Learning Yo-Yos

Yet another workshop launched!

2010-03-12T04:55:00.000-08:00

In conjunction with this coming school holidays, there will be another workshop launched this coming weekend on the 20 and 21 of March!

Here are the details for the curious ones:
The dates for the Workshop are:
20 and 21 March 2010
3-7pmm
Enrolment Fee: $50

If there are any enquiries just contact:
Mr Anthony Tang
(M) 8126 6318
(O) 6343 0594
E-mail: anthonytang@nrichlc.com.sg

I'm really looking forward to seeing all of you again! :)

Beginner Level Trick List!

2010-02-04T02:40:00.000-08:00

Well after much thought I've (finally) come up with a list to help you guys better pick up the sport! Its basically a list tricks to help you grasp with the fundamentals of yo-yoing and I hope YOU would enjoy practicing it as I do! Enjoy!

1. Gravity Pull

2. Sleeper

3. Forward Pass

4. Breakaway

5. Around The World

6. Walk The Dog

7. The Creeper

8. Pop the Clutch

9. The UFO

10. Stop and Go

Intermediate level tricks to come soon! Keep practicing and don't give up! :)

String Theory: The Video

2010-02-03T22:58:00.000-08:00

Remember my previous post about the common facts of yo-yo strings? No? Or maybe it was too complicated to understand? Its okay, here's a refresher course that would definitely help you out a lot! :)

I do hope this clears up whatever questions that you may have!

Gooooo Green!

2010-01-18T07:20:00.000-08:00

At the Yew Tee Eco-Challenge 2010 where anyone and everyone who resides in the area was there!

Yew Tee residents supporting their local event: 2000 and counting!

Basically went there to support the event and help the kids promote yo-yoing in that area. We had a couple of new comers eager to join us and learn!

There was the rubbish-bin-decorating-competition area which I like to hang out around the area for a simple reason: some of these bins are actually pretty nice to look at! And the painting process can be pretty fun to watch!

Kinda nice flowers-and-rainbows theme.

I liked this one alot. Very cute!

The amount of detail on this one is pretty amazing!

Of course, the main highlight of my trip there were these!

Aaaaaaaand, the highlight of the day! A short demo for the crowd!

Hopefully there would be more of such events which would serve as a good platform to showcase the talents of the local youngsters!

One happy family!

On a possibly random closing note: UFO sighting at Yew Tee anyone?

It just doesn't get any more fun than this!

2010-01-17T06:46:00.000-08:00

Was watching this in the afternoon today, totally brings back memories of the good times. It brings a nice warm fuzzy feeling just thinking about it!

WCC 2007 video of Team Singer Oil feat. Alex, Junhao, Cheng and I.

Totally hoping to re-live it again soon!

Time to ramp it up....

2010-01-13T08:22:00.000-08:00

....With a new trick! The Kwijibo!

I would break the trick into 3 different parts: The Trapeze, The 1.5 Mount and the Double or Nothing. Try it, and if you're not so sure about the 1.5 mount, I'll try to dig and post up a video!

Give it a shot! :)

Yew Tee...Yew Tee...Yew Tee...Yew Tee...Yew Tee...

2010-01-11T04:23:00.000-08:00

That's a word that I don't hear very often, considering where I reside!

In case you don't know, Yew Tee is located in the west of Singapore, which, in my case, travelling there is a whole new experience to me! The sights and sounds are totally foreign, and the people seem different!

Yew Tee Community Building (Not the gathering spot, but somewhat the nearest landmark!)

Went to the Yew Tee RC to meet up with some of the kids there, and was totally surprised! Usually when I go visiting different areas with kids I would meet players of generally different skill levels. But at Yew Tee I was somewhat surprised to find 2 groups of players at totally opposite spectrums in terms of their handling skills!

In one group, we have the kids who have just started, learning tricks like Trapeze and what-not. And in the other group there's kids doing the new school stuff of slacks, whips, and different wierd mounts!

There's even a small showcase of yo-yos, some I have not seen in ages,some I've never even seen before and free yo-yos lying around for kids to play with! A very novel idea!

Soon, we started to get to know each other better and I got to know their future plans and ideas. Been giving it some thought and finally decided, why not? Would definitely try to make time in the future to help these young group of kids and Yew Tee RC to promote this wonderful sport!

Well, that's it for this little excursion, hopefully there will be more in the future! OVER AND OUT!

Start twisting your mind...

2010-01-11T03:36:00.000-08:00

...with today's trick, the Brain Twister!

It's a cool trick that forms the foundation of lots of different front-style combos, so once you've got it down, try doing different variations of it; frontwards, backwards, inside, outside... go figure!

Yo-Yo Shapes 2 of 3: The Butterfly

2010-01-07T03:47:00.000-08:00

This time I will introduce to you a yo-yo shape that modern players are definitely familiar with: The Butterfly!

A butterfly shaped yo-yo basically looks like an imperial yo-yo, cut in half, and reassembled backwards! Somewhat like this:

The YoYoFactory FAST201

Debuting in 1958, the butterfly has a wider string gap to make it easier to catch the yo-yo body on the string. Although the butterfly shape is good for 'string tricks" like the Braintwister, Man on the Flying Trapeze and Splitting the Atom. However, it is not good for 'looping' tricks like Loop-the-Loop and Hopping the Fence, because the winged shape of the body does not allow it to easily flip while looping.

This shape is similar to a small Diabolo, sometimes called a Chinese yo-yo.

More on yo-yo shapes coming up soon! Keep a lookout for more! :)

OVER AND OUT!

Yo-Yo Visit!

2010-01-07T02:39:00.000-08:00

This coming Sunday on 10/1/10 I'll be heading down to Yew Tee RC to meet up with the kids around the area! If are free on that day itself, or just happen to be around the area, do drop by! If you are not so free and don't have much time to go there, make time!

Here are some of the details:

Date: 10/1/10
Time: 4pm onwards
Location: Yew Tee Community Building

Map

Looking forward to meeting you guys there! :)

Only the best

2010-01-04T23:52:00.000-08:00

Clips from the World Yo-Yo Contest 2009!

Hmm.. Totally makes you wanna be there!

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T21:01:00.001-08:00

It's a little belated, but hey, its the thought that counts!

I hope you guys had a great new year, cause I had a CRAZY one! Looking forward to seeing you guys again soon!

OVER AND OUT!

Special Request: The UFO!

2009-12-30T09:53:00.000-08:00

It's a good trick to adjust string tension too! As you learn more advanced tricks, string tension plays a big part in whether or not you are able to land your tricks!

Enjoy!

The Double or Nothing!

2009-12-29T04:30:00.000-08:00

This is simply an extension of the Trapeze! Instead of landing the Trapeze, let the yo-yo continue its swing for another round before letting it land on the string.

Try it! :)

From the previous lesson!

2009-12-29T04:27:00.000-08:00

This was such an action packed day, I don't even know where to begin!

This is Raven. F.A.S.T Challenge winner who out-did all the challengers on that day by doing all the 10 tricks the fastest. Fear him.

I would like to thank everyone who was there on that day! It was really fun, with the neighbors even buying our yo-yos just to join us! That's the beauty of this sport, anyone can just pick a decent yo-yo up and start at anytime, any age! Now, it is up to you guys would carry on the spirit of this wonderful sport!

Notice the cool shirt ;)

Well, I'm really proud of Raven for achieving such an accomplishment! It's something I know even he didn't expect to achieve! This shows that hardword really pays off! Keep up the good work!!

Today's Trick: The Barrel Rolls

2009-12-26T07:15:00.001-08:00

Specially for Raven! Enjoy! Just approach me if you've got any issues with the trick!

'Tis the season to be jolly!

2009-12-24T11:13:00.001-08:00

Happy Holidays everyone! Have a good and well deserved break!

I shall see you this saturday! :)

The Flying Trapeze

2009-12-23T09:23:00.000-08:00

Remember how some of you had difficulty with this trick in the previous lesson? Just in case you've forgotten the steps to doing it, here's a little refresher for you! :)

Remember, practice hard! The likelihood that you'd get it right on the first few tries is always pretty slim so keep working at it! Don't give up!

Surprise Surprise!

2009-12-23T08:28:00.000-08:00

This Saturday I'll be heading down to N'Rich LC for 1 more time, so be sure to be there!

If you've got any questions or would like to learn any tricks at all, please feel free to approach me!

Let everyone know! Tell your fellow yo-yo players, tell your fellow non-yoyo players! Its the holiday season and its gonna be fun!

SEE YOU THERE!

How to handle an unresponsive yo-yo

2009-12-20T16:52:00.000-08:00

You guys were wondering how I played with my yo-yo that doesn't come back right? Well, here's an explanation that hopefully you'd understand :)

You guys should try it once in awhile just to get the feel of it, cause that's what you'd be doing in the future! But don't forget, the foundation is the most important! Master your basic throws first and get to know your yo-yo better, it is your best friend!

The Eiffel Tower

2009-12-20T16:35:00.000-08:00

I noticed that some of you guys have problems with this trick, so here's a video I dug out that hopefully could help you with it :)

2009-12-17T21:46:00.000-08:00

What a week! Had a couple of new kids joining our group, and one even nicked my prize-of-the-day!

I'm glad everyone's progressing rather smoothly given what limited time we have to hang out with each other! :)

Recently implemented the F.A.S.T Challenge format to the class and some of the kids have started to adapt and train really hard for it, which is heart warming actually. Ah, just like the good old times :)

Hope you guys would keep up the good work, eh?

Kudos to Timothy for constantly asking me to teach him more advanced tricks! However, don't give up so easily alright kid?

This dude here's Raven, brushing up on the Breakaway! Don't give up! Practice makes perfect!

This boy here will forever be known as the kid who beat the group and the clock with sheer hardwork and determination in the F.A.S.T Challenge. He's the first to manage all 10 tricks in under 20 secs, literally. If my memory doesnt fail me, his timing was something around the region of 19.80secs! Aaron is his name, remember it.

A somewhat sad picture cause that's the last I know I'll ever see of my blue YoYoFactory Die-Nasty :(
Check out that cheeky smile on Aaron!

As the course approaches the end, I'll be working out a plan to perhaps create a special team of trainers! These guys will not only learn how to promote this wonderful sport with me, but get paid while at it too! Nothing concrete yet, though, but I do hope these talented kids here can join me some day!

OVER AND OUT!

One of my favourite 2-handed yoyo players!

2009-12-09T08:09:00.000-08:00

This is a pretty old video from one of my favourite yoyo players - Shingo Kawamura! Check it out, I hope you'll like it! :)

First week of the Workshop!

2009-12-06T02:32:00.000-08:00

The first week of the workshop held at N'rich Learning Centre has concluded! I'm totally looking forward to next week!
It was a fun filled event where everyone just relaxed and had fun with the yoyo! During the course of the lessons, I realised one thing: kids these days learn stuff fast! They were constantly absorbing and applying the things I've been teaching them. At this rate I think I'm gonna have a hard time finding stuff for them to learn!
Here are some of the pictures I've taken, with what little time I had!

Looking forward to next week!
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld

Did you know? String theory 2

2009-12-05T02:30:00.001-08:00

4x3
3x2
1x6
4x2
3x3
Seems familiar? No, I'm not testing your mathematical skills, neither will I be talking about maths.

What you see above are just some of the types of strings that are used in modern day yoyo-ing. Yes, there are that many types and, yes, it matters cause they all affect how the yoyo plays.

Strings are basically a bundle of intertwined bundle folded in half and re-twisted. So when a string is a 4x2 type, or "Type 8", it basically means that there are 4 very fine strings twisted together, folded in half and re-twisted again! Same goes for the 3x2 type, or "Type 6" string.

I will not go through all of the types above though, just the ones that are more popular and readily available in the market.

Firstly there's the regular cotton string that everyone is familiar with. These usually come free with any yoyo purchased. There are 2 common types of cotton string, the old 4x3 and 4x2. These strings are thicker than the more modern ones and therefore prove to take slightly longer to hit the string's sweet spot and more responsive to the average yoyo's response system. Hence, it is highly recommended for most looping yoyos where durability and responsiveness is a major factor.

Secondly, there's a more modern string whereby they mix polyester resin with the wool of the string to a proportion of roughly 1:1 to produce what is commonly known as "The Slick". As the name suggests, it is much smoother compared to the old cotton string hence it is now the preferred choice for modern yoyo players. Slicks exists in the common 4x2 and the new 3x2 types. the new Type 6 string was created to reduce the thickness of the string and therefore provide a bigger string gap in-between the yoyo for better string play. Coupled with the properties of the polyester resin, the slick Type 6, or Slick 6, is now the string of choice for players who favour string play.

These days, a new type of string has been created, the Polyester strings, made of 100% polyester resin. These strings have been received with mixed reviews but is known to be extremely durable and, on certain types of yoyos, very smooth. These strings also exist in Type 6 or Type 8 formats.

These are just some of the commonly found strings in the market and yet there's already so many details to talk about. Of course. there is no "best string", naturally, different people will have different string preferences, so its best to try all of them out for yourself and see what suits you and your style best!

If there are any questions just feel free to post it at the mini chatbox on the right of this page and I will try my best to answer them!

Till next time!
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld

Yo-Yo Shapes 1 of 3: The Imperial

2009-12-01T05:21:00.000-08:00

As you've probably noticed in the market today, yo-yos exists in various shapes and sizes. To the casual observer and newcomer, they all seem the same. BUT, if you're looking to pick a yo-yo that suits your style of play and the tricks that you want to do, then, the shape plays a huge factor in your decision making process.

If I were to thorougly explain all the various shapes and sizes of the yo-yos here, my fingers would probably be calloused and the keyboard worn out. So I will talk about the first of three common yo-yo shapes - The Imperial.

The Imperial shape is often considered the original yo-yo shape, and is very commonly recognized. It is sometimes called a sculpted design. The shape's design is helpful in performing looping tricks. It was first produced by a man named Pedro Flores who is also the first person to mass-produce yo-yo. Most, if not all the older yo-yos have adopted this idea, namely, the more popular Hyper Russel. However, in 1929, Duncan bought over the rights to the design and have produced modern, high-tech yo-yos like the beloved Imperial yo-yo and the Speed Beetle.

More little known facts about yo-yo shapes next time! Watch this space!

Over and out!

Did You Know? String Theory 1

2009-11-30T02:36:00.000-08:00

If you are new and uninitiated in the basics of this sport, you'd think that the performance of the yoyo is purely dependant of the yoyo itself and how you maintain the internal mechanisms right? Wrong.

Not only is the yoyo's performance affected by how well you clean and maintain your yoyo, but the string also plays a big role in it too!

String should always be changed when there are signs of wear and tear as the chances of the string snapping and causing a world of trouble increases significantly. You don't want to be doing the Around The World and have it snap midway in say, a shopping mall, right?

So, how do you know when it is time to change? There are several criteria to look at:

1) 'Springy-ness' - Remember when you first touched a brand new string? Remember how it was soft and 'springy'? A worn out string would have none of that; Meaning it can no longer absorb the impact of the yoyo as it reaches the end of the string. The extra shock absorbed could help squeeze out a good amount of extra spin time, very useful if you want to land very long combos or going for that Long Sleeper Record!

2) Color - If your string has become dirty and black-ish from dirt, please, discard it immediately! With continued play the dirt particles might get lodged into the bearing and clog it up! Early detection and corrective maintenance would fix that easily but prolonged use would permanently damage the bearing!

Although these are just guidelines on knowing when to change string, its definitely a good idea to change as and when you feel your yoyo performance is starting to get worse. During competitions, participants can change strings as frequently as once every 5 mins!

That's about it for String Theory 1! More little known facts on String Theory 2 soon!

Over and out!
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld

New Workshop Launched!

2009-11-29T08:13:00.000-08:00

Starting from 5 Dec 2009, I will be conducting a mini 6-day crash course to yoyo-ing for beginners as part of the Learning Centre's holiday extra curricular activities to promote a healthy lifestyle. It will be a fun-filled event whereby I will be passing down some of the basic tips and tricks of this widely-known, yet under-appreciated sport. This event is open to anybody and everybody, from juniors aged 9+ to Moms and Dads!

It doesn't matter if you've been fiddling with the yoyo for weeks or picking up the yoyo for the first time, everyone will be starting on the same platform! Also, for those who're learning for the first time, it is highly encouraged that you purchase one of the high performance beginner's yoyos price at $20 onwards that are already in stock at the Learning Centre!

During this workshop, I will personally be monitoring the participant's progress and at the end of the course, there will be a mini contest lined up for everyone! But, of course, I shall not reveal too much so let's just say that if you are the lucky winner you stand to win really cool prizes! If you want to know more you'd just have to sign up! :)

In case you're wondering if this is just a one-off course, fret not because, as I mentioned above, I will be monitoring everyone's progress and if I feel that there's potential, I might even invite you to our Performance Team where I will personally groom you as a performer and entertainer with the opportunity to tag along with me to perform and teach!

The dates for the Workshop are:

5, 6, 12, 13, 19 & 20 of December.

Saturday timings are: 2pm-4pm

Sunday timings are: 3pm-5pm

Enrolment Fee: $50

If there are any enquiries just contact:

Mr Anthony Tang

(M) 8126 6318

(O) 6343 0594

E-mail: anthonytang@nrichlc.com.sg

If not, just drop me an e-mail and I shall try my best to answer your queries! :)

See You There!!