The Half Moon Switch is taken from Capoeira, the Meia Lua Compasso.
In the context of locomotion it can be used more as a leg sweep to generate momentum, or to transition from standing to low gait patterns.
low gait
Lizard Crawl
This pattern enables you to traverse the ground as low as possible.
To get to the final stage takes a lot of work and progressions are to be respected to build up the physical attributes necessary to perform.
It is important to understand the contra-lateral pattern (opposite hand, opposite foot) motion from the beginning.
Sit to Squat
A transition pattern you can use to bridge between the deep squat position, to enter the floor.
It can be a great tool to learn how to support your weight with your hands behind you, and to understand how important rotational force can be make movements smoother. Connecting the hips, legs and hands in a rotational pattern will allow you to land softly and get back up easier.
Rotational L-sit
This is a low gait pattern which transforms the L-sit from gymnastics/calisthenics into a dynamic movement.
It also has similarities to a b-boy airflare.
Tips
Practice the leg motion first, push the ground behind you away so the legs become lighter.
Point your toes to the sky
Dragon Step
The dragon step is taken from Wushu, 歇步 (Xie Bu - “resting stance”).
The dragon step is a great way to condition the lower body in an unusual position. The pivot transition also teaches how to shift your weight in rotation on the ball of your feet.
The arms should not be forgotten, they provide momentum to make the pivot easier.
Build strength with a curtsy squat
Progress by performing from standing, then from deep squat, keeping hips low.
Side Monkey
The side monkey is a foundational movement which develops an understanding of;
counterbalance between the leading arm and trailing leg
pressing strength
utilising hands as supports
Recommended Progressions
Side Hop
Side Hop - with hips pressed high
Side Monkey
Ape
Introduction
The Ape is a low gait pattern which allows you to traverse sideways but also spin direction.
A recommended progression is:
Two Handed Side Hop
Two Handed Ape
One Handed Ape
Two Handed Side Hop
Bear
Introduction
The above tutorial from GMB is an excellent entry into locomotion. You can view their full guide here.
The bear walk is a contralateral gait pattern which is performed with the hips high. This is different to the quadrupedal crawl, which shares similar gait patterns but the hips are kept low.
With the hips stacked high, it reduces loading on the wrists and shoulders and so is a good introduction to becoming comfortable with using hands as support.
Variations
Rolê
History
The Rolê or Step-Over is derived from Capoeira. In the game, opponents evade each other in the Roda. Keeping eyes on the opponent during the movement allows them to traverse whilst knowing where their opponent is located.
Variations
View some beautiful variations performed by Farid Herrera to express more style into your Rolê:
Duck Walk
The duck walk is a low gait pattern which allows traversing with the hips low to the ground.
It is an effective tool to strengthen the lower body for locomotion work.
The duck walk can be progressed in the following stages:
Assisted knee to floor touches
Free Squat knee to floor touches
Basic Duck Walk (with or without hand support)
Advanced Duck Walk
Backwards Basic Duck Walk
Backwards Advanced Duck Walk
Frog
The frog is a basic fundamental low gait pattern which from squat, allows you to leap forward.
Variations
Straight arm versus bent arm
Leap length
Leap height
How deep the hands end up between your legs
Floating leap - leap into a press, then slow lower down.
Focus
The transfer of weight from the hands to the feet. How soft can you leap forward and land?