Flat, flatter, flattest Jade possible, tips?

Charley started this discussion · 2/20/2011

Unfortunately I cannot seem to get a good video where I can see what's going on in my hip area to break it down for myself. GRrr - sucks because I can teach this move to just about anyone who can do that splits and here I am - I can't seem to SEE what I'm doing wrong! So embarassing. On a 50mm I'm pretty flat - I could probably extend a hair more BUT on my 45's I am losing my grip as I try to flatten out, I'd like to be able to have this perfectly flat soon on the 45! I don't know if this is pertinent but I do the jade on both sides.

13 replies

Charley · 2/20/2011
LOL! Maybe I'll have Cherly film up in my business so I can see what the problem is on a 45. I already know that 45's have less surface area so I'm assuming its a technique error.
Tabbycat · 2/20/2011
I Don't have any helpful hints or tips really, But I can tell you that anytime you do any sort of split on the pole (besides the pole splits) You actually have to be doing over-splits. For jade and chopsticks, moves like that are all about over splits. Hope that helps :)
amy · 2/21/2011
charley, tape yourself! as you know it's easier to troubleshoot with a video... =) tabbycat, you actually dont need splits for chopsticks or the jade. i dont have my square splits, and i have to cheat my splits quite a bit because my hip flexors are very tight. if i lay on my back and pull a leg straight to my face, i am about a foot and a half away from hitting my face with my foot. however, if i take that same foot, and bring it to my shoulder, or to the ground beside me, i can touch the top of my foot to the ground keeping my back leg straight and on the ground. a jade, and chopsticks, aren't square splits-- they're extreme jazz splits with your front leg out to the side, not straight in front of you.
ottersocks · 2/21/2011
Yay for cheater jade! I'm with Amy. As for Charley's problem, I want video too. :-) One note: the true jade as invented by Jamilla is actually a straight on square split. That's why she's able to do it without using the inside arm to squeeze the pole. She (and others who do it flat--like Wendy T annd Jenyne come to mind immediately) are actually sticking on the inside of their front thigh. The back arm inside arm does nothing. Truly awe inspiring. :-)
Veena · 2/21/2011
I can not do a nice perfect looking squared split or even a crazy over split. BUT I CAN do a jade without the use of my arm and keep it flat. If you have access to the lessons Charley I cover a few tips that will allow you to flatten out. For my technique its mostly about the prep into the move and then a good placement of the torso. https://www.studioveena.com/lessons/view/4d0cd761-4d54-44f7-909f-69900ac37250
Veena · 2/21/2011
Her is a pic https://www.studioveena.com/photos/view_photo/4d475dde-fa7c-4f78-9b57-4d6c0ac37250
Charley · 2/21/2011
Thanks guys - the videos I have are not good so I am going to have a friend shoot my hip area so I can see what's going. I think maybe I'm not pulling the foot towards the ground and my torso is very rounded. It's also only on the 45 that I cannot get flat :(
amy · 2/21/2011
are you unable to get it flat bc you feel like you're going to fall out of it? i find on a 45mm i have to be much more conscious of really bringing that front leg around and getting hte pole super tucked in to my hip, and bringing that leg in to my face before i bring the back leg down....
Veena · 2/21/2011
You may also want to look at how your prepping for it. Is it a gemini, scorpio or pike?
Mindy4pole · 2/28/2011
I'm trying to help my friend w/ her jade, and while her legs are pretty darn flat, her body is somewhat angled. She's definitely using an armpit grip --> that is where most of her "stick" is coming from. I found some pictures that showed jade's w/o the armpit grip, and I see you guys referring to it here. I think she is getting into it from a hip hold. Unfortunately, I don't have access to Veena's lessons right now. I had to suspend them for a while to pay for sonograms!! LOL Any tips I can pass on to her for flattening her body out? Thanks so much! Mindy
Mary Ellyn · 2/28/2011
Veena...just catching up on this one and I cannot believe how great your jade pic looks if you don't do a perfect split! Nice!
Veena · 2/28/2011
😀 Thanks Empy....I can do a flat split but not with hips perfectly square..I'm a cheater! Mindy it has a lot to do with the placement of the torso. Twisting the upper body towards the pole is how I create a nice line without using the back of my arm. I have a heck of a time trying to use the arm now.
Mindy4pole · 2/28/2011
Thanks Veena! I thought it was something like that -- I'm a big believer in the power of twisting your torso! It's certainly a challenge to have to put this stuff into words when you can't just hop up on the pole and do it. You definitely have my respect for your word power!!