While training with Lil Lep and Fever1 in the Bronx, Lil Lep put Alien Ness to the test by making him break within the lines of the concrete squares on the sidewalk. Lil Lep stressed the importance of control while breaking. He explained that “if you have no control, you really don’t know what you’re doing,” and he proceeded to describe how this lesson came about. In the earlier days a venue might have had a venue with a capacity of 150 people, yet promoters would ignore the capacity in order to make as much money as they could. Needless to say it was because of these tight crowds that your average cypher was very small – just imagine what would happen in the old school days if you were to step on someone’s sneakers.
As time went by, Alien Ness started to notice how many contest would be hosted in spaces anywhere from 10 to 50 feet arenas. However, most breakers, primarily the ones who chose to excel in air moves (power moves) had no control of their moves. Regardless how big the arena was, these breakers would inevitably crash in to the crowd that made up the perimeter of the arena. The thought of being able to control any and all moves in breaking consumed Alien Ness, and the concept of the Octogon was born. Read more at www.octogonworldrumble.com. |
Rules |
1. You must start your top-rocks outside the Octogon and dance your way in before doing your set.
2. One cannot hit, move, disturb or disconfugure the Octogon. All moves should be down within the perimeter but one isn’t limited to it. Playing with the perimeters and showing one has total control and improve skills can gain a competitor extra credit. 3. Last but not least, no repeat moves. This rule is another element that sets the Octogon apart from all other battles and should be the standard for battles to come. |
As part of the 7th Anniversary of 206 Zulu!
What began as a b-boy theory and quest for spacial control in the cypher has evolved into one of the most innovative b-boy competitions of today, an international-underground b-boy rights of passage called The Octogon. The Octogon is the first 1-on-1 concept battle of its kind where b-boys compete 1 on 1, not just show they are the best b-boy, but to also show who has complete mastery and control of one’s own moves. Competitors take turns dancing round for round within the borders of a 7 foot octogon made by laying cones on the floor and connecting them with caution tape. The concept began as a challenge from b-boy legend Lil Lep to Alien Nes. From this Alien Nes continued to develop the idea to fruition-a major competition with regional rumbles around the world. 2011 marks the 10th anniversary of the Octogon World Rumbles, and a milestone event is taking place in conjunction with Seattle’s monumental Hip Hop festival, the 206 Zulu 7th Anniversary this February. “I have deep history and roots in Seattle’s b-boy scene, just the same as the Seattle b-boy scene has deep history and roots in me. With that said, I’m so excited that the Octogon World Rumble qualification tour is coming to Seattle during it’s 10 year anniversary.” Nes states, “Seattle boasts some of the best b-boys on the planet, add the most diverse and challenging b-boy battle on the planet to the equation, and you are in for one exciting and competitive dance ride.” The Seattle champion will be provided an opportunity to enter the final rumble in Zurich, Switzerland. 206 Zulu invites b-boys, b-girls, Hip Hoppers and enthusiasts alike to attend this free all-ages event which is sure to fill quickly! More announcements coming soon. |
Overview |