Intro to the Cane

[Sho-ju]

The walking stick or cane is a common walking implement found in every culture and it is said that one Pharaoh of Egypt was buried with 132 of them! In 16th century Russia they were banned, penalty was death. In Europe every lord and lady carried a cane as a mark of distinction, for a permit was required to carry one. The Irish were well known for there bhata or shillelagh and the news papers of the mid-nineteenth century often carried stories of factions of Irish folk fighting with there feared weapon. It is a part of our heritage as Western marital artists…

 

http://ejmas.com/jnc/vigny/CoupdeGraceDecember1903.jpg

 

The cane is a simple object that can be employed as a highly sophisticated and effective weapon for self-defense. The size can vary according to the individual, but the average is 3’ in length and 1 inch in diameter. A hard wood with some flex is needed to allow for slight bends without breaking.

 

As a medium range weapon, cane techniques are similar to other stick fighting systems with the curved handle permitting a range of additional techniques that are unique to this weapon. This permits greater versatility and a broader range of applications than found in other straight stick systems. The tip of the handle can be used for gouging vital pressure points or hooking clothing. The inner-handle is ideal for hooking blocks, leg sweeps, chokes, trapping and my favorite, throwing. The shaft is used for strikes, blocks, chokes and joint locks. The tip is for thrusting strikes and vital point.

[DLopez]

It will be a while still before I get to it, but the cane as a weapon is taught in the standard Kuk Sool Won curriculum, among many other weapons. I feel very fortunate that I won't have to go pay at another school to learn weapons!

 

I am learning the Bong (long staff), Jool Bong (Korean equivalent of nunchakas) and the straight sword currently.

 

Weapons training has added an awesome dimension to my martial arts training! I so look forward to every weapons class.

[Sho-ju]

I'd love to learn more about KSW and it's cane, post more pls?

[DLopez]

Ya, me too!

 

I am still learning more and more about Kuk Sool Won all the time!

 

Here's a good link that goes into detail about the ancient roots that Kuk Sool Won is based on:

 

Ancient history of Kuk Sool Won

 

I was trying to find particular information on the cane as a weapon, but other than mentioning it, not much is written describing it. However, I have seen it demonstrated extensively at the masters exhibition held during the World Kuk Sool Won Championship Tournament, both live and on video. To see a Master demonstrate cane techniques is really fascinating!