Unity grinds are yet another variation on the royale
grind. Put simply, learn these after you learn a
royale grind for best success. A unity grind (also
called an LA grind or a Buddah, depending on
location) is a grind in which you slide down the
object with your legs crossed, grinding on both
outside edges.
There are a few key tips in getting a unity down,
other than just learn a royale. If you can royale on
the boot with ease, unities should take you an hour
or two to get down to a reasonable level. Anyway,
the first thing you want to do is make sure you land
in unity position. Approach the object like you are
going
to
royale
it, and
jump
into the
air.
Lock in
your
strong
royale
foot
solid
on the
object,
and
throw
the other foot behind. Technically you should do
both at the same time, but while you are learning its
ok to stagger it a bit. Just like in miszous where the
back foot will naturally lock in, the same is true with
unities- your back foot will just glide on if your front
is in proper position.
Foot position is also crucial. Before you even try
these, stand still
on the ground cross-legged so that you
can get a feel for the proper stance. Your
feet should be at least a foot apart when
you land. This is harder than it sounds,
because most people tend to jump on very
erect with their feet literally touching each
other. You need to squat down just like in
a royale and make sure you are grinding
on the boot. While grinding in this position
you have to keep your feet very firm and
locked in, other wise you will end up
sitting cross legged on the object.
There isn't much else to it, other than
going out and getting hurt trying it... There
are a few problem solving tips that I can
give to help speed things along, though.
Most people tend to grind too much on top
of the object, thus riding up it and having
to step out on top of the planter. To solve
this, just remember to keep your weight
back just like in a royale. If you are
jumping on and immediately locking up,
then you are not landing in the proper
position. Remember to put that royale foot
on and use it as the main foot. The back
foot is on just like a guide. Also make
sure to squat down nice and low so that
you are on both skates' boots.
This grind is a technical one, but it is not
very difficult to learn. I go for a week or 2
without doing them and pick them up in 15
minutes again. So just concentrate and
think of it just like a royale. One final
note-- You should be facing at the object
just like in frontside. If you face down the
rail like a soul (and like you will want to
do), then it looks ugly. The same goes for
standing up straight like a board.
Shred it up!
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