The Cane in the 7th Grip: Four Basic Strikes

This grip is also known as ‘The Mid Grip’ for obvious reasons.

Today I execute four basic swings with the back end of the hook.

I prefer to torque my hips slightly into my swings.

I also prefer to torque my backward swings with a backward rotation (instead of a reverse rotation).

I make sure I am at kicking distance when I do these.

I also make sure I have a firm grip on the cane so it does not rebound back and strike me.

One last point: my vertical strikes are slightly angles so I do not hit myself by accident.
https://youtu.be/By0IQKvxKx0
Without prejudice

The Cane in the 5th Grip: Basic Head Block and Counter

The attacker is punching to my head before he shuffles back out of range.

I block the punch to the side (as shown).

I chamber the staff, step forward and drive the top of the Hook into him.

I shuffle back out of range.

The drill is simple enough.

Performing it under duress requires a significant amount of practice.
https://youtu.be/rDBatC9pd4Y
Without prejudice

The Cane in the 5th Grip: Thrusting with the Hook End

This is done just as the video shows.

This is a powerful strike and care should be used in its application (even on a mere heavy bag;-)
https://youtu.be/oZvazEpWMuk
Without prejudice

The Cane in the 5th Grip: Figure Eights

I stand facing the Heavy bag at punching distance with the cane n the 5th grip.

All four strikes are forehands.

I use the end then the hook.

As I stated, the cane I now use is a heavy duty device.

Drug store canes simply could not stand up to heavy use.
https://youtu.be/t9PIeQTwDUw
Without prejudice

The Cane in the 6th Grip: The Figure Eights

Similar to yesterdays drill except I am a foot closer.

I grip on this piece of wood in the middle with my thumb toward the end.

I swing the cane in the figure eights at front kick distance .

As I explain, I must pass the entire cane to the other side of my body when I strike.

In the video I call this strike a 'cut' but clearly it is a 'swing' or a 'strike'.

Just as clearly, it is not a 'thrust' or 'stab'.
https://youtu.be/dsdTRpp3C2I
Without prejudice

The Cane in the 3rd Grip: The Figure Eights

Today is all about wielding the cane at a distance in a long, broad manner.

(Earlier this week I was wielding the cane quickly and up close.)

The grip on this piece of wood is both strong and agile.

Swinging the cane in the figure eights at kicking distance takes time (compared to yesterday’s strikes).

So once I have gotten the long swings down, I would start to combine them with my shorter moves.

But today I am concentrating only on swinging and leading with the edge of my hand.

Yes, the cane is ahead of me but my hand grips the cane so that my edge leads before the rest of the hand.
https://youtu.be/kwzbzxQITjQ
Without prejudice

Using the Hook in an Augmented 2nd Grip

This is an ‘ADVANCED TECHNIQUE’.

Yesterday I showed how to use the shaft of the cane in a 5th grip.

I emphasized staying away from using the hook.

Today I am holding the cane in at both ends in what I call an ‘Augmented 2nd Grip’.

I know it does not look like it but there can be problems with its execution on (say) a heavy bag.

I am actually thrusting with the hook.

There are two big dangers with this technique.

One is that the hook can break on impact with a heavy bag during hard practice.

It could be driven back into my hand.

The other danger is that the hook could rotate my wrist around cause significant damage to my arm.
https://youtu.be/MEYMdoyXVP0
Without prejudice