Ten Commandments
Of
Figures Training
| 1. Memorize the line of movement, order and direction of the techniques in the figure. |
| 2. In assuming the ready stance, be calm, alert and fearless. Even if this attitude is not outwardly expresses, it must be felt each time that the figure is begun. |
| 3. In learning the figures, make the movements slowly, accurately and precisely. As you learn the figure, gradually speed up the movements, being careful to maintain good form in the execution of the techniques. |
| 4. The execution of each movement must be precise. When a turn is called for, it must be clean, with balance, showing the strong spirit of the performer. |
| 5. Maintain an objective focus. Look straight forward in executing a figure. You should see and visualize the line. |
| 6. In turning, look first, then turn into the direction of the movement. One must see the direction from which a turn is coming before you can turn to it. |
| 7. In figures, maintain grade, balance, and good stance. Hips and shoulders should both move on an even level and not up and down from one circle to the next. |
| 8. Relax while assuming the stance and execution a turn in a figure until the instant the turn would be executed. Then focus sharply on the end of the turn, bringing all of the body's strength (momentum) into the turn. One must now be rigid throughout the movement as this slows down the speed, skillful quality and effectiveness of the turn. |
| 9. Be certain to practice the figures every day so as to not become confused if the figures is done in strange surrounding, because only through seemingly endless repetition of the figure (over 1000 times over each figure for complete understanding), the learns the true nature and meaning of the figure. Balance, focus, coordination, proper breath control, and self-discipline emerge as benefits of continued figures practice. After mush practice, the student begins to discover the mental and spiritual nature of skating through the figure. All of the movements should be preformed smoothly and with confidence. |
| 10. Exit the circle calmly, gracefully and with satisfaction. |
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