Blog Archives

Can I use my Nylon Whip in the Snow?

11/23/2013

I have been asked that question 5 times in the last two days and judging from the searches on my dash board there are a lot of people wanting to know.

The answer is..... Yes!!! Get out there and play! It will not hurt your Nylon whip at all to use it in the snow. I wipe my whips down with a towel when I come in but thats totally optional.

As most of you know, I live in the desert. We are lucky to have lots of sunshine and warm weather most of the time. Sometimes it snows but it almost never "sticks".

Last night we had a big storm come through and dump snow on us. It is really magical and amazing. I had to go out and play in it.

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Lucky to be busy!

11/18/2013

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I feel really lucky to have a job doing something that makes me really happy and feeds my creativity.

I'm not sure who opened the flood gaits, but the orders are poring in. It feels really awesome.

I'm up a lot at night. Not because I want to be or that I can't sleep. I'm up because that is a very common thing for kids with autism. They simply don't need as much as I do. My daughter thinks its a big party and I must participate with her.

I don't normally plait whips at 3 in the morning because I am mentally tired and think it would reflect badly in my work. I try to keep doing something though, so I can stay awake. So, I cut strands for the whips in my order book. At least I can still count when I am tired.

These pictures represent the over lay of 4 Dragon's Tails, 2 Phoenix Tongues, 2 Sonic Alignments, and a Tibetan Wave. I'll be sure to post pictures of the whips as they come out..... maybe not all the Dragon Tails because I think we are all tired of seeing that one.

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The Bodlak Combat Whip

11/5/2013

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About a month ago I built a Tibetan Wave whip for Randal Bodlak of Bay side Martial Arts Studio in Los Osos, CA. I really like Randal. He is a friendly high energy kind of guy, so I was super excited when he told me that he had an idea for a custom whip.

He sent me a diagram, instructions and an instant tape whip that he made with the angles he wanted. He wanted a handle with a bend similar to a kukri used in Nepal. I could tell that this was either going to be the best job ever or make me sorry I ever took it on. I'm happy to say it turned out good. It stretched my abilities farther than I would have thought and I survived.

Check out the process!

Here is what I had to work with.... That tape whip really cracks! Yes, I had to test it out.

It took some creative hooking up but I think I re produced the angles really well.

I'm so proud of this handle! Black and white checkerboard has to be the most unforgiving thing to do... add plaiting around a corner and it is just crazy intense! The "whip gods" smiled on this project for sure.

Randal's studio colors are black white and red. He wanted to incorporate those in the whip as well as the yin yang. I chose to make a black and white whip with red accents. I really love bringing out the different color in the end of the whip. Its like a surprise of color at the end. It has been a fun adventure building this one!

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Dragon's Tail video

11/4/2013

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The Dragon's Tail whip is One of Four nylon martial arts and self defense whips made by HolyOak whips.

Almost a month ago, I sent a nice Dragon's Tail to Bill. He has been generously keeping me posted about his thoughts on the design. I was so thrilled when he made this video to share what he has been working on. I think he has moves like a Ninja. Take a look!

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Autumn cracking!

11/2/2013

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Today was a perfect day. Its so magical how beautiful and bright everything is right now. It is still warm but I can tell that winter will blow in any day now and spoil all the outside fun.