Florentine Flogging — Short Guide
Florentine flogging
The basics before you begin
A guide by AdryX Créations
WHAT YOU'LL FIND HERE
A serious introduction to the Florentine.
The origins, the logic of the movement, the equipment, and the two fundamental patterns — the four-count and the six-count — clearly explained.
The complete guide, with the step-by-step detail of each count, progression tips, mistakes to avoid and advanced variations, is available as a training version on adryx-creations.com.
WHAT IS THE FLORENTINE?
The name is said to come from an old sword-fighting style born in Florence, where two weapons were wielded at once. The idea is the same: two floggers, two hands, one fluid movement.
The closest reference in the juggling world is poi (a small bean bag, or ball, fixed to the end of a rope or chain and attached to a handle) or fire. The principle: maintain an interlaced figure-eight, steady, constant — almost meditative for the practitioner, hypnotic for the one receiving.
It's one of the most visual flogging techniques there is. And one of the most technically demanding.
THE EQUIPMENT
Two objects that are identical or very close in weight and dimensions. That's the basic rule.
Experienced practitioners sometimes deliberately play with two different types of toys to vary the sensations. But when learning, asymmetry disrupts the movement. So start balanced.
The weight, balance and grip must suit you. No compromise on that.
On the falls: the tips can be square, round or bevelled. Bevelled tips are particularly favoured by Florentine experts. By default, AdryX floggers have square falls. You're entirely free to re-cut them to your preference.
THE LOGIC OF THE MOVEMENT
The basic movement is an elongated figure-eight, like the infinity sign (∞).
This pattern is essential for a safety reason: it creates an X-shaped pattern on the partner's back. The impacts cross the spine rather than striking it vertically, which would be dangerous.
Before you begin, identify your dominant hand.
A guide by AdryX Créations
WHAT YOU'LL FIND HERE
A serious introduction to the Florentine.
The origins, the logic of the movement, the equipment, and the two fundamental patterns — the four-count and the six-count — clearly explained.
The complete guide, with the step-by-step detail of each count, progression tips, mistakes to avoid and advanced variations, is available as a training version on adryx-creations.com.
WHAT IS THE FLORENTINE?
The name is said to come from an old sword-fighting style born in Florence, where two weapons were wielded at once. The idea is the same: two floggers, two hands, one fluid movement.
The closest reference in the juggling world is poi (a small bean bag, or ball, fixed to the end of a rope or chain and attached to a handle) or fire. The principle: maintain an interlaced figure-eight, steady, constant — almost meditative for the practitioner, hypnotic for the one receiving.
It's one of the most visual flogging techniques there is. And one of the most technically demanding.
THE EQUIPMENT
Two objects that are identical or very close in weight and dimensions. That's the basic rule.
Experienced practitioners sometimes deliberately play with two different types of toys to vary the sensations. But when learning, asymmetry disrupts the movement. So start balanced.
The weight, balance and grip must suit you. No compromise on that.
On the falls: the tips can be square, round or bevelled. Bevelled tips are particularly favoured by Florentine experts. By default, AdryX floggers have square falls. You're entirely free to re-cut them to your preference.
THE LOGIC OF THE MOVEMENT
The basic movement is an elongated figure-eight, like the infinity sign (∞).
This pattern is essential for a safety reason: it creates an X-shaped pattern on the partner's back. The impacts cross the spine rather than striking it vertically, which would be dangerous.
Before you begin, identify your dominant hand.
For a left-hander it will generally be the left, for a right-hander the right.
The whole learning process is built around this distinction: dominant hand, non-dominant hand.
THE TWO FUNDAMENTAL PATTERNS
THE FOUR-COUNT
The dominant hand draws a figure-eight, always above the non-dominant hand.
THE TWO FUNDAMENTAL PATTERNS
THE FOUR-COUNT
The dominant hand draws a figure-eight, always above the non-dominant hand.
The cycle repeats in a loop: 1, 2, 3, 4 and start again.
It's the simplest variation. Most practitioners use only this one.
It's the simplest variation. Most practitioners use only this one.
It's also the mandatory foundation before anything else.
THE SIX-COUNT
The two hands alternate to pass one above the other.
THE SIX-COUNT
The two hands alternate to pass one above the other.
The cycle is thought of in two blocks of three: three counts with the dominant hand on top, three counts with the non-dominant on top.
This variation is more complex, more spectacular, and should only be attempted once the four-count is perfectly integrated — to the point of no longer having to count.
WHERE TO START?
First master each hand separately, then combine.
Practise on a soft surface — bed, sofa, massage table — at a height slightly below crotch level. Whatever the surface, choose one that can't be damaged.
Count out loud at first. Slowly. The movement must become a reflex before becoming a tool.
WHAT THE SUMMARY DOESN'T COVER
The precise detail of each count, movement by movement, position by position.
This variation is more complex, more spectacular, and should only be attempted once the four-count is perfectly integrated — to the point of no longer having to count.
WHERE TO START?
First master each hand separately, then combine.
Practise on a soft surface — bed, sofa, massage table — at a height slightly below crotch level. Whatever the surface, choose one that can't be damaged.
Count out loud at first. Slowly. The movement must become a reflex before becoming a tool.
WHAT THE SUMMARY DOESN'T COVER
The precise detail of each count, movement by movement, position by position.
Managing transitions between four- and six-count mid-session.
Progression advice — on a fixed target, then on a clothed partner, then on bare skin. Grip variations.
And above all: how to read your partner's body to adjust in real time.
All of this is in the complete guide, with visual cues and demonstration videos.
WHAT ADRYX SAYS
The Florentine is a dance. Not a display of virtuosity.
At a certain stage of training, you'll forget the movement. You'll stop counting. That's when you'll be truly connected to your partner — and that's all that matters.
Practise until you're sure of your precision. Your partner's safety depends on it.
The complete guide and video training are available on adryx-creations.com
Have fun and play safe.
All of this is in the complete guide, with visual cues and demonstration videos.
WHAT ADRYX SAYS
The Florentine is a dance. Not a display of virtuosity.
At a certain stage of training, you'll forget the movement. You'll stop counting. That's when you'll be truly connected to your partner — and that's all that matters.
Practise until you're sure of your precision. Your partner's safety depends on it.
The complete guide and video training are available on adryx-creations.com
Have fun and play safe.
EXTRACT FROM THE FLORENTINE PRACTICE COMIC
