I’m sort of in the same boat. In 1a im working on cold fusion, iron/jade whip, and starting to get into wrist mount combos. But I love the idea of 5a. I agree with the general consensis of this thread. 1a is your basic play style. I don’t think you have to master it, but everything you learn (save 2a) will stem from 1a play. As someone who still is just starting on serious yoyoing, I have to recommend continuing with 1a training. That doesn’t mean stop working on 5a untill you can do the ladder, I’m just saying respect the basics. You gotta crawl before you can run.