Elusive straight edge

mizzli started this discussion · 7/29/2012

Hi everybody, I've been learning the straight edge from and invert since the beginning of the year and no matter what grip I've used (tried split grip, twisted grip, forearm grip, elbow grip), I can't stay up and or even come close to taking my feet off and holding the pose. The strange thing is when i go into a straight edge from a handspring using both split and twisted grip, I'm fine! What seems to be the problem? I feel like I have no control of my upper body and I feel like I'm going to tip over backwards all the time. Help!

14 replies

Veena · 7/29/2012
This is a tricky one, there are a lot of things it could be. Can you do the V leg variation of the straight edge, with any of the grips? Like this? https://www.studioveena.com/galleries/view/4f88eb00-6f9c-4764-a7be-294b0ac37250
mizzli · 7/29/2012
Hiya! Thanks for your reply! From a twisted grip hand spring I can go into ayesha and from there into straight edge or straight edge- Ayesha- back to straight edge. From an invert, I can't get as far as to let go of the pole with my legs to go into a straight edge, I haven't tried going straight into an Ayesha. So frustrating! :)
mizzli · 7/29/2012
Hiya! Thanks for your reply! From a twisted grip hand spring I can go into ayesha and from there into straight edge or straight edge- Ayesha- back to straight edge. From an invert, I can't get as far as to let go of the pole with my legs to go into a straight edge, I haven't tried going straight into an Ayesha. So frustrating! :)
Veena · 7/29/2012
I wont teach the twisted grip variations on these moves, (at least not from a handspring) so all of the info that I'll give you is not for the TG. 😉 If you take a look at the lessons you can see the progression for this move. https://www.studioveena.com/lessons (I have the lessons in order) Caterpillar, Elbow or forearm straight edge V "Aysha", then elbow or forearm straight edge, then the split grip straight edge V "Ayesha" last is the split grip straight edge. This is the suggested progression that works for most people but everyone is different. I would try working on elbowstands and handstands agaist a wall and focus on really engaging the core. Don't let your back arch. Also, if you haven't been already, start working on your caterpillar to straight edge v, before moving on to any of the other straight edge variations. I have tons of tips for these moves if your taking the lessons. 🌸
mizzli · 7/29/2012
Hi Veena! Thanks for the tips- my instructors both taught straight edges from inverts before they progressed to other things such as the straight edge v and handsprings. Both of them are quite baffled at why I'm the only student who can't seem to pick it up! One thing you mentioned is interesting- I have a very flexible back and it tends to arch quite a bit probably from the weight of my upper body and the inability of my arms in holding myself (although I'm fine doing it from handspring?!). It's probably that that might be preventing me from holding myself straight. The handstands and elbow stands sound a good place to start! I will certainly try out your suggestions as I am open to anything and do these with my instructors (so they can support me) as I fell on my head once doing the elbow grip V! :( doesn't do much for the good old confidence! Thanks again! Much love Xxx
Veena · 7/29/2012
Next time you try, feel free to upload a video here if you like as well. Then we can all offer some suggestions. 🌸
mizvix · 7/30/2012
you aren't the only one!! i can handspring into straight edges and ayeshas and can do them from elbow grip, but can't do them very well (or at all on a bad day) from invert. No clue why - still working on it, but you aren't alone!
dustbunny · 7/30/2012
Although I don't claim to be able to do a straightedge (and can't aysha either...but I'm closer if I cartwheel into it, so I understand your confusion in that end). I CAN hold my legs off the pole in a straightedge position for a few seconds when caterpillar climbing! Maybe try it from there, caterpillar up then slide your legs up but before you regrip see if you can move them off to the side of the pole. This is the only way I come close to it, maybe it will work for you.
chemgoddess1 · 7/30/2012
One thing with straight edge is that the pole is going to be more to the side of your body than straight on like it is with ayesha. In ayesha your torso faces the pole, in straight edge it does not. http://thepolestudio.towerbureau.com/images/gallery/level5/straight_edge.jpg vs 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Veena · 7/30/2012
Yep Chem, unless your using a forearm grip. This is how I personally like to see these moves executed. ......In forearm grip V legs, the body still is beside the pole....only with elbow grip should you face the pole and with Split grip when moving into it from off the pole. From Cartwheel, you'll be beside the pole in split grip, this should be the goal anyway, You can do it from off the pole and hold to the side, it's just harder!! It's not unusual to be able to cartwheel into this and not do it from off the pole. Straight edge V https://www.studioveena.com/galleries/view/4f88eb00-6f9c-4764-a7be-294b0ac37250 Straight edge https://www.studioveena.com/galleries/view/4f88307f-fe00-4440-9822-26330ac37250 Straight Edge V SG https://www.studioveena.com/galleries/view/4f8831cd-1a50-4544-8192-26860ac37250 Straight Edge https://www.studioveena.com/galleries/view/4f8831b6-3540-486b-b0b6-26860ac37250 Done from Cartweel....otherwise the body would be in front of the pole.
ShonaLancs · 7/30/2012
Didn't know that about torso position re straight edge chem just thought I was wonky lol!
mizzli · 7/31/2012
Hi all! Thanks for your replies. I'm at a point in class where everyone can do it but me so we tend to focus on other things and miss out the straight edge completely now. I'd like to try it on my own at home, except it's a little dangerous without the support from instructors. I can't get to the point of taking my legs off the pole so I'm not sure if I will succeed with the caterpillar or the aysha. :( I might be tempted to book a private lesson and work on this! It's interesting as one instructor taught me to striaght edge with the body sideways to the pole (as demonstrated in the pics above) so I can dismount safely from the straight edge and slowly build up to holding it. Then another instructor told me I should be facing the pole and that sort of turned everything upside down and I can no longer dismount from it anymore and end up slidding down the pole in an upside down crucifix position. :( sad and frustrating times.
mizzli · 9/28/2012
Hi all! Just an update i finally got my straight edges (just the TG and the forearm grip). I found what helped was to lean away from the pole ie give yourself a few inches from the side of your body to the pole, which triggered the push and pull mechanism. Before i was aligned right next to the pole without giving my arms room to "do the work"! It definitely takes some practice because at first you might find it scary leaning away from the pole and worry about falling. It certainly explains why i can straight edge from a handspring and not straight off the pole. Im working on my phoenix spin and elbow grip ayesha next! Good luck all!!
monica kay · 9/28/2012
Very cool- thanks for the update and the tip... congrats!!