Calling all martial artists, acrobats, gymnasts etc.

[Headsnap]

One of the things on my list of stuff to do before I die is learn to do a backflip, a front handspring and a moonsault, and since I'm getting all toned and fit and flexible and stuff at the moment I reckon now's as good a chance as any to try and learn. Anyone got any advice to start me off? Stuff such as the mechanics of the cool flippy stuff, which muscle groups I should be stretching and strengthening up (I'm guessing legs, lower back and abdominals), practise exercises and any martial arts or other sports/ passtimes I could look into in order to improve my chances of flipping my fat arse through 360 degrees would be brilliant.

Also the whole lecture regarding the dangers of crippling myself if I land on my head or not trying it alone are not needed. My granny went through the whole thing when I told her and now she's not speaking to me 🙁

 

[Mephistopheles]

I only train the practical stuff, such as hand to hand combat with foes armed with knives and such.

 

[tkrexx]

Never found a backflip to be nessecary. Keeping my neck from being broken has always been absolutely essential. Sorry I'm not much help, but I try to be the voice of reason.

 

[Snail Shell]

I tried a backflip once to see if I could. I sprained my wrist. In my defense, I'm told it looked cool. 😀

Snail Shell

 

[Headsnap]

I tried a backflip once to see if I could. I sprained my wrist. In my defense, I'm told it looked cool. 😀

Snail Shell

That's the spirit! I don't care if it's practical or whatever, I can look after myself; I just want to learn to do a backflip!