Stick fighting
Encyclopedia
Stick fighting is a generic term for martial arts
which use simple long slender, blunt, hand-held, generally wooden 'sticks' for fighting such as a staff, cane, walking stick, baton or similar.
Some techniques can also be used with a sturdy umbrella
or even a sword
in its scabbard
, but thicker and/or heavier blunt weapons such as clubs
or the mace are outside the scope of 'stick fighting' (since they cannot be wielded with such precision, so sheer force of impact is more important) as are more formed weapons such as the taiaha
.
Although many systems are defensive combat techniques, intended for use if attacked whilst lightly armed, others such as kendo
(a Japanese discipline using a bamboo 'sword', the shinai
) were developed as safe training methods for dangerous weapons. Whatever their history, many lend themselves to being treated as sports.
In addition to martial arts specifically devoted to stick fighting, certain other disciplines include it, either in its own right, as in kung fu (various variations are part of the traditional Chinese weapons), or merely as part of a polyvalent training including other weapons and/or bare hand fighting, e.g. using the Kettukari (staff), Cheruvadi or Muchan (a shorter, also straight stick) and otta (curved stick) in Kerala's Kalarippayattu
tradition, where these wooden weapons serve as preliminary training before practice of the more dangerous metal weapons.
(where donga is a general obsession and the best means of showing off to look for a bride, often naked or nearly) and their more warlike neighbors the Nyangotam (who fight duels bare-chested, the aim being to inflict visible stripes on the back of the adversary, using not plain staffs but sticks with a flexible, whipping tail-end).
Traditional European systems of stick fighting included a wide variety of methods of quarterstaff
combat, which were detailed in numerous manuscripts written by masters-at-arms. Many of these methods became extinct but others adapted and survived as folk-sports and self defence systems. Examples include Portugal's Jogo do Pau
, France's bâton français
and Italy's scherma di bastone. Giuseppe Cerri's 1854 manual Trattato teorico e pratico della scherma di bastone is influenced by masters of the Italian school of swordsmanship, Achille Marozzo
and perhaps Francesco Alfieri
.
The French system of la canne is still practised as a competitive sport. A self-defense adaptation of la canne developed by Swiss master-at-arms Pierre Vigny in the early 1900s has been revived as part of the curriculum of Bartitsu
.
In the USA during the early years of the 1900s, fencer and self defense specialist A.C. Cunningham developed a unique system of stick fighting using a walking stick or umbrella, which he recorded in his book The Cane as a Weapon
.
Singlestick
was developed as a method of training in the use of backsword
s such as the cavalry
sabre
or cutlass
. It was a popular pastime in the UK from the 18th to the early 20th century, and was an event
at the 1904 Summer Olympics
. Although interest in the art declined, a few fencing coaches continued to train with the stick and competitions in this style of stick fighting was re-introduced into the Royal Navy
in the 1980s by commander Locker Madden. The art continues to gain a small following amongst the martial art community in the UK, Australia, Canada and the US.
Latin America
also has its share of martial arts devoted to stick fighting, like Venezuela
's Juego del Garrote
or Brazil
's Palo do Brazil.
Some of the most advanced stick fighting systems come from the Philippines
. Filipino martial arts
are known worldwide for their combat stick fighting systems. The weapons, often used interchangeably and alongside open hand-techniques, vary in design, size, weight, materials and methodology. Baston or olisi, eskrima sticks, are traditionally crafted from rattan
or kamagong
. In many martial arts systems, the stick is used to substitute the sword for practice and safety purposes.
The traditional Indian Martial Art Gatka
is a style of fighting only with single sticks by the Gatka players, intended to simulate the sword and focuses on infusing physical, spiritual and mental fitness. Now a sport in India, no sharp edged weapons are used in the transformed Gatka game. The Gatka Federation of India (GFI) has adopted conventional sports uniform of track suits as a new dress code for Gatkebaz and opened it to female practioners as well.
Martial arts
Martial arts are extensive systems of codified practices and traditions of combat, practiced for a variety of reasons, including self-defense, competition, physical health and fitness, as well as mental and spiritual development....
which use simple long slender, blunt, hand-held, generally wooden 'sticks' for fighting such as a staff, cane, walking stick, baton or similar.
Some techniques can also be used with a sturdy umbrella
Umbrella
An umbrella or parasol is a canopy designed to protect against rain or sunlight. The term parasol usually refers to an item designed to protect from the sun; umbrella refers to a device more suited to protect from rain...
or even a sword
Sword
A sword is a bladed weapon used primarily for cutting or thrusting. The precise definition of the term varies with the historical epoch or the geographical region under consideration...
in its scabbard
Scabbard
A scabbard is a sheath for holding a sword, knife, or other large blade. Scabbards have been made of many materials over the millennia, including leather, wood, and metals such as brass or steel.-Types of scabbards:...
, but thicker and/or heavier blunt weapons such as clubs
Club (weapon)
A club is among the simplest of all weapons. A club is essentially a short staff, or stick, usually made of wood, and wielded as a weapon since prehistoric times....
or the mace are outside the scope of 'stick fighting' (since they cannot be wielded with such precision, so sheer force of impact is more important) as are more formed weapons such as the taiaha
Taiaha
A Taiaha is a traditional weapon of the Māori of New Zealand.It is a wooden, or sometimes whale bone, close quarters, staff weapon used for short sharp strikes or stabbing thrusts with quick footwork on the part of the wielder. Taiaha are usually between in length...
.
Although many systems are defensive combat techniques, intended for use if attacked whilst lightly armed, others such as kendo
Kendo
, meaning "Way of The Sword", is a modern Japanese martial art of sword-fighting based on traditional Japanese swordsmanship, or kenjutsu.Kendo is a physically and mentally challenging activity that combines strong martial arts values with sport-like physical elements.-Practitioners:Practitioners...
(a Japanese discipline using a bamboo 'sword', the shinai
Shinai
is a weapon used for practice and competition in kendo representing a Japanese sword. Shinai are also used in other martial arts, but may be styled differently from kendo shinai, and represented with different characters....
) were developed as safe training methods for dangerous weapons. Whatever their history, many lend themselves to being treated as sports.
In addition to martial arts specifically devoted to stick fighting, certain other disciplines include it, either in its own right, as in kung fu (various variations are part of the traditional Chinese weapons), or merely as part of a polyvalent training including other weapons and/or bare hand fighting, e.g. using the Kettukari (staff), Cheruvadi or Muchan (a shorter, also straight stick) and otta (curved stick) in Kerala's Kalarippayattu
Kalarippayattu
Kalaripayattu is a southern Indian martial art originating in Tamil Nadu but also practiced in contiguous parts of Kerala and Karnataka.Kalari payat includes strikes, kicks, grappling, preset forms, weaponry and healing methods...
tradition, where these wooden weapons serve as preliminary training before practice of the more dangerous metal weapons.
Systems and styles
Stick fights between individuals or large gatherings between sub-tribes where men fight duels are an important part of the anthropological heritage of various cultures, especially tribes such as the Nilotic Ethiopian Surma peopleSurma people
Surma is a panethnicity residing in South Sudan and southwestern Ethiopia. It includes the Nilo-Saharan-speaking Suri, Mursi and Me'en.-Overview:...
(where donga is a general obsession and the best means of showing off to look for a bride, often naked or nearly) and their more warlike neighbors the Nyangotam (who fight duels bare-chested, the aim being to inflict visible stripes on the back of the adversary, using not plain staffs but sticks with a flexible, whipping tail-end).
Traditional European systems of stick fighting included a wide variety of methods of quarterstaff
Quarterstaff
A quarterstaff , also short staff or simply staff is a traditional European pole weapon and a technique of stick fighting, especially as in use in England during the Early Modern period....
combat, which were detailed in numerous manuscripts written by masters-at-arms. Many of these methods became extinct but others adapted and survived as folk-sports and self defence systems. Examples include Portugal's Jogo do Pau
Jogo do Pau
Jogo do Pau is a Portuguese martial art which developed in the northern regions of Portugal , focusing on the use of a staff of fixed measures and characteristics. The origins of this martial art are uncertain, but its purpose was primarily self-defence...
, France's bâton français
Bâton français
The Bâton français, French for "French staff", also known as French stick fighting, is a European historical fencing discipline which uses a staff about 1.2 m long...
and Italy's scherma di bastone. Giuseppe Cerri's 1854 manual Trattato teorico e pratico della scherma di bastone is influenced by masters of the Italian school of swordsmanship, Achille Marozzo
Achille Marozzo
Achille Marozzo was an Italian fencing master teaching in the Dardi or Bolognese tradition.Marozzo was probably born in Bologna. His text Opera Nova dell'Arte delle Armi was published in 1536 in Modena, dedicated to Count Rangoni, then reprinted several times all the way into the next century...
and perhaps Francesco Alfieri
Francesco Alfieri
Francesco Ferdinando Alfieri of Padova was a 17th century master of the Italian school of swordsmanship and “Maestro D’Arme” to the Accademia Delia in Padua in 1640.-Works:Several manuals by Alfieri are known:...
.
The French system of la canne is still practised as a competitive sport. A self-defense adaptation of la canne developed by Swiss master-at-arms Pierre Vigny in the early 1900s has been revived as part of the curriculum of Bartitsu
Bartitsu
Bartitsu is an eclectic martial art and self-defence method originally developed in England during the years 1898–1902. In 1901 it was immortalised by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, author of the Sherlock Holmes mystery stories...
.
In the USA during the early years of the 1900s, fencer and self defense specialist A.C. Cunningham developed a unique system of stick fighting using a walking stick or umbrella, which he recorded in his book The Cane as a Weapon
The Cane as a Weapon
The Cane as a Weapon is a book by Andrew Chase Cunningham presenting a concise system of self defense making use of a walking stick or umbrella. It was first published in 1912 in the United States of America....
.
Singlestick
Singlestick
Singlestick, also known as cudgels, refers to both a martial art that uses a wooden stick as well as the weapon used in the art. It began as a way of training soldiers in the use of swords such as the sabre...
was developed as a method of training in the use of backsword
Backsword
A backsword is a sword with a blade on one edge, or an "edge-and-a-quarter." The back of the sword is often the thickest part of the blade and acts to support and strengthen it....
s such as the cavalry
Cavalry
Cavalry or horsemen were soldiers or warriors who fought mounted on horseback. Cavalry were historically the third oldest and the most mobile of the combat arms...
sabre
Sabre
The sabre or saber is a kind of backsword that usually has a curved, single-edged blade and a rather large hand guard, covering the knuckles of the hand as well as the thumb and forefinger...
or cutlass
Cutlass
A cutlass is a short, broad sabre or slashing sword, with a straight or slightly curved blade sharpened on the cutting edge, and a hilt often featuring a solid cupped or basket shaped guard...
. It was a popular pastime in the UK from the 18th to the early 20th century, and was an event
Fencing at the 1904 Summer Olympics
At the 1904 Summer Olympics, five fencing events were contested, all for men only. The third edition of the Olympic fencing program included a team event for the first time, as well as the only Olympic singlestick competition. Events for fencing professionals were eliminated...
at the 1904 Summer Olympics
1904 Summer Olympics
The 1904 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the III Olympiad, was an international multi-sport event which was celebrated in St. Louis, Missouri, in the United States from 1 July 1904, to November 23, 1904, at what is now known as Francis Field on the campus of Washington University...
. Although interest in the art declined, a few fencing coaches continued to train with the stick and competitions in this style of stick fighting was re-introduced into the Royal Navy
Royal Navy
The Royal Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Founded in the 16th century, it is the oldest service branch and is known as the Senior Service...
in the 1980s by commander Locker Madden. The art continues to gain a small following amongst the martial art community in the UK, Australia, Canada and the US.
Latin America
Latin America
Latin America is a region of the Americas where Romance languages – particularly Spanish and Portuguese, and variably French – are primarily spoken. Latin America has an area of approximately 21,069,500 km² , almost 3.9% of the Earth's surface or 14.1% of its land surface area...
also has its share of martial arts devoted to stick fighting, like Venezuela
Venezuela
Venezuela , officially called the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela , is a tropical country on the northern coast of South America. It borders Colombia to the west, Guyana to the east, and Brazil to the south...
's Juego del Garrote
El Juego del Garrote
El Juego del Garrote or Garrote Larense is a Venezuelan martial art that involves machete, garrote, and knife fencing....
or Brazil
Brazil
Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
's Palo do Brazil.
Some of the most advanced stick fighting systems come from the Philippines
Philippines
The Philippines , officially known as the Republic of the Philippines , is a country in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. To its north across the Luzon Strait lies Taiwan. West across the South China Sea sits Vietnam...
. Filipino martial arts
Filipino martial arts
Filipino Martial Arts refers to ancient and newer fighting methods devised in the Philippines, the most popular of which are known as Arnis/Eskrima/Kali. The intrinsic need for self-preservation was the genesis of these systems. Throughout the ages, invaders and evolving local conflict imposed new...
are known worldwide for their combat stick fighting systems. The weapons, often used interchangeably and alongside open hand-techniques, vary in design, size, weight, materials and methodology. Baston or olisi, eskrima sticks, are traditionally crafted from rattan
Rattan
Rattan is the name for the roughly 600 species of palms in the tribe Calameae, native to tropical regions of Africa, Asia and Australasia.- Structure :...
or kamagong
Kamagong
Kamagong or "Mabolo" is a fruit tree found only in the Philippines, the wood of which is extremely dense and hard, and famous for its dark color. It belongs to the ebony family , and like many other very hard woods is sometimes called "iron wood" so called because its wood is iron-like and nearly...
. In many martial arts systems, the stick is used to substitute the sword for practice and safety purposes.
The traditional Indian Martial Art Gatka
Gatka
Gatka is a weapon-based Indian martial art created by the Sikhs of the Punjab region. The word gatka refers to the wooden stick used in sparring matches. The term might have originated as a diminutive of the Sanskrit word gadha or mace....
is a style of fighting only with single sticks by the Gatka players, intended to simulate the sword and focuses on infusing physical, spiritual and mental fitness. Now a sport in India, no sharp edged weapons are used in the transformed Gatka game. The Gatka Federation of India (GFI) has adopted conventional sports uniform of track suits as a new dress code for Gatkebaz and opened it to female practioners as well.