The Art and Science of Stick Fighting

Complete Instructional Guide

Joe Varady author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:YMAA Publication Center

Published:19th Mar '20

£17.99

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The Art and Science of Stick Fighting cover

“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...

"The beautiful but complex art of stick fighting and distilled it down to its fundamental core. A must have book for martial artists.”

—Juan (Little John) Cruz, 3rd degree black belt, Doce Pares Multistyle System

"I highly recommend this book to anyone serious about learning more on the art of stick fighting."

— Brian Scott, 8 time WEKAF World Full Contact Stick Fighting Champion

"The perfect balance between self-defense and sport methodologies. Provides a sound foundation relevant to any martial style.”

— Michael J. Gallagher, USA Taekwondo National Weapons Champion

"This book is in every sense a complement to his [Varady's] first book and should be in every martial artist’s library."

— Dave Dickey, author, founder of Live Steel Fight Academy and founder of Live Steel Magazine

"I predict The Art and Science Of Stick Fighting will be a welcome and much used text in many martial artists' libraries."

— Alain Burrese, J.D., martial artist, author

Synopsis: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.

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.

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!

Critique: Black-and-white photographs on nearly every page illustrate The Art and Science of Stick Fighting, an in-depth, instructional guide to stick fighting. Chapters cover all aspects of this martial art, and offer recommendations for developing one's own stick fighting skills. A top-notch reference and resource for anyone interested in deepening their understanding of or personally practicing stick fighting, The Art and Science of Stick Fighting is highly recommended and a welcome addition to personal and public library Martial Arts collections.

—Library Bookwatch: James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief, April 2020

  • Runner-up for Best Books, American Book Fest 2020 (United States)

ISBN: 9781594397332

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 453g

272 pages