Full Description
"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.
The Art and Science of Stick Fighting features
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
From there you learn different types of strikes and how to practice them in helpful, easy-to-learn patterns. The aim is to grow so comfortable wielding a stick that it is as though the stick has become an extension of your body.
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!
Contents
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
