Also, normal rattan can wrap around the flank and deeply mark the hip if the caner is not experienced and the inherent stiffness of a dragon cane can help avoid this unwanted wrapping when accuracy is lacking. The dragon can really drive the air from the lungs when applied hard – especially with that all-important first stroke – ouch! Anybody who has experienced a hard stroke from a dragon cane applied to the crease where the thigh joins the bottom will testify that the expression “felt like I was being cut in half” really is appropriate – and we all hold the dragon cane in high esteem!! RESPECT!