You've got the basics down. Now it's time to elevate your Krump vocabulary and take your raw expression to the next level.
So you've mastered the chest pops, the arm swings, and the stomps. You understand the fundamental Groove and can hold your own in a session. But now you're feeling that itch—the need to push beyond the foundation and truly speak through your movement. Welcome to the intermediate level, where technique meets intention, and your style begins to truly crystallize.
Precision & Control: The Armor Refined
At this stage, it's not just about hitting hard; it's about hitting precisely. Your control is your new armor.
1. The Stab & Pull-Back
This isn't a wild punch into the air. A "Stab" is a sharp, direct, and controlled extension of the arm, usually with a tight fist, that stops on a dime. The "Pull-Back" is just as important—the arm retracts with the same sharp speed and control it went out with. The power is in the abrupt start and stop.
2. The Controlled Wrist Roll
This subtle move adds a layer of finesse to your armors. Instead of a floppy or overly dramatic wrist circle, execute a tight, deliberate roll. It can signify "locking in" a position or adding a fluid counterpoint to a sharp hit.
Complexity & Musicality: Weaving the Story
Intermediate Krump is about conversation with the music. It's about breaking down the beat and highlighting what others miss.
3. The Step-Ball-Change Variation
Yes, Krump has its own version of this classic dance step, but it's grounded, powerful, and aggressive. It's a quick, three-step weight shift (e.g., step right, step left with ball of foot, step right again) that allows you to change direction rapidly. Use it to "dodge" or set up a powerful stomp or drop.
4. Syncopated Stomps
You know how to stomp on the downbeat. Now, start stomping on the "and" counts (the off-beats). A stomp on the "1-and" or the "2-and" creates a sense of urgency and surprise. It breaks the predictable rhythm and makes your movement more dynamic.
Power & Impact: The Next Level of Hits
It's time to make your hits bigger without losing form.
5. The Full-Body Chest Pop with Lunge
Don't just pop your chest; launch your whole body into it. As you execute a powerful chest pop, step or lunge into the movement. This engages your legs and core, transferring the energy through your entire frame and making the hit visually massive.
6. The Power-Guided Arm Swing
An arm swing becomes "power-guided" when you visualize what you're swinging at or pushing away. The intention changes the quality of the movement. It's no longer a generic swing; it's a deliberate, powerful action with a story behind it. Let your face and your focus sell the move.
Your Journey Forward
Mastering these intermediate moves isn't about collecting tricks. It's about deepening your vocabulary so your authentic self has more ways to speak. Don't just drill the moves in a vacuum. Session with others, feed off their energy, and most importantly, record yourself. Watch your progress, spot the areas that need polish, and celebrate the moments where it all clicks.
The battle isn't won with the most moves, but with the most heart. Now go out there and get buck!
