Advice on learning the Reverse 5B

REALLY SCARY

One thing I've realized is that there are three distinct spots where you can work in the extra rotation: at the wrists, at the hands, or in the equipment. I've been playing around with all three, and I've been having the best luck when I have the extra rotation taken up by the equipment. But play around with it--YMMV.

Others have suggested closing your eyes when you try to learn a new move. I've been doing that too, and it seems to be helping. Haven't clocked myself *too* badly yet.

but the problem i really have is, yes, fear of being hit in the face. I really think thats a big part - the time you get to bring your hands across is so much less, because you dont really care about getting the poi 5cm from your legs, but you DO care about the poi getting 5cm from your face.

and also my wrists dont bend as fat this way... theres also a sort of outward swinging with the fwd 5bt that i cant get the with rvs.

I fall off the horse I jump back on

My glasses are metal wire frame with PC lenses. PC is slightly better than plastic cause I heard some plastic glasses can break easier and make sharp jaggered edges that could go into the eye.
I once got hit in the eye with a cricket ball (always keep your eye on the ball they said ) I had special industrial strength hardened glass lenses in my glasses at that time and the glass broke into several sharp pieces and luckily fall on the ground and did not go into my eye.
My lenses are quite thin now so thicker glasses may make a difference.

I guess that what ever protection you use must be specially made for getting whacked.
Some things may seem strong but may cause more danger.

Paintball mask sounds good
Hockey Mask good
Motorbike Helmet good
Soft friendly poi even better

Regards

You are right I do know what beaming poi can do to the body. I have several lumps but I find them easier to control cause of their extra weight. I have tried adding a softer outer coating but have not found anything durable enough. Glow sticks and fire poi hurt too. So does doing martial arts, rugby, cricket ....
Sometimes I use them to try new things and experiment. I advise you do not use beaming poi for that unless you are well protected, but sometimes I forget. They are great for your well practised moves and transitions. All I have to say is respect them.
The Maori warriors used large rocks to swing with, now that is tough, it helped them learn faster and build up better co-ordination and strength ( not sure if they did the 5 beat reverse weave through ).

If you do use a motorbike helmet etc. please make sure it's an old one that's not in use anymore. The reason I say this is that these helmets, once they have been hit hard/been in an accident should be THROWN AWAY - even if they don't look damaged. The reason is as follows:

-helmets have got foamy stuff under the shell
-when you get hit hard on the head (by a beaming poi ) the foam underneath absorbs the impact by compressing
-the shell may or may not ping back into shape without you noticing - leaving the compressed foam underneath - although the helmet may look perfectly fine
-now, if you hit yourself in the same place again, the foam won't be able to protect you - shockwaves travel through the skull into the cerebrospinal fluid and the brain and can possibly kill you.

Nice.

While I'm aware thet it's not too likely to kill yourself with a couple of bops on the head from poi, bashing the helmet and then getting into a road traffic accident COULD kill you (or the owner of the helmet).

Sorry to be so morbid.

So, don't talk to strangers, look both ways when crossing the road and stop pulling that face or the wind'll change and it will stay that way... and everybody lives happily ever after

FP xx

PS: A big woolly hat works for me!

the truecolour LED's are like £5 a shot though, because of the blue component