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!