How to do 1 Hand Scissor Kick

Breaking, also known as b-boying or breakdancing, is a dynamic and expressive dance form that continues to evolve with new moves and techniques. One such impressive move is the 1 Hand Scissor Kick, a powerful and controlled maneuver that showcases both strength and finesse. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down this advanced move, providing you with the knowledge and steps to master it safely and effectively.

Introduction to the 1 Hand Scissor Kick

The 1 Hand Scissor Kick is a move that combines elements of power moves and freezes, requiring significant upper body strength, core control, and leg coordination. This move was pioneered by the legendary Bboy Gerald from Sacramento, California, who inspired breakers worldwide with his powerful style.

Before we dive into the specifics of this move, it’s important to note that the 1 Hand Scissor Kick is an advanced technique. It requires a solid foundation in basic breaking moves and considerable physical preparation. Beginners should approach this move with caution and ensure they have mastered prerequisite skills before attempting it.

The Legacy of Bboy Gerald

To truly appreciate the 1 Hand Scissor Kick, it’s essential to understand its origins:

Bboy Gerald, hailing from Sacramento, California, is credited with pioneering this move
His powerful style and innovative techniques have inspired breakers globally
The 1 Hand Scissor Kick exemplifies Gerald’s approach to breaking, combining strength, control, and creativity

Prerequisites for the 1 Hand Scissor Kick

Before attempting the 1 Hand Scissor Kick, ensure you have a strong foundation in the following areas:

Upper body strength: Particularly in the shoulders, chest, and arms
Core strength: Essential for maintaining balance and control
Leg strength and flexibility: Necessary for the kicking motion
Basic freezes: Particularly one-handed freezes
Body control: Ability to maintain balance in inverted positions

Physical Preparation

To prepare your body for the demands of the 1 Hand Scissor Kick, incorporate the following exercises into your training routine:

Push-ups: Focus on standard, diamond, and one-arm variations
Planks: Include standard planks, side planks, and one-arm planks
Handstands: Practice against a wall to build shoulder strength and balance
Core exercises: Include hollow body holds, V-ups, and Russian twists
Leg raises: Both lying and hanging variations to strengthen hip flexors
Flexibility training: Focus on hip flexors, hamstrings, and lower back

Breaking Down the 1 Hand Scissor Kick

Now, let’s break down the 1 Hand Scissor Kick into its component parts:

1. The Starting Position

Begin in a squatting position with your dominant hand on the ground
Your hand should be slightly in front of your body, fingers spread for stability
Keep your arm straight and engaged

2. The Kick-up

Push off with your legs, lifting your hips above your head
As your legs rise, begin to separate them into a V shape
Keep your supporting arm straight and engaged

3. The Scissor Motion

As your legs reach their peak height, begin to cross them over each other
The crossing motion should be smooth and controlled
Your legs should remain as straight as possible during this motion

4. The Balance

Throughout the move, maintain balance on your supporting hand
Keep your core engaged to help control the movement of your legs
Your free arm can be used to help with balance and style

5. The Landing

As your legs complete the scissor motion, begin to lower them back down
Control the descent, maintaining balance on your supporting hand
Land softly back into the starting squat position

Step-by-Step Guide to Learning the 1 Hand Scissor Kick

Learning the 1 Hand Scissor Kick requires patience and consistent practice. Here’s a progressive approach to mastering this move:

Step 1: Master the One-Handed Freeze

Practice holding a one-handed freeze with your legs tucked
Gradually extend your legs upward while maintaining balance
Work on holding this position for increasing durations

Step 2: Practice the Kick-up

From a squatting position, practice kicking up into a one-handed handstand
Focus on control and balance, using a wall for support if necessary
Aim to achieve a straight, inverted position

Step 3: Introduce the Scissor Motion

Once comfortable with the handstand, begin practicing the scissor motion
Start with small, controlled movements of your legs
Gradually increase the range of motion as you gain confidence

Step 4: Combine the Elements

Begin to put all the elements together, starting from the squat
Kick up into the handstand and immediately begin the scissor motion
Focus on smooth transitions between each phase of the move

Step 5: Refine and Style

Work on making the move smoother and more controlled
Experiment with the speed and amplitude of the scissor motion
Add your personal style to make the move your own

How to do 1 Hand Scissor Kick — Step-by-Step Guide

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

As with any complex breaking move, there are several common mistakes to be aware of when learning the 1 Hand Scissor Kick:

Weak support arm: Ensure your supporting arm remains straight and engaged throughout the move
Lack of core engagement: Keep your core tight to maintain control and balance
Bent legs: Aim to keep your legs as straight as possible during the scissor motion
Poor balance: Practice one-handed freezes to improve your balance and control
Rushing the move: Take your time to develop proper form before attempting to speed up the motion

Safety Considerations

The 1 Hand Scissor Kick is an advanced move that carries a risk of injury if not performed correctly. Keep these safety tips in mind:

Always warm up thoroughly before attempting this move
Practice on a suitable surface, such as a dance mat or sprung floor
Use crash mats when first learning the move
Never practice to the point of exhaustion, as this increases the risk of injury
Listen to your body and stop if you feel pain or discomfort

Incorporating the 1 Hand Scissor Kick into Your Sets

Once you’ve mastered the basic 1 Hand Scissor Kick, you can start incorporating it into your breaking sets. Here are some ideas:

Use it as a power move transition between other elements of your set
Combine it with other one-handed freezes or power moves
Use it as a spectacular finish to a combo
Experiment with variations, such as changing the direction of the scissor motion or adding a twist

Advanced Variations

After mastering the basic 1 Hand Scissor Kick, you might want to explore some advanced variations:

Two-hand to one-hand transition: Start with both hands on the ground and transition to one hand mid-move
Continuous scissor kicks: Perform multiple scissor kicks without returning to the starting position
1 Hand Scissor Kick to airchair: Transition from the scissor kick directly into an airchair freeze
1 Hand Scissor Kick with rotation: Add a 180 or 360-degree rotation during the move

Mental Preparation and Visualization

Mastering the 1 Hand Scissor Kick isn’t just about physical preparation. Mental preparation plays a crucial role:

Visualize yourself performing the move successfully
Break the move down into its component parts in your mind
Practice mental rehearsal before physical attempts
Develop a positive mindset and believe in your ability to master the move

The Importance of Patience and Persistence

Learning the 1 Hand Scissor Kick is a journey that requires time, dedication, and persistence. Remember:

Progress may be slow at first, but consistent practice will yield results
Celebrate small victories along the way
Don’t compare your progress to others; everyone learns at their own pace
Be patient with yourself and enjoy the learning process

Integrating the 1 Hand Scissor Kick into Your Breaking Style

As you become more comfortable with the 1 Hand Scissor Kick, consider how it fits into your overall breaking style:

Think about how the move complements your existing skill set
Consider the musical phrasing and how the move can accentuate certain beats
Experiment with different entries and exits to make the move uniquely yours
Use the move sparingly for maximum impact in battles or performances

Conclusion

The 1 Hand Scissor Kick is a testament to the continuous evolution and creativity within breaking. By mastering this move, you’re not only paying homage to its creator, Bboy Gerald, but also pushing your own limits as a breaker.

Remember that learning this move is a process. It requires patience, dedication, and a solid foundation in breaking fundamentals. Take your time, practice safely, and don’t be discouraged by setbacks. With consistent effort and proper technique, you’ll be able to add this impressive move to your breaking arsenal.

As you work on the 1 Hand Scissor Kick, always keep in mind the core principles of breaking: creativity, individuality, and respect for the culture. Use this move as a springboard for your own innovations and continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in breaking.

Whether you’re practicing in Sacramento like Bboy Gerald, training with the Kinjaz like Darren Wong, or breaking anywhere else in the world, the 1 Hand Scissor Kickis a move that can elevate your style and showcase your skills. So get out there, start practicing, and make this powerful move your own!