Cane Fighting: The Authoritative Guide to Using the Cane or Walking Stick for Self-Defense Paperback – March 14, 2016

Very informative

This is a very good primer on the use of the cane for self-defense. Great detail on the basics that will complement your training very well. I would recommend supplementing this book with some other works on the topic. Staff Fighting for Modern Combat by Vellucci that’s available in the Kindle store is one, as well as Jo: The Japanese Short Staff by Don Zier and The Fighting Staff by Dwight C. McLemore

I have walked with a cane for years, usually for comfort (not medical reasons...yet) and as a means to have something in hand if ever assaulted by four-legged or two-legged animals. Therefore my interest was piqued when I read the back cover of this book. Sammy Franco, founder and creator of Contemporary Fighting Arts (CFA), Law Enforcement Master Instructor, and author of 35 books on various aspects of reality based self-defense, has put together a simple manual on how to use a cane or walking-stick in personal protection situations. This snazzy, 233 page paperback is written for trained martial artists and the average citizen who has no training."Cane Fighting" is easy to read and straightforward. The pictures are clear, the instruction is coherent, and the material is comprehensible. The seven chapters walk the learner through cane selection, how to handle a cane, what stances to take, the human targets to strike in self-defense and in an all-out-fight-for-your-life context, rightly using the cane when being assaulted, and the kinds of attacks to watch for. The final chapter even walks the reader through a proper set of workouts to condition the body as well as the reflexes.If you have to walk with a cane or use one for comfort, "Cane Fighting" has some very usable advice and directions on how to use your cane in hostile events. This volume would make a good addition to a martial arts school's lending library. But it would be a valuable gift for anyone who regularly handles a shillelagh or walking stick of some kind. And for those who don't normally employ a cane, after reading this book, you will wonder why not. I highly recommend the book!

The walking cane was an indispensable complement in the attire of the european gentleman during the "belle époque" and some time after (1880-1935). It served not only to disguise the arthritis of the elderly, but was a defensive weapon for youngs and adults who knew how to use it. In fencing academies, along with saber and sword, cane fencing was also taught, usually modeled on the sabre fencing. In France was developed a renowned school, related with "savate", whose movements and sets complemented one another. In England, the engineer Edward W. Barton-Wright developed a defensing system of cane fencing associated with sets of "jiu-jitsu", that he called "Bartitsu". In Argentina, (where there was a good tradition of french fencing), the fencing master Arturo Bonafont also devised a similar system in the 1930's, when even the "smart cane" (bastón de elegancia) was used; he comprised some elements of the japanese "hambo-jutsu". After the 2nd. World War various oriental practices of stick fencing appeared, mainly japanese, but also chinese, korean, and more recently philippines: among them bo-ken, jo-ken, jipanghi-sul, etc. Those were taken by American schools of martial arts to create eclectic disciplines, as this one taught now by the author.In this book "Cane Fighting", Sammy Franco developes a basic variety of cane blows that we might call a "big stick fencing", very suitable for the self-defense of people with little phisical training, because it uses always both hands, and a very thick stick. (Also, the author's claim that the cane would be unfit to face an attacker armed with a knife seems a bit disheartening: precisely, the classical schools of cane-fencing pointed its usefulness in that emergency).Notwithstanding, this is a good introduction to a way of using the cane for defensive purposes; properly and efficiently illustrated with the indispensable photographs in the Kindle version. Very advisable for beginners in this practice.

Great for the Price! Go for it!

This author is an expert in the subject and walks you through every eveerything, along with clear pictures. I've purchased a few books that didn't turn out to be very clear, but this one is professional, articulate, and helpful. I'm very pleased with this purchase.

I dont know enough about cane fighting to comment on how good or effective this book is. It seems to cover many aspects of the art. I am getting old so some of the techniques require more agility than I possess now. Overall it was readable and I feel confident if I am attacked by one of the ladies at the next senior dance I might be able to hold her off until helps arrives.

I have to say when I see Sammy Franco as the author I stop. I have followed Mr. Franco for many years and he has never steered me wrong. His work is concise and to the point. He keeps it simple because for me simple works. These days you feel more of a need to be able to defend yourself and this is an ideal method. No one looks at a cane as a threat, it is non-lethal for those who like that and you can take it anywhere. You can walk thru an airport, amusement park, even a police station if you want with it out and no one questions it. If you're going to carry this, a gun, pepper spray or anything else you need training and this is a great place to start.