Cane Vs Walking Stick for Self Defense

[@d.r.martin6301]

Reminds me of my feisty grandma, now long gone. Back when she was up in her 70s, she was coming back from the liquor store--she loved her sherry--carrying her little bag containing wallet and bottle in one hand, cane in the other. A surly looking kid came walking toward her. Her radar went on. He looked like trouble, she told me. She let go of the handle and got a good grip on the cane a bit lower. And sure enough, he made a grab for her bag. Gran took a mighty swing and walloped the kid in the face. She swore she heard his nose break. Fortunately, he didn't try again and scampered. As for Gran, she had her sherry delivered from then on.

[@dr.j6747]

No substitute for good preparation and the "resolve" to protect your own! That's a great family story that I hope is repeated over the years!

[@AgeofGuns]

Until he pulls out a gun and all this is completely useless.

[@minarchist1776]

Depends on engagement range. If he's close enough he can be hit with a stick he's actually at a disadvantage.

[@AgeofGuns]

@@minarchist1776 No, he’s not. You’re fooling yourself if you believe otherwise. Your life is not a game.

[@snakeman9902]

​@@AgeofGunsI agree, however in my country, guns are banned on the street, so this would be very useful.. Yes people still get guns, but never use them on basic muggings, usually hard-core criminals and gangbangers when fighting rival gang's. It's usually knives that are the chosen weapon..

[@effeojnedib7208]

Great video. I often use a cane to assist my walking. Being a Black Belt, it only makes sense to utilize it's self defense benefits. I have a Cold Steel crook top rattan and Walkabout, among a few other non-Cold Steel ones. Somehow, I feel more comfort with the crook top canes. Maybe it just fills my hand better when walking. But-one thing the crook top may help with, and here's my actual experience... I have a cattle hook thing from Tractor Supply I use for antler shed hunting. It has a point and a pointed hook. One time, only a few years ago, a dog escaped it's back yard and attacked another smaller dog being walked by the owner. She walked this smaller dog often down our street. I had this cattle hook thing in the back of my truck, so was able to react quickly. I "ran" (63 years old now) to the dog fight , grabbing the cattle hook thing on the way. I used the hook to grab the collar of the viscous dog and allowed the lady to get herself and dog to the safety of a neighbors garage. I guess when I twisted the hook in the collar, it forced the point harder into the neck of the dog and he let go. The dog turned on me, but I was able to place the point into the center of the throat and move with him as he tried to attack me. Holding it like a spear, keeping the point firmly in his throat. So lesson learned-maybe the crook top cane has a few more uses than expected. That hook might be more of a tool than a ball. Even in rescuing a person from peril. Also, I use the crook top hooked into my belt or pocket when I need both hands for other purposes.

[@alanspring8462]

❤ Definitely would need someone like you in a dark alley at night.

[@TimeSurfer206]

Definitely a case of "Having the stick is far better than not."

[@raicebannon1936]

You sir, are a master. You may ascend to the next level.

[@TheGreyman61]

I have a crook top cane similar to the one in the video and I have the Coldsteel Walkabout. The problem I found with the Walkabout is the size of the knob on top causes my hand to cramp up. Having been in a bike accident in 18 and having alot of hardware in my leg I prefer the crook top.

[@cleekmaker00]

Black Belt also, in Kendō. Cane or walking stick is perfect for a Kote or Men strike should it come to that.

[@mk1fourwinds62]

I used a cane working cattle for years. It’s a hell of a self defense weapon. It becomes an extension of your body with daily use.

[@martinwalker9386]

I have both styles. The walking stick is left in my car, while the cane I use around the house and going to church as I walk to church. The walking stick head is made from an old hames. That brass knob stands a good chance of shattering one of the knee bones and low line strikes can be hard to grab or block. I have taken the walking stick through TSA with no issues.

[@HammersHarleys]

Yeah that’s a “Bubba Stick” from Texas right? I live in Pittsburgh, Pa. but I only try to buy high quality stuff so it lasts & that Bubba Stick was a great buy! I’ve had one of those for 13 years and am goin through knee surgery for the 5th time soon. So I just ordered another Bubba Stick since my original one is just a little bit more dinged up than I’d like it to be but it’s STILL as solid as the day I bought it! Love these Bubba Sticks! Good luck with yours, I hope your walking stick lasts like mine is!

[@joneo]

To protect yourself legally, opt for the unleaded version of the shillelagh vs. the lead-loaded kind, which could be picked up by metal detectors and viewed as a hidden weapon, sorta like a cane sword. A plain walking stick would be better received as just that - a stick; which is being used as a walking aid vs. a weapon. Thanks for the video 🙂

[@dollyllama69420]

Fair enough, but this would depend on the jurisdictional and situational circumstances involved, which should always be considered indeed!

[@sunrayrosin7181]

@@joneo no need lead. I do have one shillelagh with a brass ball hobnob. However I also have obvious tell tale scars and a limb that cannot be faked. So I have never had any issue taking a shillelagh into restricted areas. However, a simple solid hooked crook cane is a perfect tool . The crook is actually a wonderful tool and it’s far more useful than a ball top for the most part. That being said, the hitting power in a shillelagh is much better and I’ve been forced to use both a cane and a shillelagh and all times the attacker I needed to handle seemed to not like getting struck by either one. But damn, that shillelagh does carry some real weight. I actually recommend learning to block, and jab, and move. And if you need to strike, practice knowing where to strike and how to strike from different angles. I well placed jab or a well placed shin or arm strike can end things fast.

[@josephmartin1540]

All of the above, stick-wise. I’ve sticks and a band. Using them together for exercise, especially when traveling, was worth the price of admission. Thank you.

[@19mindmechanic55]

Thanks for this information, and for providing a video that can be more useful to those of us who have partial disability or simply through aging, than your average self-defense video. I have a walking stick rather than a cane, in part because of the reason you mentioned - cane to me feels more for a "handicapped" individual. Also, in part due to injuries suffered in the military (Israeli IDF), combined with age and corrective surgeries, I tend to need the assistance of the walking stick to walk any distance at all - it is very helpful. I have always taken it on planes with me, and have never had any problem with security or airline personnel. I believe they relate to it very much as they would a cane. I have been using the stick for about 10 years, so I cannot comment on anything prior to this time. Thank you again - oh, also, thank you for the information about using the stretch bands with the stick for exercise. Sometimes it is hard to get out of the house, for example to go to a gym, so these exercises or methods may be very helpfful.

[@utuk3333]

Just be aware that defending yourself with a blunt weapon often puts you in an entirely different legal category. In my state, for example, open carry is legal and concealed carry is legal as long as you pass a gun safety course. However, anything that could be construed as a bludgeon or blunt weapon is illegal. That would immediately exclude walking sticks or canes that have been modified to serve as weapon, i.e., by adding a lead filling; but it can also include any blunt object that you intentionally carry for self-defense. It's like wasp spray. Perfectly legal to purchase, carry, and use... unless they can prove that you intended to use it for anything other than its intended purpose. Carrying it around for self-defense is a felony, and if you ever do have to use it against an attacker, you could be in some serious legal trouble. The same thing applies to canes, walking sticks, tactical flashlights, baseball bats, hammers, etc., especially if you kill someone with it. They can also nail you for excessive force if you hit them more than once. The moral of the story is to always carefully research the weapons laws in your state.

[@raicebannon1936]

District attorneys in large cities are now out to change laws and put the law abiding in front of angry, unlawful people on juries. What if you are a person that defended yourself against a criminal and you are now placed in front of a jury that is prejudiced and does not believe in Western Law? Interesting times…

[@toddellner5283]

A lot of what you say MIGHT be true in SOME jurisdictions. But it absolutely is not in others. You aren't a lawyer. If you are you aren't my lawyer. You shouldn't be making blanket legal pronouncements because there's a chance someone might take you seriously.

[@andysmith1996]

@@toddellner5283 They weren't making a blanket pronouncement - they specifically said that was the law in their state and to research the laws where you are. It seems some people just want to be offended and look for things to take issue with.

[@OldManPaxusYT]

FACTS!

[@OldManPaxusYT]

@@toddellner5283 Wtf are u babbling about??? Utuk3333 literally explained that it _depends_ on the state/etc! (Ergo *NOT a 'blanket' statement!* ) It's a FACT that in most courts you can get into trouble for excessive force and everything utuk said was solid, good, factual advice! He? even said, a *_2nd time,_* 'always carefully research the weapons laws in your state.'

[@mrc4912]

Subscribed. Being almost 80 YO, these techniques are of interest to me. Thank you.

[@johnready630]

The Irish walking stick is nice but could be considered a weapon in the eyes of law enforcement in Canada . I can take my cane anywhere. Going thru check in at an airport would likely be an issue for sure and not just in Canada.

[@SimonTimoney-74]

Not here in Ireland it isnt

[@SimonTimoney-74]

The Irish stick is a walking stick..and a self defence weapon

[@johnready630]

@@SimonTimoney-74 So is my cane , it's built with features to make it to be used if need be . Check out cane masters , they make several types. I'd love to have a black thorn stick but it would be a wall hanger.

[@NicktheMac]

That's awful bs. Your government tried to ban your shillelagh walking stick like the British did in Ireland? Y'all have worse problems. So sorry

[@imsoreetodddid9007]

If it's long enough to be used as a walking stick with a rubber Ferrule at the bottom they can't get away with that.

[@glenmo1]

I just found my grandma's Irish walking stick ( sheleighly) she used to call it her sheleighly... It's a genuine blackthorn Irish walking stick but instead of just having a root knob it has a root sticking out from the knob which is a grip to hold on to when walking.. definitely going to put this in my rotation of walking sticks that I carry with me for self-defense..

[@deaddocreallydeaddoc5244]

I have a cane just like the one you have here. I lived in Slovenia for a few years. While I was here, I bought several cane badges, which are little souvenirs that are made to nail onto walking sticks to canes. I attached two to my cane up near the beginning of the curve of the handle. The metal adds a great deal of lethality to the cane.

[@korgan7779]

As a male, diagnosed at 34, now being 41, with Multiple Scleroses which heavily effects my the strength and use of my legs depending on if my nerves are transmitting or cross-firing like bad electrical wire. While I still have good upper body strength currently I have needed a cane for some time now. Luckily, I have my Grandfather's old Hickory crooked walking cane and it has been very handy in my journey. I've had my CCW and carried a firearm for much longer then I've had the MS but as you have mentioned here, even being in the US, I can't take that everywhere I go. I thank you for talking about this stuff and will get a resistance band to help me work out my upper body strength to preserve what I still have and maybe even beef it up a bit. I'm also working on another cane/walking stick using a vine wrapped hiking stick that someone had made for my Grandfather as well as Deer Antler / stag from a Buck that my Grandfather have harvested decades ago. I am mounting them together with Stainless steel All-Thread rod but not sure how well that would hold up in a self defense situation...

[@terrydouglas2777]

First of all my friend, love your videos. I'm disabled and use to us my different style canes to aid me while walking. But then went to using a walker for more stability. Now it's all wheelchair mobility for me and I can't stand up anymore. If you have diabetes, please take care of yourself better, and I'm also hit with massive amounts of blood clots in all my arteries. I got worse 3 years ago after I was walking in the river and a small catfish horned me in my big toe and the poison flowed fast in my veins and I kept going down hill since. But for self defense I use a pistol now. If I'm not allowed to enter a place then I don't go inside. I only trust myself to protect my own body. My past has taught me that, after I've been poisoned many times in past 10 years. I'm only 54 years old trapped in this damaged body. Protect yourself the best you can my brothers. Yes, I'm also a disabled military veteran. Just waiting for my death here.

[@Mudcat3434]

The Irish Shillelagh is absolutely devastating. There is no doubt which is more effective as a weapon. It has been used in actual warfare for nearly a thousand years and was actually banned by the English for that very reason. It gave them hell. I have one that I use when out hiking. Blackthorn is insanely durable and that knob is tremendously powerful. It will absolutely shatter bone, fracture skulls, incapacitate, lacerate, and cause internal bleeding effectively. And let's be honest it just looks badass.

[@Kinetic.44]

Yes, the right walking stick is nothing short of a mace or war club. I really like the Cold Steel walkabout and African walking sticks.

[@kevinlynch6799]

I have a couple of Tractor Supply Weaver Livestock Wooden Cane, 36” and love them. They help for walking, balance, reaching for something and much more. Have used it when climbing steep inclines (acts as a third leg) and also for a grip for a fellow climber. In downtown Chicago, only bad guys carry guns so many folks carry a similar cane. Always have a good rubber end cap so the cane has a good grip. You could easily touch that rubber butt section to someone’s coat or shirt, twist the cane 180 degrees and you will have all the leverage you could ever want. Be well.

[@PrivateEyeYiYi]

I’ll take a staff. Not for self defense but because leaning on a cane tortures my wrist. A staff that is grasped with the elbow at 90 degrees is a lot more comfortable.

[@jimkonst]

Matt, I was very happy to see you make this video. I flew from Ohio to Washington a couple of years ago with a hooked cane that I had modified with a tooth, speed bumps, and the narrow spine. The flight attendant (Delta, I think) gave me a cane to use on the flight and locked up my defensive cane. On the return flight (Alaska) I was allowed to keep my own cane.

[@minarchist1776]

I use a walking stick from time to time. Granted that it can be harder to deal with just a walking stick when one needs both hands to do something. However, I work as a security guard more often than not. Thus I have found that the belt attachment loop a guard would use for carrying a flashlight can also hold my walking stick (Cold Steel African Walking Stick). So people who see that as a potential problem might want to experiment to see if they can get a loop that will hold their walking stick.

[@marianfrances4959]

At 70, I use a chest-high hiking stick and have had no problems taking it on a plane. I practice various techniques with it and it does make me feel armed! 👍😎🇨🇦

[@scottydouglass1892]

The sheleighly originally was a short handled wacking club made from blackthorn. The knob is from the root bundle. The Irish carried them into battle. After the British finally defeated and invaded Ireland they outlawed the sheleighly. So the Irish left the handle longer and called it a walking stick. Make no mistake, that thing will split your head open.

[@neilbrowne-ty9zl]

Thats a Cudgel.

[@kirkmcknight113]

Had surgery on my left hip. Used a cane for quite sometime. It is the metal adjustable kind. So it's very light and has the hooked end but covered with a foam to make it easier to carry. So I took it apart and dropped fishing weights in it to still be comfy and have a little surprise for anyone I would strike with it. You basically just lift it a tiny bit and the tip moves in rhythm of your stride. Don't know about traveling with it but that's not a problem. I don't fly IF I can't carry a knife or EDC pistol.

[@elwynsmith5092]

Good info i'm one that prefers the cane and to me looks more "gray man look" thanks again !

[@bigsidable]

Yes of course. I’ve been training Japanese weapons for a very very long time. I use them In Shotokan Katas. Great way to expand the Kata and your fighting skills. I got a new knee in 2020. And used a cane. As my rehab started. I just started using my cane as a weapon. It is a very effective weapon. Just using a straight sword strike to any target is very effective and quick. And of course using the curve handle is great for trapping leg,arm, and neck. Using the technique of The Jo Staff of Aikido. Is a great training system. Love it. OUS.

[@KrisSays]

Domo arigato!

[@lugo_9969]

Here in Ireland we talk about "shillelagh Law" breaking out. Often after the pubs close. 😂

[@SmallSpoonBrigade]

lol, that took me a bit.

[@BoylenInk]

I own a hickory cane but personally I would be very cautious striking a threat with the handle end. If they are able to get hold of yje cane they can pulll it away from you. If you keep the curved end in your hand and they grab the straight end they won't be able to pull your weapon away from you even if they are stronger.

[@thebes118]

I took martial arts when I was young, and had a little riot control training with the sticks in the Air Force (Security Police). I have often thought about carrying one even though I don't really need it at 67. Yes I do carry a pocket rocket most of the time, but a little extra never hurts.

[@PaulWinning-d3x]

Grew up in Scotland spent 3 decades in the Far East have got early memories of rambling around Culzean Castle in Ayrshire as a tween stick in hand...excellent video thanks

[@pasquinilli]

Great memories! Thank you for sharing!!

[@studer6884]

I was just rewatching last year's video you made on this topic. Looking forward to round 2.

[@martinloo9543]

Excellent video. I would prefer the traditional cane with that hook. It will draw less attention and you can use that hook for some really effective self defense moves.

[@IamNorthwind]

I was looking for different ways people played our TCMA cane form and came across this. Love to see the exploratory play!

[@mylittlepitbull3143]

62 years old and I've been in my share of fights. Now the world is a lot more dangerous than it used to be. I feel like I'm ready to brawl all the time. I don't have an exact weapon, but as an x baseball player chef and mechanic I have a baseball bat scimitar, big Old cleaver that my grandfather used to chop up cows, and various assortments of BFWs. Sure I'll take a walking stick or what other one

[@Baka_Komuso]

Hold fast! Don’t let them get it away from you.

[@pasquinilli]

Good and wise counsel!

[@simpledragon]

From someone that truly uses two canes to stand and walk: Your moves require pushing force from the ground and are not realistic for someone who actually needs the cane. People get near enough and neutralize most midrange moves before any indication of attack.

[@RobertWPaine]

Thank you! I use a cane in case I lose my balance. Your video affirms my belief that a cane or walking stick can be a very efficient weapon.

[@sunrayrosin7181]

I have been walking with a shillelah or a cane ever since I was 24 and had a terrible ankle break. I learned to fight with it fast being a target for assaults due to the injury. I am now 55 and two years ago I was actually hit by a E350 doing 35mph. That broke all my ribs and my left femur, and my right ankle (the previously injured one) was flailed to the very bone. Anyway, I recently visited NYC and I was privileged to assist a NYPD officer who was being attacked by a migrant who was in top shape. (He looked military fit tbh) and I was able to assist the officer by handcuffing the attacker with the officers cuffs that i was able to reach while the officer was on his back trying to keep the migrant from grabbing his sidearm . I had my cane but didn’t use it that time. Fast forward to just a few days ago in my little town in Hawaii. A young man and his friends were up to no good and one got up close behind me in a parking lot. I was walking slowly and I was using my cane as a walking device. However I saw this one guy and read him, so I went even slower than usual to see if he was going to try to rob me. Anyway, I spun on him and he learned while his friends ran away. I have used my sticks in multiple situations from NYC to SF to Hawaii and each time the Lord has been with me in the fight. I have had other experiences without my sticks too that all worked out well. However having a solid cane or my beloved shillelagh is part on me already. I am grateful for knowing how to use them . And now I sometime teach select young people and disabled adults how to use a cane for self defense. I wish I still had my very first home made shillalagh. It saved my life in NYC in a 3on1 street fight and my dear neighbor made it for me when I had my first bone break that put the need for a walking stick into a reality.

[@gvaldezcurrie]

Cane with a L shaped handle (90 degree) seem fairly common and look less orthopedic and more stylish. Note i have never been denied entrance to a concert or sporting event with one. I also believe it is your right not to be challenged per ADA. Sure makes me feel safer.

[@jm6696]

Some great points. Ty. As a wood worker, i can make these, so theres a plus. With a recent hip/-lower back injury, i can sometimes need a can or walking stick...gonna make one, tomorrow!

[@dougboal7620]

Hi Matt. Being i have both, i like them equally, for exactly the same reasons that you discussed. One advantage also with the shillelagh is since it is lighter, holding it like a sword with the hand resting against the knob, performing snap strikes is also a viable option. When practicing with it on the heavy bag, the snap strikes would be a great defense against aggressive dogs or other animals. Also, removing the rubber boot from the shillelagh, the metal "thimble type" tip has a lot of penetration force when thrusting. Sorry i couldn't make class. Was out of town with the daughters. Great video. Stay safe. Doug.

[@KutWrite]

against... what?

[@stevenkennedy4130]

@@KutWrite Try reading his...reply.

[@KutWrite]

@@stevenkennedy4130: Whose reply where?

[@inthehouse2840]

Have taken my canemaster cane on flights to Ethiopia and Equatorial Guinea out of Washington DC. No problems at all

[@surfghost9121]

Cool video. I've carried a walking stick for years on my night walks, mainly for dogs. Marine bayonet moves work well with the sticks too. Great idea using the bands on the stick!!!!!!!

[@tedoliver60]

❤ just found this on KZbin and I love it! I just ordered a Rattan and will definitely be watching this and more of your videos. At age 64 I could use both the cane and the security of self defense by using it. I’m too old for fistfights.

[@lostboy8084]

I am using the cane and need to for medical reasons also. There is one thing that I think should be considered in the cane choice and it is the fact that it makes you look less threatening. For example and it happened more than once. Walking and up ahead is a bunch of young around 20 year old guys some having a concealed firearm on them others with baseball bat's harassing passerbys. I come along and hobbling down the sidewalk and I hear one say yo as he noticed me heading towards them. I was prepared for a confrontation and the next I hear is the guy say chill let him pass. A walked by literally unharassed when everyone else was their targets. It has happened pretty frequently were young kids who have even physically attacked a person who looked at them funny or something like that but me a graying haired old man with his cane they ignored and beside being told its late go home grandpa . Yes laugh but it happened. So the fact that people don't automatically think threat and many still have probably grandparents or disabled persons in their lives that are the only ones that treated them well or at least my theory tends to make people feel less aggressive to those who use canes.

[@joeo7693]

A good friend of mine gave me a United Cutlery UC3129 Defense Walking Cane Hook. It is solid, description from their website: “Constructed of strong injection molded nylon with fiber, it is almost indestructible. It has a slip-free removable rubber toe to give you the security of a slip-free footing. The shaft can be cut with a saw to adjust the height of the cane to suit your needs.” I travel a lot and many a person at a security checkpoint has commented on it.

[@defdoyle1]

very interesting Video by Matt... I have been studying Irish Stick with Ajarn Sean Dooney who incorporates Mauy Thai strikes and defense giving a whole new dimension ..... at the end of the day tho, Stick and Cane defense is the way forward for most folk who dont like knives and who can't legally own a gun.

[@karlarsch-i7k]

thanks for your videos, just starting to get into jo staff and walking sticks

[@michaeldrevyankosr6180]

I have 3 walking sticks , they are all different lengths, depending on were I am going predicates which one I use. My shortest stick I have a lanyard on it for close range

[@MrAllmightyCornholioz]

Walking stick = Movies told me those are illegal! Cane = Aww you look like a harmless geyser with a hook.

[@rocksteady20101]

Retired LEO and 40 yrs martial arts instructor. I prefer my friend Kimber, she's always ready to help. And I never fly

[@pasquinilli]

Never used your baton in the line of duty?

[@jamesgoudreau1940]

Thanks for the demo. I am getting older and have been considering getting a walking stick. This has given me some things to think about.

[@pasquinilli]

Thanks James!

[@TheGreatest1974]

God I love that Shillelagh of yours! I’m making my own now but it’s hard to get a piece with the right ‘ball’ shape on the end. But they all make lovely sticks anyway. Good stuff Matt. 👍🇬🇧

[@paulmoore8276]

Not a shillelagh ,I think it's an Irish Blackthorn. Shillelagh is shorter with a hammer-like head.

[@stevenkennedy4130]

I own both. Both are solid choices. Thanks for the share!!

[@MitchC357]

I have the hickory cane. I like it. Watching your videos to get ideas on using it.

[@joelara610]

I like the old school steering wheel "club". Can be carried openly in your car, and packs a ruthless swing short range.

[@Shel-kx6ef]

I love my Cane Masters canes. I have trained with a Wu Tai Chi broadsword and using a cane in place of an Iaido sword. Having a Wavemaster style training bag with a base is great for cane training. Mine is a less expensive Everlast brand.

[@williamsisk2897]

I prefer the walking stick. I can put pressure on the knob and be in line with my arm. Plus it can be used as a short staff, an extra long baton, or used as a wooden sword. One of these days I would love to have an Irish blackthorn, but my home made walking stick does fine. I have thought about buying the polypropylene copy of the Irish walking stick.

[@studer6884]

I don’t know about the united cutlery night watchman resin shillelagh. But the cold steel one is a monster. Very heavy and thick. I have the nightcwatchman self defense cane and it is a beauty, but the included tip sycked. Easily replaced with a drug store cane tip or rubber furniture foot guard. Good luck on your purchase and training!

[@studer6884]

Cane all the way. Acreal blackthorn would be awesome, but too cool to risk TSA, IMHO. The seize a real Blackthorn, I am out a couple hundred. They seize my cane, I am out 50 bucks.

[@studer6884]

Thanks again, Matt.

[@johnlamb55]

I use both. My shillelagh came from Ireland and I made my own ironwood cane. I have used both in self defense situations. Each is suited for different applications. To get away quickly, cane. To disable your attacker longer term, shillelagh.

[@artawhirler]

Ironwood is great, but it's like carrying a crowbar around! 😅. ( In fact, people before the Home Depot era used it for exactly that purpose!) Maybe it's just because my own ironwood stick is 54" long. It would be a lot lighter if I cut it down shorter, but I don't want to! 😅

[@hoytwood4937]

The first STRIKE is always across the persons SHIN BONE , Very Painful and disabling.

[@pasquinilli]

Ouch!!

[@virtuosoification]

being a skateboarder and a cyclist i have taken HARD HARD hits to the shin chipped bone, bone bruises, hematoma etc i assure you a shinner would just make me incredibly ANGRY not disabled not making fun of your comment , just pointing something out to consider know your enemy/attacker as much as possible i spose !

[@gregoryfoster8179]

I have an adjustable metal cane given to me from the VA after a leg surgery, rather heavy too, not light weight aluminum. I also use a mahogany walking stick. I really like the exercises you showed with the resistance bands. Nice demo.

[@pasquinilli]

Thanks Gregory! I started going to the VA this year. Better experience than I expected!

[@DrR.F.FranckVARGAPhD]

Thanks for your useful advice. As usual, I love your videos and mentioned you to my friends.

[@longdarkrideatnight]

I like the rattan cane, having been an SCA armoured combat competitor for years. Rattan is a vine not a grass, by the way.

[@pasquinilli]

Thanks! I’ve never seen rattan in the wild. Good info!

[@IMTHATMAN999]

The cane has the greater potential for being wrested away from you if you strike with the crook. For that reason I would prefer the walking stick. I have a genuine blackthorn shillelagh (most common pronunciation is shil-lay-ley) and I don't carry it for defense because the thorns, even though they're sanded down a bit, are painful to use if gripped tightly as would be necessary to do in an altercation. But it looks cool.

[@geoffquartermainebastin9302]

Lovely to hear your excellent teaching again, Matt. Thanks.

[@pasquinilli]

Thanks Geoff. I enjoy your comments daily all over LI! Hahahaha. Spot on!

[@AlitaAvenger]

Great self-defense class, thank you very much! I do not have a cane yet. Hanbo, Jo and selfmade walking stick made from oak. Looking very much forward to your canes made from osage in the future. Stay safe too 🙏!

[@donoberloh]

Jo and Hanbo techniques will be there when you need them with a cane. I use a modified Bokken and have trained with TSKSR and SMRJojutsu ryu as well and Hanbo as taught by Hatsumi in his early days.

[@taze317]

I had major surgery on my left femur in 2015. Three days after I had 65 staples removed, I was involved in a road rage incident. I'm not trying to fight ANYONE. I had to use a metal cane to walk. I tried to explain that I just had surgery, and I held up my cane. He said, "Oh, you're going to hit me with that?" Then he started walking towards me. I got out of the car (I wasn't driving) and told him not to come any closer. He came closer. I slapped him. Hard. I should have used the cane. Had he fought back, I would have been in trouble. He needed to be disabled. You need good balance to swing and prod at someone, and I didn't have it. Having my wounds affected was also a concern. It was a little scary.

[@johndemeen5575]

I just carrie my model of 1911 45 cal. With 14 bullets. St.Paul,Minnesota.

[@raicebannon1936]

In Minnesota they will purposely charge you will felony attempted murder. The government there is Marxist and there is no rule of law.

[@alanlanctot7369]

Do you know which end is the business end?

[@johndemeen5575]

@@alanlanctot7369 I not sure?

[@aaronshumate4643]

1911 are 7+1 some of the new are 8+1….. not 14..

[@johndemeen5575]

@@aaronshumate4643 I keep an extra magazine in my pocket. St.Paul,Minnesota.

[@grbeck-uk5433]

Great video Mike. My copy of ‘when Violence is the answer’ arrived last week. Great book which compliments your content.. 🙏🏻

[@dr.j6747]

I prefer the curved "crook" which, when swinging the cane with a loose hand, allows for added circular momentum that will increase speed and power, especially for horizontal back and forth strikes and for figure-8 and over-head downward strikes. Force = Mass x Acceleration.

[@StevenTorrey]

My walking stick which is about 3 feet long and about 1 inch thick. I much prefer that to the 3 ft long cane. At the same time, I'm not at all sure the wood could sustain any long-term attack, it would shatter sooner than not.

[@blchamblisscscp8476]

I brought my father-in-law a shillelagh back from Ireland. Its a wicked piece of wood if used on someone's noggin. Or and body part. The business end is about the size of a coffee cup, one big knot of wood.

[@pilgrimhere652]

The problem rely on power, the enemy is drugged and hyper , I will need a very power full strike to bring him to the ground inmidiatly , I use a taser and very power full type, once I just touch him once, he will 😬 fall to the ground .But a cane with taser, I'll buy it.

[@JimRibby]

Matt I prefer a cane for everyday walking around town. I'm a story teller so I often carry a walking stick when performing. It works better as a prop. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. It depends on what I'm doing.

[@richardbarrett4104]

Excellent man, it's real and not silly done like others do. Well done.😀

[@pasquinilli]

Thank you Richard!

[@billboyd2310]

Hey man, love your videos please tell me what you think about the cold steel African walking stick and the cold steel walkabout canes, l have carried them 4 over 15years. Please give me your opinion thanks

[@ralphmb58]

Great content! I use the cane and have some training with it but I've never had the opportunity to hold an Irish walking stick. I need to be looking for one and try it out.

[@uxb1112]

Stick or cane are dependent on material used to manufacture not shape and can come with or without handle. Sticks are made of wood and canes are made from, well, cane, which like bamboo, are a type of grass.

[@pasquinilli]

Semantics. The downfall of the educated.

[@steve26791]

We’re going to need this to keep peace.

[@shanehaire7633]

Both have advantages and disadvantages. The crook neck cane has some very severe disadvantages that any walking stick does not share. Some version of a "walking stick" has been used both defensively as well as offensively, with more than a thousand years worldwide. The crook neck cane has about a 50-year history in comparison.

[@gkarlton1157]

Hello Matt good afternoon, I've been looking at your videos on one handed jo staff strikes.

[@МирославЦигилик]

Молодець, мені дуже сподобалося. Палицю з гаком, кінчик гака треба заокруглити, щоб сильно нетравмувати, бо з таким кінчиком вона травмуватиме. Старики завжди в пошані і завжди мудрі.

[@Cubestone]

Thanks for the tips. I was able to get through TSA with no trouble carrying a trecking (hiking) pole. It is adjustable length aluminum with a tire stud tip inside of a rubber cup and a hard cork hand grip. Being in my late 60s the only thing that security asked was if I needed to borrow their cane to walk through the x-ray machine. I think that "cane" choice for TSA probably depends on context to an extent.

[@minarchist1776]

I have a problem with aluminum trekking poles. Granted that it may be more of a personal thing, but the experience totally soured me on them. There I was walking through an obnoxious snow fall one winter where the various sidewalks and streets had not had time to have been properly plowed yet. As a result there were times when I really needed to bear down on the trekking pole in order to retain my balance. And then the stupid thing bent and folded up under me almost like a pretzel. Now granted that I am roughly 6' 1" tall and weigh roughly 250 lbs, but I would have thought that the thing should have held. I eventually got a Cold Steel African Walking Stick and put a rubber cane tip on it. No problems at all with it. Cold Steel claims that it is "unbreakable". While I confess to some doubts in that regard it nevertheless has held up to everything I have needed to do with it. It is a solid piece of polypropylene with a geodesic head on it that makes it an effective mace.

[@Cubestone]

@@minarchist1776 I think context is the difference here. I have a high quality set of Austrian trekking poles that I mostly use for hiking. Their primary purpose is to provide rhythm, balance, and occasionally support. I wanted to make clear that the TSA I encountered has no problem with one. In a pinch I would use one defensively, but it wouldn't be my first choice. (The stick you're carrying is better than one you are not.) Your application definitely needs something other than a trekking pole.

[@JohnReilly-wm4sl]

Thanks Matt. I live in Ireland and have 3 Shillelaghs from Shillelagh village (from the same maker as your own). The last time I was there I told the Shillelagh makers wife that I had seen you mention them on your you Tube video.

[@stevenscott2136]

I'm old enough that I no longer care about looking cool, so the extra features of the hook-style, including the ability to hang it on things or pull things with it, win out.

[@dutchessbeautysalon]

We need to learn how to defend ourselves from behind when people of all ages especially the elderly people are being sucker punched or when someone tries to use a box cutter and takes us from behind without us knowing that they're going to strike / attack. Would you be able to show how one can protect themselves

[@raicebannon1936]

The defense canes are very good options for people in urban areas. Question: Some district attorneys have prosecuted legal firearm carry citizens for using a gun to legally defend themselves. I have a permit to carry. However my instructor has told me repeatedly to warn people that you are armed before you fire. The last thing you want to do is a fire a weapon at someone. Now -- have you heard of anyone being charged or arrested for using a self defense cane to defend themselves? Is it considered a dangerous weapon?

[@pasquinilli]

That’s a good question. I have not heard of anyone being charged who used a cane in self defense. It’s not concealed though and you don’t have an obligation to disclose any training you may have done. I think it would be seen very differently by the law than a concealed firearm.

[@robertt1041]

Thank You Sir this was awesome video. I love it when I see people taking time to help us defend, Protect against the bad people of the world. THANK YOU and GOD BLESS YOU.

[@DEVanderbiltCecil]

Is that a briar root shillelagh?

[@romeoaliviado8462]

The iron wood (magkono wood) is good for walking and defense

[@pasquinilli]

Yes. A perfect wood! Thank you!!

[@nlimnj]

Where can I get that?

[@buffalowinter61]

Thank you for this informative comparison...for self defense

[@VTPSTTU]

Thanks for the video. I'd like to suggest a few other factors. If one can stand for a short time without using either kind of stick for balance, there might be times when one needs to stand there using both hands for something. With a crooked cane, one can hang the cane over one's belt, over the top of one's pants, or in one's pant pocket. The crook holds the cane securely in place as long as one isn't bending and moving too much. Not having one's cane falling is nice. I've found that sticks without a hook can be leaned against the body, but they often find a way to slide and fall. I've never even held a real shillelagh, but from what I've heard, they are very lightweight. If one gets a shillelagh made without lead in the head or with only a small amount of lead, the weight cane be even less. If weight is an issue in using a cane for a long period of time, a lighter shillelagh might be an easier choice. The hook on a cane is nice for other uses. I've raised and lowered buckets of gear or clothing from my barn loft by hooking the bucket handle with the crook of my cane. The cane can be used in the same way for lifting book bags, backpacks, duffle bags, and anything else with a handle or carrying strap. I was once trying to get up a hill and hooked the crook of a cane over a fence to get better balance and pull myself upwards. I don't think any cane can match the "cool factor" of a nice shillelagh. If I had unlimited money, I'd own a few real shillelaghs.

[@joanne4120]

Thank you !! Your extremely informative and knowledgeable.. your videos are so helpful!!❤

[@fredazcarate4818]

It has been long time since I have viewed your video lectures. And Matt as usual you did not disappoint . Thank you for sharing your martial combat wisdom. I will definitely add these techniques to my training regimen. Oh.. God bless you and family!

[@waynethebarber1095]

I use a combat cane, I am 66yo. I have looked up boken kata and learned alot from practicing there moves. Plus its a nice workout. Just remember how well you can move...

[@ricjona1069]

Carry a KaBar cane when I have no other self-defense alternative. I replaced the soft rubber tip with hard plastic. I have a second cane I filled with shot to increase the weight for training.

[@CynHicks]

Don't mess with old men with sticks kids. 😅

[@pasquinilli]

That should be a given.

[@jwegreyhounds]

Where can you buy one of the green bands?

[@pasquinilli]

Thanks. Try here amzn.to/42BK77M

[@annemz4328]

Thank you for this information. Very helpful 😊

[@yukonjohn9480]

Walking sticks are considered a bludgeon in Illinois and as such a dangerous weapon. Canes must have a curved handle to be considered a medical device and hence protected by ADA & HIPPA.

[@markgoggin2014]

The weighted walking stick or brass knob walking stick will break joints and bones easier and you don’t have to worry about alignment

[@pasquinilli]

Good tip. Thanks Mark!

[@markgoggin2014]

@@pasquinilli no problem. I am a knob walking stick user anytime I leave the house because of my MS and I have had to use it to defend myself a couple times. I choose the brass knob walking stick because it has a few advantages over most combat canes. If it matters I also have a third degree black belt and training in cane and stick fighting

[@KalimanFMA]

I use a Cold Steel African walking stick in Georgia, walk into any VA facility, and everywhere else with no issues, whatsoever, and I prefer a walking stick to a cane, but is only because I trained in Filipino Kali for 34 years, and have a preference for a straight stick, but don’t disagree with the benefits of a traditional style cane