If you’ve already learned the regular figure eight spin with a bo staff, you’re ready to take on the reverse figure eight. This move is a bit different but fun once you get the hang of it.
Just like with the regular version, it is all about learning the flow of the bo staff. The reverse figure eight is mostly used to transition into other moves so it’s a great addition to your skills.
In this article, I will guide you through what the reverse figure eight is, how to do it, and how it differs from the regular figure eight spin.
Table of Contents
What is Reverse Figure Eight (8) Spin?
The reverse figure eight spin is a bo staff move that’s a mirror image of the regular figure eight. Instead of starting with your right hand, this move begins with your left hand leading. The motion is reversed. You won’t see this trick used as often in forms, but it plays a big role in setting up other advanced bo staff moves.
How to Do Reverse Figure Eight Spin With Bo Staff
Before you try the reverse figure eight, make sure you are comfortable with the regular figure eight spin. The positioning is similar at the start, but the movement changes as soon as you begin spinning.
- Hold the bo staff in your dominant hand. Make sure your stance is stable, and you’re ready to move the staff.
- Unlike the regular spin, where your right hand comes down, in the reverse figure eight, your left hand comes up and across your body.
- After your left hand moves up and across, your right hand follows. It comes up, swings behind your back, and then repeats the same motion on the other side.
- The key is to keep the bo staff spinning in a continuous figure-eight motion, just like the regular spin. But this time, everything is happening in reverse.
- Take your time with each step. The movement should feel smooth, even though it’s the opposite of what you’re used to.
Video demonstration:
What is the Difference Between Regular and Reverse Figure 8 Spin?
The main difference between the regular and reverse figure eight spins is the direction of the movement. In the regular figure eight, your right hand comes down and across the body. In the reverse figure eight, your left hand leads by going up and across. It’s the same motion as the regular figure eight but in reverse.
While the regular figure eight is commonly seen in forms, the reverse version is more of a transition move. It helps you flow into other tricks, making it a useful skill to master if you want to level up your bo staff game.
Final thoughts
Think of the reverse figure eight as a complete reversal of the regular figure eight. Before learning it, make sure you’re comfortable with the regular figure eight spin.
If you can handle that, you’re ready for this reverse version. It’s the same motion as the regular spin but in reverse. With enough practice, you’ll get comfortable, and it will soon feel as natural as the regular figure eight.
