The whip chain can be used as a single or double weapon. In double chain whip forms, a whip is held in each hand. This is extremely challenging for the user because it requires balance, flow, speed and focus. It can also be used in combination with other weapons like broadsword and chain whip. This set is even more challenging because not only does it balance left and right, but also hard and soft weapons.

The whip chain can be easily concealed either by wrapping it around the body (waist or shoulder) under the clothing or folding it into a pocket. It was mostly carried as a secondary weapon, just in case the primary weapon was knocked out of the hand or so on. The whip chain would be categorized in the soft and hidden categories of Chinese weapons.

Most chain whip forms train one method of usage: holding the handle and swinging the chain around. This method is known as Yang hand. The weapon can be spun with the hand, elbow, shoulder, neck, waist, knee, and foot, in every direction. The combination of momentum and flexibility makes the chain whip almost impossible to parry. If an opponent attempt to block a chain whip, it will whip over the block and strike him anyway. The only good defense is to dodge it.

An other method of usage is called Yin hand. In the Yin hand method, the chain whip is held with both hands. This way the center of the whip can be used for blocking and entangling. This method is more defensive and a better strategy to use against a single opponent.

Considered an advanced weapon, the chain whip is usually reserved only for the Sifu's of the Chinese Arts. If you have ever trained with the chain whip you would then know that this is a weapon that deserves the practitioners up most respect.

Written By Sifu Rino Côté