Club Obi Wan

I've just found a studio that will allow me to practice with my 10ft DM indoors. Very handy with all the rain we get here. The thing is, I've never used a whip inside before, so I was wondering if there are any dos and don'ts regarding indoor whip usage - I'm scared I might damage it the first time I try this!

Just don't hit anything or anybody! That's about it... if the floor is smooth, or it's that rubber plastic stuff that they have in martial arts studios, you should be fine. As long as the carpet isn't made of sandpaper...

It'll be louder in there though. You may want to bring ear protection. I wouldn't, but I'm crazy.

Shane

Thanks for your reply, McFly! The floor is made of rectangular wooden tiles. It looks quite old and well used, so I assume it's smooth.

Lucky dog! Yet another member that has a studio all to himself!

Satipo,

Congrats on having an indoor space available, I think you have the envy of many. I know I wish I had an indoor area to practice, especially during the winter.

Shane made a good point, it is going to be very loud in there. Definitely bring ear protection, and I would suggest using much less power, and taking this opportunity to fine tune your technique and form. And be aware of anyone else that may be in the room without ear protection while you practice.

Have fun and enjoy it! You Lucky Dog

Regards,

Paul Nolan
www.midwestwhips.com

As a teacher, I have access to my school's cafetorium where I frequently practice.

I actually prefer to practice indoors in order to avoid prying eyes and ears, and to reduce inquiries from the local constabulary. Plus, its cooler during the summer.

Just make sure there is plenty of clear space all around, including above you, and no impediments-human or otherwise.

I do not find the sound to be an issue.

I guess I am quite lucky, especially considering it's just at the end of my road - I just moved. Thanks for all the advice, guys. I'll be trying it out tomorrow, I reckon. I don't plan to crack loudly, as I'm still breaking my DM in - I've had a long spell of upheaval this year and this is my first opportunity to do some practice.

I preferred place of practice is my Martial arts school.
I just wait until everyone has left and I have the whole place to myself.
if youve seen any of my lil youtube videos youll see what i mean:

http://www.youtube.com/profile_videos?user=Shagbd

Im an instructor there so i have free reign to come and go as i please, but again i just make sure im the only one there.
SOund.... um... WHAT'd you say?!
YEH its VERY loud! ALOT different than outside, but as paul says no need to POWER crack anyway...
The floor in our school is the foam pad stuff and i have seen no adverse effects on my whips...
The floor is still dirty sometimes so the whitehide falls will get dirty just not as bad as outside in the grass.

have fun and congrats on your newfound whip crackin arena!

McFly wrote:Just don't hit anything or anybody! That's about it... if the floor is smooth, or it's that rubber plastic stuff that they have in martial arts studios, you should be fine. As long as the carpet isn't made of sandpaper...

It'll be louder in there though. You may want to bring ear protection. I wouldn't, but I'm crazy.

Shane

+1 on that Shane. Indoor whip cracks can be very loud. I've started using ear/eye pro again. I think I may have lost a minute amount of hearing from cracking my whip. But also it could be I'm getting old. lol!

Well, that went very well. Great fun! No damage done - to me or the whip! I didn't go mad on the cracks. Was gently swinging it through the different planes more than anything. I know my technique isn't great right now, but I reckon it still needs a lot more breaking in as it doesn't seem to roll out to a crack easily. It also seems to have a couple of kinks which stop it falling straight. Definitely a long way from being as rope-like as the ones I see in all your excellent videos.

Someone once told me when I first started cracking whips, "You'll be surprised at how the quality of workmanship on your whip seems to improve, as your technique progresses." Gee he was right! It's amazing how my "poorly" made Strain magically started cracking better, as I practiced more with it.

bluzharp wrote:Someone once told me when I first started cracking whips, "You'll be surprised at how the quality of workmanship on your whip seems to improve, as your technique progresses." Gee he was right! It's amazing how my "poorly" made Strain magically started cracking better, as I practiced more with it.

Fair enough! If my whip could speak, it'd probably moan about my technique.