Say what?
You heard. Tricking. And
Tumbling. What is that? What indeed. I'm not sure exactly where the line is
drawn between the two (the few classes I've seen include both), but in general,
they seem to be a mix between martial arts, acrobatics and gymnastics. Let's
start with Tricking - in my (very limited) experience, tricking seems to be
like mimicking a fighting cartoon character, like Streetfighter. Which is the
only carton I know involving fighting, except Pokemon but Tricking is
definitely not like that. Actually I know Tekkan too (thanks to Big Bro who got
me and L'il Sis addicted until an uninterested Big Sis decided to "give it
a go" and depressingly unlocked Heihachi, who we had been trying to unlock
for aaages). So Streetfighter (or Tekkan, as you prefer), we obviously weren't
quite at the flying kicks and spinning birds (yet) but instead we started on
some standing moves, chopping, blocking and punching moves - they were strong,
cool moves, not like any moves I'd learnt in any other type of class - whether
dancing, boxing or any of the martial arts. The closest thing I can think of is
tai chi but in a much firmer, faster nature although not necessarily more
aggressive. You do feel pretty cool doing those moves - one was called Hadouken
(hello Ryu) - but there's not really a sense that you are (or will be) actually
fighting someone to injure them so it's more stylistic.
After the few standing
moves, the impressive Instructor Cali finished the mini-routine with a floor
slide, side push kick and spinning kick to standing. Yes, it looked pretty darn
cool when Instructor Cali did it, but I am pretty confident that mine looked
infinitely less cool. However, there's only so much one should expect from
their first class and perseverance will pay off, as the other regular girls proved.
And besides, it was fun learning!
The second half of the class
was Tumbling. Still along the themes of mimicking cartoon fighting but in my
(still very limited) experience, tumbling is more the jumps and rolls. Carried
out on the giant, slightly springy floor (floor gymnastics stylee) and with
giant soft crash mats, we practised air kicks, jumping forward rolls and flips.
Unless you have tried Tumbling, or indeed gymnastics, this will likely take a
little getting used to. But fret ye not, because it will be fun trying it. Taking
running jumps and flipping onto a crash mat will need a little courage (else
you end up just rolling onto the mat) but after one go, you'll realise that the
probability of injury is slim so you may as well go for it. And with the
springy floor giving you some extra oomph as you jump, it is sat.is.fy.ing. There is a video of me feeble tumbling attempt....
We could've happily carried
on jumping and flipping but sadly the next class was due to start and Cali had
to bring the session to a close. Tricking and Tumbling? Thumbs up.
The Need To Know:
- Where: Skilltown (http://ic-movement.com/SkillTown.html)
- Nearest Station: Hackney Wick (3mins)
- When: Tricking & Tumbling on Mon 18.30-20.00, Wed 17.00-18.30 and
Girls Only on Sat 11-12.30pm. Other classes available!
- How Much: Day entry £2, then £5 per class or unlimted day pass at £14
The Want to Know:
- Who’s it For: For those who have streetfighter desires
- Sweat Scale: 6/10. (Excludign the intense warm-up at 8!)
- Strength / Cardio / Flexi
/ Tone: Light cardio and toning
- Complexity: 7/10. Some co-ordination required
- Fun Factor: 8/10
- Changing Facilities: Some rough ‘n’ ready toilets.
- Instructor Inspiration: 9/10. Pretty darn fit.
The Stats:
- Total Time: 85mins
- Calories Burnt: 361. 4.25
calories-burnt-per-minute
- Average Heart Rate: 118
- Max Heart Rate: 170
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| Instructor Cali |
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| Intense Warm-Up! |
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