Where Do Stix Come From? Huang, jia-yao
Various stix games appear in most cultures. Bill traces his ancestry to the Cherokee Indians. They have a game where arrow heads are tied to both ends of an arrow shaft creating a baton effect when you spin it. Another source are the Chinese. You will see jugglers using three stix, these are called Chinese Rhythm Sticks. Obviously a game played with three sticks and your hands could have very primitive origins. We love the simplicity of the Stix, NO BATTERIES REQUIRED!
What Are Crystal Stix?
Crystal Stix consist of two hand controllers and a baton made
from either stress tested hardwood or fiberglass. Both the baton and controllers come in a variety of colors and are covered with a super-grip surface, which provides the user with extraordinary control while playing with the Stix. The hand controllers are approximately 19" long and the baton is approximately 24" long. The baton has leather or vinyl end pieces with tassels. The weight of each end piece is checked and the baton is carefully balanced.
To begin: MAKE SURE YOUR STIX ARE CLEAN. Wipe them with a damp paper towel. This is a good habit to get into, because the Stix grip much better with a clean surface. Even if you don't think they're dirty wipe them, THEY WILL PLAY BETTER! (some window cleaner will clean greasier dirt).
HOW TO STAND
Feet- Balanced - one under each shoulder.
Knees- Slightly bent - as if you are ready to take a step. Note, if you lock your knees when you move, you are out of balance.
Back- Keep it straight - bend only in relationship to movement.
Arms- Relaxed and ready to move freely - bending at the elbows.
Elbows- Mainly at your sides and slightly away from your body.
Wrists- Stiff and in line with pointing index finger.
Hands- Hold controller with index finger pointing
long the controller.
STANCE SUMMARY
Your attitude in approaching the Stix will determine what you will get out of it and / or how easy it will be to master. AN ON YOUR TOES, READY FOR ACTION, GO FOR IT ATTITUDE IS THE BEST WAY TO GET GOING WITH STIX.
1. THE TIC-TOC
This is the beginning move. With the outer tips of the
controllers, holding the baton a few inches down from
the end piece at belt level, creating a Vee with your arms,
elbows are bent and about six inches from your sides,
creating a diamond with your arms and the controllers.
Toss the baton into the air and to one side, catching the
upper end of the baton with the top third of one of the
controllers.
2. THE FLIP OVER
Beginning with the tic-toc, push the baton enough to
cause it to spin over bottoms up. Now flip it over to
the other hand in the same way -- back and forth,
reversing the up end each time.
3. THE HELICOPTER
While doing the tic-toc, pull a little with the right hand
and push a little with the left as you toss it back and
forth. This creates a clockwise funnel spin with the
baton. Kind of a wobble. Create a one-two, one-two
rhythm with the motion.
4. ONE HANDED TIC-TOC
Using only one controller, flip the main baton half way
over and catch it with the SAME controller. Then flip
it back the other way -- half way catching with the
same controller still. You have to stay in constant
motion to keep this one going. It seems difficult at first,
but it will build up the strength in each individual arm
and get you ready for doubles.
5. THE TWIRL
Beginning with the tic-toc, catch the main baton just
below its center making a scooping "J". When done
quickly, it feels like a stirring scoop and after some
practice, the main baton never leaves the controller.
This move relies on muscle power not magnets (a
common comment on this magical looking move).
1. THE FLAT SPIN
Starting with a clockwise helicopter, reach to the center
of the main baton with your controller and bounce it
up and tug it to the right as you are bouncing it. It is a
tapping motion -- the rhythm is the same as the rate of
the spin.
2. DUEL HANDED STIX
Using ONLY ONE CONTROLLER, clasp both hands
together and point both fingers (as in regular grip)
along the controller. With the main baton horizontal
on the ground in front of you, lift the baton from an
off-center position off the ground -- flipping the end
over and catching it on the other side (similar to a one
handed tic-toc). This move requires extra energy on
your part, but builds your strength for all the other Stix moves.
3. DOUBLE BATONS
Lay two batons horizontally in front of you on the ground. Holding a controller in each hand, reach down and place the controllers off center, toward the middle, under each baton and lift both at the same time in an outward flip, doing a one handed tic-toc with each hand. After this try spinning both batons either in the same or opposite directions. Persistence is the way to approach doubles. You will drop it a lot at first, but just like all the Stix moves the motions magically come to you after playing a lot. Doubles is the ultimate challenge and the ultimate fun.
Remember to Keep your Stix CLEAN and Don't be afraid to Drop It!
How Long Will My Stix Last?
For years if you care for them properly. Best to keep them in a bag, away from chewing dogs and out of direct sunlight for long periods. Remember to clean them off regularly, a little dish soap or just a damp paper towel.
How Long Does It Take to Get Good At Stix?
Crystal Stix are easy to learn and not something that takes years to master. Kids love Stix because they get good at them so fast. That's really the beauty of the Stix, they're not complicated. You can learn a new move every day with a little effort and a little effort means dropping it a lot. So don't be afraid to drop it, and one day soon that baton will twirl as if by itself.
How Old Does My Child Have To Be To Get Started With Stix?
About five or six years old or until they're strong enough to keep the baton in the air. Although, we have had kids as young as three do Stix with the inspiration of an older brother or sister.
Can I Repair My Own Stix?
The most common repair would be the tips on the Superflight handstix. To do this get some Plasti-Dip at your hardware store, and dip the tips in and let it dry for a few hours, then dip again, let dry 24 hours befroe using. For most other repairs call 800-438-7849 and inquire.
It has been seven years since I first started playing Crystal Stix.. I have played with various other juggling sticks through the years, but I got hooked on the quality and the easy playability of the Crystal Stix.
I now have a Stix playing family and I believe that these "toys " have had a tremendous impact on my life. My passion to play has helped increase my physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual power. I believe that Crystal Stix can be used by others to do these same things and more. When we teach kids to do Stix, the smiling faces, the words of self confidence , the yelps of excitement and the ever present: "Hey Mister! Watch Me! just proves it over and over again.
During our work as a School Councilor and School Social Worker, my wife Kimberly and I have observed from the kids using Crystal Stix:
˙ markedly improved impulse control in "behaviorally disordered" students;
˙ students "crossing the mid-line" and beginning to read and write;
˙ students cooperating together to achieve mutual goals and respect during Stix games, and after;
˙ improved academic and social self-esteem of students;
˙ balancing of emotions in "emotionally disturbed" students;
˙ and the satisfied smiles of parents with children diagnosed with ADHD.
We have found that Crystal Stix dovetail with the recent upsurge of growth and interest in left and right hemisphere brain research; and the theories regarding Multiple Intelligences (Gardner, Howard. Multiple Intelligences - 1993.). Stix stimulate both sides of the brain and encourage the balanced use of both, thus stimulating critical and creative thought at the same time, especially in more advanced play. They are musical, logical-mathematical, bodily-kinesthetic, spatial, interpersonal, intrapersonal and can be used linguistically, as Gardner has described at least that many intelligences through which people learn. Crystal Stix are tools to help students learn in all those ways! And best of all, they're great fun! Smiles across the world can attest to that.
What a long, strange trip it's been. From making rhythm sticks and street cornering to making Crystal Stix and teaching. From being alone on the road, to being with my new families in Colorado. Thanks for all the great memories Bill and Janet; Kimberly, Seth and Alex. I hope our Stix journey continues on forever...
Timothy
http://www.crystal-stix.com/ http://www.wfps.tp.edu.tw/cla/bola/