How To Butterfly Twist | Danny Sre (Long Beach, CA)

The butterfly twist is an impressive and dynamic move that combines elements of martial arts, tricking, and acrobatics. It’s a visually stunning technique that, when executed properly, can add a wow factor to any performance or routine. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the butterfly twist step-by-step, with expert instruction from Danny Sre, a seasoned practitioner with 12 years of experience in tricking, martial arts, and acrobatics.

Meet the Expert: Danny Sre

Danny Sre, based in Long Beach, California, brings over a decade of experience to the table. With his extensive background in tricking, martial arts, and acrobatics, Danny is the perfect guide to help you master the butterfly twist. His approach focuses on breaking down complex movements into manageable steps, ensuring that learners of all levels can follow along and progress at their own pace.

The Importance of the Butterfly Kick

Before diving into the butterfly twist itself, Danny emphasizes the crucial role of mastering the butterfly kick. This foundational move serves as the perfect setup for the twist and is essential for developing the proper technique and body awareness needed for the more advanced butterfly twist.

Key Points of the Butterfly Kick:

Starts with the left leg on the left side
Involves a step back with the left foot
Incorporates a unique dipping motion
Requires a swing-through action with the right leg

Breaking Down the Butterfly Kick

The Setup

Starting Position: • Begin with your left leg on your left side • Position your right leg slightly behind you (this will be your swing-through leg)
The Step Back: • Take a step back with your left foot
The Crucial Dip: • After stepping back, perform a dipping motion • This often-overlooked element is key to generating lift-off

Arm Movement

Danny notes that arm movement can vary:

You can throw both arms together
Alternatively, move one arm at a time (Danny’s preferred method)

The most critical aspect is the dipping motion, which generates the necessary lift for the kick.

The Kick

After the dip, kick your right leg straight up
Think of it as a scissor kick motion

Landing

You’ll always land facing the opposite direction from where you started
For example, if you begin facing forward, you’ll land facing backward

Visualizing the Butterfly Kick

Danny offers a helpful visualization tip: imagine playing Chinese jump rope. The motion of kicking over an imaginary string or rope naturally mimics the butterfly kick action. This mental image can help you understand and internalize the movement pattern.

The Full Butterfly Kick Motion

Start with your left foot
Step back and dip
Kick up with your right leg
Land with your left foot, facing the opposite direction
Your right leg follows shortly after

Transitioning to the Butterfly Twist

The butterfly twist builds upon the foundation of the butterfly kick, adding a 360-degree rotation to the movement. Here’s how to make the transition:

Butterfly Kick Setup: • Step back with the left foot • Perform the dipping motion
Initiate the Twist: • Bring your arm in, tucking it close to your body • Look over to your left side (the direction of the twist)
The Twist: • As you leave the ground with your left leg, begin the twisting motion • Complete a full 360-degree rotation in the air
Landing: • Land with the same leg you took off with (left leg) • Your right leg will follow shortly after

Timing the Twist

Danny notes that the exact timing of the twist can vary from person to person. He offers two common approaches:

Immediate Twist: • Begin twisting as soon as the left leg leaves the ground • This is Danny’s preferred method
Delayed Twist: • Some practitioners prefer a slight delay at the peak of their jump • This can provide more air time but may slow down the overall motion

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

As with any complex move, there are several common errors that beginners often make when attempting the butterfly twist. Being aware of these can help you avoid them and progress more quickly:

Insufficient Dip: • Problem: Not dipping enough during the setup • Result: Less air time and a strained, unparallel twist • Solution: Focus on deepening your dip to generate more power and height
Incorrect Kick Height: • Problem: Kicking too high without proper twist timing • Result: Landing on your side or back due to under or over-rotation • Solution: Practice coordinating your kick height with your twist timing
Slow Twist Speed: • Problem: Not twisting fast enough • Result: Under-rotation or over-rotation • Solution: Focus on generating quick rotational speed as you leave the ground
Lack of Spotting: • Problem: Not visually spotting your landing point • Result: Disorientation leading to under or over-rotation • Solution: Practice spotting your landing point during the twist
Ignoring the Basics: • Problem: Rushing to advanced variations without mastering the fundamentals • Result: Inconsistent performance and increased risk of injury • Solution: Regularly practice the basic butterfly kick and twist before attempting variations

Variations of the Butterfly Twist

Once you’ve mastered the basic butterfly twist, you can explore different variations to add style and complexity to your moves. Danny demonstrates three variations:

1. Basic Butterfly Twist

The standard 360-degree horizontal twist

2. L-Kick Butterfly Twist

Setup: Similar to the basic twist
Execution: Midway through the air, extend your left foot out while keeping the right foot horizontal
This variation sets you up for potential follow-up moves

3. Rodeo Twist

Timing: Requires both legs to be in the air
Execution: As you twist, quickly fold your legs back
Key Point: You’re not actually grabbing your leg, just mimicking the motion
Challenge: Requires precise timing to reach peak height before initiating the twist

Tips for Mastering Each Variation

L-Kick Butterfly Twist: • Execute the leg extension instantly for torque • Focus on maintaining a straight position while flipping the extended leg over
Rodeo Twist: • Aim for a slight pause at the peak of your jump • This pause gives you time to fold your legs and create the rodeo effect

Practice Tips and Progression

Master the Butterfly Kick: • Use the butterfly kick as a warm-up drill • Aim to make the movement second nature
Gradual Progression: • Start with the basic butterfly kick • Move on to the basic butterfly twist • Only attempt variations once you’ve mastered the basics
Consistent Practice: • Regular repetition is key to improvement • Don’t be discouraged by falls – they’re part of the learning process
Mental Preparation: • Visualize the movement before attempting it • Stay focused and avoid overthinking
Safety First: • Practice on suitable surfaces (mats or soft ground) • Consider having a spotter when learning new variations
Video Analysis: • Record your attempts and review them • This can help you identify areas for improvement
Patience and Persistence: • Progress may be slow at first, but consistent practice will yield results • Celebrate small improvements along the way

Incorporating the Butterfly Twist into Routines

Once you’ve mastered the butterfly twist and its variations, you can start incorporating them into your routines or freestyle sessions. Here are some ideas:

Use it as a transition move between floor work and standing techniques
Combine it with other aerial moves for impressive combos
Integrate it into your breaking sets for added flair
Use different variations to keep your performances fresh and exciting

Conclusion

The butterfly twist is a challenging but rewarding move that can elevate your breaking, tricking, or martial arts practice. By following Danny Sre’s expert guidance and focusing on the fundamentals, you can develop a strong foundation for mastering this impressive technique.

Remember, the key to success lies in consistent practice, patience, and a willingness to return to the basics when needed. Start with the butterfly kick, progress to the basic twist, and then explore the variations as your skills improve. With dedication and the right approach, you’ll be adding the butterfly twist to your repertoire in no time.

Whether you’re a beginner just starting out or an experienced practitioner looking to refine your technique, the butterfly twist offers endless possibilities for growth and creativity. So get out there, start practicing, and most importantly, have fun with it!