My first attempt at saber staff spinning

[DirtyJersey]

My second GB Initiate V2 LE plus coupler came in the mail, and I took it for a spin in my side yard around midnight. I have never used a staff before(except for a bokken), so please take it easy on me. I've been focusing mainly on the mechanics of spinning, and changing hands while in motion. Sorry for the quality of  the video, as I was alone and had to set up with a tripod in the pitch black night.

As a side note: I am disabled and walk with with the aid of a cane, so this is the main reason why I do not move from the spot where I am standing in the video.

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yy3c0wRdkVA" target="_blank" class="aeva_link bbc_link new_win">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yy3c0wRdkVA</a>

[Master Artorius Vidnyl]

Fr your first time using a staff this isn't too bad.  I'm rather pleased that you didn't try going too fast as this is the mistake most beginners make.  If you would like to get some detailed advice it would help us to see a video during a time of day with some sunlight.

http://www.saberforum.com/index.php?topic=2213.0

The above thread might help too as it is about staff wielding.  Keep it up!

[Kham-Ryn Kurios]

Very nice video, I sympathize with your lack of being able to move, I'm recovering from a lumbar injury.

Keep up the good work.

A+

[DirtyJersey]

Good morning MAV and Kham-Ryn, thank you both kindly for your responses. MAV, I did look at the staff topic you posted, and kept it in mind as I trained today. Kham-Ryn, my best to you as you recover. I know recovery is a long road, but it is journey we must see through to the end. Be safe and stay strong.

I made another video this morning (Uncut) which will show my technique of saber spinning. I did this uncut because I am interested in knowing what I did wrong, and how I can correct it. Proper mechanics are the main focus for my training. The video is almost 11 minutes long, but please watch it through. Any constructive criticism would be most appreciated.

Note: The grass was wet, and when I picked up the saber at the beginning the whole handle was wet. I did my best to push through and persevere. Also, at some points I do close my eyes. I do this to try and "Feel" the saber's rhythm. It also helps me to block out distraction.

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWAVcMERRnY" target="_blank" class="aeva_link bbc_link new_win">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWAVcMERRnY</a>

[Master Artorius Vidnyl]

First I wanna commend you for being willing to post uncut footage.  It helps us help you!  I'm gonna type thoughts as I watch and then recap.

I understand you are working within your physical limitations, if you are able to stand with one foot slightly ahead or behind the other it will improve your balance and make spinning faster a little easier.  This is not a must but it could help.

Also you are doing a finger twirl with your right hand on your right side.  This will slow down spins on that side.  I'm glad to see you don't always do that though.  Just an extra skill which is always nice.  And you are working on it on both sides.  This is good!

Your efforts to work spins on both sides and in both directions is very very good.  Forcing yourself to learn skills with your weak side will make both sides stronger.  Good for you!

As I'm watching I'm wondering if you live in the pinelands of south Jersey...?

Ah the over the head spin!  You've got the right idea!  I've been training Nero on how to propery execute just such a move.

Ok!  Overall you're off to a good start.  Your circle spins got stronger through the video.  For your figure 8's if you want to do them one handed it will help if you leave more staff towards the bottom of your hand, pinky side.  The weight at the back of the spin will help to whip the staff around and promote faster speeds.

If you do happen to live in the Pinebarrens or near Burlington County PM me.

Keep it up!  If you want me to comment on something I missed let me know and I'll be happy to jump back on.

[Kham-Ryn Kurios]

Master Vidnyl pretty much covered it.

Thank you for the wishes.

What kind of Camera do you use, I'd like to get one but don't really know what to get?

[DirtyJersey]

Master Vidnyl pretty much covered it.

Thank you for the wishes.

What kind of Camera do you use, I'd like to get one but don't really know what to get?

I use the Sony Handycam HDR-CX150. I found it on Amazon after I did tons of research. If you do shop for one on Amazon, look into a package deal. At first I bought a Handycam from a camera store, but then returned it because Amazon sold it cheaper and I got a camera bag, tripod, cleaning kit, and other stuff with it.

[Kham-Ryn Kurios]

I use the Sony Handycam HDR-CX150. I found it on Amazon after I did tons of research. If you do shop for one on Amazon, look into a package deal. At first I bought a Handycam from a camera store, but then returned it because Amazon sold it cheaper and I got a camera bag, tripod, cleaning kit, and other stuff with it.

I love this forum!

Thank you I'll start there.

[thejedimasternick]

First of all, good work. Very nice control. Got two ideas for you. One, not sure if I missed it, but I noticed a lot of your front spins going clockwise. Well, from your perspective going left to right. Might I recommend trying the other direction? For example, one spin left, one right, two left, two right, and stopping in between to switch direction. Simple, but gets your arms used to moving in various directions at different times. Also, I see you put a lot of motion when you spin from side to side. Maybe try using less motion and trying to keep your arm in front as a different spin.I was thinking it may help give you difference in how much power it takes to move the saber side to side, whether it being just a spin or an actual attack. Not a lot, but little things you can try to open your mind up a bit. Good job and good luck!

[DirtyJersey]

First of all, good work. Very nice control. Got two ideas for you. One, not sure if I missed it, but I noticed a lot of your front spins going clockwise. Well, from your perspective going left to right. Might I recommend trying the other direction? For example, one spin left, one right, two left, two right, and stopping in between to switch direction. Simple, but gets your arms used to moving in various directions at different times. Also, I see you put a lot of motion when you spin from side to side. Maybe try using less motion and trying to keep your arm in front as a different spin.I was thinking it may help give you difference in how much power it takes to move the saber side to side, whether it being just a spin or an actual attack. Not a lot, but little things you can try to open your mind up a bit. Good job and good luck!

The front spins do tend to go mostly clockwise, but it is because I haven't figured out the mechanics of going in the opposite direction. I've been trying to study my hand placement on the staff as I do the spin so I can apply it to spinning in reverse. This is one of the main reasons I spin slowly. I need to see and feel the movements of my hands. This is definitely something I am working on. As for side to side movement, I have limited mobility in my legs when I am not holding my walking stick/cane. If you watch the parts where I drop the saber and try to pick it up again, you might notice that I have some "muscle hesitation" in my legs as I try to move forward to pick it up again. My mind goes forward before my legs most of the time. This is one of the things I hope to overcome through saber training. I'm hopeful that getting outdoors to train more often will help to improve my mobility as my confidence builds. Well, anyway, thank you so much for your feedback. I will most definitely take everything into consideration.

[DirtyJersey]

I have a couple questions about technique. First off, I am trying to keep the saber close to my body as I spin(read about this in the staff topic), but it is causing the side to side sway. I think it has alot to do with stance, but also with the fact I have wide shoulders. Just wondered your thoughts on fixing this. The other small thing I am wondering about is where to put my non spinning hand. I haven't found a comfortable position for my arm while the other is busy spinning. That's all I have for now, but I'll post more questions as they come up. As always, I appreciate feedback and constructive criticism.

[Kham-Ryn Kurios]

I have a couple questions about technique. First off, I am trying to keep the saber close to my body as I spin(read about this in the staff topic), but it is causing the side to side sway. I think it has alot to do with stance, but also with the fact I have wide shoulders. Just wondered your thoughts on fixing this. The other small thing I am wondering about is where to put my non spinning hand. I haven't found a comfortable position for my arm while the other is busy spinning. That's all I have for now, but I'll post more questions as they come up. As always, I appreciate feedback and constructive criticism.

If I spin with one hand standing still, I put my other arm behind me, if you can rotate your hips when you do your figure eights I think that might help with your shoulder problem. That works best for me, hope I helped.

[DirtyJersey]

If I spin with one hand standing still, I put my other arm behind me, if you can rotate your hips when you do your figure eights I think that might help with your shoulder problem. That works best for me, hope I helped.

I think you're right about the arm behind the back. That is probably what I'll try now on. I'll see if the hip rotation works for me as well. Thanks for the input.

[Kham-Ryn Kurios]

Your Welcome 

[Daniel Anteron]

Nice work dude you're getting it. I wish I had that much room to work around with though. All I've got is a tiny back yard.