The composite whip described herein relates to the fields of self-defense and personal protection tools. The present invention is compact, concealable, and easy to use. The present invention allows a user to strike quickly, repeatedly, and from a distance to repel would be attackers. The tensioning mechanism of the present invention allows the user to increase or decrease the flexibility of the striking portion of the tool based on the user's preferences. The present invention can be carried in a multitude of discreet locations, and is a non-lethal defensive option. The present invention could be utilized in other fields such as law enforcement, or military, where carrying hand-held, non-lethal, self-defense tools are necessary.