Stick Fighting: How to Strike with a Combat Stick!
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- čas přidán 13. 06. 2019
- Stick Fighting: How to Hit Someone With a Stick! Looking at the variety of ways that sticks have been employed throughout history to hit people.
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"Sticks are fun, wherever you're going, you can always take a stick with you."
A dog wrote this I'm sure!
Dont forget your tactical Umbrella
@@VoxVictus that might not be a good idea. Although, it could be a real blast.
or a tree
An old Arab saying....without a stick a man would be bitten even by a sheep....LOL.
@@VoxVictus I'd try juggling them if I were you. They're likely the perfect size.
As a practitioner of a Filipino stick system, I appreciate sticks getting some love here 😊
I hear you brother, lots of escrima techniques there
@@dracul1986 absolutely. Wanted to step into the video and demo the application of the "helicopter of death" 😁
😄👍
Hey can you lay hands on real Filipino hard wood sticks? Or tell me where to get them.
pekiti tersia kali
Step 1: find a stick
Step 2: pick up stick
Step 3: hit person with stick
assault +100
Add a stone or thick sprocket to a handle and you're as well armed as the Hittite army (was)
carry a big one
@@paleposter And walk softly.
Step 4: Sharpen stick
Step 5: Stick em with the pointy end
Sticks and stones might break my bones, but I'm sure that Matt Easton would just kill me.
Im going to go in the garden now and play with some sticks coz matt said I can
YES, YOU CAN! :)
Thanks buddy
Now that you’ve laid claim to a country estate, I see you’ve decided to start addressing the bludgeoning needs of the landed gentlemen.
Good show my good man, good show!
French phrase insulting to brits.
barkerm9 the landed gentry are always in need of a a good percussive instrument.
Bartitsu Gentry
Guinness most cases of the landed gentry it’s a case of burgeoning, bludgeoning and buggery but not necessarily in that order 😳
@@edstringer1138 ...dot tumblr dot com? Or maybe a good name for a song. (Doesn't quite work for a band, I feel...)
"You can't really regulate a stick"
MPs: "Was that a challenge sir?"
From 2020 on, elderly and injured people are only allowed to use ring shaped support, like hula hoops.
More like:
MPs: *Surprised pikachu*
Hula hoops can hurt if you hit someone hard enough.
The future, 2025 CE. London. Newspaper headline. "STICK CRIME ON THE RISE"
Hula hoops are a lot like those Chinese ring weapons...lol
Now I just realized that stick fighting techniques would be very useful for fight choreography in Star Wars since lightsabers have no edge.
I've been saying they need to incorporate more Escrima techniques into lightsaber combat since I was in high school.
... Because of the whole "effectively edgeless" thing, of course. Definitely not because I thought it would look cool...
I would suggest leaving out the half-swording techniques though.
Yes and no. Sabers somehow, inexplicably do 'bind', most likely due to 'rule of cool', but either way we have to take that as a canonical aspect of their usage. Think about it, if the way they interacted with each other really was like two completely smooth sticks, absolutely zero movie-type binds we see would be possible, they'd immediately slide down or slide up against each other and someone would be killed quite fast.
The matter of how much bind is up to debate. (Nevermind why/how).
@@TemenosL Admittedly, I hesitated to use "edgeless" in my comment, since I was aware that, weird-ass lightsaber canon aside, it would be more accurate to say that a lightsaber is all-edge. The main point was more along the line that you could convert some stick-fighting techniques into some crafty cuts with a lightsaber. Though, considering the issues that arise when blades lock at a weird angle, that could also be capitalized on for counters and disarms...
@@TemenosL The in-universe explanation is that the electromagnetic fields of the blades sometimes interact instead of repelling. Because it's STAR WARS (and not STAR TREK), they don't try to extend the technobabble any farther.
There is an old book called "The Walking Stick Method of Self Defense" by "an Officer of the Indian Police". It is a simple system, but one of the things talked about is using the second half of the swing to circumvent the opponents guard. I went a bit giddy when I saw that talked about 😊. Great video!
What little training I have received with a stick was with a baton where the first strike would be made as the end of the baton came out of the ring. This strike was to the solar plexus and was off/weak hand as a lunge. This was MP/SP training.
I have also had a class on the foil and were taught that the tip was more deadly than the edge.
I have gone through TSA check points with a brass headed walking stick with absolutely no problem. The head of the stick is offline of the shaft by about 30 degrees.
I've thought this exactly same line of thought for years. Its the reason why I purchased a Cold Steel City Stick (not the sword can variant) when they came out. I've been to many places that "weapons" are banned, but those who are inclined to break the law are not really concerned about weapon bans. My walking cane has never been not allowed. And with a 440 solid steel pommel and "unbreakable" shaft, I don't feel completely defenseless. Besides in these later years, problems with my knee and hip means that having a walking stick helps my mobility. Cheers !
as a stick-fighter hobbyist, my advice is that people ALWAYS underestimate the speed and ferocity of a melee fight. THAT MEANS YOU. once youre in one for real, its NOT AT ALL what you thought. just because youre fast enough to dodge/block in skyrim does NOT mean youll be able to do so in real life. its MUCH faster. and unarmored, it is VERY hard to tank a hit without flinching, meaning that youll double over in pain, giving the other person at least 2 free hits on you, at which point, youre DOWN. and i dont care WHO you are, even a VERY strong man, against a VERY weak man will STILL have a hard time. ANY melee fight is still very hard, and should be approached with extreme caution.
Well said, just seen a video suggesting if your walking stick is taken away you should move in for a double armbar.
The guy had muscles the size of legs. Totally unrealistic to someone with a disability. Annoys the hell out of me rubbish that doesn't take in reality.
i've fought in legendary Free For All stick fights when i was 8, i understand what you mean
Thanks tips....
Sound advice
Very true, Most people have never been in a real fight.
I still have a crooked nose from one 30+ years ago, Learned the hard way.
It is a lot faster than people think, You may dodge or block the first punch but didn't expect the second or third to come in so quick.
Here in the states for safety when hiking , my hiking staff is a 66 inch Rattan Bo. 2nd form of defense is a can of Bear Spray.
Chuck Littleton Mine’s a 4 foot polypropylene jo staff. My backup is a .357 magnum.
I was using a cane before this video, but after my 90 year old mother lost her balance, & slid down the wall of a Resturant, to the floor, my sister & I tried to lift her to her feet. Not very much room for three people in the same area. If she was injured, we wouldn’t have known until she screamed in pain. With a cane I could offer to help her to her to her feet, if she was strong enough for assistance. If not, she has the option to let go of the cane, without further injuries, and an ambulance would be called. Something to think about, when traveling with senior citizens. Also handy if I fall, option! Very hard to get enough room for 3 people in one area, to assist a fallen senior citizen. You can can still use the cane to protect you and your loved one, the other way! Loved your video.👍🏻👌🏻😍
At my HEMA club, I trained with little else besides a stick for the first three months or so - our little neophyte group learned the fundamentals of footwork, attacks, distance, good body mechanics and 'flow' - how to transition efficiently and effectively between various forms of attacks, smoothly linking them together into chains. All of these principles translate perfectly into swordsmanship. The other great thing about sticks is that you can swing them about inside a modest-sized room with less fear of breaking things and damaging the ceiling (if, for instance, you live in a flat without a garden). It makes for great exercise whilst watching CZcams videos. With a sword, you will need a monthly budget for repairing the walls and replacing lamps, pets and ceiling fixtures.
As a fellow eskrima guy, that's a nice stick..
“I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones.”
Albert Einstein
Rod 1984 Yeah! He was a commie but said he left Germany because he was a Jew. But Hitler hated commies too. Einstein also said when asked why he left Germany was “Because I can’t eat my bread.” In regards to the fact that when they came for the guns they took they knives as well to make the job easier for the soldiers. Sounds like your getting pretty close to the solution there.
Damn, sticks are versatile. It could be a cane, it could be a crutch, it could be a weapon, or it could even be fire!
"how should you hit someone with a stick?"
repeatedly.
"While he sleeps" is also acceptable!
Hopefully just the once is enough - avoid entrance to a quarrel, but, being in, bare it that thine opponent be ware of thee...
*adopts Monty Python Welsh accent* What about a pointed stick?
Shut up!
@@janhrdina1263 16 ton weight enters the chat.
Alright, clever dick, alright. Fresh fruit not good enough for you, eh? Well, next time some maniac comes at you with a basket full of boysenberries, don't come crying to me.
Now then, come at me with that banana!
Matt needs to do a fresh fruit combat in the medieval era video.
If the opponent breaks your stick ,usually they have gifted you a serviceable dagger.Be Sticky.
Sometimes 2
Now I have two sticks.
or old school whip off belt..three..eight once belt buckle swung on a 33 inch long belt can crack a skull.. or also if your old like me always carry a knife..and yes patrolled high country for years and carrying a stick cumbersome..on narrow trails
That was great mate, more stick videos in the future please! Yard is a nice recording spot
07:21 The celtss or the jutes would have LOVED techniques to strike at (multiple) different angles.
Underrated comment of the video, well done sir.
Well done sir.
Good one.
good show sir
Is that a lindybeige reference?
"How to hit someone with a stick..."
Way ahead of you, Matt. My brother and I hit each other many times with sticks in our youth.
Timothy Issler Not effectively enough as you are presumably both still around.
@@johnfrancisdoe1563 We probably would've, but Mom didn't let us.
"You can't ban trees, you can't ban sticks."
Yeah MAYBE don't give them ideas..?
Sounds like a side note from _The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy._ Or from a Discworld novel. Or a Tom Sharpe novel. That probably means banning sticks is a British thing.
@@germanvisitor2 I heard of one country that used leaves for money. They had a problem with inflation so they burnt down all the trees.
They banned some plants that grows like weed :D
*THIS* *JUST* *IN* *:*
"California bans wooden assault sticks"
We have real weapons what idea does he give weapons for thé poor? Like Stone trowers? Old defensles ones? ... All of our lives we been fooled now say keep dumb? Get a life! If someone has bad intention he just comes en get you simpel as that even bare hands!
Canemaster sticks are usually available with tear-drop, octagonal or "serrated" edges. Note that thrusting with a cane is often unanticipated.
A lightsaber as a glowing, cutting stick suddenly makes more sense.
Give it a Glow-in-the-dark paint job😀
Yep! First thing I thought of was how this applies and strengthens a lightsaber or electrostaff. I'll have to apply some of these ideas tomorrow when I meet with the other nerds (local hema group) to do lightsaber fighting.
Well, a club is just a stick and a a is just a metal club with an edge on it. How existential.
@@beskamir5977 How did that go? I've ordered some dueling lightsabers for myself, and just realized learning stick fighting might be a good idea
@@thehollowlingwin It's been months, I don't remember exactly and I probably need to practice more so that it's second nature for me.
Every now and again, I realize how dangerous & badass Master Easton potentially is....
I used to practice the likes of Kali & Arnis, the stick is a totally underrated weapon.
Fekin gunz
This is an excellent discussion of the basics of stick use. I've been involved in escrima/eskrima since the early 80's and you've covered all the basics! A colleague of mine at work, Richard Marsden does a bit of HEMA ...lately focusing on Polish sabre and I'm always amazed by the universality of the principles involved.
Finally! Someone with something intelligent to say about a stick or a cane. Thank you.
Top vid.
Seriously impressed there were zero slow-mo take downs with a sparring partner who knew when to fall over.
Fast and brutal multi-directional strikes so quick you can't see 'em.
Great video (as always)! Six months ago, I broke my leg very seriously, and I had to use a walking stick for several months. Naturally, this inspired me to learn defense techniques for that tool.
You’re absolutely correct that sword lovers like us tend to strike as though the stick has an edge. I hadn’t really considered that issue until you mentioned it. So thanks for the input. I will definitely revise my practice routines with this in mind.
Lol naturally…!
Gawd I love men 🤗🤗🤗
In this context, Mr. Easton is quite well and truly sticking it to the man!
Nah, Matt's all bark, no bite.
In “Clock Work Orange” Alex used all three of these styles. Lovely good show.
Real horror show droogie.
I loved that film
As a person who has to use a cane, this is a great video
Breaking news stick banned in UK .
Further, they are now requiring that all trees have lower limbs removed, and cricket bats must be covered in at least one inch of foam
Why did they do that ?
What about wooden spoons?
tohopes they’re good for music.
@@itsjustaline the uk police confiscate things like sticks and butter knives while actual crime is on the rise in london
I love sticks... Excellent overview, Thanks Matt! The one thing I would add is that from the two-handed grip either end can be flicked out very quickly, not with enormous force perhaps, but enough to break fingers or noses.
"They can never be banned."
London: Wood cooking spoons now require a license.
Oi! You got a loicense for that spoon?
i have aluminium sprung hiking poles and canes, brass capped walking sticks and hammer headed canes regular canes with teeth and hardened taped staffs learning to use them for self defense was some of the most fun i ever had
Excellent. Like Reddington never said "Never underestimate the power of a stick."
The woosh sounds so nice
I haven't fought with a stick since I was 10... seems really interesting now I am at an age when I could carry a stick for all the right reasons, and have it in case you need it for one of those wrong reasons..
Still, I remember winning all my stick fights by simply bashing my friends hands, their stick acted as a guide too, very effective and kept me just far enough away from getting my ribs poked, arms bruised or sides slapped...
I feel a sudden urge to walk through the woods waiving my stick about.
Great video. My dad has a walking stick with a decorative fish for a handle, made of a rock-like material. The mouth of the fish and its tail cannot be pushed on with the finger without causing pain and leaving an indentation. My dad never really noticed those features of his walking stick - he just liked the fish. I knew it would crack a skull.
You inspired me to practice swinging it around... er, swinging it about.
I like your little, hand on the hip "Man About Town" stance. ^_^
As I understand, stick fighting can benefit from the edge alignment principles found in sword fighting due to the structural alignment of the arm being able to produce significant force through 'cutting' techniques.
Also, the non-edged nature of the stick opens up angles of strikes that would be more unconventional in sword fighting as the latter would result in strikes with the flat of the blade.
Matt always delivers practical insights into how you'd use a weapon compared to another, highlighting those elements which carry over and those which might not. Quality content, always remain Matt Easton. =)
Those obtuse triangles are very important. The are part of the cones and its a principal y talk about in every class. Understand the cones and the triangles that form them and fighting with a weapon will change forever! It really does
The title was not very enticing for me, personally. But you did a really good job of explaining and I learnt much more about stick and sword combat than I anticipated. Your technique and knowledge was kind of intimidating since it's directed at the camera and I enjoyed that too
Love this video because I like to still walk around with a cane even though I don't actually need one so this is quite informative
Sir, your channel is unending source of knowledge, many thanks for sharing it!
A side note: don't, just don't underestimate your government, I believe that banning sticks or rocks is absolutely possible for these guys and gals :)
Well done for just about keeping a straight face while talking about holding the knob-end.
nnmmnmmnmnnm he’s a PROFESSIONAL.
I was hoping to see stick figures fighting but, this works as well.
I’m glad my brother didn’t have this video growing up.
Why? Did you pester him that much?
Swinging his knob around.... outside! :-D
It's his property, he can swing his knob all he wants!
Is he growing almonds? I live in the middle of a bunch of almond orchards.
It must be a maddening job. Every year, like clockwork, they run up and down the rows shaking their nuts.
@@jacobstaten2366... did his, have to be polished though.
@@virgosintellect I'm sure he polishes it as often as nred be or he can have his wife do it. It's none of my business.
I’m 72 been using a ‘stick’ for almost 45 years. I started the MA practice while in recovery from wounds received in RVN.
I always take my stick when going for a walk down the woods...
Now I know how to hit people with it,,
(and aggressive dogs)
Thank you,, can we have much more, on the use of sticks... ?
Absolutely fantastic video,
I take my stick walking in my suburban neighborhood...been attacked by an aggressive dog here...
Nice to see *Jogo Do Pau* get a mention. That's a martial art that I think deserves more exposure.
Also, sticks are indeed very much underrated and underappreciated!
Thanks for your video ! I practice with various "sticks". I realized during your video that the overhand strike is much like how I was taught to hit a baseball. It's also simular to an overhand smash with a tennis racket or even ping pong paddle. The same holds true for the back hand strikes. Turning the wrist as soon as contact is made.
I can see it now: special Weapon Control Constables going around collecting dry sticks in the park, cutting of low-hanging branches, confiscating umbrellas...
Pulling sharp teeth out, making sure that you ALWAYS wear boxing gloves and shooting you on sight with no warning for wearing a pair of steel toed safety shoes.
Where I live the council already does this.go straylia
Oi! You got a loicense for that spoon?
Stick fighting was a Olympic Disciplin 😁👍
I believe "was" is the keyword
@@christianalbertjahns2577 bring it back, bring it back. Dont take it away from me, because you dont Know What it means to me
@@lapetite6452 asks IOC or FIE for that. don't blame me. although if you want FIE to bring it back, you must bring solution for conductive AND safe stick (and other equipments)
I assume you meant singlestick competition which was one of competitions for sport fencing in 1904 Olympics (and only in 1904 Olympics). so, yeah. FIE(?) was responsible for that (the competition and the removal)
Wonderful presentation! Thank you for the insightful teaching. I have long held that my favorite “weapon” is the one that is the cheapest, and most abundantly available!
MegaZeroSeven In America that is the gun. Just ask Obama they’re as easy to get as a fruit or vegetable or book.
first time to the channel and am really impressed :D Love the illustrations of the "gentleman of the day" using their canes.
this is the best video I have seen on this topic, many thanks.
Good video. Never thought of a walking stick that way. May have to reconsider. Thanks
Against an unarmoured person, a stick is a formidable weapon. A walking stick wants to be roughly from ground to hip bone in length. The quickest disabling blow is probably not whacking them on the head but rapping their shins smartly with it. They're left limping and hopping with the fight gone out of them, job done.
That should of course have read 'unarmoured' but the swelling checker fixed it.
I learned about fighting with a stick when i was a little kid.
Me and my friends used to practice using sticks to fight with.
One of my friends used a skinny switch against my bigger stick.
He whipped my tail with his switch.
Even a small switch can make a person run in pain.
I love your videos and followed you for a good while; then CZcams stopped notifying me of ANY new posts. Found that you had not stopped at all, so I am happy to be following again!
No one can wield a stick as a weapon of pain than my Asian grandma
Francisco Lorenç de Rada (one of the main early XVIII century Drestreza authors) was governor of Veracruz and famously forbode people from carrying around sticks, while letting them wear swords.
His reasoning was that people get into fights anyway, but being struck with a stick is an insult (you strike animals with sticks: cows, dogs) that demands a response, whereas being threatened with a sword is something that pertains to people. A sword is also instinctively more dangerous, and people are more reluctant to face you if you wear it or wield it. So both fights happen less often, and they would often resolve without actual injuries because one of the parts would back away, and even if someone injured someone else, they would see it as a 'noble' injury, not demanding further satisfaction (as being beating with a stick would be).
So there. ;)
And if you strike with a ferrule on the end you’re more likely to actually break skin and cut. Incidentally the handle or know end was always considered the “butt end”. You can check in a dictionary it’s the thicker end of anything. In Irish stick-fighting they always looked for a “flatter” shaft so that there was an actual “true edge” in a sense. Great video thanks so much!!
These sort of moves are very common in Philippino martial arts.
What's brown and sticky?
A stick!
What do you call a boomerang that doesn't come back?
A stick
lol, good to know I'm not the only one who tells this joke.
Yeknodathon hahaha good one that's funny haha.
Why is your stick "sticky" ? what do you do with it? 😂
@@RikthDcruze It's brown... Too far? Sorry, too much? Damn, sorry. I can't word this well... 😂
Brilliant observations. they parallel a lot that we've observed in FMA. Thanks for sharing.
I did not think i would like this video. But i did. Excellent work.
I've said this for many years. It doesn't really matter how many laws are written or weapons banned. We have been killing one another with sticks and stones for millennia, and will have no problem going back to it if forced. More modern weapons just make the process a lot more efficient.
Daniel Greer It is man’s fallen nature. Take it all away and they will beat you with there bare fists.
Very interesting! There's actually a treatise from the late 19th to early 20th century (???) by R.G. Allanson-Winn and C. Phillips-Wolley, which I'm sure you've seen Matt, that advocates for a walking stick to be made more oval in shape rather than perfectly round.The idea of course being that the edge of the oval or ellipses will act similar to the edge of a blade and the flatter side similar to the flat of a blade. Ideally a greater amount of force and energy would then be concentrated on a single point on the "edge", rather than being spread out and lost over the wider surface area of a perfect cylindrical curve.
Not sure how this works in practice, or how much of a difference it really makes (getting hit with a stick is still going to hurt either way), but the concept is interesting a makes sense. It also means that using the stick would be much more similar to actually using a saber or sword, thus having an "edge" and a "flat" to consider when striking. Anyways, thought this might be of interest and worth sharing!
They also cover the use of umbrellas and other hastily procured "weapons" in the same work, so may be worth checking out, for purely historical reasons of course, for anyone interested! : )
Kendo, Aikido, Shoalin, Tàijíquán. I can kick some serious but with anything but a simple stick is my favourite unassuming weapon ( or 2,3 or even 4 "just as excersize/showmanship)🙏☯️
@@zatrusofnietzche2281 do you spar
i've wondered about a good solid wooden stick with a triangular or square cross-section. that would give you three or four dull edges. they might be dull but i bet they'y be more damaging than a round stick.
Excellent! Concise and straight to the point. Nice unpretentious vibe too!
The Southerner's African stick is very similar to the Masai "rungu" in Tanzania and Kenya. I have two of them at home. :) Cool to see!
Can you do one such video on a longer stick? Like shepherd's staff? Keep up the good work.
Am I the only one that thought of Monty Python upon seeing the title of this video?!? "How to attack someone with a banana." "What if he's got a stick?!?" "Shut up!"
Good stuff. The turn to hit around the block, that was well demonstrated.
Great dynamic, looking forward to more. 👍
"Sometimes it is called a 'hellicotper of death'"
I'm dead XD
I see, the helicopter works then...
For some reason helicopter of death reminds me of this abomination czcams.com/video/B886b8fe9AA/video.html
I will swing it like this. And when it hits you, it's your ooown fault.
Hey Matt This is a very interesting point with a sharp back-tip of a sabre blade. I was always interested in the use of this part of blade in Polish sabre (a Polish-a Hungarian type to be exact). By the way in XVIII century Poland stick fighting was a very important part of sword fight training.
One of the best informative video on stick fighting. Bravo and thank you sir.
The ad underneath the video is priceless...
'Hell(o)' Neighbor' and shows a cartoon dude holding a shovel.
Poetic.
Katana users play with sticks alot too! We call them "bokken"
OI M8 you got a loicense for that stick??
Have you installed and registered the GPS chip?
Excellent! thank you. Will use it in my anthropology classes.
Great video. I would like more videos on sticks,rods,canes and staffs. They really are an everyday carry that probably won't be taken from us.
I have noticed a good well aimed blow from a stick doesn't need to be v forceful to hurt like heck and incapacitate. Skill over force.
I’m pretty insecure at my ability to woosh after watching this vid
I started to say that I don't get it... but then I realized most people wouldn't understand the joke. :P
@@zacktoor1591 i dont get it
@@gabriel300010
Well... **shrugs** r/Whooosh! :D
Zack Toor this thread is getting too meta
@@zacktoor1591 not reddeit
As one ages and less agile a walking stick is very useful indeed, if you know how to use it. Quick damage is required, you cant be mucking around with fancy crap when your 70 yrs old. Learn early, be with you when you need it. Great vid 👍
Very good perspectives! Thank you, Sir!
I've done sword and other edgeless weapons and once you've instinctively mastered edge alignment it's hard to break the habit. It's important to remember to turn that off when using a mace, club, or cane because it's limiting your options. A stick isn't a sword without and edge, it's a different weapon.
But this is the Idea of Kali and Escrima. Learn one techique and use it for both, stick and edged weapons.
Love your videos. Agree with 99% except one thing. When battling and whipping the stick back and forth there is point where the wrist is broken off the line and can be easily broken from the stick. From experience, it is faster to whip but there is a trade off during the swing. It also hurts like mad as your wrist is wrenched into an awkward position and your weapon goes flying away when your opponent can catch you. I believe this is why most martial art styles favor the inline motion of the arm with minimal wrist twisting motion. It's in milliseconds but it happens. Just some food for thought. Love your lessons from history and practical applications.
I thoroughly enjoyed this video.
I enjoyed your views on the different aspects of using the stick, very informative Matt, just like to mention the Filipino stick techniques which are well worth looking into also, thanks and regards John.
I guess this was the way marshal arts began - by using what was available to defend yourself.
Shaolin military discipline
I carry a crook cane. I know how to use it very well.
With a forehand strike, you start with the thumb up, and that continues through about 3/4 of the way through.
However, if as your hand passes in front of your shoulder you roll your wrist over, you can whip it around behind your opponent's head or guard and strike from behind. You need to be fairly close, but it can be a wicked surprise for the foe.
It's not as strong as a direct blow, but your opponent can really be put off his stride by being hit in the back of his head by someone standing in front of him. It makes him much more wary of you.
Super video. I've got a piece of blackthorn (shillelagh wood) drying in the cellar with a multi-purpose walking stick in mind.