Simulating Rhythmic Catches notation system

Daniel Simu - 2026-07-11 15:45:29 UTC #

Simulating Rhythmic Catches notation system

Hi guys, long time no speak (here at the edge).

Frustrated with the limitations of siteswaps, I wrote a new notation system 4 years ago that generates ladder diagrams, which I call Rhythmic Catches (RC). I theorized it could be useful for simulating more complex patterns, but I did not have the ability or free time to write such a simulator, so it remained just a theory.

But this week, I tried to vibecode it, with much more success than anticipated! It's still in early stages, but the tool below allows you to:

• Parse RC notation
• View the pattern as a editable table
• View the pattern as a ladder diagram
• Play the pattern in a simulator
• Simulate throws, hits and holds from hands, feet, knees, heads, elbows, and many more body parts
• Convert siteswap to RC
• Try out loads of example patterns, some with reference videos
• Learn about how RC works through an extensive explainer and a helpful cheatsheet
• And much more!

It's still a work in progress, the siteswap converter is not yet complete, the animator makes some mistakes, and I'd love to add my other notation system for body throws (IMBO) to this tool too, but that's gonna take a bit more work.

Play with it here in your browser: https://hapiel.github.io/rhythmic-catches/

I'd love for your input and feedback.

For more background about this notation system and why there is a need for yet another one, my thesis lines it all out in detail https://danielsimu.nl/research/ , or for an overview, my 30m presentation on the topic flies through it: https://youtu.be/-J63WKB7Cog

See you at EJC?

Daniel