The Cane: Part 8 – Backhand Vertical Whip Cut

The backhand vertical whip cut is a primary defensive strike used against a horizontal target to the outside of your cane hand.

The backhand cut starts from the standard one hand cane rest position with the cane tip on the ground and a loose one hand grip on the crook. The natural targets for the cut are an attacker’s clavicle (collar bone) or an outstretched arm.

To initiate the backhand vertical whip cut you begin a small circular motion to the inside and up and over to the outside with the cane. Your hand makes a circle around the wrist while your forearm makes a circle around the elbow and the upper arm makes a small circle around the shoulder.

The backhand cut is less powerful than the forehand. It’s very difficult to allow the cane crook to slip in your grip and hence turn independently from the hand. Also, the circles made with the forearm and the upper arm are smaller than normal in a forehand cut. These differences result in less acceleration, less velocity, and less kinetic energy delivered to the target.

Nevertheless, the backhand vertical whip cut is a strong strike that will damage the attacker and give you an opportunity to maneuver.

Link to Other Topics in the Special Report: The Neko Ryu Cane