Integrated ground-acro & FA
'Integrated ground acrobatics and free-association' practice brings together previously separate acrobatic skills, shapes, and synergies in continuous movement expression. Rather than isolating individual techniques such as cartwheels, handstands, or 'Chapeau de couro' variations, the focus shifts toward sequencing, linking, and reorganising these patterns into coherent movement chains and open-ended explorations.
In free-associations, a key organising principle is the use of 'Momentum walks', which act as the connective “glue” between acrobatic skills. Whilst also developed in vocabulary of 'Groundwork', with many transitions being extrapolated from the dance/fight art of Capoeira, here they are used as structured movement pathways that generate and redirect rotational and translational momentum, allowing one skill to naturally transition into another without interruption. They exist across different spatial levels, including standing gait, low-gait, and squat-based gait, each expressing different qualities of control, rotation, and load transfer, acting as invaluable transitions which allow acrobatic skills to be connected in seamless continuity in both pre-determined sequences and FA, rather than performed as isolated repetitions.
A key component of this work is the development of movement continuity and cognitive coordination, where the practitioner must remember, select, and transition between patterns without interruption. This introduces a layer of coordination between perception, memory, and execution, requiring the body and mind to work together to maintain coherence across changing movement states.
At the same time, the practice develops flow-based structural intelligence, where transitions are guided by trajectory awareness, momentum redirection, and inversion pathways. Rather than forcing pre-planned sequences, the practitioner learns to follow and refine movement directionality and “movement sense”, allowing one pattern to naturally lead into the next.
This also introduces an important balance between structure and spontaneity. While foundational patterns and momentum walks provide reference frameworks, the practice encourages variability, exploration, and adaptive linking, creating a more expressive and responsive movement system.
In application, integrated ground acrobatics and free association develop dexterity, sequencing ability, spatial awareness, and transitional fluency, while deepening the practitioner’s ability to connect discrete skills into a unified acrobatic language that remains stable, adaptable, and expressive under changing conditions.
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Ipsi CW 'levels in space' FA
THE WHAT & HOW:
A free association cartwheel context built from the three-level ipsilateral cartwheel system, expressed as continuous movement through space rather than structured repetitions. The practitioner links cartwheels in open space across changing directions and levels, with squat, low g... -
Basic Cartwheels free-association (FA)
THE WHAT:
Bringing together the 'Basic cartwheel' vocabulary into an improvised or 'free association' context. These foundational, ipsilateral cartwheels are:- Cartwheel 'back & forth'
- Travelling cartwheel
- Cartwheel 'step-back'
- 'Grounded' variationsReview the foundational cartwheel voca...
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'AU Cortado' (AUC) circles & 'Role to AUC'
THE WHAT:
As an ultimately dynamic movement travelling through inversion, with practice the 'AU cortado' (or, "short cartwheel") can be used to with efficiency for travel through space. It can also link seamlessly with other 'cartwheel' forms, such as the fundamental 'Travelling cartwheel' or 'St... -
'AU back-step' to 'Back-switch'
THE WHAT:
An integrated transition & 'ground-work' pattern incorporating the fundamental 'AU cortado' with a 'back-step' variation and the basic 'Back-switch' to a 'Role' exit. The concept most significantly at play here is an emphasised COUNTER-ROTATION/TORSION between the torso and pelvis (or, ... -
Standing to 'Back-switch' transitions
THE WHAT & HOW:
‘Back Switch’ is a ground acrobatic transition within the bilateral reverse-hinge family, defined by a lateral switching action from one side of the body to the other while passing through a foot-grounded reverse-hinge position. It is also featured within the world of 'Groundwork'... -
Chapeau & Counter free-association (FA)
THE WHAT:
This context brings ‘Chapéu de Couro’ and ‘Counter Chapéu’ into a free association, shifting focus from isolated skill execution into continuous acrobatic flow. The aim is no longer simply to perform each movement well in separation, but to apply both patterns in uninterrupted motion, l... -
AUC -> HBR -> LBR -> QDR RPU/circles
THE WHAT:
6 progressive examples for integration of 'AU cortado' (AUC), 'High-bridge rotation' (HBR), 'Low-bridge rotation' (LBR), and 'QDR rotational pushup-up (QDR RPU) or 'QDR circles', also integrating the ROLE as a transitional tool.Note that each "progression" is NOT etched in stone - dep...
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AUC -> HBR -> QDR RPU/circles (with Role)
THE WHAT:
7 progression for extending this fundamental integration between 'AU cortado' (AUC), 'High-bridge rotation' (HBR), and 'QDR rotational pushup-up (QDR RPU) or 'QDR circles', with the incorporation of the 'Role'. Also featuring a double Role in later sequences to help create & carry momen... -
AUC -> HBR -> QDR RPU/circles
THE WHAT:
7 progressive examples for integration of 'AU cortado' (AUC), 'High-bridge rotation' (HBR), and 'QDR rotational pushup-up (QDR RPU) or 'QDR circles'. Note that each "progression" is NOT etched in stone - depending on your experience, you may find yourself between a MIXTURE of progressio... -
AUC to High/Low-bridge rotation (H/LBR) integration
THE WHAT:
Progressive examples for a fundamental integration between 'AU cortado' (AUC) and 'High/Low-bridge rotation' (H/LBR). Note that each "progression" is NOT etched in stone - depending on your experience, you may find yourself practicing between a MIXTURE of progressions with the two movem...
