How To Coffee Grinder To Windmill | Wilpower (Air Force Crew)

Breaking is an art form that constantly evolves, with dancers always seeking new ways to transition between moves and create unique combinations. One such powerful combination is the transition from a coffee grinder to a windmill. Today, we’re excited to break down this intermediate-level technique with the help of the legendary Bboy Wilpower from Air Force Crew in Los Angeles. This combination not only looks impressive but also serves as a great way to build flow and momentum in your breaking routines.

Understanding the Coffee Grinder

Before we dive into the transition, let’s briefly review the coffee grinder, as it forms the foundation of this combination.

Basic Coffee Grinder Technique

Start in a squatting position with one hand on the ground
Swing one leg under your body while the other leg extends outward
Use your arms to support your body as you rotate
Keep your core tight and your movements controlled

Tips for a Smooth Coffee Grinder

Practice on both sides to develop balance and versatility
Focus on maintaining a consistent speed
Keep your body low to the ground for better control

Mastering the Reverse Coffee Grinder

The reverse coffee grinder is essentially the same move but performed in the opposite direction. This is crucial for the transition we’re learning today.

Key Points for the Reverse Coffee Grinder

Start in the same position as the regular coffee grinder
Swing your leg in the opposite direction
Focus on maintaining the same fluid motion as the standard version

The Transition: Coffee Grinder to Windmill

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s break down the transition from coffee grinder to windmill step by step.

Step 1: Building Momentum

Begin with a standard coffee grinder
As you complete one rotation, prepare to switch to the reverse coffee grinder
The switch between regular and reverse creates the momentum needed for the transition

Step 2: The Pivot Point

As you perform the reverse coffee grinder, identify the moment when your body is most compact
This is typically when your legs are closest together during the rotation

Step 3: The Jump

At the pivot point, push off with your supporting hand
Simultaneously, use the momentum from your legs to propel your body upwards
This jump is crucial – it creates the space needed to transition into the windmill

Step 4: The Windmill Entry

As you leave the ground, begin to open your body
Your legs should start to extend outward
Your upper body should begin to lean back, preparing for the windmill position

Step 5: Landing and Continuing the Windmill

Land on your upper back/shoulder area
Immediately begin the windmill motion by swinging your legs around
Use the momentum from the jump to fuel your first windmill rotation

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

As with any complex breaking move, there are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

Lack of momentum: Ensure you’re generating enough power in your coffee grinder to fuel the transition
Jumping too early or late: Timing is crucial. Practice to find the sweet spot in your rotation
Not opening up enough: Failing to extend your body can result in a cramped windmill entry
Losing core tension: Keep your core engaged throughout the entire movement for better control

Drills to Improve Your Transition

To master this combination, consider incorporating these drills into your practice:

Coffee grinder endurance: Practice maintaining your coffee grinder for extended periods to build strength and control
Reverse coffee grinder focus: Spend extra time on the reverse version, as it’s key to the transition
Stationary jumps to windmill: Practice the jumping motion and windmill entry without the coffee grinder to isolate this part of the movement
Slow-motion transitions: Perform the entire combination in slow motion to understand each phase of the movement

Building Flow and Style

Once you’ve got the basic transition down, it’s time to add your personal flair:

Experiment with the speed of your coffee grinder leading into the transition
Try varying the height of your jump for different effects
Explore different arm positions during the transition to create unique looks
Consider how you can connect this combination with other moves in your arsenal

Safety Considerations

As with all breaking moves, safety should be a top priority:

Always warm up thoroughly before attempting this or any other power move
Practice on proper surfaces – ideally a sprung floor or breaking mat
Listen to your body and don’t push beyond your limits
Consider working with a spotter when first learning the transition

The Importance of Repetition

As Bboy Wilpower emphasizes, the key to mastering this transition – and indeed any breaking technique – is repetition. Here’s why it’s so crucial:

Muscle memory: Repeated practice helps your body internalize the movement patterns
Confidence building: The more you perform the move, the more comfortable and confident you’ll become
Refinement: Each repetition is an opportunity to make small improvements and adjustments
Flow development: Consistent practice helps you smooth out the transition, making it appear more effortless

Incorporating the Combination into Your Sets

Once you’ve got the coffee grinder to windmill transition down, think about how to incorporate it into your breaking sets:

Use it as a dynamic way to enter your windmill combos
Combine it with other ground moves for an impressive floor routine
Use it as a transition between your toprock and your power moves

Progressing Beyond the Basic Transition

After you’ve mastered the basic coffee grinder to windmill transition, there are several ways to take it to the next level:

Try transitioning from a one-handed coffee grinder for added difficulty
Experiment with entering the windmill at different angles
Work on transitioning directly into more advanced windmill variations, like continuous head windmills or bellymills

The Mental Game

Breaking is as much a mental challenge as it is physical. Here are some tips for the psychological aspect of learning this transition:

Visualize success: Spend time imagining yourself performing the move perfectly
Break it down: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, focus on mastering one small part of the transition at a time
Embrace failure: Every fall or misstep is a learning opportunity. Don’t get discouraged!
Celebrate progress: Acknowledge your improvements, no matter how small

Learning from the Pros

While this guide provides a solid foundation, there’s always more to learn. Here are some ways to continue your education:

Study videos of professional bboys and bgirls performing this transition
Attend workshops and classes when possible
Join or create a practice group to get feedback and support
Don’t be afraid to ask more experienced breakers for tips and advice

Conclusion

The coffee grinder to windmill transition is a impressive and versatile combination that can add a lot to your breaking repertoire. Remember, as Bboy Wilpower says, the key is repetition, repetition, repetition. With consistent practice and patience, you’ll be flowing smoothly from coffee grinders into windmills before you know it.

Breaking is a journey of constant learning and improvement. This transition is just one step on that path. Keep pushing yourself, stay creative, and most importantly, have fun with it. The more you enjoy the process, the more your passion will shine through in your dancing.

So get out there, start practicing, and don’t forget to make it your own. Your unique style and interpretation are what will truly make this combination shine. Keep breaking, keep growing, and we can’t wait to see what you create!