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.

Workshop Content

Day 1: Fundamentals

Overview of Western European Cane Systems

Types of Canes and Walking Sticks

Grips

Guards

Combat Distances

Grip Familiarization Drills

Day 2: Attacks and Defenses

Offensive Techniques

Special Attacks

Targets

Defensive Techniques

Counter Strikes

Day 3: Practical Applications

Range 3: Stick Against Stick

Range 2: Stick Against Edged Weapon

Ranges 1: stick at extreme close quarters.

Preemptive Striking

Cane Retention