How to Use the Whip Arm in Self-Defense

A whip arm is a useful self-defense tool in certain situations because it approaches an opponent at a different angle and trajectory than a traditional punch or kick. The technique is similar to a sidearm baseball pitch in that the hip and shoulder are used to throw the arm toward the opponent at high velocity. Since the knuckles are not a practical striking surface for many whip-arm techniques due to the severity of the angle of the strike, the ridge hand is often used as an alternative.

Instructions

    • 1

      Take a fighting stance with your non-dominant hand and foot in front and your power hand in back to give your whip arm more force. If you are right-handed, your left foot will be in front.

    • 2

      Step forward with your lead foot and pivot it to the outside so you can feel a stretch in your inner thigh.

    • 3

      Extend your power hand out and away from your body. Keep your fingers straight and stiff together while curling your thumb under them against your palm. The striking surface will be the side of your hand and back of your thumb, known as a ridge hand.

    • 4

      Use your lead leg as a fulcrum and pivot as sharply as you can while turning your core as hard as possible, whipping your power hand around toward your opponent.

    • 5

      Aim for soft tissue on the opponent, such as the nose or eyes. Ridge hand strikes used with whip arms are not as effective when striking harder surfaces like the forehead, and you'll be more likely to injure yourself.