Like the knife, the bastón de paseo, or walking cane, was an item common to both the masses and upper classes in Spain.  Like the knife, the walking cane became a substitute for the sword when possession of such edged weapons became restricted to certain members of society.  And like the knife, the humble cane inspired the development of personal protection systems to replace the security previously afforded by the noble sword.

The Close Quarter Cane workshop will provide an introduction to how the cane is used as a weapon in the particular system known as Bastón Andaluz. Although the teachings of Bastón Andaluz are comprehensive in scope, their collective body is nonetheless regarded as an informal system and is likewise taught in an informal manner. 

Course Content

Fundamentals

§         Overview of Western European Cane Systems

§         Types of Spanish Canes and Walking Sticks

§         Grips

§         Guards

§         Combat Distances

§         Grip Familiarization Drills

Attacks and Defenses

§         Offensive Techniques

§         Special Attacks

§         Targets

§         Defensive Techniques

§         Counter Strikes

Practical Applications

§         Preemptive Striking

§         Cane vs. Cane

§         Cane vs. Edges Weapon

§         Cane Retention