Charlie's 9-Square Theory for Poi #1: Poi Length, Planes, 9-Square Introduction.

In my experiences, it seems that tech poi spinners all seem to use a similar length when they spin; about the length of your forearm. Why? Inswing? I propose that while this is true, it is also in part a length that tech spinners "evolve" into as they gain experience because of "Coriolis Effect." Coriolis Effect states that a spinning object's speed will change with inverse proportion to it's rotational-radius. If you reduce spin radius by 1/3, rotational speed will increase by a factor of 3. Making poi length 1/3 of your full extension radius will therefor make changes from extension to 4-petal antispin very smooth. If you spin at this length, do an extension and count 3 sub-beats as you spin a single arc, then stop the extension suddenly and let the poi rotate around the hand and notice that the poi rotates now in the 3 sub-beats you were counting.

This segment also introduces the basic concept of 9-Square Theory through a review of plane basics.

The 9-square theory is something I've been developing for the past few years. It is an imaginary-geometric framework I use to help add structure and consistency to all elements of my spinning technique. These elements include, but are not limited to: Direction, timing, plane, driving style, body movement, flow, teaching techniques, determination of poi-length, etc...
As I mention in the video, this is a public invitation to discuss and collaborate! But I ask that any constructive criticism on the blog itself (AKA: not tech or spin related) be sent to me privately so that we may keep the unwieldy discussion board on youtube on-topic.
This is still very much in the beta version, I still have a very difficult time explaining some of the concepts, so please be sure to ask me to specify/post additional vids if necessary.

Many thanks to Annie Guest who has been helping me tirelessly to produce the videos for everyone. This would not be possible without her generosity, her 98' VW Jetta, Cannon G10, dining room, and infinite patience... THANKS!!!

Enjoy!

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[Kaleidometric]

On the topic of full extension triquetras, as opposed to those nifty half radius version you do. Couldn't full extension be incorporatred into '9 square' theory as a way of transitioning between modes? For example in mercedes two petals form in corners and the third forms on the 'cross' squares. Depending on where you seperate your hands you can end up in a different mode. 2 cents on the triquetra topic.

[charlicopter]

Aha!... If you are willing to deal with the RPM shift that happens, it works perfectly! Hahaha... it's kinda funny for me to think back about shifting petals from 3-4 and being so flustered about it how messy mercedes was to transition into and out of. But really, the whole time I was just exiting in either of the two quartermode petals and ignoring the crossmode petal.

Great point Kaleidometric!

Now, a new "problem" I've been working on is in-spin compound circles... isn't a 4-petal 5 beats?

[TaoAvatar20]

What I mean by that is that while ideally we shoot to have poi work inside given variables, such as a set number of petals in our flowers and their placement we usually wobble a little bit or fudge differences in distance. A great example of this is the transition from mercedes triquetra to wheelplane CAP--the placement of the petal shifts slightly from 3-petal orientation to 4-petal orientation. Also we can add petals by increasing the speed of the poi beyond increasing hand circle size.

[charlicopter]

Yeah, I clearly need to post something to address the triquetra thing... Triquetras really do fit perfectly into this framework as long as you consider it's 2:1 nature and work the squares that naturally lend themselves to that kind of timing. I used to petal shift, but not anymore.

More broadly, yes, this theory extends to almost all aspects of spinning for me... I have had misgivings about some of the limitations (like triquetra dimensions) but the goal is to encompass as much as possible.

[parchefl]

@charlicopter How do you do that? Especially with 2 left arms? How do I learn to control those speeds with both arms....at the same time...

[scenethelite]

ok 3 (my bad): On ur 1/3 length theory: Did u know that Da Vinci (& Poussin & other great artists) also used this SAME proportion? Its called The Divine Proportion & this theory is ALL OVER NATURE, ratios in beehives, body ratios, physics, etc. If u use same measurement, its also the same from knee-foot, & almost countless othrs in body & world (read Da Vinci Code or google Divine Proportion 4 more) Ur not 1st to unlock this & may hav othr ways 2 apply 2 poi n future 2! kudos 4 applying 2 poi!

[scenethelite]

@ReVoLynx I know! I thought I was ONLY 1 who ended up payin more atten 2 "how did he do that" & get distracted from the lesson! I mean poi IS a visual art & many of us r visual learners (which is why I like 9-sq). It seems 2 always bug me a bit when ppl do that. Not that I don't think these vids r great tho. Mayb its just a lot of us ADHD restless types get n2 poi, so we tend 2 already subconsciously focus more on movement, like we did in class as kids. I Often hav 2 rewatch. Glad I'm not alone!

[scenethelite]

Next: I too have debated length w/spinners. My testing proved 2 me that yes u can spin w/any length (spin ur shoppin bags as leaving store any1? Lol), But for a shorty like me, I found shorter poi 2b VERY liberating & so don't knock it til u try it with C's stuff! Made all the diff 4 me. Also thanks for breaking down some of these newer ideas for us old school poisters. I've been out of it for few yrs & comin back (w/shoulder injury) only 2b overwhelmed w/all the new innovative stuff 2 catch up

[scenethelite]

This may take 2 pts. 1st Wow vids man! On length: Old school (8-10 yrs ago) we thot "frm belly-b to ankle" I went thru MANY phases ovr yrs of wanting longer/shorter. But in learning newer moves of past 3-5 yrs there's obviously been a BIG BOOM in new moves developed! So I gotta shorter set (to ur specs) & LOVED how much easier it made learning moves I couldn't w/my "normal" length (which had gotten to approx belly-b to mid calve. MUCH more control esp related 2 YOUR theory, so kudos 4 mentioning

[Mrspinnnnn]

i love the 9 square theory idea. and i like the idea of the moving with the square, amazing stuff.

[elditto420]

A poi and physics class!!! nice, school would be so much cooler with a poi oriented teacher like you!!! loving the vids man!!!

[eftbyphone]

Excellent video!

Namaste'

Scot

[YouCanFlow]

"You cant really spin in your body"

Hahahaha :-D

[Mireneye]

How does, if at all, throws fit into the nine square theory?

Only real question I have. Grand work, your a real poi researcher!!!