Customer Reviews

The Filipino Fighting Whip: Advanced Training Methods and Combat Applications

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

First of all, let me preface this by saying I do not consider myself a martial artist. I have done theatrical and recreational swordplay and combat, and have some background in Tai Chi and Kendo, but nothing serious. I can look good taking a fake punch and know one end of a sword and knife from the other, but in a real fight. I'm useless.

I have, however been training with professional instructor, Gery Deer in the art of bullwhip for competition, sport and performance for almost two years now. The performance style Gery teaches is in the style of Alex Green, (legendary Hollywood stunt person and whip master on Mask of Zorro and whip coach on "Catwoman" with Halle Berry,) and is quite different than that of Anthony DeLongis, the martial artist and performer who has worked extensively with the author, Tom Meadows, and is mentioned often in the book.

That said, I found the book to be a great wealth of knowledge on physics, history, and martial application of the bullwhip, as well as an in-depth study of the Eastern approach to bullwhip skills, (as opposed to the western style of Australia, Europe and the Old West.) It's a fascinating read and I found exactly what I was looking for in it, (the flow of Chi through the whip, and the meditative kata approach the author attributes to Master Ron Kew.) I plan on applying some of the escrima techniques and drills Meadows applys to the whip in my own practice.

Bear in mind, this is NOT a beginners guide to whip cracking, and I think the only reason I followed many of Meadows' descriptions is my already strong familiarity with the flow of a good whip, (I own whips by two of the makers mentioned in his book.) I am not blaming Mr. Meadows for this shortcoming, since as I mentioned, i am no martial artist, and have only a smattering of experience with Escrima or the kali arts his techniques are based upon. He is writing this book as a martial artist for other martial artists.

I feel that individuals experienced in the Kali and Arnis techniques mentioned will benefit greatly from this text, and learn to love the flow of the whip as much as I have.

But if you're not a martial artist and are just getting started, I highly recommend Andrew Conway's "The Bullwhip Book," (also available on Amazon,) as a good way to get started. Then, when you've mastered the techniques described in Conway's book, and want to take your skills to another level, or explore new styles and applications, then this is a very good read!

Great book with alot to offer anyone who is thinking of adding the bullwhip to their martial arts arsinal.

This is an excellent and complete guide to Filipino whip fighting technique, whips and their maintenance. It also gives a brief, but very complete, overview of Filipino fighting systems.