I admit to me it would be a lot more formidable sight someone whirling the full length one over their head. Even if I figured the momentum would stop after first strike, so if you survived that...

I'd keep my distance.

My friend is a scarily fit and agile guy who has put ten hours a week for past 12 years in various martial art dojos, and I think his "just grab the line and do this (insert a confusing half a second motion which ends with him making stomping motions against somebody's imaginary body part)" would end differently from my "shut my eyes while trying to grab the line and hope for the best"-approach.

-jh