have correct form but that
comes alot later. Keeping your arms out might help you with your balance.
Remember, everyone is different. It took 2 1/2 months of practice at atleast
3 hours a day for me to get respectable taps. It takes time, don't get
frustrated. Before you attempt each step, visual ize as Kujo said. You
cannot perform physically what your mind cannot visualize mentally.
1990's tips
The trick to a 90 is your form going into it. You may first get the feel to
it, by standing on your hands and winding your legs in a circular motion.
build your shoulder stength. Doing a 90> As you place your first arm down,
swing the opposite leg of the arm you just used swing that leg up in a
circular motion and open both legs wide on one arm. The second you have both
legs open on one arm,Slightly shift your weight onto your other arm. The
minute your on both hands try to focus your energy on winding your legs
shut.At the same time lifting up your first arm and balacing yourself on
your spinning arm. On your hand,spin on the lower part on your hand opposite
you thumb. Also look down at your hands as your spinning. I'm working on
putting together a Orko tape. I've got some amazing footage I know all Bboys
will surely enjoy. As far as I know I hold the record for most 90's,and I've
got the footage to prove it. I hope the info will help you. Peace and GOD
Bless You.
Exercises/Poses
Well, if you want to learn upper body strength, a plange is NOT the best way
to start off. A plange basically looks like this: arms straight (locked),
planted shoulder-width apart, body perfectly horizantal, legs split or
closed. Looks sort of like a h orizontal handstand. This is one of the
hardest floor poses you can do, especially the closed-leg one. But what I
suggest you do is start off with easier poses. If you can't already do it,
start with a turtle or cricket position. If you can already do tha t, then
try doing those two poses and pushing up to a handstand, and repeating. If
that's too easy, then try straight-arm poses, like UFO (buddha) or air
turtle positions. Or you can do an "L" position, which is where you're
sitting with your le gs together in front of you, and then with your hands
to your sides, pick yourself up and hold it as long as you can. Or is that
also too easy? Then try this. Do a UFO or air turtle position and push up to
a handstand. Try to keep your arms as straight as possible . Also try
pointing your hands in different directions while you do all these poses. It
works different muscles . Here's another one. If your fingers are strong
enough, do an "L" pose on your fingertips, then bend your legs and pull yo
ur body up to a handstand, and then drop back through to an "L" pose. Or if
you're really flexible, keep your legs straight when you do this. After you
can do all that, you're ready for planges and beyond.
Turtles
I'm gonna go ahead and clear up once and for all, the Turtle/Cricket thing
'cause there's been a LOT of confusion and mixing up of these moves. Here
goes....
Turtle- A turtle is a walk/float NOT a spin (I think this is where most of
the confusion is coming from). Facing downwards, elbows are bent and tucked
under the body at the hips. Legs are bent and back is straight. Only the
hands touch the ground. Init iate spin by rocking to one side, transferring
all weight to one hand. Move the other hand in a counter-clockwise arc about
45 degrees, place it on the ground, and then shift weight to that hand. Move
the other hand and then shift your weight to it. Conti nue movement of hands
and shifting of body weight to keep spinning. (The same sequence of hand
placement and weight shifting applies to all the other floats/walks).
While I'm doing Crickets, I might as well do all the Handglides. I hope you
guys don't mind. OK..
Handglide- Same body position as a turtle except only one elbow is in your
stomach. The other hand is used to push yourself so that you start spinning.
You can spin faster by pulling your legs in toward your body.
Crickets- Same as handglide, but you're hopping (the hand that supports your
weight actually comes off the ground).
Jackhammers- One handed Crickets (the free hand is no longer used to push).
These are a lot harder because you're supporting/balancing your body weight,
spinning, and jumping all on one hand.
Sideglide- Same as Handglide, but instead of elbow in stomach, body facing
the ground, your elbow is in your side, and your body is sideways.
Elbowglide- Same as Handglide except your HAND is in your stomach, and your
ELBOW is on the ground.
Fistglide- Same as Handglide except you're spinning on your fist instead of
your palm.
Headglide (another one people had confusion with)- Same as Handglide, except
your body is no longer horizontal. Your head touches the ground, and grinds
around on the floor as you spin. To achieve this position, move your balance
point (your hand) a li ttle closer to your head.
Donut- Same as HEADglide (not Handglide), except your body is almost
vertical (your hand is REALLY close to your head).
I think that's all. I know this is all types of long, but I thought it would
help. By the way, all of the glides require you to spin using your free hand
(unless stated otherwise). Any questions?? Peace to all.
-Scan1 da Survivor
Walks
Here I'm going to describe most of the walks done by breakers in general.
I'll leave out turtles because Scan1 the Survivor already explained them.
All of these moves are done with the same motion as turtles are, which is
walking in a circle while posi tioning your hands in about 45 degree
increments. Here goes:
Air Turtles -- arms straight, hands placed shoulder width apart, legs bent
and curled behind you.
UFO's/Buddhas/kneewalks -- arms straight, hands shoulder width apart, legs
bent with knees between forearms.
Sidewalks -- arms straight, hands shoulder width, legs straight and to the
side of your body. Your body can be straight or bent in an "L" position.
Buttwalks -- arms straight, hands shoulder width, body bent in an "L"
position with legs in front of you. Looks like floating buttspins.
Merry-Go-Rounds -- like air turtles, but body is straight and legs are
straight and split. It helps to keep your toes pointed. It's harder to walk
with your legs straight, so for merry-go-rounds, carousels, deadmans, and
hangmans, let your legs give yo u a really strong initial whip that will
give you momentum. But it's up to your hands to sustain that momentum.
Carousels -- like merry-go-rounds, but you pull your butt up as high as it
can go and let your legs hang. Your legs are still split and straight. Point
your toes.
Deadmans -- like deadmans only your legs are closed. Body and legs are still
straight. Point your toes.
Hangmans -- like deadmans only you raise your butt as high as it will go
(like carousels) and let your legs hang. Legs are still straight and closed.
Do NOT point your toes, because they'll drag on the ground.
Straddles/V-walks -- arms straight, hands shoulder width, legs sraight and
split, and your hands are placed between your legs. Your legs should rest
against your forearms. You can also do this with one arm inside and the
other arm outside of your legs.
There are many variations that can be done with each of these moves. You can
also do hybrids of two or more of these moves. Be creative and do your own
walks. Have fun with it. Peace.
Krayz E Kujo, Soul Control: Slaves To The Rhythm
The Formerly Repressed Bestial Lyricist
AIR TRACK
HOW TO FLY
Before you even attempt to learn air tracks, you should know what you're in
for. This is one of the hardest and most dangerous moves you'll ever learn.
First, be prepared to experience a great deal of pain. You're going to land
on your head, shoulder, chest, back and hip many times. Second, you have to
overcome the fear that comes with spinning in the air. If you've ever tried
a back flip, you know what I mean. Third, you won't master it any time soon.
You might get a single air track pretty quickly, but be prepared to spend
the rest of breaking career mastering it. Last but not least, good windmills
are absolutely necessary for good coordination, since an air track is
basically a windmill in the air. You don't necessarily have to have combos
with windmills, but you should be able to do them with ease, and also
without hands, so that your abdominal and waist muscles are strong enough to
give you the whip you need. But windmill combos do help, of course.
Another thing: there is an infinite number of ways to do this move. I'm
going to tell you my way and several others. You can use any of these
tactics, or come up with your own way that might be easier for you. And I
strongly suggest that you practice this move on the softest surface
possible, such as a mat or your front lawn. These instructions are for
someone going counter-clockwise. If your moves go clockwise, just reverse
the instructions.
Start as if you're going to do windmills (standing or kneeling), and make
sure your body's angle stays between horizontal and about 45 degrees. Don't
ever let your body get vertical (you'll land on your head). Put your right
hand down first, then your left hand, while your legs do a windmill motion.
Your left leg is going to kick up behind you first, then your right leg, and
then your left leg is going to kick around and over your right leg in a
circular motion. Your legs are split at all times. Just as your left leg
swings over the right, you let go of the ground with your right hand, while
your left hand stays put for a few micro seconds more. It's important to
look over your right shoulder because you have to be able to see the ground
after you let go and before you land.
During these microseconds, kick your right leg under your left leg
(remember, your left leg kicked over your right leg first) and wait on your
left hand until your body spins as far as it possibly can, then let go of
the ground with your left hand. If that seemed too complicated, then simply
visualize the motions of a windmill, only your body is about two feet above
the ground, and remember to let go of the ground one hand at a time, first
with the right and then with the left. You are now airborne, but only for
another few microseconds. After you let go with your left hand and are in
the air, try to "catch" the ground with your right hand first and then your
left hand in rapid succession, and try to keep your legs moving in a
windmill motion (and make sure you can see the ground).
Right here is where it gets dangerous. If you don't whip your legs hard
enough, or you don't catch the g round quick enough, or both, you are going
to land on your shoulder, hip, head, or all three. If you don't catch the
ground at all, you'll land on your chest and maybe your face. If you
overspin, you'll land flat on your back, knocking the wind out of you, or
worse, you'll land on your hip and cause long term damage. However, if you
do everything right and you keep a continuous motion with your legs, and if
you catch the ground immediately after you let go, then you should spin
right into windmills (your foot or feet may hit the floor though, which is
why you should spin at an angle instead of horizontally).
It's perfectly alright to land on your hands and feet at first, but the goal
is to go into windmills out of it. Just pretend you're going to start a
windmill from standing up, but you do a windmill in the air on the way down
to the floor. Here's another (much easier) way: instead of launching off one
hand at a time, push off with both hands and land on both hands, while using
the same lower body technique. Or you can do a drilled air track: push off
with both hands, and instead of swinging your legs like a windmill, close
them and spin as fast as you can. With this technique, it's possible to do
more than one spin (1.5-2).
One more way: using momentum, swing into a cricket/handglide position and
use the same lower body technique described above. I suggest you try these
techniques before going on to the technique I described in the preceding
paragraph, as they're all much easier, and don't require as much practice.
You just push and spin (and pray). Remember, always visualize! Before you
even try air tracks, imagine what it looks like based on these instructions,
and imagine yourself doing each little part of the move, when and how to
swing your legs, when to let go and when to catch. Imagine how every part of
the move feels, how it feels to be airborne for an instant, and imagine
yourself seeing the ground just before you catch. Your body can't do it if
your mind can't do it first.
The Dance Moves
The Pop
The Pop is a popping movement of different parts of your body, achieved by
tensing the muscles. It is very rhythmic, and matches the popping rhythmic
style of the music. You can Pop your elbow by sticking it out, or your
shoulder by hunching it. The rest of your body remains still.
The Wave
This is a waving motion of your limbs. It gives the illusion that an
invisible force is travelling through your body - Going from one place, say,
your hand, through your arm, down your body and ending up at your feet.
Waves are standard moves and are included in just about every dance routine.
Unlike the other dance moves, it has a fluid, flowing motion, as opposed to
being snappy or rhythmic. The Wave does take some of its style from the Pop,
but rather the parts of you that Pop, follow a path around your body and are
much more smooth.
The Lock or 'Locking'
Locking is doing some fast moves with the entire body, then freezing in one
position. The best way to describe the movement of locking would be thus:
You know those little-figured toys that are like inside-out puppets on small
plastic circular platforms or pedestals, and if you press the bottom of the
platform the figure collapses real fast, then when you let your finger up it
goes back into shape? Well that's what locking looks like.
(Author's Note: I personally think that Locking should be totally separated
from Electric Boogie, or Boogaloo, as it does not appear to be illusionary
in nature - More like a fast jazzy dance style.)
The Tick
This move is used in the Robot dance style, and is a big part of almost any
Electric Boogie dance. The move gives the illusion that parts of the body
are mechanical in nature and stop or start moving with a shake, accomplished
by tensing the muscles in the body. French Mimes call this the 'Clique'.
The Mannequin or Robot (Robotics)
This is a mechanical dance style that goes back a long way - It imitates the
movement that a showroom dummy might make if it could come to life. There
are two separate parts to the Mannequin style.
One style will give a Puppet or disjointed rolling movement, as if perhaps
the dancer were connected by strings, or being moved by another person. You
may have seen mimes do skits on the 'Thunderbirds' puppet TV show, using
this technique. The classic puppet walk, is to move the same arm and leg
forward as you step, rather than the opposite arm and leg, as would normally
happen.
The other style is that of a Robot - This involves moving your limbs at
constant speed from one position to the other, ending up with a snap or
'Tick' of the body, just as a mechanical device would. Usually only one part
of your body moves at a time, which makes it look as if you are under the
control of a program, and systematically doing the moves. (Author's note: I
remember back in the early 80's seeing two very successful Mimes doing this
on TV - 'Tick and Tock'. I wonder where they are now.)
The King Tut
This move emulates the scenes as pictured on the walls of Egyptian pyramids
and temples. It involves positioning your arms so that your shoulder and
elbow are at 90 degrees, your forearms are either up or down and your hand,
bent at the wrist, either facing away from, or to you. You would then rotate
an arm at the elbow, up or down, or rotate one hand about your wrist. This
is done with a Tick, as in the Robot style, and each movement is done
separately.
The Floats or Glides
The Float or Glide is an illusion created with your legs and is the standard
way of travelling around the floor. It gives the appearance that you are
attempting to walk in one direction, but you are actually travelling in
another. The classic example of this is the 'Moon Walk' made famous by
Michael Jackson. The actual illusion is an old Mime trick that goes way
back.
The SlowMo
This dance move gives the illusion that you are doing everything just like
those 'Slow Motion Replays' that you see in Sports Programmes on Television.
Often the dancer imitates walking on the Moon with this style.
Other popular moves
The Lean
This is another popular Mime trick. It gives the illusion that you are
leaning against something that isn't there, like an invisible piano for
example.
The Collapse
Often used in combination with the Mannequin, this move makes the dancer
appear as though they are being deflated like a tyre, or they are a Puppet,
and all their strings have just been cut.
The Heartbeat
This is a popular move where you stick your arm under your jacket or shirt,
and push the material forward in time, so that it looks as if your heart is
beating in your chest. Often, the dancer will move forward on each beat, to
give the illusion that their heartbeat is pushing them forward.
The Bicycle
This leg movement gives the impression that you are riding a bicycle. It is
yet another Mime trick, and is usually accompanied by the arms being put
forward so that they look as if they are holding on to handlebars.
The Toe/Heel walk
This move is always done with the Mannequin dance style and is another great
way of travelling around the dance floor. It involves moving sideways by
spinning on the toes of one foot, and the heel of the other, and then
transferring your weight onto the opposite heel and toe, and continuing. It
is best done very smoothly, and makes it look like you are gliding sideways
across the floor.
TURTLE
(1).when starting the turtle remember you have to be able to balance with
your elbows in your stomach easily for a long period of time. (2).a)Then
slowly start taking little steps and dont lean to one side to much. b)keep
hour body level and dont put your butt to high in the air or you will lose
balance and hit the floor with your head. (3).as you move and practice you
will start to be able to gain speed and step with your hands more quikly.
WINDMILL
(1).a)When starting the windmill there are several ways you can do it. The
easiest(in my opinion) is to first get on the ground and put your knees
down(so you are on your knees). b)Next place the elbow of your right hand
between your hips.with your left(swinging to the right)take drive and place
your weight onto your right hand(which is between your hips)and lift your
legs into the air c)While lifting your legs keep them wide apart(try to make
the muscles stiff).And then turn your over your shoulder onto your upper
back. (2).a)while you are still on the right portion of your upper back push
off with your left hand as hard as you can to give you more mommentum.
b)Then roll over your back and over to your left shoulder. c)Then let the
mommentum take you over it and just before you are parrelel to the ground
stab your right elbow into your stomach. (3). a)When you are back on your
hands just keep doing the same thing. And keep pushing off with your left
arm for speed. (note:going frome step 2 to 3 is hard and will take a lot of
practice) -IMPORTANT THINGS- 1.keep your legs spread(and stiff if
possible.Try not to bend your knees. 2.try to be as high as possible and
stay on your shoulders. 3.for help getting back onto you hands use your
head.put it on the ground and roll over it.
Backspin
(1)Sit on the floor and bend your right leg back in a 90 degree angle.
(2)Kick your right leg out in a circular motion and use your hands behind
you for extra push. (3)Curl up tight into a little ball and try to be at the
center or top part of your back. -important tips- 1.When you kick your leg
kick it in a wide circular motion 2.Spin up high on your back 3.Curl up
tight 4.Keep practicing untill you find the center of balance on your back.
Handglide
Have you ever seen someone spin on one hand and wonder "how do you That???"
Well here is the answer! (This discription is to go Counter clock wise.
Reverse the LEFTs & RIGHTs to go clock wise) In order to hand glide you nee
d to know how to balance on two hands first! 1) Place both your elbows right
next to your belly button. 2)Then have your legs bent like frogs legs are
3)Apply all your weight on your two arms and try balancing. Practice
balancing in this turtle possition with two hands until you think you can
ballance on it for a long time! 4) After that, get a peice of cloth, rag,
bennie or cotton glove under your LEFT hand then tuck that LEFT elbow next
to your belly button. 5) now use the Right hand which is doing noth ing at
the moment and start paddling with it so you are spinning on your LEFT hand!
(CAUTION) Do it slow at first or you may fall and pain will inflict you! 6)
After you got spinning on your hand really good, add style in to it! While
you are paddling gai n as much speed as you can then place your RIGHT hand
on your back or head. So all you will be doing is spinning with no paddling
and will be spinning with the momentum!
Cookie Monster
Jonathan Lee
I be da beginnin bboy mahself but all dis stuff dat wuz posted ish like
hard junx... I suggest u begin by learnin backspin n six-step... Make
sure six-step good cuz dat essential. O yeah n dat freeze junx, u gotta
practice; juss get all da basics down first
two things I suggest u work on r handstand n pop-up... pop-up u lay on
da ground, den roll onto ur back n kick up pushin wid ur handz so u're
standing... n handstand -- self-explanatory
If u really serious about breakin, go to ur local teen center n check in
wid da local bboyz, ask them to teach n they prolly will... tha'z da
best way to learn
dun try to learn windmillz n flare n junx like dat until u real good wid
da spin n stuff cuz I swear u gonna kill ur head or somethin -- I be
c'in ya'z~
peaCe OuTZ
-Jonny
Systo-Funk
that whole list from sites and friends who litreally wrote some of this
stuff.
PLUR,
Systo-FUnk
Cookie Monster wrote in message <7aqeu4$6sf$1...@winter.news.rcn.net>...
Jonathan Wallace
: Gee, thanks. let's all just go to www.bboy.com where this was copy/pasted
: from ;)
That's where I get mine.