Locomotion integration, sequencing & improvisation
This collection of resources presents just a few possibilities of ‘bipedal’ & ‘quadrupedal’ locomotion integrations, with an eye toward developing an “embodied” proficiency to express them whilst moving “freely” (i.e. at the practitioner’s own will and direction) through space – i.e., ‘improvisation’. From the outset, however, it is important to emphasise that whilst the possible combinations of ‘fundamental’ patterns are near endless, what these particular sequences aim to teach in their select integrations is an understanding of what makes “movement-sense”.
The proposal is that there are certain patterns which “fit” together more optimally than others by virtue of qualities which are much deeper, more fundamental, and therefore more TRANSFERABLE than can be contained in any isolated pattern alone. By developing sensitivity to these transferable qualities through extensive practice, the intention is that it is then used as a guiding principle for creating one’s own self-directed sequences, increasing the complexity of one’s locomotion practice, and ultimately leading into fluent “free-flow” all in a self-directed manner.
LEARN MORE (subscriber-only):
Thttps://drive.google.com/file/d/1SAEzb_w5ycuPaUzO61mlSjw_A6mBpqSa/view?usp=drive_link
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90-90 exploration
THE WHAT:
An “open” context, insomuch that the practitioner is free to explore all 90-90 patterns available to them in a programmed space/time. The objective here is to begin finding, understanding, and expressing the interconnections between the various isolated 90-90 contexts, both to establish... -
The 'Step-behind' integration
THE WHAT:
The ‘Step-behind’ is a fundamental integration of two truly foundational bipedal-mobility forms, the ‘Dragon-squat’ and the ‘Pu-bu’. As a short-term project of practice, it represents the classic development of an “exercise” becoming a “movement-pattern”, whereby forms which are initial... -
Dragon -> travelling A -> toe-rock
THE WHAT:
An easily integrated bipedal locomotion pattern which nonetheless requires initial experience, with and development of, the isolated ‘Dragon squat/walk’, ‘Travelling A/90-90’ and ‘Toe-rocking’ contexts.Notably, the entrance from ‘Dragon squat’ into the ’90-90’ position on the floor, f...
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Gallop to 'step-behind' sequence
THE WHAT:
A basic sequence between the fundamental 'Gallop' and 'Step-behind' integration. As the latter consists of a dynamic integration between two bipedal forms - the 'Pu-bu' and 'Dragon squat' - there are essentially three isolated patterns coming together in this sequence.This context is ...
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Gallop 'insert' to backside (BS) low-gait (LG)-spin
THE WHAT:
A quadrupedal-to-bipedal locomotion integration combining lateral & rotational movement directions, with the sideways-moving energy of the 'Gallop' transferring through the unwinding of the 'insert' and feeding into the 'Low-gait spin.LEARN MORE (subscriber-only):
https://drive.google... -
Low-gait sequence: PBP -> SB -> TA ->TR
THE WHAT:
An extended sequence consisting of four different locomotion patterns, each of them integrations to themselves. The character of this sequence is that of gradually entering into the floor with a consistent onward-moving momentum, and back out again, bipedally through ‘levels’ in space: ... -
Dragon -> Lizard -> (bent-arm) Scorpion -> Role
THE WHAT:
An integrated bipedal-to-quadrupedal locomotion sequence consisting of the fundamental 'Dragon squat', 'Lizard crawl', 'Scorpion tail' and 'Role. Bringing these patterns together into combination highlights the innate connectivity between the two locomotive worlds (i.e. bi-/quadrupedal)... -
Gallop -> 'Pu-bu' -> Dragon -> Lizard -> (bent-arm) Scorpion -> Role
THE WHAT:
An integrated quadrupedal-to-bipedal & back to quadrupedal locomotion sequence consisting of the fundamental ‘Gallop’, the ‘Step-behind’ integration (consisting of the ‘Pu-bu’ and “stepping behind” into the 'Dragon squat', 'Lizard crawl', 'Scorpion tail' and 'Role.Bringing these patte...
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'Step-behind' to cross & uncross sequences & impro 1
THE WHAT:
Two locomotion sequence commencing with the bipedal/semi-quadrupedal 'Step-behind to cross & uncross' integration, and leading into more puree quadrupedal locomotion forms (e.g. 'Lizard' and 'Bear' crawl). They are used simply to demonstrate the integrative potential of patterns initial... -
Quadrupedal "Driving the car" (series one)
THE WHAT & HOW:
Now that you have developed some fundamental quadrupedal patterns, it's time to start "driving the car" (a term taken from Ido Portal). The key rules here: DO NOT STOP MOVING - think "on the move" - and use ONLY the patterns outlined.This more "open" context allows you to start ...
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Lizard to (bent-arm) Scorpion, Role exit
THE WHAT:
A simple integration allowing a convenient exit from the 'Lizard craw' into the 'Role' through a bent-arm 'Scorpion tail' transition. From a more general perspective, it offers a way to transition from close-floor (Lizard) into the world of squat/'high-gait' quadrupedal locomotion (Role... -
'Lizard' locomotion sequence/impro 1
THE WHAT:
An integrated quadrupedal locomotion 'groundwork' sequence for extension or leading to improvisation. Whilst this sequence can be practice to itself, this context is presented more as an invitation for the practitioner to take a self-directing role in their 'Floor-communication' explora... -
Fundamental low-gait 'levels' exploration
THE WHAT & HOW:
An improvised context working through 3 distinct levels - 'low-ceiling' bipedal, mid-range to squat (including quadrupedal support), and floor-contact (utilizing '90-90' patterns) . The journey through them, however, is ultimately a seamless blend. Do not be fooled! There are CONC... -
Close-floor locomotion exploration / "BAS push"
THE WHAT & HOW:
A most fundamental context for quadrupedal locomotion practice: moving through space whilst staying as close to the floor as possible. Whilst in this effort the exploration is predominantly bent-arm oriented (hence its perspective as a practice of 'BAS pushing'), this is not stric...
