Club Obi Wan

Hi all –

I am pretty new to this forum and reintroducing myself to the bullwhip after about 25 years. I recently received my new Bernie whip (early xmas present from my kids). I love the whip. It is a 7-foot 16 plait whip with a 12 inch handle (not Indy style, I know…). Anyway I took it out for a few cracks this past weekend and did pretty well, considering. Just last night I went back out for a practice session and did not do very well. I realize I am new and it takes time. However, I have a couple of questions that I was hoping some of the experts out there can answer. I should also mention that I have been following the DeLongis style (using his two DVD’s, Mastering the Bullwhip). I love Anthony’s martial arts flowing style and would like to continue using his methods.

What is the best grip to use? Based on the De Longis DVD’s I have been using a fairly loose grip allowing the whip to adjust in my hand. This has allowed the whip to form the loop that Anthony describes in the instruction. Should I be restricting the whip from moving around too much in my hand? If I try any multiple cracks it seems that I need to use a more firm grip and not allow the whip to adjust to its natural flow.

I am not getting many cracks. I am sure it has a lot to do with my form but could it also be the fact that the whip is new and needs to be used a bit more to relieve the stiffness of the thong? The loop does not seem to be forming tightly but rather slashing through the air.

Sorry if these very basic questions and thanks to any of you out there that can help me with these questions!

Regards,

Pete

It's know keeping it loose or tight, it's knowing WHEN to keep it loose or tight. Make sure the whip is aligning and straightening before the next crack, or when your changing planes. And as he's so fond of saying "Go slow, do less". You'll figure it out

As hollywood pointed out, it's knowing when to tighten the grip and when to keep it loose. The thing to remember is this, keep it loose in your hand and when your arm is fully extended down the railroad track, squeeze your hand. This will cause the whip to remain in the correct plain and continue flowing in the correct direction. The last time I worked with Anthony, he compared it to fencing and after showing me how to use a saber, it all made a whole lot more sense and I've gotten much better at squeezing and not flicking the wrist.

Mike

Thanks, Guys! I'll keep working at it...

Do you worry about whether or not you are throwing against the curve as Anthony suggests? Especially on multiple cracks (such as fast figure eights). If so, how do you keep the whip aligned for that? I feel like the whip tends to swivel in my hand as I am swinging it, almost like it is aligning itself...

Thanks again!

Nope, not at all. For all the "hype" there has not come to light ONE documented case of damage because of it. It's more old school vs. new school for my money. And your right about the whip aligning itself. Funny how that works, isn't it? It should be noted however it is wise to use the with both with and against the curve. Knowing how it moves in both directions will allow you better control. I cut against the belly, and wrap with it. Just my preference. Use YOUR whip how YOU like to ;D

Hi Pete, sounds like you have gotten a great whip there.

In a way, Your looking for that even medium. The nice thing about the ball and socket grip like Anthony and I favor is that it keeps the connection to the whip loose and flexible when needed, but you can also tighten it up as needed. Learning when to stay loose and when to tighten up is something that comes with practice and feel, but it fits in the whole, drag, pull, push and squeeze technique talked about in the video.

Yes, A brand new whip thats really stiff can cause some issues when trying this stuff out. as the whip tends to want to go its own way until its broken in, just keep at it though.

I don't worry about throwing against the curve, some people are pretty adamant that this is harmful to the whip, but they can never provide the proof to back it up. In all the years I've been doing this, I've never had any problems with throwing against the curve. Agian though, It's good to lean and understand both with and against, it will make you a more well rounded whip handler.

Dan

Just keep practicing. HF said that " the first couple of weeks he just kept lashing the #### out of himself"

Nibs

Thanks to all...I had a good weekend of practice and am definitely improving (in addition to successfully upsetting the neighbors!). Anthony is right when he mentions that it is an effort in minimalism.

Thanks again for all the advice!

Pete