Forums > Social Discussion > Where ARE all the masters anyway?
Login/Join to ParticipateSILVER Member
member
186 posts
Location: San Francisco, USA
member
186 posts
Location: San Francisco, USA
Posted:
I've been looking through old threads for a while, digging in all sorts of interesting topics. Along the way, I keep coming across statements like "oh if you think so-and-so is good, you haven't seen nothing" and "anybody who's REALLY good hasn't got the time or the interest to enter COL", "nobody who's REALLY good comes around HoP" or, often from the more famous members, "oh I'm really just starting, I've seen so MANY people so much better than me it's sick"
So if these elusive-yet-plentiful-yet-never-seen mythical figures of Insanely Spectacularness aren't on any of the video compilations, don't have websites, don't participate in any forums, and don't have up any online videos.... where the hell ARE they, then? They certainly aren't in movies. Did they all run off and join some circus in Siberia or what?
I've been looking through old threads for a while, digging in all sorts of interesting topics. Along the way, I keep coming across statements like "oh if you think so-and-so is good, you haven't seen nothing" and "anybody who's REALLY good hasn't got the time or the interest to enter COL", "nobody who's REALLY good comes around HoP" or, often from the more famous members, "oh I'm really just starting, I've seen so MANY people so much better than me it's sick"
So if these elusive-yet-plentiful-yet-never-seen mythical figures of Insanely Spectacularness aren't on any of the video compilations, don't have websites, don't participate in any forums, and don't have up any online videos.... where the hell ARE they, then? They certainly aren't in movies. Did they all run off and join some circus in Siberia or what?
"Ours is not to question The Head; it is enough to revel in the ubiquitous inanity of The Head, the unwanted proximity of The Head, the unrelenting HellPresence of The Head, indeed the very UNYIELDING IRRELEVANCE of The Head!" --Revelation X
SILVER Member
big and good and broken
7,330 posts
Location: lunn dunn, yoo kay, United Kingdom
big and good and broken
7,330 posts
Location: lunn dunn, yoo kay, United Kingdom
Posted:
that's a diabolical statement!
cole. x
Written by: KaelGotRice
Sorry, I can't respect a move named "hyperloop"
that's a diabolical statement!
cole. x
"i see you at 'dis cafe.
i come to 'dis cafe quite a lot myself.
they do porridge."
- tim westwood
DIAMOND Member
The Ministry of Manipulation
2,523 posts
Location: Bristol, United Kingdom
The Ministry of Manipulation
2,523 posts
Location: Bristol, United Kingdom
Posted:
orbit:"there isn't really a system that the community as a whole agrees on. "
Thats a good thing, life is not like a school exam, there is not ONE correct answer.
Orbit: "People can't even agree on what to name moves once you get beyond HOP... Is it a weave or a cross-follow? A buzzsaw, a wheel of death, or a bicycle? "
It reflects history. and its just the way that things are. Damn it, people can't even agree on what language to speak, once you get beyond HOP... Is it French, English, German, spanish..... ?
Kaelgot rice:
Ummm OK, Sorry, thats my fault, (although you have to admit the similarities with the 2 diabolo move)
I used to hate that name, too.
Now I'm apathetic.
Mind you, the maxi-plus was a great name in the same post, and that never stuck.
If it did, their could have been a "maxi-plus-ultra"
"Maxi-plus extra absorbant" and
"Maxi-plus-ultra with wings".
I think there should be more poi moves named after press on towels.
I fear I'm drifting off topic here so lets pull it back:
There are masters of most disaplines, and so there are masters of poi. But many follow a tradition close to tai chi
https://www.chebucto.ns.ca/Philosophy/Taichi/shiu-pak.html
Glass
PS, I'm surprised that no one has mentioned in this thread: "Water"
orbit:"there isn't really a system that the community as a whole agrees on. "
Thats a good thing, life is not like a school exam, there is not ONE correct answer.
Orbit: "People can't even agree on what to name moves once you get beyond HOP... Is it a weave or a cross-follow? A buzzsaw, a wheel of death, or a bicycle? "
It reflects history. and its just the way that things are. Damn it, people can't even agree on what language to speak, once you get beyond HOP... Is it French, English, German, spanish..... ?
Kaelgot rice:
Ummm OK, Sorry, thats my fault, (although you have to admit the similarities with the 2 diabolo move)
I used to hate that name, too.
Now I'm apathetic.
Mind you, the maxi-plus was a great name in the same post, and that never stuck.
If it did, their could have been a "maxi-plus-ultra"
"Maxi-plus extra absorbant" and
"Maxi-plus-ultra with wings".
I think there should be more poi moves named after press on towels.
I fear I'm drifting off topic here so lets pull it back:
There are masters of most disaplines, and so there are masters of poi. But many follow a tradition close to tai chi
https://www.chebucto.ns.ca/Philosophy/Taichi/shiu-pak.html
Glass
PS, I'm surprised that no one has mentioned in this thread: "Water"
GOLD Member
veteran
1,459 posts
Location: Dublin, Ireland
veteran
1,459 posts
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Posted:
nice one Glass
reminds me of something my Tai Chi teacher once said, went something like this.....
"i have no idea how far i have come so far on this Tai Chi journey. if say, if Tai Chi is a mile long, i don't really know how far into the first hundred yards i have travelled. i know for sure that i have reached the first ten yards, but then, progress should be slow"
Written by: Glåss
There are masters of most disaplines, and so there are masters of poi. But many follow a tradition close to tai chi
https://www.chebucto.ns.ca/Philosophy/Taichi/shiu-pak.html
nice one Glass
reminds me of something my Tai Chi teacher once said, went something like this.....
"i have no idea how far i have come so far on this Tai Chi journey. if say, if Tai Chi is a mile long, i don't really know how far into the first hundred yards i have travelled. i know for sure that i have reached the first ten yards, but then, progress should be slow"
My mind not only wanders, it sometimes leaves completely
GOLD Member
just lost .... evil init
2,474 posts
Location: Adelaide, Australia
just lost .... evil init
2,474 posts
Location: Adelaide, Australia
Posted:
out of everyone ive met, out of all the amazing shows ive seen, as much as i loved the shaolin monks this guy
https://www3.ns.sympatico.ca/lyle_24/myhero.html
is my new master for he posesses an uninhibited expression connected with the music and free of the influence of the ego of others
out of everyone ive met, out of all the amazing shows ive seen, as much as i loved the shaolin monks this guy
https://www3.ns.sympatico.ca/lyle_24/myhero.html
is my new master for he posesses an uninhibited expression connected with the music and free of the influence of the ego of others
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourself, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous and talented? Who are you NOT to be?
GOLD Member
Pirate Ninja
3,882 posts
Location: Galway/Ireland
Pirate Ninja
3,882 posts
Location: Galway/Ireland
Posted:
im getting an add?
im getting an add?
Love is the law.
GOLD Member
just lost .... evil init
2,474 posts
Location: Adelaide, Australia
just lost .... evil init
2,474 posts
Location: Adelaide, Australia
Posted:
under the add .... u have to have activex enabled .... this video is mastery if ur having a bad day it will make u smile, if your having a great day it will make laugh i love it
under the add .... u have to have activex enabled .... this video is mastery if ur having a bad day it will make u smile, if your having a great day it will make laugh i love it
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourself, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous and talented? Who are you NOT to be?
GOLD Member
Pirate Ninja
3,882 posts
Location: Galway/Ireland
Pirate Ninja
3,882 posts
Location: Galway/Ireland
Posted:
Love is the law.
SILVER Member
member
186 posts
Location: San Francisco, USA
member
186 posts
Location: San Francisco, USA
Posted:
quote:mo-seph]
I think the word "master" has pushed a lot of buttons and confused the issue slightly
I totally agree with you there! Maybe I should've worded it differently... I was being just a bit facetious, and people seem to be taking it all much too seriously.
Exactly what I think too!
I didn't want to get into a 'so what IS a master anyway/well we don't NEED them anyway/there's no such thing/etc!' debate, since theoretically most of the things people have been saying along those lines could be argued for every other discipline as well. That gets you into a huge, endless mess of philosophical disagreements.
For the purpposes of my original question/topic, 'master' can be defined quite simply as: Some person who has been dedicated to a skill for at least several decades, could make a living at it, and generally amazes people. Period.
Guess it's a bit late to be pointing that out, though.
quote:mo-seph]
I think the word "master" has pushed a lot of buttons and confused the issue slightly
I totally agree with you there! Maybe I should've worded it differently... I was being just a bit facetious, and people seem to be taking it all much too seriously.
Written by: mo-seph
I think that one reason is that the community is relatively young; if you went off to learn dance, or martial arts, you'd have a whole range of teachers who've been doing it for 5+ years, and I don't see the same level of developmental support in the twirling arts.
Exactly what I think too!
I didn't want to get into a 'so what IS a master anyway/well we don't NEED them anyway/there's no such thing/etc!' debate, since theoretically most of the things people have been saying along those lines could be argued for every other discipline as well. That gets you into a huge, endless mess of philosophical disagreements.
For the purpposes of my original question/topic, 'master' can be defined quite simply as: Some person who has been dedicated to a skill for at least several decades, could make a living at it, and generally amazes people. Period.
Guess it's a bit late to be pointing that out, though.
"Ours is not to question The Head; it is enough to revel in the ubiquitous inanity of The Head, the unwanted proximity of The Head, the unrelenting HellPresence of The Head, indeed the very UNYIELDING IRRELEVANCE of The Head!" --Revelation X
GOLD Member
Pirate Ninja
3,882 posts
Location: Galway/Ireland
Pirate Ninja
3,882 posts
Location: Galway/Ireland
Posted:
Welcome to HOP
Written by:
I didn't want to get into a 'so what IS a master anyway/well we don't NEED them anyway/there's no such thing/etc!'
Welcome to HOP
Love is the law.
Pooh-Bah
2,364 posts
Location: austin,tx
2,364 posts
Location: austin,tx
Posted:
MAXI PLUS FOREVER!!!!!!!!
MAXI PLUS FOREVER!!!!!!!!
-Such a price the gods exact for song: to become what we sing
-Seek freedom and become captive of your desires. Seek discipline and find your liberty.
-When the center of the storm does not move, you are in its path.
SILVER Member
enthusiast
270 posts
Location: USA
enthusiast
270 posts
Location: USA
Posted:
If that's your definition:
Then you definitely won't find any here. It's hard to make a living at it, and that's not neccessarily what people want to do. But then that's all been covered already.
If that's your definition:
Written by:
For the purpposes of my original question/topic, 'master' can be defined quite simply as: Some person who has been dedicated to a skill for at least several decades, could make a living at it, and generally amazes people. Period.
Then you definitely won't find any here. It's hard to make a living at it, and that's not neccessarily what people want to do. But then that's all been covered already.
geek, level 1
5,300 posts
Location: everywhere
5,300 posts
Location: everywhere
Posted:
mwahahahaha!
you'll be lucky.
just wait til you see my new 'kleenex' range of moves.
Written by: arashi
MAXI PLUS FOREVER!!!!!!!!
mwahahahaha!
you'll be lucky.
just wait til you see my new 'kleenex' range of moves.
Holistic Spinner (I hope)
DIAMOND Member
The Ministry of Manipulation
2,523 posts
Location: Bristol, United Kingdom
The Ministry of Manipulation
2,523 posts
Location: Bristol, United Kingdom
Posted:
SILVER Member
what goes around comes around. unless you're into stalls.
4,030 posts
Location: Bali, Australia
what goes around comes around. unless you're into stalls.
4,030 posts
Location: Bali, Australia
Posted:
Yeah, it is hard to make a living at. And most people wouldn;'t even want to. But some people do. I'm putting in a bid for Knoxious here. FlameOz, Knoxious, and assorted mates who travel, busk, teach, do everything from scrabble around doing markets to full on stage shows that blow peoples minds. And have inspired others, contributed to here etc... But masters? Yeah, for the stage this art is at, they are. And pioneers... have taken this relatively new art into sychro and choreo and onto the stage rather than the bush or the beach...
And then you see someone like Kyle McLean who is just totally opposite; he contact staffs like a tree root! And I just laugh and smile every time I see him cos he's so on the edge. And that's a different sort of mastery to be so in the present!!
Actually one thing I love about the scene is that it is so varied and evolving and basically ( despite the odd snappy post,) good humoured. I mean, people spin socks! And I saw someone spinning little teddy bears a few years ago.. winnie the poi. (oops, I think that was Kyle again!)
Yeah, it is hard to make a living at. And most people wouldn;'t even want to. But some people do. I'm putting in a bid for Knoxious here. FlameOz, Knoxious, and assorted mates who travel, busk, teach, do everything from scrabble around doing markets to full on stage shows that blow peoples minds. And have inspired others, contributed to here etc... But masters? Yeah, for the stage this art is at, they are. And pioneers... have taken this relatively new art into sychro and choreo and onto the stage rather than the bush or the beach...
And then you see someone like Kyle McLean who is just totally opposite; he contact staffs like a tree root! And I just laugh and smile every time I see him cos he's so on the edge. And that's a different sort of mastery to be so in the present!!
Actually one thing I love about the scene is that it is so varied and evolving and basically ( despite the odd snappy post,) good humoured. I mean, people spin socks! And I saw someone spinning little teddy bears a few years ago.. winnie the poi. (oops, I think that was Kyle again!)
.....Can't juggle balls but I sure as hell can juggle details....
addict
645 posts
Location: wishing to be in Rio
645 posts
Location: wishing to be in Rio
Posted:
I just wanted to say, this has been a very inspiring thread to read.
I suddenly want to go dance my socks off, learn Tai Chi and become one with my poi, whilst covered in pantyliners... weird.
Have just recently gained a renewed love for HoP and I love the fact that there are no strict rules and guidelines like a particular style of kung fu. We should follow the great Bruce Lee's example and incorporate techniques and inspiration from everywhere.
Sudden desire to keep learning and striving.... right, best go do it then!
all round 
love
Lx
I just wanted to say, this has been a very inspiring thread to read.
I suddenly want to go dance my socks off, learn Tai Chi and become one with my poi, whilst covered in pantyliners... weird.
Have just recently gained a renewed love for HoP and I love the fact that there are no strict rules and guidelines like a particular style of kung fu. We should follow the great Bruce Lee's
example and incorporate techniques and inspiration from everywhere.Sudden desire to keep learning and striving.... right, best go do it then!
all round love
Lx
there's nothing quite as fulfilling as a tasty airwrap
if you're full of sh!t, at least you're fertile
"we are all flowers growing in God's garden... and that is why he spreads the sh!t around" - David Byrne
GOLD Member
Stream Entrant
2,829 posts
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Stream Entrant
2,829 posts
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posted:
I like this quote from a Tai Cha site:
Oh, if you like staff (whispers quietly) then you could try looking at our evil twin sisters site. But don’t tell anyone, it’s a secret
Late thought. You could always go down to the crossroads
EDITED_BY: Stone (1109919457)
I like this quote from a Tai Cha site:
Written by:
I’m a relative amateur at Tai Chi Chuan, less than 20 years at this point.
Oh, if you like staff (whispers quietly) then you could try looking at our evil twin sisters site. But don’t tell anyone, it’s a secret
Late thought. You could always go down to the crossroads
EDITED_BY: Stone (1109919457)
If we as members of the human race practice meditation, we can transcend our fear, despair, and forgetfulness. Meditation is not an escape. It is the courage to look at reality with mindfulness and concentration. Thich Nhat Hanh
SILVER Member
big and good and broken
7,330 posts
Location: lunn dunn, yoo kay, United Kingdom
big and good and broken
7,330 posts
Location: lunn dunn, yoo kay, United Kingdom
Posted:
that site is awesome stone - it has some really good technique advice.
i linked to it on the juggling newsgroup only yesterday in fact: see
i’m going down to rosedale, take my rider by my side.
you can still barrelhouse, baby, on the riverside
cole. x
that site is awesome stone - it has some really good technique advice.
i linked to it on the juggling newsgroup only yesterday in fact: see
i’m going down to rosedale, take my rider by my side.
you can still barrelhouse, baby, on the riverside
cole. x
"i see you at 'dis cafe.
i come to 'dis cafe quite a lot myself.
they do porridge."
- tim westwood
BRONZE Member
Living it up
363 posts
Location: Brisbane/Berlin, Australia
Living it up
363 posts
Location: Brisbane/Berlin, Australia
Posted:
Gabe is talking about me doing things to bears again.
Sorry to be OT, but thought I should clear my name. They were stuffed monkeys. Someone broke into our house one night and left about 12 of them around the place. No really.
EDITED_BY: Kyle McLean (1109944209)
Gabe is talking about me doing things to bears again.
Sorry to be OT, but thought I should clear my name. They were stuffed monkeys. Someone broke into our house one night and left about 12 of them around the place. No really.
EDITED_BY: Kyle McLean (1109944209)
Contact without dance is like sex without wiggling.
A) it does feel as good
B) it does not look as good on film
DIAMOND Member
The Ministry of Manipulation
2,523 posts
Location: Bristol, United Kingdom
The Ministry of Manipulation
2,523 posts
Location: Bristol, United Kingdom
Posted:
I used to spin a couple of little teddy bears
They were very cute
I fixed then to the string using nooses
I used to spin a couple of little teddy bears
They were very cute
I fixed then to the string using nooses
enthusiast
523 posts
Location: Edinburgh, UK
523 posts
Location: Edinburgh, UK
Posted:
If it was anyone else, I'd think they were making it up...
So I guess that the true teachers are going round sneaking into peoples houses and delivering stuffed monkeys.
Written by: Kyle McLeanWritten by: newgabe
I saw someone spinning little teddy bears a few years ago.. winnie the poi. (oops, I think that was Kyle again!)
sorry to be OT, but thought I should clear my name. They were stuffed monkeys. Someone broke into our house one night and left about 12 of them around the place. No really.
If it was anyone else, I'd think they were making it up...
So I guess that the true teachers are going round sneaking into peoples houses and delivering stuffed monkeys.
monkeys ate my brain
BRONZE Member
Living it up
363 posts
Location: Brisbane/Berlin, Australia
Living it up
363 posts
Location: Brisbane/Berlin, Australia
Posted:
A bit of exotic karma never hurt anyone...
A bit of exotic karma never hurt anyone...
Contact without dance is like sex without wiggling.
A) it does feel as good
B) it does not look as good on film
BRONZE Member
Living it up
363 posts
Location: Brisbane/Berlin, Australia
Living it up
363 posts
Location: Brisbane/Berlin, Australia
Posted:
The karma comment was made thinking of a giant teddy bear playing with glass on a string, not the break-in. But yes Moseph it really did happen.
The karma comment was made thinking of a giant teddy bear playing with glass on a string, not the break-in. But yes Moseph it really did happen.
Contact without dance is like sex without wiggling.
A) it does feel as good
B) it does not look as good on film
DIAMOND Member
The Ministry of Manipulation
2,523 posts
Location: Bristol, United Kingdom
The Ministry of Manipulation
2,523 posts
Location: Bristol, United Kingdom
Posted:
I like you
I like you SILVER Member
enthusiast
270 posts
Location: USA
enthusiast
270 posts
Location: USA
Posted:
I've seen some great stuffed animal poi, but I personally prefer rubber rats... their tails make them really bouncy. Haven't been able to find them in stores for a while though...
I've seen some great stuffed animal poi, but I personally prefer rubber rats... their tails make them really bouncy. Haven't been able to find them in stores for a while though...
GOLD Member
Stream Entrant
2,829 posts
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Stream Entrant
2,829 posts
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posted:
cheers cole,
rediscovered the site chasing footwork
hopes Tanessa does nude batton for Col 6
cheers cole,
rediscovered the site chasing footwork
hopes Tanessa does nude batton for Col 6
If we as members of the human race practice meditation, we can transcend our fear, despair, and forgetfulness. Meditation is not an escape. It is the courage to look at reality with mindfulness and concentration. Thich Nhat Hanh
enthusiast
384 posts
Location: West LA
384 posts
Location: West LA
Posted:
Why is one looking for masters. Only if one has a question . . . .
But if you are looking for another master you will never find the answer. For the truth is - you are the master
Ask yourself and you will answer. You know the move you are looking for . . . probably youll do it tomorrow, probably never. 
cheers
andy
PS: couldnt resist. im sorry
Why is one looking for masters. Only if one has a question . . . .
But if you are looking for another master you will never find the answer. For the truth is - you are the master
Ask yourself and you will answer. You know the move you are looking for
. . . probably youll do it tomorrow, probably never. cheers
andy
PS: couldnt resist. im sorry
To learn - read. To know - write. To master - teach . . .
BRONZE Member
Still wiggling
5,967 posts
Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland (UK)
Still wiggling
5,967 posts
Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland (UK)
Posted:
Getting to the other side 
enthusiast
384 posts
Location: West LA
384 posts
Location: West LA
Posted:
Hello queen of Belfast!
Nice to have friends around
And to say something on topic: Masters? Difficult!
Imagine Gandhi or Van Gogh as a Poi player - wicked and smooth
And now Bush or Blair
Mastery is in the eye of the beholder....
... do I repeat myself ?
andy
PS: The question was where ? Watch your girlfriend! There !
Hello queen of Belfast!
Nice to have friends around
And to say something on topic: Masters? Difficult!
Imagine Gandhi or Van Gogh as a Poi player - wicked and smooth
And now Bush or Blair
Mastery is in the eye of the beholder....
... do I repeat myself ?
andy
PS: The question was where ? Watch your girlfriend! There !
To learn - read. To know - write. To master - teach . . .
PLATINUM Member
Flying Water Muppet
5,276 posts
Location: Edin-borrow., United Kingdom
Flying Water Muppet
5,276 posts
Location: Edin-borrow., United Kingdom
Posted:
I love this thread...!
ah for everyone else.
I love this thread...!
ah
"the now legendary" - Kaskade
"the still legendary" - Kaskade
I spunked in my friend's aquarium and the fish ate it. I love all fish. Especially the pink ones. They are my bitches. - Anon.
PLATINUM Member
bastard child of satan
1,113 posts
Location: Raanana, Israel
bastard child of satan
1,113 posts
Location: Raanana, Israel
Posted:
i dont know about masters, but the spinners i worship/draw inspiration from are:
oli, ros, bluecat, laura, beth (<-laura and beth should make some videos... they have some crazy moves. to think i never knew about them before PLAY),matt, simian, cole, and UCOF (last 3 i cant understand what they're talking about half the time. so they have to be good. and simian's only video was great.)
all of these guys are from the UK (except matt i think). there might be some people i forgot.
and i dont think you can really call someone a master... really depends what you're into. (body movement, just standing in the same spot doing crazy technical moves etc.)
i dont know about masters, but the spinners i worship/draw inspiration from are:
oli, ros, bluecat, laura, beth (<-laura and beth should make some videos... they have some crazy moves. to think i never knew about them before PLAY),matt, simian, cole, and UCOF (last 3 i cant understand what they're talking about half the time. so they have to be good. and simian's only video was great.)
all of these guys are from the UK (except matt i think). there might be some people i forgot.
and i dont think you can really call someone a master... really depends what you're into. (body movement, just standing in the same spot doing crazy technical moves etc.)
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