The stick, next to the rock is man’s oldest and perhaps longest existing weaponEvidence exists that the ancient Egyptians had systemized methods of training with sticks of varying shapes and sizes. At one time, every country in Europe had its own indigenous form of stick fighting. During the 1800’s the cane or walking stick was an indispensable fashion accessory that was carried by every gentleman that walked the streets of Europe. While the cane offered stability, and aided the carrier from trips and falls, it was, in trained hands a lethal weapon capable of causing serious injury or death to an unsuspecting assailant.

The resurgence and popularity of the cane in recent years is due to actors and martial artists such as Jackie Chan using the cane in their choreographed fight scenes. Martial art styles such as hapkido and Tang Soo Do have incorporated the cane into their curriculum. Self defence with a cane or walking stick is almost a martial art in itself. Defending oneself with a cane is not about strength or power. It is about finding rhythm within your movements and then encountering the attacking opponents advances with the most appropriate technique. The modern cane comes in a huge variety of shapes and sizes, some with crooks, some with knobs, some with hidden blades.

Cane defence is excellent for the elderly and will help keep them active, supple and dexterous. If you can hit a tennis ball, play golf or dance then you can learn and practice the use of the cane for self defence.

Read Sensei Evan's Essay on Cane Defence here. It has a lot more on the history and use of the cane as a weapon.

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Sensei Evan uses his favourite weapon