Caning practice log

Oy!

1. Caning practice can be aerobic. That is actually good. Exercise has become my main coping skill these days (I have a home gym and I can't afford my previous vices). Endorphin rush morning and night--good thing.

2. I think that advanced caning is as difficult a skill to develop as basic singletailing. Now, this statement assumes 2 things.

First, one does not rely solely on the "towel snap" to singletail. A mentor of mine states that anyone who does that does not know what they are doing. Dunno about that--but I don't towel snap.

Second--one is caning at full force and having the strokes land perfectly parallel and right above or below one another without overlap.

Muscle memory, muscle memory, muscle memory.

That said I will get 5 strokes lined up next to each other with no overlap--then muff the 6th. Yep--just like singletail practice. I remembered as well from previous experience to go at the force that allows me some accuracy and work my way up. So I am practicing at 50 %.

I discovered that a large doubled up towel duct taped to a large martial arts target shows nice lines. A bit loud--but I hear enough Mexican tuba music at 2 AM that I am not feeling that remorseful. Said music has been happening before I started caning practice.

I am practicing with 3 and 4 ft canes. I am finding that I am developing an interesting, somewhat unconventional style. Actually with judicial caning there is no conventional style--but this is working for my headmistress canes too. I find that taking a forehand swing towards my left shoulder before raising the cane for the final forehand stroke centers me. I am sure the Singapore government did not have this in mind when they released their version of a "Scared Straight" video that showed a simulated caning--but the technique used resonated with me even before I tried it. Hey, thanks Singapore ;-).

Practice, practice, practice....