Staff Fighting - Thrusts

The staff is one of mankind's oldest weapons, and over those millennia we've discovered a lot of different techniques to wield it for combat, or self-defence. Here is where you learn about all the ways to thrust with the staff.
For more information on striking with a stick (especially lobtik and witik as mentioned in the video, please watch this: • Stick Fighting 101 - F...

[@EricDean]

Fantastic lesson! Thank you Badger!

[@132dne]

great stuff!

[@VTPSTTU]

Thanks for the video.
I haven't seen your chapter seven, so I don't know what you dislike about the reverse grip. I was walking with a staff as a walking stick a couple of years ago, and the wind blew a chunk of ice off my roof. At the sound of the ice scraping and bouncing across the roof, I brought my staff up to defend. I thought the sound might be a coyote or mountain lion. I found myself standing in the reverse grip and ready to strike. In truth, I should have just been drawing my gun, but the staff was already in my hand.

[@gurobadger]

So, it turned out I forgot I had mentioned doing a reverse grip video, and did one on the middle grip instead. Thanks for the reminder! That's back on my list.
And I wouldn't fault your reaction. I figure if you really needed to use the pistol, the staff can keep things at bay long enough for you to draw it.

[@garystern4441]

This is a very basic presentation. I have decades in both kendo and epee fencing and the last six years in kali. All weapons based fighting is about distance and timing. The simplest techniques, if mastered are the best. The greatest advantage of the staff is reach and the difficulty of gauging a perfectly strait trajectory. From my perspective the primary target is always the opponents weapon hand because you can attack it without exposing yourself to any danger. You don't have to skewer an adversary in center mass to win. If you end his ability to hold a weapon the fight is over. It is my personal preference to keep my weapon pointed at the enemy's weapon hand as it is where the danger is most likely to come from. Varying the grip distance from the back of your staff can fool the opponent as to how far you can thrust. Thus, one who is measuring the distance by body separation can be fooled. Lastly, a staff has flexibility and the closer you engage the enemies blade to your hands the more power you will have. But, it is best to feel the opponents staff with your first few inches and slide down his shaft to gain leverage. One's advantage is in distance and it is best to keep the enemy at bay.

[@gurobadger]

Thanks for your comment.
Definitely this is a basic presentation - the goal of the series (and the stickfighting one previously) is to provide some guidance for solo training, since so many classes have been shut down because of Covid.

[@garystern4441]

@@gurobadger Forgive me, I can't help putting in my two cents. I didn't mean anything negative. I'm in my 70's now and I started my martial arts journey in 1967. What I have enjoyed most is that a totally unathletic, ungifted person who is willing to devote hours to practice could actually overcome younger, faster, more skilled, more fit, opponents. One's brain is a much mightier weapon than people realize. Truly understanding the weapon in your hands and what it can do if used properly is immensely satisfying. My kendo mentor used to engage advancing opponents by putting the tip of his juk do on an opponent's hands as he moved in. He could stop forward moment with a tiny movement of his weapon. The surprise opened up many scoring opportunities. Similarly my fencing maestro had me keep the tip of my blade pointing at the opponents guard and small finger movements could catch an adversary's hand and wrist, Another great target that people forget is the leading knee which can be attacked without putting yourself in jeopardy. I get a kick out sharing what I have learned, especially to untalented athletes like myself.

[@gurobadger]

@@garystern4441 No offence taken - I'm a big fan of robust discussion, so feel free to comment!
This year marks my 40th in the martial arts, and I still feel like I'm constantly learning