[michaelaarghh]

See, I don’t think elbow grip / forearm grip ayesha transfer to split grip that well. I can’t do elbow grip (it is scary af!), and I can do forearm grip but find it really difficult to balance, but I’m super comfy in split grip (normal and cup) and could hang out there all day hahaha.

[michaelaarghh]

yep, you need to have a pretty solid ayesha, and inverted pencil. You should also have a solid caterpillar.
I wouldn’t say so much inverted D, because I think that’s made a bit easier by having your feet on the pole to help you balance, whereas ayesha and inverted pencil are all core strength, and balance.

It took me about a year to get my normal grip handspring, then another 10 months to get cup grip. I train with people who still can’t get cup grip – I think this is definitely the hardest of the three grips, but I know some people who found cup grip easiest (ex-gymnast) so it is (like most things) based on the individual to some degree.

Case in point, I had shoulder mounts years before I could handspring, whereas Phoenix said handspring helped her get shouldermount.

[michaelaarghh]

I don’t do twisted grip handspring, because my shoulders aren’t flexible enough to control that dynamic strength needed for the handspring.
However, I am fine with coming down the pole into twisted grip ayesha from an inside leg hang, and I’m fine with twisted grip shoulder mount (and twisted grip butterfly).

Just do what’s right for your body. If that means avoiding tg then that’s fine. If everyone else is doing twisted grip handspring, then just stick to normal grip or cup grip handspring. I’ve found it’s pretty unlikely that there’s a move where you NEED to have TG handspring to move into a different move, and if there is, there’s almost always another way to get into it.

[michaelaarghh]

Once you start getting into advanced moves, there are some I wouldn’t try without a spotter. A good spotter should definitely be able to catch you, or at the very least manipulate you so you land safely.

I have always attended a studio, but I did have lessons on here as a supplement, and I thought they were great. Sometimes it helps to have things explained in a different way – for instance, when I was learning Ayesha, I just could not get it. I watched Veena’s lesson one day at home while practicing and she said something like “Now, do this to try and find your balance” and it was like a light bulb went off in my head and I realised I need to balance in the move! (I mean, obviously, but we all have those light bulb moments haha)

The lessons on here are great – whether you’re already at a studio or not 🙂

[michaelaarghh]

Your collarbone shouldn’t really be making any contact with the pole in a shoulder mount. With the initial pull, the pole should be on your trap and shoulder, and then if you go into crucifix, you should sort of push away from the pole once your legs are safely on.

[michaelaarghh]

If the pole is tight enough it won’t slip, it’s really that simple. When first putting it up you will need to tighten it every few days, and like skyember said, check it before each practice. Things like carpet decompressing, or ceilings flexing with the temperature can alter how secure the pole is.

[michaelaarghh]

True! I always forget about that Lucca!

[michaelaarghh]

I don’t think you need to be strong to use spinning pole. In Australia, it’s pretty normal for everyone to learn on spin. We generally start with lots of ‘easy’ spins, such as fireman, front and back hook and just climbing. You’ll get strong using a spinny pole for these types of moves. How fast you spin depends on how hard you kick off with the bottom foot, so you can start with virtually no spin and then build up when you’re comfortable.
And yes, always train both sides.

[michaelaarghh]

I have those same spots RedAmber 🙁 I’m not sure what they are either, but really hoping it’s not rust 🙁 Let us know if you find out!
At the studio I go to, and at home we use methylated spirits to clean brass. I loved window cleaner for my chrome pole, but metho is great for brass!

[michaelaarghh]

And even if you fall out of Janeiro, you almost always land on your feet!
But I can now see what you mean about reversed meathook. I’ll have to try that one!

[michaelaarghh]

oh interesting! That looks like a hip and armpit hold?
I don’t think Janeiro would be like this, because Janeiro your back is against the pole and your bending the other way – it’s more balance, rather than multiple points of contact, which is what the reverse meathook looks like?

[michaelaarghh]

Ooooh what is a reverse meathook!?

[michaelaarghh]

Janeiro is a bit of a backbend, so you will need more than “normal flexibility” to get it. Normal being in terms of the everyday person flexibility. If you’ve got a pretty solid bridge, you should be fine (maybe someone can weigh in on this – I have a solid bridge but still find Janeiro difficult)

[michaelaarghh]

Janeiro is super confusing, and I think the trick is in the backbend/twist. You really need to push your back into the pole, but kind of curve your body and twist your chest out.
It’s also dependent on how high your inside arm is, because it creates a “ledge” for your leg to rest on, you want it to be higher than you think.

I have also been told it is easier to get it from a brass money coming down from a CAR (rather than a CKR) because your arm is already high, although I prefer to do it from a CKR and adjust my arm (I say this, but I still can’t get it either).

You should video yourself – it is amazing being able to see yourself from a different perspective, sometimes that’s all it takes to work out what you’re doing wrong!

[michaelaarghh]

I had the non-vaulted mount on a wooden beam that wasn’t level and had no problems.