Curiosity is my constant companion. It has been with me for as long as I can remember and has taken me on some pretty incredible journeys. My introduction to Indian Clubs was directly correlated to my curiosity being piqued. Since 4 years old, when I began exploring skill based training through my years as a figure skater, following my passion for music as a classical singer, and delving into the world of kettlebell training upon becoming a personal trainer, highly technical art forms or physical practices intrigued and challenged me. The concept of being a continual student is what drives me. The actual journey of learning an art form, studying the history, making it your own, and being coached is truly often the best part more than a competition or performance. All this brings me back full circle to my love for Indian Club training. It’s only been a few years since I first began, but I’ve been bit by the bug and I’m too far down the rabbit hole to back out now. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have good mentors set me on the correct path when I first picked up my clubs…truly a priceless gift. This little background on me is all leading up to the main focus…my approach on how I learn this amazing art form that keeps on giving. Coming from a strong music background influences a lot of how I approach new club patterns and the coordination, attention, and finesse it requires. I’m mainly a visual and kinesthetic learner. I’ve got to see it and feel it. As a singer, we use a lot of imagery to help us with technical issues. I have found the same works wonderfully when learning a new pattern. Take heart shapes for instance. I first study the pattern with my eyes, as though taking a snapshot. Then I turn into my mind’s eye and see myself replicating the exact thing. I see how circle 1 and circle 2 should look…the smoothness, the tempo, the expression and overall feeling it creates. I see shapes. After this, I’ll get out of my head by not being so analytical about the pattern and proceed to feel the shape with the clubs. I use imagery of dance and the grace of ballet often to help think of the clubs as extensions of my arms. When learning more complex asynchronous patterns, I will purposefully switch back and forth with complete focus on my right arm and ignore the left until I‘ve greased the groove on that side. Then I’ll switch sides. Once I’ve done both, I find that my brain kicks in and I can put in equal attention to left and right. This has allowed me to learn patterns very quickly and efficiently. Another approach I take when a pattern is quite tricky is to dissect it…like how you would diagram a sentence, in a way. I figure out the main parts of the pattern and break it up in chunks. Working one small articulation until locked in. Then I’ll link the next part of the pattern to the first one and so on and so forth. There is no single one strategy for me, but to use various methods from my toolbox. This adventure into the endless possibilities of Indian Clubs has just begun! Learning from others and sharing in the joy that this practice gives keeps me coming back for more.
Comments