Posted by James Maxwell on Thursday, November 19, 2009,
While getting a new perspective on a variety of subjects at 230 in the morning, I came up with a drill that may be beneficial to you. One of the cool things about a small space with a whip is you have to control where the whip goes. Unless you want to break something and I don't recommend that. This works best with a short whip, I was using a 4' bullwhip but a snake or signal whip would work just as well. The drill itself is pretty simple, sidearm, overhead, reverse scoop. The trick is to get... Continue reading ...
Posted by James Maxwell on Wednesday, November 18, 2009,
This is the first part in an installment on what to look for in a whip website for those thinking of buying a whip on the internet. The following comes from copy I pulled of a now defunct website, www.texasbullwhips.com. I'll let the text speak for itself.
We mentioned that we would dispel some "Myths" that are floating around regarding BULLWHIPS and their USE....MYTH:It is best to start with a 6 Ft. whip if you are a beginner because it will be easier to crack. FACT: A 6 Ft. is great for a ch... Continue reading ...
Posted by James Maxwell on Thursday, November 12, 2009,
The annual Indygear Summit was held as usual at the RMS Queen Mary this last weekend. Here is some video. Look for Anthony, Mary and Kendall at around 7:30.
Posted by James Maxwell on Tuesday, November 10, 2009,
"What is a good first whip?" This question comes up time and time again. And no one had put an answer out there that in my opinion was really useful. And that is how the whip manifesto was was born. It seems most everyone has seen it. And opinions are divided. But it has served it's purpose which is twofold. To answer the question "What is a good first whip?" and to get people thinking. So without further ado, I present my Whip Manifesto, Parts 1 and 2.
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Posted by James Maxwell on Friday, November 6, 2009,
This has always been a bugger for me. So I cued up my copy of Mastering the Bullwhip, grabbed a 4' whip and followed along with Anthony. It always surprises me that starting again is sometimes the easiest way to learn. I like this style of reverse crack because it allows for wonderful accuracy and keeps the whip behind you only momentarily. It is a wonderful example of stabbing vs. slashing in whip technique. I'll see if I can give you an idea about how to perform it. But to really get the nu... Continue reading ...
Posted by James Maxwell on Thursday, November 5, 2009,
I try to keep out of whip world politics. Okay I did star the "I was Banned from Whip Basics" group on Facebook but I did it of my own free will for reasons that make sense to me, those who can join understand too. But there is this thing about "The Truth" in the whip world. And how it varies from person to person. Very rarely are facts the reason for a whip truth. And it's sad. And all it takes is a little research on google and maybe a phone call and you'll have an answer first hand. We... Continue reading ...
Posted by James Maxwell on Wednesday, November 4, 2009,
While at David Morgan's retail shop in Bothell, Washington I saw a copy of Dante's book. So on a whim I picked it up. For starters it's a sturdy book, good for throwing in a whip bag without having to worry about bending a cover. At 158 pages it's obvious that the Guinness record holder has put some great thought in this book and it shows. Let's take a look at the Chapter List: 1. The Pelimaries 2. Let's Get Cracking 3. How to Pick the Right Whip 4.Techniques to Safely Improve Your Style 5.Maintai... Continue reading ...
Posted by James Maxwell on Wednesday, November 4, 2009,
While preparing to go train with Kendall in Portland, I got bored. This is a 4' Louie Foxx bullwhip, my first ever kangaroo hide whip. The method of cracking it I got from Royce Vallejo, a student of David Morgans.
Posted by James Maxwell on Wednesday, November 4, 2009,
As you can see I sell my poppers on this site, the same ones I use. I'm always testing and trying them out, trying to get the right combination for the right whip. I'm doing some weekly maintenance on the whips and changing out poppers is part of that. My stock whip, made by fellow Montanan Greg DeSaye has had a lightweight standard on it for the longest time. The whip is kinda light weight and I figured that that a popper of lighter weight would be a nice match. Tonight I changed it out ... Continue reading ...
Posted by James Maxwell on Wednesday, November 4, 2009,
One thing I'd like to point out is that I'm still learning. Learning is everything when you develop a skill. Pushing yourself out side of your comfort zone will allow you to explore more and expand that comfort zone. In my whip skill set this pushing includes working a stock whip, Australian style cracking, and more advanced compound throws. It's tough for me to push to learn these things but it makes me a better whip artist. If someone shows up with their grandfathers stockwhip and want ... Continue reading ...
Posted by James Maxwell on Tuesday, November 3, 2009,
In these pages I'll chart my whip progress and any thoughts I have that pertain to whips and the whip world in general. Expect a smattering of martial arts technique, maybe some talk about film and movies too. Until then, Stay Safe, Practice.
I'm the founder and CEO of SuperSonic Consulting, my attempt to teach whips to others in a structured format. I love teaching my friends and associates but it has become of dream of mine to teach everyone and spread the gospel of whip artistry around the Pacific Northwest. I'm a son, a boyfriend, an instructor, an engineer, a learner and a dreamer.
