[BenWA]

yo whatzup, this is my first post on this forum. I just started breakin a little while ago and I can't seem to get anywhere with learning moves. I got the Step By Step video and i've probably watched it 500 times, and it's all a bit overwhelming to me cuz i feel like i'll never be able to figure any of this stuff out (and it seems like a lot of that stuff on that video is really basic, far from cutting edge, which psychs me out even more).

My main problem is that i feel too weak and lacking in balance to do anything...but here's the thing, I know that I'm NOT weak and lacking in balance...i'm a fit 28 year old dude 5'10" 145 lbs, bench over 200, can do 25 or more wide grip chin ups, you get the idea. I'm pretty athletic and pretty agile. But when it comes to tryin even the most basic bboy moves, i feel like my arms are gonna snap off. I can't even do a handstand let alone those one-armed pike type freezes (which i think are dope). I dont know where i'm going with all this, i guess i'm just a newbie fishing for some encouragement. Is breaking something that you are just naturally gifted at or can pretty much anyone learn these moves? And can i learn just by watchin vids and reading descriptions or do i need to join some sort of crew to get anywhere?

Just to give you an idea, i can do REALLY basic toprock (nothing even remotely intricate, but at least i can work the beat)...and i can kinda do 6 step, 5 step, and 4 step, although really ragged and unsmooth looking. I'm workin on addin cc's, kickouts, and other spice to my footwork. And i can do some pretty shady lookin swipes, and all the basic simple freezes (baby, chair, straight legged baby (forget what you call those), the kind where you are balanced on your upper back, shoulders, and neck with your body in the air, etc). I really want to be able to put together a decent looking set that is reasonably attainable but still respectable.

Any thoughts or words for the newb here? Thanx yall. REspect.

[bboyMarco]

Dude don't worry about it i'm only 13 years old and can easily pike. It's all about practice. It's all about practice. Bboying is a very slow process. Just take your time and youll learn

[Fenix Down]

i think your problem is your balance just practice those handstands and pikes alot and youll eventually get them. as for your toprock powermoves and footwork just practice them also and they will eventually get cleaner. thats my advice at least

[BenWA]

thanx fellas. so where does one start with pikes or one handed handstands? do i gotta just do a bunch of normal handstanding first to build the strength and balance? i dont need to hang out on one arm all day, but ijust wanna hold it solid for a second. where do i start? just dive onto one arm and go for it? thanx bros

[Vice President]

fortunately, most bboy moves dont take much strength, it's about technique. i suggest you get a camera or a mirror or something that will allow you see what you're doing, and you'll probably see that your form is way off because you dont have good technique. just watch some videos and mimic the movements.you dont even have to study the videos, although i suggest that you do, you can just watch them for your own enjoyment. most of the learning i did was observational learning and negative reinforcement (didn't wanna hurt myself, so i stopped screwing up).

[Bb0y J]

In bboying, you will start to use muscles that u probably rarely ever used before, and same goes with areas of flexibility. That could explain ur ability to bench over 200, while u are 145. Good luck, and dont give up.

[Desi Boogie]

It doesn't sound like you've been breaking for long. I just started about 6 weeks ago myself. It all comes very slowly, i have a friend who's been doing it for 4 years and he's still learning a lot. You just have to practice alot like everyone else has said. And as the person above me said, when you start out B-Boying uses alot of muscles and body areas that you don't usually stretch or exert. Your body will adjust to the new ways it's being used in a few months. Mine is only now getting used to being stretched and contorted.

Peace

[Pho3nix]

dont worry your a pretty good newb..but practise ur handstands

[RapmastaF-fresh]

If you think it would help, I've written an excellent guide on basic handstands and going on from there. I'll post it if you'd like.

take your time

-Your Friendly Neighborhood Rapmasta

[Harry Popper']

whoa, where have you been?

[BenWA]

Rapmasta- ya man, definitely post that if it wouldnt be too much trouble...i need all the help i can get! with the pikes and one armed things, i just cant figure out how to get into that position. i'll bet im strong enough for it, and i could probably hold it for a sec if i got into the position, but i just caint figure out how to get there.

Vice Prez- I borrowed my buddy's vid camera last nite and shot some moves, and you're right, a lot of my stuff is way off. like the freezes i';ve been learning looked all weird, my footwork looked abominable. my swipes looked pretty good at least (at least they did to me!), thats the one thing so far that i seem to have figured out, but that aint much. oh and my toprock looked better than i was expecting (but it still sux)

[RapmastaF-fresh]

BenWA, I'm going to PM the guide to you, so just check it in a few.

Nice to see you again Popper..


-Your Friendly Neighborhood Rapmasta

[Bb0Y FaYTh]

yo it's gonna be alot harder for you, most bboys stop around 28ish..

flexiblity is really important, if u wanna improve fast just keep getting accustomed to stretching all the time, and getting over the wrist pains and such