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New!
Bullwhip Artistry / Fighting Whip study group
Image from WikipediaSifu says.........
"When I was younger, I was intrigued by movies such as 'Indiana Jones', 'Zorro',
and the old Lash LaRue movies, and was awed by the use of the bullwhip, not only
as a tool for moving stock but as a targeting tool that required precision. I was introduced
to a Shaolin bullwhip form at a seminar in the East Coast in the late 90's and got interested,
but didn't revive the interest till a few years ago. Through practice, study, and referencing the techiques with martial arts, I learned that strength and speed does NOT make the whip crack.
Instead, timing, proper form, and precise lines are what makes a clean crack of the whip.......all elements of good martial arts.
I've found that training with the whip has greatly improved my martial arts practice through learning how the body moves *with*the whip instead of merely trying to control it with the only the arm....."
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With that, Sifu DeJesus started a monthly study group in January of 2011, so that she can share her love of "whip artistry". Participants will learn the safety precautions, basic "cracks", techniques, multiple crack patterns, "spins", and basic targeting.
Plus, it would be great for Sifu Restita to have others to practice
alongside with (so much more fun to practice with others!). This group will meet once a month, on the 3rd sunday of each month unless there is a meditation gathering that had been rescheduled.
This monthly class is free, however donations are gladly accepted for the use of the studio on off-hours.
For
participant's first few gatherings, Sifu will have available some low
cost "costume" whips to get introduced to the proper form of the basic
cracks, however each interested participant will be responsible for
eventually obtaining their own personal whip.
Sifu loves both the
Bullwhip and the stock whip, and participants may choose which they would prefer
to purchase as their own personal whip. After learning the basic
"cattlemen's crack" with good form and timing, participants may try
Sifu's personal whips to get a feel of what they'd prefer. Starter 6
foot or 8 foot bullwhips may cost between $30 (for lower quality whips)
and $150 (for good quality, balanced starter whips). Believe it or not,
very high quality whips made by well known master whip makers, may range anywhere from $300 to
above $800!
Keep in mind, that whips are not toys, and proper safety gear must be
used while learning the whip. Wide brimmed hat and safety goggles are a
MUST for beginners. Long sleeved sweatshirts or a sturdy denim or
leather jacket (or any other jacket), long pants (NO shorts!) and sturdy
shoes should also be worn. Ear plugs are a good idea for indoor whip cracking, and sturdy gloves (leather gardening gloves or
fencing gloves work great) are optional, in case of "snap back" or
accidental arm wraps and "licks".
After learning the basic "cracks", participants will be introduced to basic "flashes", or multiple whip crack combinations. Footwork and angulation techniques will be blended into the combinations, allowing the participants to experience more fluidity, flow, and the skills needed to create their own "flashes" or even "Kata" (routine or form). The use of the whip as a martial arts tool will also be explored.
Due to the martial aspects of the whip that will be taught, this group is open to those
ages 14 and older. However, kids under 14 years old may attend only with
parent's permission and Sifu DeJesus' authorization. If there is enough of an interest with our
younger martial arts students with previous bullwhip experience, Sifu
will most likely host a bi-monthly practice session just for the younger
ones. Due to space constraints, we are limited to 12 people maximum for
our group's sessions. More people will be welcome in the summer months
when we find a suitable outdoor practice area.
She will then reply with reminders on what safety gear to bring for the sessions. She'd like to start the group's meetings January 16th at 5 pm........ .let's get this group going, and let's get crackin'!
Click the button below to reserve your spot in the Whip Study Group! She will then reply with reminders on what safety gear to bring for the sessions. Group limited to 12 participants at this time (7 spots currently open).
Click to register
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Great places where you can purchase your first whip(s)!
* Note: Good whip lengths for adult beginners should be between 6 to 8 feet. Some whipmakers count the handle as part of the length, some makers count only the thong (the plaited part of the whip not counting the handle). Keep in mind that just because you're taller, doesn't necessarily mean you need a longer whip.....regardless of length, timing and proper form are the keys to good whip work. 6 foot whips are a good length to start with as it is long enough for you to "feel" the lines and movements of the whip through throws and crack combinations, yet not so short as to move too quickly.
NYLON BULLWHIPS AND SNAKEWHIPS
http://www.happycracking.com
High quality custom-made nylon bullwhips and snakewhips by Ryan Galdamez. I highly recommend his bullwhips if you'd like a nylon whip (which is almost maintenance-free in comparision to leather!). His 4 or 5 foot bullwhips work wonderfully for martial arts fighting whip applications, as well as for "happy cracking", of course!. His whips come in 4, 5 or 6 foot lengths and range in price from $68 to $98.....Very affordable, and you can get single color or custom color combinations! He's on Twitter too: HappyCracking on Twitter
http://neawhips.com/catalyst.aspx
Steve Huntress of Noreast Whips also makes a great nylon bullwhip suitable for beginners who are getting started in whip cracking but want a budget-minded whip that still performs like a much more expensive whip. His beginners whip, called "The Catalyst", only comes in the 6 foot length and has less customization options. However, for a starter whip, this is a good choice too.
LEATHER BULLWHIPS
http://www.wildwestwhips.com
Well known whip artist Robert Dante is the owner of Wild West Whips. If you want to purchase a leather bullwhip as your first sport cracking and target whip, Mr. Dante offers high quality whips at very affordable prices for the newcomer to whip artistry. His whips come in 4, 5, 6, 8, and 10 foot lengths and range in price from $66 to $147. Keep in mind these are real (goat) leather, hence the slightly higher price than nylon whips. I suggest a 6 foot whip for beginners.
NYLON "AUSSIE STYLE" STOCK WHIPS
http://www.stockmansupply.com/whip3-stock.html
If the stock whip suits your fancy, Greg DeSaye of Stockman Supply, offers custom-made nylon stockwhips would be great for the beginner. His stock whips come in 3, 4, 5/12, 6 1/2, 7 1/2, and 9 foot lengths (thong only, NOT counting the long handle), and range in price between $75 and $115.
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** If you absolutely cannot afford the above custom made whips, here are some less-costly whips....however remember, you get what you pay for. Lesser costing whips may be harder to crack, which could result in using bad form to make up for the whip's shortcomings. However, they're okay to start with while you're saving up for one of the whips from the above mentioned whipmakers.
BUDGET WHIPS
Ebay budget 4 plait bullwhip by "jrzjoe": http://snipurl.com/1swvcf
While an easy modification to the whip fall is needed for optimal cracking ability, these are affordable starter whips. However, they are not balanced or don't have a weighted core and you'll need to remind yourself to pay attention to *proper form* to crack this whip, instead of using overt speed and strength.
Another budget bullwhip: http://www.bulwhip.com/shop/item.aspx?itemid=27
Budget stock whip: http://www.bulwhip.com/shop/item.aspx?itemid=7
These only come in 6, 8, or 10 foot lengths. Not recommended for young kids as the whip would be too heavy and too long.
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