|
|
| About site: Whips - Whoosh: Whips in Xena Warrior Princess |
Return to Recreation also Recreation
|
| About site: http://www.whoosh.org/issue14/plunket2.html |
Title: Whips - Whoosh: Whips in Xena Warrior Princess Fanzine discusses the whips used in the television show, but focuses more on how to choose a whip, crack a whip, and tend to a whip. Offers related links.
|
|
|
|
|
All_Model_Building Plastic model building of all types with tips, and galleries.
| Batmaniak\'s_Model_Page_-_The_Vinyl_Frontier Built up vinyl, plastic, and resin figure model kits of comic book super heroes, villains, movie and fantasy characters, and monsters.
| CNC_Zone Discuss CNC machining, Cad/cam software, home maching, and provides a large photo gallery, and product reviews.
| Crabfu_Steam Gallery of pictures of various steam vehicles projects.
| Fantastic_Modeling An eclectic collection of miniature models including real and imaginary spacecraft, aircraft, fighting suits, vehicles, and dioramas.
| Fantastictool Process of development of a miniature designer who makes tabletop miniature figures with green-stuff. Includes gallery and links.
|
|
| Alexa statistic for http://www.whoosh.org/issue14/plunket2.html |
Please visit: http://www.whoosh.org/issue14/plunket2.html
|
| Related sites for http://www.whoosh.org/issue14/plunket2.html |
| GarrettsBridges_com__Model_Bridge_Design_Tips Tips and advice about designing and building model bridges from basswood and balsa. | | Glue-It_-_The_Home_of_Model_Making Covering all forms of model making. Articles, glossaries, club listings and full discussion pages. | | Hirst_Arts_Fantasy_Architecture Create your own castles and miniature stone buildings for wargaming terrain, dioramas, or model displays. | | In_Miniature Modelling resource. Includes articles, shopping links and events for all types of miniature modelling. | | iRail_co_uk Directory of model railroad sites in the United Kingdom and Ireland. | | Jim_Allan_Studio Miniature models, movie and TV sets, and airbrushed paintings. | | The_Miniature_World_of_Joe_Videki Dealing with creating, converting, sculpting and painting miniature historical figures. Canadian miniaturists personal homepage. | | Model_and_Collectors_Mart_Online Comprehensive resource of news, features, purchasing information and free classified advertising. (Registration required) | | The_Model_Makers_Resource Articles about modelling techniques and materials. | | My_Garage_Kit_Gallery Gallery of dinosaur models. | | Oriental_Model_Buses UK site for news, information and photographs of the fascinating and colourful diecast model Hong Kong buses produced by Corgi, EFE, Collector's Model, and ABC Models. | | Painted_Metal Here you can see some of the fantasy miniatures that Tor Olsson has painted. | | PEI_Engine_Works Builder of scale gas powered engines with over 40 years experience building gas powered scale working engines. | | Peter\'s_Model_Page Features photographs of plastic car models, focusing on the Volkswagen Golf IV. Includes galleries, shows, news and links. | | Rocky_Mountain_1/32_4WD_Mini_Racers Tamiya or O'kami 1/32 mini 4wd racing. In Denver, we are trying to start a club for Japan Slot Car racing or "Mini Yonku." Tamiya or O'kami battery powereed 1/32 scale mini 4wd racing. | | Skylab\'s_Hanger Gundam and anime models, with online gallery and tips section. | | Steam_Engines,_A_Gallery A personal collection of toy and miniature handmade steam engines from years of selective acquisitions. | | Tamiya_Cavite Mini 4WD battery powered race cars. | | Tamiya_Mini_4wd_World Offers tips on modifying your Tamiya, Okami - Mini 4wd racer. Loads of photos and ideas collected from other sites. | | Toy_Model_Talk Community, market place, and discussion about model trains, layout, diecast, action figure, and radio control toys. | | The_Automatic_Knife_Association Quarterly newsletter concerning history and new developments. | | The_Balisong_Times A wiki dedicated to information, news and reviews about Blisong knives, production and custom, past and present. | | Balisong_net Information for collectors and hobbyists about the Balisong, known as the Filipino butterfly knife. History and techniques included. | | British_Knife_Collectors_Guild Offers sale of sporting knives and collectible cutlery. Includes knife guide, catalog, and related links. | | Bryan_Sander\'s_Pocket_Knives_Guide Learn about collectable folders. Includes descriptions, illustrations, and tips for collectors. | | Busse_Museum Contains past and present models of Busse Knives. | | Case_Classics_Club History and photos regarding the 36 patterns of the "Case Classic Knives". | | The_Daemon\'s_Lair Personal sword collector page features photographs, stories, and information on a sword's historical and artistic value. | | Guild_Knives From the Don Guild Collection. Collector offers some of his current pieces for sale. | | IQKnives Investment grade knives, includes pieces by Loveless, Emerson, Steinau, Walker. | | Khukuri_House For handmade genuine Gurkha knives and original Nepalese khukuris. | | Markus_Blattner\'s_Gallery A gallery of custom and production knives with a focus on integral locking knives. | | Robert\'s_Spyderco_collection Features some old and discontinued models, reviews, and some Spyderco pins. | | AirNav__Airport_Information Detailed airport information, including all airport and navigational aid communications frequencies. | | BC245_Interface_Software Windows-based for remote control your Uniden Scanner BC-245XLT. Download. | | Capitol_Hill_Monitors Listings of federal and local government frequencies for Washington, DC, plus northern Virginia and suburban Maryland. | | FCC-WTB_Wireless_Telecommunications_Bureau Division of the FCC that regulates wireless communications. Contains databases that assist in identifying frequency information. | | FlightRadio_com_-_Aircraft_Frequencies Listing of aviation frequencies, plus links to live air-traffic control feeds. | | Live_Marine_Radio Discussion of monitoring of Coast Guard and Navy signals. Live audio signals are supplied when available. | | Live_Scanner_Broadcasts Live police, fire, emergency and airport scanner broadcasts. |
|
This is sites2007.com cache of m/ as retrieved on 2008.09.05 sites2007.com's cache is the snapshot that we took of the page as we crawled the web. The page may have changed since that time.
|
Whips in Xena: Warrior Princess
WHIPS IN
XENA:
WARRIOR
PRINCESS
IAXS PROJECT #356
By Donald Plunkett
Copyright © 1997 held by author
3337 words
What a Whip Can Do (01-03)
Parts of a Single Thong Whip (04-13)
Cracking the Whip (14-15)
Get a Good Whip (16-21)
Tending to Your Whip (22-23)
Instruction (24-30)
Forward Crack (31-34)
Straight Throws (35-36)
Circle Crack (37-38)
Wrap Cracks and Other Tricks (39-41)
Xena and Her Whip (42-44)
Websites (45)
Biography
Whips in Xena: Warrior Princess
What a Whip Can Do
Indiana Gabrielle, avec whip in
THE XENA SCROLLS (#34)
[01] Whips are as old as recorded history and
show up in the oldest artwork. Xena's whip in the show is
just a cheap prop. It is obviously very light weight to
avoid injuring the stuntmen. The whip used in THE XENA
SCROLLS (#34) looked to be real, however. It was in
the American bullwhip pattern and probably made by one of
the talented whipmakers in Australia.
[02] A real whip artist can break bottles, hit
targets the size of a quarter, or use the whip to grab
things. Australian ox drivers would flick flies off the ears
of the oxen without hitting the ear. Carriage drivers would
pick up lizards from the side of the road with the whip,
fling them in the air, and then cut them in half. All this
while the carriage was moving. Someone skilled with a whip
can take a series of thumbtacks driven partway into a wall
and either pull them out or drive them in as they wish.
[03] For purposes of this article I will only
discuss the single thong whip as opposed to the cat-o-nine
tails and its ilk.
Parts of a Single Thong Whip
[04] Starting at the tip is the "popper". That is
the string or cord that makes the crack. Because this part
of the whip gets the most abuse, it is easily replaced and
frays quickly.
[05] Next is the "fall". This is usually a single
strand of leather. On a well made whip designed for cracking
it is tapered.
[06] The "thong" is the body of the whip. A
well-made thong is braided with anywhere from 8 to 32 strips
or "plaits" of leather. Eight plait is the minimum for a
good whip and most run from 12 to 16 plait. Twenty plait or
more is usually just decorative.
[07] The "belly" of the whip is the filling in
the thong that gives it body and rounds it out. A well made
whip will actually have a belly of 4 to 6 plait leather.
[09] The "handle" determines what type of whip it
is.
[10] The "stock whip" uses a stiff handle of wood
or cane that is often connected to the thong by a swivel
arrangement, sometimes just a leather string. Xena's whip is
a stock whip. The stock whips were the most popular style in
Australia with handles up to several feet in length and
thongs up to 20 feet or more.
[11] The "blacksnake" or "shot whip" does not
really have a handle at all. The shot whip is flexible for
its entire length and is loaded with lead shot near the
handle to improve its handling characteristics. This style
was popular in the American northwest with people that were
used to using regular ropes as whips.
[12] The "bullwhip" has a short, stiff handle that
is braided into the thong. Bullwhips are typically American,
although the Aussies make some very good ones. Janice
Covington's whip was a bullwhip [THE XENA
SCROLLS (#34)].
[13] There are other styles of whip from other
parts of the world, but these are the most familiar.
Cracking the Whip
Janice Covington, about to let fly
in THE XENA SCROLLS (#34).
[14] The crack of a whip is made when the tip
exceeds the speed of sound. The tip is actually traveling
faster than most pistol bullets. It can cut flesh or break
bones, so safety is paramount. If you are using a whip
outdoors it can pick up gravel or stones and send them
flying as well. Whips need lots of room. Only use them in an
area with enough clearance for the length of the whip plus
the length of your arm in front, behind, to the sides, and
above you. Never use live assistants. Mechanical holders are
more reliable and last longer.
[15] If you are learning with a whip you will
pick up a few welts. Wear sturdy clothing and a hat. Safety
glasses are a must and are very inexpensive. You only get
one set of eyes. Proper technique will reduce the minor
injuries. A well-made whip will just about crack itself with
very little effort on your part. Throw it easily and follow
through. There is no need to force a whip as you would a
towel or rope. At the end of the throw do not pull it back
toward yourself like it was a towel. Let the whip do the
work.
Get a Good Whip
[16] A good whip will run several hundred
dollars. Do not settle for a poorly-made whip. A good whip
is an absolute joy to use and, if cared for properly, will
last a lifetime. A bad whip is almost impossible to get a
good crack out of and will come apart after very little
use.
[17] I once thought about making my own whips and
bought a book by David Morgan on whipmaking. There is real
artistry involved in making a proper whip. It is perhaps the
most difficult form of leather braiding there is and
certainly beyond my abilities. Each plait must be formed
precisely and the entire whip must be tapered exactly to get
the correct action. Skilled whipmakers spend many years in
apprenticeship learning their trade. They are few in number
today. They certainly earn their pay. Do not get a cheap
whip, save your dinars until you can afford a good one.
Figure on spending a minimum of 125 US dollars for an 8 foot
whip.
[18] Kangaroo leather is the best material for
whips. It is strong and supple and allows for a tight braid.
Kangaroo leather is also the most expensive. Latigo makes
for a good whip although a bit courser and heavier than
kangaroo. Buckskin makes a light, supple whip but is not
very sturdy.
[19] The least expensive and sturdiest material
of all is nylon. Nylon whips do not give a very good action
and tend to be too light in weight.
[20] A six foot length is about minimum for most
tricks. Eight to ten feet is average. Anything over ten
feet can be difficult to control and anything over twelve
feet is near impossible to do fine work with although I have
seen whip artists do some amazing things with whips over
twenty feet in length.
[21] At the end of this article is a list of whip
makers and importers that handle good quality whips here in
the states. Folks in Australia will have an easier time
finding a well-made working whip as most tack shops carry
them and several of the best whipmakers live in Australia
(especially around New South Wales).
Tending to Your Whip
Xena, about to return an axe to a
Horde member the hard way in THE PRICE
(#44).
[22] Do not use neet's foot or other light oils
on your whips. Light oils will loosen the plaiting in short
order. Bee's wax, sheep's kidney fat, or saddle soap will
preserve the leather without loosening the plait. Only use
your whip in grassy areas. Dirt and gravel will get into the
braid and wear the whip out. Do not hit metal or sharp
objects. Do not let your whip get wet. Moisture will loosen
and damage leather and can cause mildew (eewwww!). And above
all do not let your new puppy near the whip. Most animals
think an expensive piece of leather is ideal for chewing.
[23] Most poppers can be replaced by the owner.
The popper should be replaced long before it wears down to
the fall. A fall is more difficult to replace and you might
want to return the whip to the maker for fall replacement.
Any other repairs would best be handled by the whip maker.
Whips are designed to be used and will take weeks of
constant use just to get broken in. With a little care your
whip will probably outlast you.
Instruction
[24] It is best to have personal instruction to
learn how to use a whip. By taking it slowly and carefully
you can teach yourself.
[25] David Morgan recommends a very loose grip on
the ball at the end of the whip. He even suggests starting
by tying a piece of string to your wrist and letting the
whip hang from that.
[26] Most American performers use a grip similar
to that used on a fishing pole. It is a relaxed grip with
the thumb pointing up along the handle. To me this grip
seems to give more control, however it does make it easier
to try and force the whip.
[27] Pick a method and stick to that one. If you
have access to a large polished floor area like a gymnasium
lay the whip flat and slowly and easily just move it back
and forth. This lets you get a feel for the action and see
how the whip works in slow motion.
[28] To get a good crack you want a very sharp
"hairpin" curve to form in the whip. As the hairpin travels
the length of the whip the taper in the thong causes it to
speed up. When the popper finally travels around the curve
it will break the sound barrier and crack. That is also the
point where the whip is expending the most energy and where
it will do the most damage.
[29] When you throw the whip use a full arm
motion like throwing a baseball and follow through toward
your target. Do not pull back on the whip or try to snap it.
The motion should be smooth and easy. The whip will do the
work. Let the whip move at its own pace. A longer, heavier
whip will take longer to reach the end of its motion. Trying
to speed it up or force it means more work for you with less
satisfying results.
[30] Practice and you will develop a feel for the
rhythm your whip demands. Enough time spent just handling
the whip will allow you to make it do whatever you want with
very little effort.
Forward Crack
The extension of a whip helps when
one has to extricate oneself from a plot
complication.
[31] The first trick is the forward crack. This
trick is easiest with the shorter whips, and can be very
difficult with the longer whips. It gives a loud crack. Hold
the handle in your hand with the whip trailing on the ground
straight out behind you. If it is wrapped behind you it
might catch your leg as it goes by. Your thumb is pointing
down to the ground with your hand hanging at your side.
Swing your arm up (forwards) in a fast-paced, constant,
fluid (not jerky) motion so the hand ends up above your
shoulder, palm facing toward your ear beside your head, with
the elbow pointing at your target. The speed should be
enough so that the whip is fully extended throughout the
upswing, not flopping or wiggling.
[32] For these first practice runs let the whip
just fall to the ground behind you (do not follow through
yet). Practice this so that the whip flies firmly through
the air. Do not jerk the whip up, swing it
fluidly.
[33] Next try it with the full follow through.
When the whip tip (popper) starts dropping down behind you,
step forward with the opposite leg (left leg for right
handed throwers) and throw the whip forward. Keep the thumb
on top (palm towards ear) and snap the wrist like you are
using a hammer or casting a fishing pole. Follow through to
a target you have aimed at in the distance (this is
important) like a tree or telephone pole. Do not pull the
whip down at the end so that it crashes into the ground
(most people do this in the beginning). Throw the whip out
straight and finish with your arm pointing straight out to
the target. The body of the whip will travel past your
shoulder creating a loop in the whip. The loop is the
essential part of the delivery. It is what makes the tip go
pop. When you swing the whip up and cock your wrist at the
top (next to your ear) the tip of the whip is starting to
swing down and forward under your elbow. When you throw the
whip forward, the tip continues forward (past your shoulder
or hip) and creates the loop as described above.
[34] This is why a good whip is so important. A
cheap, lightweight whip will not have enough weight at the
tip for this to happen. The tip will just follow the thong
and not create the loop. The crack with this throw occurs
fairly near the thrower so be careful.
Straight Throws
[35] Straight throws, whether overhand, underhand
or sidearm, are the easiest to do with the longer whips.
They are the most accurate for target work but do not make
the loudest cracks. This is like the forward crack but done
with a sidearm or underhand throw. Set up like with the
forward crack (the whip is trailing behind you) but hold
your hand and arm in a position as if you are "hitch-hiking
a ride". Your palm is up and your thumb is on the near side
of the handle pointing behind you. You will be pushing the
whip forward with your thumb as if you are casting a fishing
pole in a sidearm manner. In order to make the all-important
loop, you must have as much of the whip up off the ground as
possible (or it will droop below your arm). Think of this as
if at the first moment of the throw, you are lifting the
entire whip up off the ground. There is a little bit of a
"lift up" with the hand at the first moment as you are
throwing forward. It is not separate from the throw, it is
part of it.
[36] An easy throw without cracking the whip sets
it up in the air for a powerful crack in the opposite
direction. Eventually you will be able to crack it in any
direction and then move from that crack to the next, keeping
the whip in the air at all times.
Circle Crack
[37] The circle crack makes the loudest crack,
however, it is tough on the whip. Timing is critical with
this trick. The crack occurs right next to your head so it
is probably the most dangerous trick as well. It is the only
way to get a badly-made whip to crack.
[38] Swing the whip in a circle over your head.
Do not swing too fast, just enough so that the whip is
airborne and straight. Have enough clearance on all sides!
When the tip of the whip is behind you and a little to the
right, (assuming you are right-handed) cease the circular
motion, and instead bring you arm forward, as if casting a
fishing line. Try to aim off to the right a little. As the
whip starts coming forward, make sure you snap that wrist.
Make sure you throw off to the side somewhat. This will make
the whip miss your head, which is important.
Wrap Cracks and Other Tricks
[39] For wraps or cutting it is not necessary to
get a good crack. If you are working for an audience
however, they will expect one. The trick is to crack the
whip past the target and then follow through with the wrap
or cut.
[40] Practice your cutting with newspaper hung on
string or taped to a cardboard frame. Do not use anything
that will damage the whip if you hit it accidently. For
practicing wraps, a nice smooth metal pole is ideal. Again,
do not use anything sharp or abrasive. When you get a feel
for your whip you can try grabbing smaller and smaller
objects. Eventually you may be able to pull the caps off of
bottles with it.
[41] Some other fancier tricks include: The
Hungarian Pig Drover's Crack, The Quick Sixer, The Just Try
It Young Ned, and The Queensland Flash. There are also
Stockman's Chop contests held where a series of paper
targets are cut while riding by on horseback at a full
gallop. For full descriptions see the websites listed
below.
Xena and Her Whip
It's Autolycus' body, but Xena's
driving in THE QUEST (#37) as she's about to use the
whip in another handy escape.
[42] Although Xena uses her whip quite
effectively in combat, the longer single thong whips are not
really suited for it. They force the user into a definite
rhythm that can be predicted and disrupted. In addition,
there is a very limited distance at which the end of the
whip is traveling fast enough to do the maximum amount of
damage. If your opponent moves inside or outside that
distance, the whip can lose much of its effect.
[43] Whips most commonly used in martial arts
tend to be short fast whips and they are often fairly stiff
out to the end. Examples include whips made from the tails
of stingrays (baku) and the African sjambok. The baku has
the added benefit(?) of containing a potentially lethal
neurotoxin. The Chinese chain whips do not really provide a
whip-like action, although they are brutally effective.
[44] Because an opponent might risk the damage a
whip can incur and close in on you, it is best to have a
weapon such as a dagger in the other hand. Of course it has
been proven time and again that getting close to Xena in a
fight does not lead to a long and healthy life.
[45] The whip is one of Xena's many interesting
weapons and whip handling is just one of her "many skills".
If you decide to try whip handling go ahead and invest in a
quality whip. Also invest in the time to develop your
skills. It does not take long to turn from work to fun. It
turns into a hobby that will give you many hours of pleasure
and a great deal of exercise. It is also an unusual hobby
and the whips are real conversation pieces. Who knows? Maybe
we will see you putting on demonstrations at the next fair
or stunt doubling for our favorite Warrior Princess.
Websites
[46] Here are some websites with information on
real working whips.
htt
p://www.juggling.org/help/circus-arts/bullwhip.html
This site has information on buying, caring for, and using
whips. It is primarily geared to stage and circus
performers. You will find some neat quicktime videos
here.
http://www.davidmorgan.com/
David Morgan's catalog. David Morgan made the whips used in
the Indiana Jones films. He also supplied the whips used by
Catwoman (Michelle Pfeiffer) in the Batman movie. I would
not be surprised to find that one of his whip suppliers in
Australia also provided the whip used by Dr. Janice
Covington (Renee O'Connor) in THE XENA SCROLLS
(#34). His whips are top quality and he gives lots of
information on the care of whips.
http://www.davidmorgan.com/CATALOGS/DM/dm5
8|catalog?1958274018788748848765197817
This is the bullwhip part of David Morgan's catalog.
Krist King here in the states makes excellent whips at
almost half the cost of David Morgan's. You can order his
whips from:
The Leathersmith
7369 Park Place
Boulder, CO 80301-3960
303-530-1857
I own and use King's whips and wholeheartedly recommend
them. At one time Krist held the world record for the
longest plaited whip at over 185 feet!
http://www.oze
mail.com.au/~welmat/whips.htm
Matt Welsby on how to make a whip.
http://www.crl.com/
~mjr/whip.refs.html
Thrower whip page. Tons of information on all sorts of
unusual weapons, including the chakram.
http://www.crl.co
m/~mjr/shortwhip.1.html
The martial use of whips.
Biography
Donald
Plunkett
I'm former military. I collect knives, swords, and most other
types of weapons. I enjoy board games, raquetball, fencing (both
foil and kendo), archery, and sport judo. I've tried most types
of martial arts but I've been practicing jujitsu and escrima the
longest (maybe someday I'll even get them right). My little
speckled snake is named "Snake" and my little speckled dog is
named Shelby. I live in the White Mountains of Arizona.
Favorite episode: A DAY IN THE LIFE
(#39)
Favorite line: Vidalus: "I'm under a lot of
pressure here..." BLIND FAITH (#42)
First episode seen: THE WARRIOR PRINCESS
(#H09)
Least favorite episode: Anything with Joxer in
it, except those with Callisto.
geovisit(); |
|
| |
Fanzine | discusses | the | whips | used | in | the | television | show, | but | focuses | more | on | how | to | choose | a | whip, | crack | a | whip, | and | tend | to | a | whip. | Offers | related | links. |
|
http://www.whoosh.org/issue14/plunket2.html
Whoosh: Whips in Xena Warrior Princess 2008 September
dvd rental
dvd
Fanzine discusses the whips used in the television show, but focuses more on how to choose a whip, crack a whip, and tend to a whip. Offers related links.
Rules
|
© 2005 Internet Explorer 5+ or Netscape 6+
|
|
Recommended Sites: 1.
Arts -
Business -
Computers -
Games -
Health -
Home -
Kids and Teens -
News -
Recreation -
Reference -
Regional -
Science -
Shopping -
Society -
Sports -
World
Miss Gallery
- Top Anime Hentai
- DVD rental by mail
- Car Accident Lawyer Los Angeles - Duwayne Burnside - Buy Anything On eBay - Credit Cards - Cheap Car Insurance |
