“Simplicity is the shortest distance between two points.” ― Bruce Lee, The Tao of Jeet Kune Do

The Art and Science of Stick Fighting is a unique, non-style specific, approach to fighting with the short stick. Its curriculum is streamlined and divided into nine logical stages of training that allow the reader to quickly and methodically learn and develop the skills needed for competative fighting and self-defense with the stick.

“Simplicity is the shortest distance between two points.” ― Bruce Lee, The Tao of Jeet Kune Do

The best of both Eastern and Western stick fighting techniques

The Art and Science of Stick Fighting is a unique, non-style specific, approach to fighting with the short stick. Its curriculum is streamlined and divided into nine logical stages of training that allow the reader to quickly and methodically learn and develop the skills needed for fighting with the stick. Whether you are just starting out, or have been practicing stick fighting for years, there is something for everyone in this book. Also included are systematic workouts and descriptions of how to make and use specific training equipment as you learn and master The Art and Science of Stick Fighting.

• Nine levels of instruction, progressing from easy to expert
• Over 700 photos with motion arrows
• A “nondenominational” approach to the stick, utilizing the best of Eastern and Western arts
• A comprehensive, methodical approach to building stick fighting skills

This book stands apart from other stick fighting training manuals because it emphasizes the dynamics of combat. Many other books focus on forms and twirling. The author draws on thirty years of martial experience, presenting the best of both Eastern and Western traditions.

The Art and Science of Stick Fighting begins with the basics, upon which everything else relies.

• A stable stance
• Basic footwork
• An effective guard

Once the basics are in place, you learn the strategies and tactics of fighting with the stick at long, middle, and close range. By controlling the distance, you control the fight!

• Learn important guidelines for sparring, from light contact up to full-contact training.
• Learn how to construct your own padded weapons.
• Learn effective fighting tips that will rev up your game.

Also included are chapters on advanced techniques; combating short ranged weapons such as a knife to long range weapons like the staff. Even detailed techniques to use when your opponent is armed but you are not!

Whether you already study the stick or are just starting out, if you want to learn how to get an edge , The Art and Science of Stick Fighting is for you!

Foreword

Preface

Introduction

• Overview
• Why Learn Stick Fighting?
• A Brief History of Stick Fighting
• Traditional versus Progressive
• Getting Started

Warming Up and Cooling Down

• Warming Up and Stretching
• Training Equipment: The Jump Rope
• Cooling Down

Level 1: The Foundation

• Choosing a Stick
• Holding the Stick
• Stances
• Basic Striking
• Ready Positions
• Types of Strikes
• Snap Strikes
• Range and Distancing
• Footwork
• Training Equipment: The Floor Pattern
• Twirling: Figure Eights
• Power
• Training Equipment: The Tire Dummy
• Level 1 Workout

Level 2: Long Range

• The Outside Game
• Controlling the Distance
• Training Equipment: The Evasion Bopper
• Long-Range Defensive Tactics
• Long-Range Offensive Tactics
• Training Equipment: The Target Stick
• Feinting
• Twirling: The Six-Count Flower
• Training Equipment: Striking Point
• The Long-Range Battle Plan
• Level 2 Workout

Level 3: Crossing the Gap

• Entering Offensively
• Entering Defensively
• Level 3 Workout

Level 4: Middle-Range Offense

• Understanding Middle Range
• Center, Centerline, and the Line of Combat
• Targeting at Middle Range
• Basic Middle-Range Combinations
• Speed-Striking
• Training Equipment: Weighted Clubs
• The Middle-Range Battle Plan
• Level 4 Workout

Level 5: Middle-Range Defense

• Checking
• Blocking and Parrying
• Middle-Range Disarms
• Level 5 Workout

Level 6: Close-Range

• Infighting
• Punching
• Butt Strikes
• Hubud
• Hooking
• Double-End Grip
• Chokes
• Training Equipment: Compression Dummies
• Level 6 Workout

Level 7: Single-Stick Sparring

• The Moment of Truth: En Garde!
• Safety Equipment
• Training Equipment: Padded Sticks
• Armor
• Types of Matches
• Controlling the Fight
• Intensity
• The Seven Principal Rules
• Level 7 Workout

Level 8: Short Stick versus Other Weapons

• Mismatched Weapons Stick versus Knife
• Training Equipment: Padded Knife
• Stick versus Staff
• Training Equipment: Padded Staff
• Stick versus Unarmed Opponent
• Level 8 Workout

Level 9: Empty-Hand Defense against the Stick

• Introduction
• Crossing the Gap
• Evasion
• Improvised Armament
• Level 9 Workout

Appendix: Training Equipment

• Jump Rope
• Floor Patterns
• Tire Bag
• Indoor Tire Dummy
• Evasion Bopper
• Target Stick
• Striking Point
• Weighted Clubs
• Arm Compression Dummy
• Neck Compression Dummy
• Padded Sticks
• Padded Knife
• Padded Staff

About the Author