I told someone that I would explain some of the gaits (specifically the canter), but I feel that before concentrating on a specific technique, one should understand the basics of quadrupedal motion. Building on a firm foundation, you will have a much stronger understanding of QM, and your rate of learning will reflect this.
To help you build your foundation, I have created this resource, a product of lots of advice, research, trial and error. I hope that you can benefit from it:
O============================================O
++ Quadrupedal Movement ++O============================================O
What is quadrupedal movement?According to Merriam Webster quadrupedal as "walking on four feet". Of course, we don't have four feet, but hands (if used properly) can take the place of a second pair of feet. The word "crawling" is not used in this article because that implies the use of knees, which may decrease speed, efficiency, as well as lead to injury.
Why use quadrupedal movement?We've been walking bipedaly for most of our lives. We have two feet, so we walk on them. However, as we learn to re-think our perspective on the world and our movements, we can also explore alternatives to conventional bipedal walking.
When can quadrupedal movement be used?Technicaly, Q.M. can be used anywhere bipedal walking could be used. However, for the sake of efficiency, Q.M. should be saved for situations where it would prevail (in speed and effectivity) over bipedal walking. Here are some (but not all) of the situations where an understanding of Q.M. would be useful:
-Moving through enclosed spaces (through tunnels, under cars, under tables, etc.).
-Maintaining a low center of balance (especially on an incline).
-Evading by using Q.M. to stay concealed (or present a smaller target) while maintaining momentum.
-Connecting yourself with your primal side. The way you act is not only an effect of the way you think, but it in turn can affect your thought patterns. By moving in a manner that can be classified as "not-human" your mind will operate at a level that is conducive to Parkour.
How can quadrupedal movement be done?There are hundreds of motions that require you to move quadrupedaly. Some of them, however, are more versatile, and effective in a broad range of situations. There is also no right or wrong way to practice Q.M. However, you may find some of these suggestions greatly aid in efficiency and well as stability:
- Turn your fingers inward. By pointing your left hand to your right, and pointing your right hand to your left, you allow the weight of your body to keep a steady center of balance. This saves you the trouble of trying to use your fingers to steady your body, instead letting your weight even yourself out. While this strategy helps Q.M. on the ground, it is especially useful for balancing on rails and ledges, as your mass pushes into the ledge from the sides. This seems to be even more beneficial to those with broad shoulders.
- Reciprocate. Move your left leg with your right arm, and your right leg with your left arm. This helps even out your weight on both sides of your body at any time.
- Find your rhythm. It takes alot of practice to find your rhythm, but once you find the perfect ratio between speed and equilibrium, you gain the optimal "rhythm".
- Find the right butt height. Butt height is just what it sounds like; the elevation of your backside from the ground. If you put your butt too low, you are wasting precious arm energy, basically locked in a perpetual, moving push up. On the other hand, if your butt is too high, you aren't utilizing enough of your arm strength, and you run a much higher chance of tangling up your arms and legs. Some people find that a good butt height to start from is knee height.
O============================================O
++ Excersises ++O============================================O
Stair Excersises: Practice these on a flight of stairs of at least 10 steps.FootingPractice footing by going up your stairs as quickly as possible. Remember to keep your fingers turned inward and reciprocating arms and legs. The point of this practice is foot placement. The goal is to have a constant awareness of the position of all of your extremeties and your environment while keeping your eyes on the goal (the top of the stairs). This practice will help you understand the importance of rhythm and awareness.
Arm StrengthPractice arm strength by going down your stairs as steadily as possible. Remember to reciprocate your arms and legs. The goal is to have full control over your movements and descent even while most of your mass is supported by your arms. The point of this practice is to understand the importance of balancing the ratio between arm strength and leg strength in Q.M. while also training physical strength and muscle memory. This excersise may be very difficult for beginers. If you don't believe you can safely make it down the full set of stairs, practice on a smaller set of 6-8 steps.
Rail Excersises: Practice these on a rail or wall of your choice.BalancePractice balance by simply using Q.M. on a rail or wall. This may be very difficult for some. The secret is to be aware of your hands and feet at all times. Imagine them as four points on a straight line, once there is an odd number of points on the line, your balance is depleted and you will fall. Move your left leg with your right arm, simultaneously removing them, and simultaneously replacing them further up the line. This has helped me and people I know greatly with "cat balance". Become familiar with your movements and your environment. Close your eyes. Go forward and backward and study the motions. The best way to balance is to intimately understand the way your body works.
O============================================O
++ Postscript ++O============================================O
You may copy this guide for your own personal use. You may not sell it.
Please contribute feedback, questions and comments for future versions. This will make this guide a gift that keeps on giving :-)
Thank you to those who helped me write this guide (special thanks to Exo).
Thank you to those who contributed advice and feedback.
