Just a few words about Anthony Delongis
Posted: Wed May 28, 2008 3:04 pm
Hi all
I just wanted to say a few words about Anthony DeLongis.
I was out in LA a couple of weeks ago and while I was there Anthony invited me out to his ranch. Well I wasn't really prepared to go out there as I was in the middle of a trade show but I did want to meet him in person as we had been talking back and forth on the phone for a while. I made him one of my "Viper" fighting whips. So I rented a car a drove out there on Sunday evening. I arrived at about 8:30 pm and was met by Anthony at the bottom of the hill he guided me up to the house which is about 2 miles away up a very steep dirt road. It's a good thing too because some of the road is very narrow and bordered on each side by very long drop. On the way we stopped by his friend David Baker's house to pick him up because Anthony wanted us to meet. David is a sword and weapon maker for the movies he does some fantastic work. At any rate we get up to the house and we are met by Anthony's wife Mary who is a wonderfully sweet woman and a very charming hostess. The four of us went out to the gazebo Anthony and I smoked cigars while David enjoyed his pipe we had a few drinks and told all sorts of stories and tales from our past. It was great fun and loads of laughs. The view from that Gazebo is fantastic even if it was dark out. I can only imagine how wonderful it would be in the light of day.
While Mary went into the house to get dinner started Anthony and I started showing off whips and got into a bit of cracking and sharing techniques. It turns out we both share fundamentally the same way of throwing a bullwhip. I must say that while it is not exactly the same technique that some would say is the "right" way,... what ever that means ... Anthony's way of throwing a bullwhip is perfect for film work. It is very accurate and keeps the whip in frame which is very import. Also it is very well suited for martial arts use as well. I would say it is far more accurate than most ways, because while most performers will cut targets out of someones hand that are 6 inches long using a standard circus crack Anthony's technique will give you the pin point accuracy that will allow you to cut a 1/2 inch target out of someones hand ... if you so desire.
We got so involved sharing back and forth we where like a couple of school kids it was loads of fun so much so that we both totally missed the dinner service. When we finally got inside to eat Mary and David had already finished. LOL Our sharing was non stop all through dinner both of us talking with our mouths full and just having a great time doing it.
After that it was getting pretty late and I had to get going so Anthony guided me back down the hill and we parted with a promise to do it again.
I didn't get back to the hotel until about 2am but I must say it was time well spent. Anthony is a true "man's, man" very down to earth and very easy going as well as being an absolute Master at what he does he is very genuine and just a hoot to hang out with. If you ever want to learn how to use a whip, sword, knife ore just about any other type of weapon I suggest you get in touch with Anthony and book a visit to the Rancho Indalo - http://www.delongis.com/indalo/index.html. You won't regret it and the memories will stay with you forever. Not to mention you will be learning from the best in the business.
Now I have to get back to making your whips. Just thought I would share this with you all.
All the best
Victor Tella
http://www.SnakeWhip.com
I just wanted to say a few words about Anthony DeLongis.
I was out in LA a couple of weeks ago and while I was there Anthony invited me out to his ranch. Well I wasn't really prepared to go out there as I was in the middle of a trade show but I did want to meet him in person as we had been talking back and forth on the phone for a while. I made him one of my "Viper" fighting whips. So I rented a car a drove out there on Sunday evening. I arrived at about 8:30 pm and was met by Anthony at the bottom of the hill he guided me up to the house which is about 2 miles away up a very steep dirt road. It's a good thing too because some of the road is very narrow and bordered on each side by very long drop. On the way we stopped by his friend David Baker's house to pick him up because Anthony wanted us to meet. David is a sword and weapon maker for the movies he does some fantastic work. At any rate we get up to the house and we are met by Anthony's wife Mary who is a wonderfully sweet woman and a very charming hostess. The four of us went out to the gazebo Anthony and I smoked cigars while David enjoyed his pipe we had a few drinks and told all sorts of stories and tales from our past. It was great fun and loads of laughs. The view from that Gazebo is fantastic even if it was dark out. I can only imagine how wonderful it would be in the light of day.
While Mary went into the house to get dinner started Anthony and I started showing off whips and got into a bit of cracking and sharing techniques. It turns out we both share fundamentally the same way of throwing a bullwhip. I must say that while it is not exactly the same technique that some would say is the "right" way,... what ever that means ... Anthony's way of throwing a bullwhip is perfect for film work. It is very accurate and keeps the whip in frame which is very import. Also it is very well suited for martial arts use as well. I would say it is far more accurate than most ways, because while most performers will cut targets out of someones hand that are 6 inches long using a standard circus crack Anthony's technique will give you the pin point accuracy that will allow you to cut a 1/2 inch target out of someones hand ... if you so desire.
We got so involved sharing back and forth we where like a couple of school kids it was loads of fun so much so that we both totally missed the dinner service. When we finally got inside to eat Mary and David had already finished. LOL Our sharing was non stop all through dinner both of us talking with our mouths full and just having a great time doing it.
After that it was getting pretty late and I had to get going so Anthony guided me back down the hill and we parted with a promise to do it again.
I didn't get back to the hotel until about 2am but I must say it was time well spent. Anthony is a true "man's, man" very down to earth and very easy going as well as being an absolute Master at what he does he is very genuine and just a hoot to hang out with. If you ever want to learn how to use a whip, sword, knife ore just about any other type of weapon I suggest you get in touch with Anthony and book a visit to the Rancho Indalo - http://www.delongis.com/indalo/index.html. You won't regret it and the memories will stay with you forever. Not to mention you will be learning from the best in the business.
Now I have to get back to making your whips. Just thought I would share this with you all.
All the best
Victor Tella
http://www.SnakeWhip.com
I remember telling somebody, "That's the last guy that tried to get up to Anthony's place..." And of course Anthony came down in his big 4x4 to pick us up and bring us up the hill. He's definitely a "man's man" though, and he just radiates with kindness and I don't think I'll ever meet a more down to earth man. He's also very patient and when he watches you crack, if he sees you make just the slightest error, he'll kindly point it out and ask you to try again. Very patient teacher, and very very knowledgable. You really missed out on a great view though! During the day, it's gorgeous! 