Why is Mettle Ball Run?
The most common question I am met with in life is "why?"
Why are you juggling across the country?
Why do you spin rifles?
Why don't you do this? Why don't you do that?
Why is this so important to you?
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If I'm being honest, I don't know that my answers are ever good enough.
I've learned to trust my intuition when it comes to the way I lead my life.
In most cases, I don't have any idea what the outcome of my choices will be.
However, the result of trusting my instincts seems to consistently be positive beyond my expectations.
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So if you're wondering why I'm embarking on the Mettle Ball Run adventure, I'll have a better answer for you when it's over and done.
Flow & Rifle Flow
The spectrum of artistic expression is boundless. Where we find ourselves within it is guided by what moves us emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and physically. This is a multi-dimensional space in which we are discovered not only by what we do, but also how, where, when, and why. In the same way that each and every individual physically moves differently (posture, gait, mannerisms, etc.), so too can each individual express their thoughts and feelings distinctly and uniquely.
Many Martial Arts exist with the intent of forming a better connection between mind, body, and soul. To sit still and meditate in order to see and understand the movement of one’s own soul is boring and tiresome. Instead, we may express the movement of our soul with our body. The most effective means of individual artistic expression can and will be determined only by each individual, even if unfocused on physical movement.
There are three main types of Art.
Visual Arts include paintings, sculptures, movies, literature, architecture, and more.
Musical Arts include all genres of music along with movie and video game scoring.
Movement Arts include Dancing, Martial Arts, Tricking, Acrobatics, Gymnastics, Aerial Silks, Flow Arts, and many other practices.
If Visual Arts are how we fill space and Musical Arts are how we fill time, Movement Arts are the most effective means of filling both.
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This has been quite a preamble to arrive here. So what is Rifle Flow?
Rifle Flow is just another Movement Art. It is a means of physically expressing ourselves artistically while our prop of choice just happens to be a rifle. Regardless of your demographical background in rifle spinning, the fact remains that you, myself, and many others from all walks of life and geographical positions like spinning rifles.
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So what is the functional difference between Rifle Flow and Rifle Exhibition Drill?
Check out the article below for my assessment.
The difference between
"Drill" and "Rifle Flow"
Modern rifle spinning has evolved far beyond its origins. Much like how modern color guards branched out from marching bands, Rifle Exhibition Drill has transformed. Originally, it was rooted in strict Drill and Ceremony—think dignitary escorts, military honors, and formal service teams. However, the way we define Rifle Flow today is a distinct departure from those rigid traditions.Our practice changes every year, moving further away from conventional military maneuvers.
Over the last decade, the term “Street Drill” emerged to describe this style, but even that fails to capture the true essence of our craft. When we mention “exhibition drill” or “military-style spinning,” most people immediately picture honor guards and Hollywood tropes like Major Payne or Cadet Kelly. Those associations don't reflect what we actually do. Our “Solo Rifle Exhibition Drill” is an extreme, world-class movement art that is artistic, daring, and often functions as a subculture. None of its core qualities align with the traditional activities people assume we represent.
The real distinction lies in the concept of “Solo.” While people recognize drill teams in various forms, simply adding “solo” doesn't fix the naming problem. Whether it's solo drill or military-style exhibition, the same old-fashioned impression remains.
To understand why, look at the four common types of Drill Teams:
1. Military Drill Teams performing routines based on official manual of arms.
2. Dance Drill Teams prioritizing precision choreography without weapons.
3. Teams using flags or pom-poms with a heavy gymnastics influence.
4. Mounted or mobile units using everything from horses to garbage bins.
Furthermore, the word “Drill” itself has fifteen different meanings, ranging from power tools and dentistry to military training, emergency rehearsals, boring holes for oil, and even types of fabric or mollusks. What we do is clearly not just “drill.”
Continuing to use that word forces us into clunky descriptions like “Military Style Solo Rifle Exhibition Drill.” Those terms might be accurate in specific historical venues, but in modern spheres, what we do is a Movement Art—specifically, Rifle Flow. Our prop is the rifle, but our focus is artistic expression.
This is why we are seeing the rise of Competitive Rifle Flow. These three words provide a clear, modern framework for events like The Global Rifle Flow Competition, Drill Dojo, and the Rifle Flow Games. We are currently in the early stages of separating these two worlds, but the gap is undeniable. While spinning rifles is a widespread skill, is a 5-minute routine restricted by military bearing really the peak of creativity? Definitely not. There are countless incredible movements that are discarded in traditional settings for being too “Avant Garde.”
Both cultures have their place and their audience, but it is vital that we update our language and standards. Defining Rifle Flow properly allows both the traditional and the artistic sides of this activity to reach their full potential.
My name is Neriah Guerin
I have been a student of the arts for over 15 years as of now.
I began in music. Guitar, Bass, Bass Guitar, Ukulele, Violin, simple things.
In time, I came to discover that my passion as an artist was more deeply rooted in performing arts.
I joined my JROTC Drill Team, Marching Band Color Guard, Winter Guard, and then the Air Force Drill Team.
I went on to be a performing member of New Guard America, a member of The Street Elite, a student of circus arts, and a member of River City Drill- The most decorated Rifle Exhibition Drill Team in the world. I've earned my five World Championship titles under several of these banners and will continue to pursue more.
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I write this just weeks ahead of the start of Mettle Ball Run, a project that will take me across the country, on foot, juggling the entire way.
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I don't know what experiences, lessons, or trials are ahead of me.
However, I move Forward with the certainty of someone who has fallen deeply in love with the creative endeavor that is my life, for better or worse.