Like the knife, the walking stick was an item common to both the masses and upper classes in Europe.  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.

This walking stick workshop will provide an introduction to how the cane is used in the three discrete ranges of combat:  1) stick against stick, 2) stick against knife, and 3) stick at extreme close quarters.

Course Content

Fundamentals

§         Overview of Western European Cane Systems

§         Types of 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

§         Range 3: Stick Against Stick

§         Range 2: Stick Against Edged Weapon

§         Ranges 1: stick at extreme close quarters.

§         Preemptive Striking

§         Cane Retention

Ideally, participants will have had prior training in cane or walking stick, as well as a suitable implement to bring to the workshop.