Learning backflips / basic gymnastics

[saor]

One of those things I've always wanted to do is being able to run up a wall & do a backflip, or run up to a wall/tree & do a side-flip. However, I've got no gymnastics training at all - I can't even do a flic flac . So I'm curious where I could go for a few lessons to learn the basics? I'd rather someone teach me the basics before I go attempting backflips off of every wall I see.

I'm not really interested in any other aspect of gymnastics, so doing a whole season of classes seems kinda pointless? What would be ideal is someone who's knowledgeable & has access to mats and whatever training gear would be needed. Any ideas on where to find someone like that? I'm in CPT, Southern Suburbs.

 

[gregmcc]

Make sure you are very flexible before you even start this.

 

[GreyBush]

And don't forget to youtube.

 

[saor]

Yeah - I've seen my share of videos, thanks . I need some actual lessons now.

 

[GreyBush]

Yeah - I've seen my share of videos, thanks . I need some actual lessons now.

Meant upload.

 

[Rocket Raccoon]

[video=youtube;P0i_wclKnKk]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0i_wclKnKk&feature=youtube_gdata_player[/video]

 

[Azbubu]

Tried a backflip once. Knee met eye. Never tried again.

 

[The_Unnamed]

Tried a backflip once. Knee met eye. Never tried again.

Similar thing here. Knee met nose, blacked out a bit. Never again.

 

[saor]

^^^ The problem is it's one of things which looks very easy when someone else does it, so yeah - I've been tempted to attempt it, but, lol - a self-inflicted K/O isn't something I'm too keen on.

 

[JasonK]

do some first on a trampoline, then hit some on some mattresses (proper ones in gymnastics hall) then go onto soft lush grass...dont go straight on on hard stuff....even the pros progressed....

 

[saor]

do some first on a trampoline, then hit some on some mattresses (proper ones in gymnastics hall)

See - I'd love to go to a gymnastics hall & muck about like that & possibly get a bit of training from someone. I've got this (probably wrong) idea that schools and universities are the only places with such facilities. Gyms - maybe, but I'm not joining a gym just to jump on some mats.

 

[Paperweight]

http://www.sagf.co.za/find-a-club/?prov_id=2

Let me know if you need lessons on how to Google

 

[nakedpeanut]

It's normally easier to learn with someone. I learn when I was small. But haven't tried it in years on the ground but can still rock them on a trampoline!

Firstly I'd start with a back hand spring. Once you've got that move on to a back somersault if you want to learn on the ground.

Otherwise join a gymnastics gym for some proper lessons.
And don't break your neck please.