The Cane-Closing and Expanding Distances

http://youtu.be/QQ7SeqlQ8Ek

Moving from beyond kicking range to close quarters range and back out again while striking is an important part of any art. Using the cane to practice this skill is merely one way to keep it interesting.

Without prejudice

The Cane-Thrusting with the First Grip

http://youtu.be/zyF2ebuTO2g

This is both the simplest move and the most difficult one.

It is simple because there is not much to it but lift and straighten the arm.

It is difficult because it requires enormous practice to develop it until it can be done quickly, accurately and without thought on a hostile and aggressive adversary. It is also difficult because both a stance change and a grip change will become necessary if this thrust fails to stop a determined attacker.

Practice, practice, practice…

Without prejudice

The Cane-Defense against a Lapel Grab and Punch

http://youtu.be/tbp2M60zsPc

This is another basic defense combination. These only work when they are done so often that they happen without thinking about what I am doing.

And the only way I do them enough times for it to become reflex (and to keep that reflex sharp) is to enjoy what I do. I make the process of practice fun ( yes, I said, ‘FUN’).

Remember, slow leads to smooth and smooth leads to fast…But only if I do it a lot.

Also, my fast does not actually look particularly fast to me. I am concerned that I am ‘fast enough’ to keep up with my partner.

Without prejudice

The Cane-Block and Counter

http://youtu.be/gWGayQ7lHaQ

A simple enough combination drill. I deflect the incoming limb and counter thrust to the body.

Without prejudice

The Cane-Making it Work

http://youtu.be/lcMjUjD4uUU

To keep the cane from breaking or getting grabbed (and nullified), I practice with it the way I practice my bare hand skills. I keep the movements, short, light, quick and hard to anticipate. I do not attempt to ‘stand and brawl’.

The whole point of training with the cane is to make it a part of me and to (therefore) improve my ability to control distance, inflict pain or damage and maintain overall control.

The Cane: One Tool of training my Martial Art.

Without prejudice

The Cane-Sometimes They Break Too

http://youtu.be/jKwxYFzRPJs

While practicing with the padded cane on the heavy bag tonight, I broke the cane. That happens. To an experienced martial artist, this is not a set-back merely a change. It now means I have a medium size stick and a shorter stick.

But these too have to be practiced or the skill will not be there if it is needed.

Without prejudice

The Cane-Striking at Three Different Distances

http://youtu.be/IfpWZcO2p1s

Moving and striking are hard enough when the distance changes during bare handed training but with a cane, this is a real challenge.

What I am doing is simple enough to understand. The doing of it over and over is the real challenge.

Without prejudice