Basics / LESSON 09
Archer weaves
Keep one hand extended and the other beside the opposite shoulder, then thread a staff on each side of that shoulder. Drex teaches this weave in split-time opposites.
Prerequisites: Grip, timing & direction · Hip & shoulder reels
Video study
Use the source for this section’s grip changes, body position, and depth.
Schematic motion. Body proportions and finger contact are approximate; compare with the source. One cycle = 6 seconds at 1×.
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Source video
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Steps
Before you begin
- Grip
- Hold each staff at its center; identify the thumb and pinky ends. Begin with both thumb ends up.
- Stance
- Begin facing forward with room to turn slightly. Extend the right arm and bring the left hand near the right shoulder.
- Plane
- The staves travel around the shoulder and upper arm, with front and behind positions. The path is not one flat wall-plane circle.
Things to notice
- Keeping the extended arm rigidly in the staff's path. Make small clearance adjustments.
- Flattening the shoulder weave into a single plane; one passage must be in front and another behind.
- Speeding up before both inward-facing checkpoints are repeatable.
- Treating the shoulder cue as a release or contact balance; the staff remains held.