At the weekend I went to the Mudgeeraba Show (North Americans would call it a county fair).

There were horse events.. cattle judging.. cookery competition  and fire works.

But 1 of the ring events that really surprised me was Whip Boxing!

Two competitors dressed in Drizabone (a leather bushman's coat) and a face mask (similar to those used in fencing).  The aim is to hit the other person between the eyes with your whip.

But this from the Whipboxing website probably explains the rules better:

How do we score a bout?

The game is played on a points system. Each round is the best of 3 points 1 point per fair crack of the whip. Championship games are the best of three rounds The game is controlled by a referee who who is able to call 1point for a lost cracker, 1 point for out of bounds The referee is in total charge and is bound by the rules of the game. A point is called when a player is hit in the area of the forehead (right between the eyes).

Skill level needed?

This is a game for the experienced whip thrower. Of course anyone can learn to play and improve their skills to a level with consist ant practice.

Accuracy is paramount. One can practice by colouring in a 1 inch heavy chalk circle on a wall or post at about head height. You would need to raise the chalk dust 7,8,9 times out of 10 in rapid succession.

Then do the same with several circles about a foot apart and run through them. Start to visualise your opponent being just as accurate striking back at you. This is the skill required
angles?

Dodging?

After the first 3 or 4 bouts you get over the idea of needing to dodge the incoming strike.Tthe skills needed are depth {keep your distance} and accuracy. It also helps if you are rapid on the reload. Remember: the only scoring area is that square inch or two between the forehead and bridge of the nose.

Coping with tangles

Each fighter will require 2 identical whips in their kit. Should a tangle occur, this allows for a rapid change of whips whilst the fighters seconder (or them self after the bout) takes care of the problem.

Another reason for the 2 whips is just in case a cracker {popper} should be lost during a bout.

I don't know it's going to take off.