Footbang fo' life

Keep a diary of what you're hitting, what's frustrating you, and your goals.
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james
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Post by james »

Phew, I'm beat. Played for close to 3 hours in humid ass weather, on top of it being 30 degrees C. Like at times I would just plunk my ass right on the ground and try to not die of a stroke.
The session started a bit off, but I got into a groove as it progressed. Unfortunately my timing has been off for the last few sessions, wish it wouldn't do that! Still, I am playing a lot more consistant than ever before, just need to play a lil' more often. Juggling is beginning to take up a bit of my time. I want to be good. I'll never be amazing, but good is good enough for me, just like in footbag.
Also, I've decided I also want to do a bit of acrobatics, parkour and breakdancing. I did a bit of parkour with some guys I met before during a solo session, it was pretty cool seeing them again, I asked them to show me some stuff. I already have the upper body strength and good legs from footbag so it's not too difficult for me. At least the starter stuff.
And then I went off to shred, just me and Mathieu. Like I said, it was a decent sesh. There's a breakdance crew that practices right where we are so a lot of times we're right beside each other, shred and break.
Breakdancing is definitely a lot more visually appealing than footbag, especially to the untrained eye. And of course it's damn cool. People go for that a lot more than footbag. At one point it was a group of about 8-10 of them and just me shredding beside them and there were crowds of people everywhere. I was trying to shred my best and put up a fight for my athletic abilities. But handstands are cooler than blurriers and ps whirls. Though I'm pretty sure I impressed enough people. I mean who can resist spinning osis>drifter rpt x10 (I did that specifically for the crowd, and 'pretended' to be dizzy after hehe).
In any case, I'd like to be able to do frontflips, backflips, and some other acrobatic/breakdance stuff. Gonna have to find time for it somehow.
Juggling is really addictive. But it's really funny how you can just not be able to do a pattern or trick in juggling and then all of a sudden it 'clicks'. Definitely not like that in footbag.
The Montreal Jam is coming real soon and my only wish is that I play like I was the last few weeks (right after GRASS). My timing has been just a bit off lately.
Oh I have a correction, I can't do mills mess :? .
Juggling newb.
I'm close to getting the box though, that's a damn cool pattern.
4 ball sync and async are getting pretty easy. I'm still trying to figure out 4 ball half shower. I need to get some clubs, even if it's just to do cascade. And rings whooboy. I heart rings.
Alright I've rambled enough.
One last thing, Marc and I have been shooting some footage for a vid, look out here we come!


peace!
James McCullough
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james
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Post by james »

Write up is due.

Gosh there's just so much to say! I had such an amazing time. I love this sport so much and I love all the cool people that I've met because of it.
The tournament started when Tom, Peng, Dan and Jorden arrived from wherever they originated, and they chilled at my place for a couple hours. I learned a ton of new juggling tricks from Jorden, his tips are always helpful and welcome (footbag too ;)). He seemed pretty amused by my cat, whose head would bob back and forth as the balls went round, attempting to paw one out of the air every so often. Seems like every shredder can juggle nowadays, what's up with that? Still, it's pretty damn cool.
I heart Tom and Peng. That's all I gotta say on that matter.
Friday shred was hella fun, I love the first meeting of a tournament the most, as you slowly see more and more of your friends show up until there is this veritable smorgasboard of aweshome people. I mean I could run down the list of everyone who came and tell you just how cool they are but that would take all day! Ya'll know who you are! It was great to see some of the same people from not too long ago at GRASS. Always great seeing Paul, Chris and Matt.
Friday's party at Foufs was high energy, saturdays was a little more subdued. Moshing with Will and Matt was definitely a highlight. Being able to walk around in a bar and see footbaggers everywhere...nothing like it.
I moshed for a good hour and the next day my whole upper body was wicked sore. As well as my legs from footbag. But that's what tourneys are all about, pushing your limits.
The tournament on Saturday at NDA was so well put together. I gotta hand it to Kolo for setting it up, even all the little things like the granola bars. The player packs rocked, very slick. The competitions ran smoothly and quite successfully. Ianik was tweaking his tourney formats for best trick and circle. It's really coming together well. I admire his hard work and determination. I thought it went super fantastic. The judging criteria was very well thought out and makes perfect sense to me as a player (and potential/previous judge). The new format for best trick is great. I only have praise for it.
I wish I would have landed at least ONE thing for best trick and best link. I sucked HARD. I also blew it in circle. I'm so goddamn inconstistant. And it was going so well for a while. Poo. I felt like an idiot in circle. I'm wondering if I should ever compete again. I was looking forward to making a routine for worlds...but I hate not being able to do what I can do on command. And I can do things, only sometimes. I'm supposed to be good.
ANYway, enough whining. The raffle at the end was great, but only because I won two things (First time I've won something at a raffle in my entire life). Both of which I was looking at as they were pulling out the ticket and thinking to myself 'I'd sure like to have that'.
The first is a bright blue kolosport hat that just looks great on me (but not as great as Matt Cross ;)), the second was a matching blue/grey footbag stitched by none other than Andrew Dunford. He's such a cool guy, got a chance to chill with him at foufs. And the bag is really good too, ready to go, nice and heavy the way I like it. I'm gonna rock this bag till my Clavens comes in. In fact I've never owned more than 2 footbags before in my life. I have four now and more on the way, I wont' know what to do with them all.
I talked to Tom and Peng about bags and stitching and learned quite a bit. They know what they're doing.
There's still so many memories but I can't get them all out, it's like all over the place and rambly. I just can't wait to see any of you again. Very much looking forward to Worlds, and after that the FAT tournament. And after that a winter of muchos practicing. And then another summer of crazy tournaments.

I know I left out a lot of people and funtimes, but you're all sitting right here in my head, so it's all good. If I saw and/or talked to you, you can be sure you made my weekend all the better.
For instance, I finally met Julien and his girlfriend Julie. Both super cool people. I also bummed quite a few 'lung killers' from Sara, I got to chat with her for a good while. It's great to see more females in the sport. Major props to Camille and Cassy for holding it down in circle.
And Nick is right about Josiah, he's got that california cool dude look, specially with those shades on.

And Nick, double spinning whirl was so hot I almost sploodged myself.

See ya'll soon!


edit: Do I have to mention how incredible it is to see Jorden do his hacky thing in person? It just blows me away. It was the same way I felt when I saw Dave at GRASS. Titans of footbag.
I felt ridiculous playing after one of Jorden's strings (like being right after him in a shred circle), but if I was trying something hard or just doing a two-man with him I would just generally play better and land that extra hard trick. Goodstuff.
James McCullough
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james
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Post by james »

Ello bobbits.

What's new with me? The usual, game being on and off. I really don't practice enough and I know it. I'm averaging like 2-3 sessions a week at the most...definitely NOT enough.
But it doesn't seem to matter how much I practice anyway cuz I'll still be completely useless in the end. I'm not really upset or anything, and I'm still happy with my current level, but it's just obvious I'm missing something.
Just look at MSJ2 for instance. Where am I in terms of shred presence in the videos? NoOOOOOOwhere. The only part I was in was semi-forced due to the fact that I actually WAS in one of the circle pools and you couldn't just not show a player, though the option definitely should have been there.
Not landing any of my big tricks was sort of my fault (because they are kinda hard and I don't try them very often), but I should have been able to at least hit the irish cream.
I guess none of my decent sideline shred was caught or worthy either. I'm useless!!
Blast.
And I think my style is slipping....I was always able to rely on that when everything else sucked.
Oh well. I still love playing. It's my fault for not practicing enough and also for missing some vital part in my brain to regulate consistancy.
I hate myself. But I also don't care, so it's all good.

Juggling has been going good. I'm going through my clubs phase right now. I can do most of the basic patterns with clubs, plus under the legs and backcrosses. I hit a couple pirouettes.
I'm mostly goofing around with balls, but they are getting comfortable. Mills mess is well on it's way. I need to get a decent set of balls though, I need to wait till my July paycheck before I can send money out to Jon Bagi who makes the awesomest juggling balls ever.
I practice rings at work, because the ceiling is high. It's fun, but I need to learn some tricks. Still working on getting the sets in the same place so I can progress to higher numbers.

Hmm what else...I got two Clavens bags in the mail and they are incredible of course. These ones are facile, but the way they play from the start you almost couldn't tell.
One is for Nick but I got dibs on the choice (not that it matters really, they're both choice). The first is a lightblue/purple bag and slightly bigger than the amaretta I have. The other is an orange/turqoise mix and is a touch smaller than the other one.
At first I was gonna take the blue one, because it seemed more fluid from the start, but I like my bags small and I wouldn't want it to get any bigger as it aged, but I wasn't sure about the orange.
So I get to work, change and grab the orange to see how it plays....I didn't look back. I love it, it's just great. I'm not even playing in circles with it, it's only for me!
BUT nothing beats that first Clavens amaretta I bought. Best bag ever. SOOO even though the amaretta is weaker, I am still going to buy some more of them, of that same size, because Goddammit it's worth it.
I'm also super excited about the bag Aidan is making for me. I'll be getting that at Worlds.
Which reminds me, PRACTICE YOU DUMB CLUCK!

My work week is over which means....shred/juggle>chill>party>sleep>chill RPT

peace mah homies
James McCullough
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james
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Post by james »

:(
James McCullough
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james
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Post by james »

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=2 ... =510966104

For those who have facebook and like juggling. These balls were made by John Bagi and they're the best thing I've ever juggled. If you enjoy juggling invest in a set, they are more than worth it.
I will make an official thread once I get some pic hosting going on but like wow, check em out. And if you don't have facebook, tell Australopithicus I said hello.
If you have facebook and can't see the link then I'm an idiot.

And on a personal note, I've now done mills mess with clubs and rings. BOOYAA!


footbag is still in the works.... :?
James McCullough
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james
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Post by james »

My game is the equivalent of a washed up breakfast cereal commercial actor.


Going to go have a sesh and cry about it :wink:
James McCullough
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james
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Post by james »

I wish I had 'it'.

I don't. It's a struggle every time I play, and if I slip up, it's a drop. I guess I'm not vigilant enough.
I used to really think my style was the shit, but I'm starting to not like it so much. I don't like my osii. I also don't like the way my lower body looks when I play sometimes. I can't really explain how, it just annoys me.
And after playing for this long, all of a sudden I'm doing my butterflies wrong. Yeah, gonna have to fix that. It's like I'm degenerating.
But I'm not upset, because I'm willing to put more time into footbag. I'd really like to see some results.
Thing is, I know where I stand, and I know my limits. I don't play to compete anymore, I don't play with delusions of BAP anymore.
Dare I say fun? Well there IS that aspect. But footbag isn't fun if you don't improve.
My biggest reason is the health/ninja aspect. And secondly because I enjoy it.
There's a fine line however. How much do I push myself to get better and what expectations should I have. What are my goals skill-wise?
I have a vague idea.
All this is I must think about. And when I play I must try to remember all the little things I've learned over the years that I forget to do in practice.
Vigilance.

Footbag is hard for me, but i'm not going to give up.
James McCullough
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james
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Post by james »

Had a solo sesh today. It was hard. Feels like I'm relearning everything all over again. Seems like I made some progress, but who can tell eh?

I just gotta dig in and give it a real effort. I wouldn't mind being in top shape for MSJ.

Currently breakin' in a pair of camo g-units, a size smaller than I normally wear. I like them a lot. The toe box is larger than on my other units. And the inside makes up for my lack of crank. But I have to be careful not to get lazy.
As for bags, the only functional one I have right now is the Dunford bag I won at the last MSJ. Really solid bag, no poofiness, minimal weight loss. Haven't even washed it once. Not sure how much longer it will last but I'm ordering another one from Andrew bien tot.

I've been thinking lately about just how cool the footbag community is (barring a certain incident). How you pretty much have friends all over the damn world. People that will let you crash at their place without having even met you.
We's tight. There's nothing like footbag, we are priviledged.


peace
James McCullough
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sen
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Post by sen »

Hey James, Your last two posts really rang true with how I feel about my game right now. It can be a struggle, but ultimatley I don't want to be the best in the world, or anything- I just wanna play to be fit and have fun (like the commercials). Sometimes I have to almost push myself to play this game, but generally after a session I feel better. Even if it's only because I didn't spend that hour sitting on my butt getting fatter.

Hang in there.
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acxel22
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Post by acxel22 »

stop shredding by yourself and show up to sessions, it will help you.
Mathieu Gauthier
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james
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Post by james »

Thanks for the response Tony, goodwill goes a long way :)

And don't worry Mathieu I will be showing up to many more sessions. Which reminds me of the session at PDA yesterday.

Check this: THE ENTIRE Montreal crew was there (minus the injured Patate Kolo and those that live off the island).
I showed up and it was just Seb and Mathieu, we shredded for a good hour and a half before Alex shows up, followed shortly by Nick and Ianik.
Good showing man, good to see everyone out and playing.

So as to my game, I'm still sharpening the ol' blades from many months of disuse. Had a solo sesh today and at first it was frustrating, but I sucked it up and pushed through the session and it ended up being very productive. That is, I'm remembering how to do osis again! LOLZ. Seriously, if I let up even the slightest in concentration I will DROP. BUT like I said, I DO know what I have to do to NOT drop, so it's a matter of VIGILANCE.
And practice, lot's of it. I will keep all my rabid fans satisfied in the next few months. I definitely have the potential to be an interesting player to watch.

I'm working on the ULTIMATE shred tunes list and I will be purchasing my portable ipod player next weekend so I will never be for a lack of music when I shred.

That's all folks.

PEACE
James McCullough
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james
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Post by james »

MY shredtunes playlist OWNS THE UNIVERSE




for serious
James McCullough
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james
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Post by james »

I RULE



are you convinced yet?
James McCullough
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james
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Post by james »

I played today and I was actually able to get to 10 contacts/string.


I have a major writeup to do very soon. I'm just happy footbag is working out.

Oh yeah, Rory rocks! Smoothest sets I've ever seen.
James McCullough
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james
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Post by james »

I'm posting from my place after the friday of MSJ. It's like quarter to five and I still can't sleep.


If I had one wish in this life it would be to not blow at footbag. How hard do I have to try? I'm trying realllllly hard.
At tournaments i'm mostly too embarassed to even play with anybody. Let alone compete. It sucks.
I don't want to be depressing, sorry guys.

Sorry for not being able to rep.

Sorry for even making this post, because it's damn depressing.

We'll see how the blades go tomorrow.

Besides, everyone knows footbag is all about the parties right?

shred hard, party harder
James McCullough
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james
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Post by james »

Yeah, I should really stop bitching, it's no fun at all. I had a fantastic time shredding and chillin with everyone this weekend. Much love to you all.

Now back to training mode!

This is the most I've been thinking about footbag since back in the early days. Very exciting.
James McCullough
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Johnny
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Post by Johnny »

Oh Jamesy, that mac and cheese was the best. I'm going to download some Britney Spears, and watch cash money monsters for the rest of the month.

Thanks so much for letting us stay at your place. It was nice because we had to sleep somewhere, and staying at your place really gave us a chance to get to know you more. I really hope to visit again soon.

us = rishell and i

em oh en, es tee ee rr .....

peace.
Johnny Suderman
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james
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Post by james »

18/06/08

1.5 hour solo session

-drifter>pdx drifter rpt > osis>pdx drifter rpt
-7 ripwalks (one attempt)
-weaving osis rpt
-flip torque spot on (over 10 times)
-worked briefly on barrages, swirls and blenders
-toe drifter>dlo rpt
-worked briefly on diving/ducking osii and inspins
-double spinning clipper>spinning clipper
-guinness after session

19/06/08

1.5 hour solo session

-worked on atomic shuffle like legbeater>blur rpt, tapdown>stepping mirage rpt
-atom smasher>tapping mirage rpt
-7 ripwalks again - on one attempt (yes i know that ain't much, working on it!)
-worked briefly on swirling and symple swirls
-mobius bs, not hard
-scorpion's tail (first time in a while)
-beginning to 'feel' moves, by focusing on the up and down motion of the footbag, which is key for timing
and timing is everything (before style even...gasp!)
-worked on spinning and flying kicks, flapper kicks, toe transfers and other oddball things like delayed kicks
-something wrong with pdx whirls...not setting straight I think...
-control and general improvement has been felt
-guinness AND mac n cheese after session



13/07/08

1 hour solo session

-worked a bit on everything
-flying knee, ducking to shoulder stall, kneecap bump
-scorpion's tail and mobius first try for the fun of it
-pdx drifterx4 (felt cool)
-6 ripwalks (felt good)
-a guy came out with a six pack of beer and gave me one (drank it during the sesh)
-thought I would be rusty but I felt better than ever!
James McCullough
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james
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Post by james »

15/07/08

30 minute solo session @ work

-felt stiff, played through anyway
-nothing special, working the basics

17/07/08

1.5 hour solo session

-right after weight training, felt good
-worked on kicking skills at first (becoming a regular part of my training)
-drilled the tiltess a lot, made me realize why i drop so much :o
-still haven't timing problems, like dimwalk>blur rpt is a hassle
-enjoying every session nonetheless, i get better every time

20/07/08

40 minute solo session @ work

-forgot how to do torques again
-remembered how to do torques again (lift the knee fool!)
-not much else, I do these work sessions when I feel guilty about not playing in a while
-more frequency of sessions predicted

28/07/08

1.5 hour solo session

-worked on spinning kicks and sole slaps
-attempted to drill...got bored
-worked on some shuffle...timing is NOT there
-extremely frustrating session, I will have to play more often
-how many times can one forget how to do osis? INCREDIBLE
-thoroughly beat, weight training and footbag, now it's time for MAC N CHEESE
-one last note: my motivation for playing now seems to be less goal oriented; what do I expect/want from footbag? Obviously I enjoy doing it more than not, more than the disappointment. And it is an extremely beneficial physical activity. I am really getting into the kicking and non-shred tricks a lot. It's helping me enjoy my game much more.
Competitive aspect is ZILCH. It's too much, I don't think I can ever get the level of consistancy I would need. But that's ok, because I will continue to play, and I hope you all continue to play. I hate seeing players give it up.
-I think I am going to make a write-up very soon. One that talks about everything I think about the sport; styles, players, trends, reflections...should be good.


24/08/08

2 hour session at Tams

-First sesh in almost a month, lil' rusty, but still had a few decent strings

26/08/08

1.5 hour solo session

-drilled drilled drilled
-worked on spinning kicks
-touched pdx drifter>zulu clipper rpt
-nothing special

27/08/08

1.5 hour solo session

-drilled a lot of basics again
-worked on inspins, finally got the right timing and plants
-sidewalk>ripwalk rpt x 2 (yeah that's shite, but need to train my timing)
-dimwalk>blur rpt x 2 (same deal, miss a lot because of timing)
-I think my strings are cool (when i get them)
James McCullough
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james
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Post by james »

YO BITCHES!

Guess who's back, again. After another break (this one was like 2 months) I'm finally shredding again. Feels great.
I played twice a week for the last two weeks and had not one but TWO sessions yesterday.
So I'm ready to show my face again.
I may not be good, but I look damn good. I will train all winter and be ready for the summer tourneys (for representing, not competing)

I play for heatlh and fitness mostly. ANd fun of course. Much better perspective, no pressure.

Have a productive winter everyone, see you in the summer!
James McCullough
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