Club Obi Wan

Can any of you whipcracking experts watch the video of my overhead crack at IndyGear and give me some constructive criticism?

http://www.indygear.com/gear/whip_overhead_crack.shtml

Thanks!
GreatRankini

Hey man,

Sorry to keep you waiting! I watched the little video clip six times, mainly b/c I'm stuck at work and wishing desperately that I could be outside cracking the whip.

I've been cracking whips since I was 14. Now 24, I am a little set in my ways, so bear with me if you think that certain tips are not your style.

It looks like you have good form and you seem to be hitting the marks just fine. I found it very interesting that you seem to resemble Indy from the Fate of Atlantis game when he cracks the whip at the jungle animal. This is a compliment by the way.

What I like about your overhead technique is the fact that you're not forcing the whip around, and it is obvious that you're letting it do all the work, which is very good. I think my only concern is presentation. Your arm looks a bit loose in the spins, and with your rigid stance combined, it seems like the energy isn't there.

I was always from the Cairo school of thought, which was to throw a little momentum into it, as if evil Arab swordsmen are trying to kill you. When I bring the whip up into the spin, I throw my right leg forward slightly, almost like stepping out a little, for some reach and extra punch. Also, I have gotten into the habit of giving it a single rapid spin and then, BOOM! Take note, this speed is not applied to the crack itself, as I do not want to damage the whip. This force is only applied in the setup.

I understand that you are presenting a demo for others to learn from, so the multiple twirls are part of the presentation and I am glad to see that you have put so much effort into this page.

I hope to see a few more of these demos soon. Great work!

IF

Great Rankini,

It looks to me as though you are changing the plane of motion with your arm. Instead of keeping the whip horizontal throughout this crack, you change the direction and the plane of motion when doing your cutback. With this crack, you should be able to crack the whip in a wide range, from out to your left front, to your right rear. Keep the whip moving in the same plane of motion, and think of this crack as being the same as the forward crack, but tipped 90 degrees and over your head.

And, slow down. You can do this and just about any other crack at a very slow speed. Slowing down helps you identify a better form, or what it is you are doing wrong.

Best Regards,

Paul Stenhouse

All of what I said above, but also, keep the handle more horizontal, as well. Don't treat it like those older party favors that you spin around on a stick and they ratchet and make noise.

Just keep practicing and do it slowly at first. You can see more of what you are doing, and what you should be changing.

Good Luck,

Paul Stenhouse