Martial manuals are nothing new. From Joseph Swetnam's 1617 classic "The Worthy Science of Defense" to the legendary, hand-copied Asian "Bubishi", fighting masters
have long used the written word to record and pass on their technique to future generations. The image at left appeared in a German codex written in 1519. Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) work from old manuals such as this to this very day.
have long used the written word to record and pass on their technique to future generations. The image at left appeared in a German codex written in 1519. Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) work from old manuals such as this to this very day.
What we are missing today is an updated version of these manuals. While there are many books offering instruction in the use of knives and swords, there is shockingly little available on staff fighting. Well, look no further! With over 200 pages of quality instruction and over 550 full color photographs, complete with arrows and detailed step-by-step descriptions clearly detailing each technique, "The Art and Science of Staff Fighting", by Joe Varady, is not just unique, it is the most comprehensive book on staff fighting ever written.
The Levels
"The Art and Science of Staff Fighting" is divided into nine logical stages of training, both for ease of learning and for developing an understanding of the underpinnings of staff combat. The first five levels include workouts specifically designed to help you master the basic material. At each level, there are easy-to-follow instructions for the construction of special training equipment that is essential to the proper development of speed, power, and precision with the staff. It presents the best of both Eastern and Western martial traditions (along with a few in between), unified seamlessly to create a modern, logical, progressive, compact, and culturally diverse system of staff fighting that is easy to learn and applicable to any practitioner from any style.
Level 1: The Foundation The basics upon which we will build a complete fighting style. It begins with 9 basic strikes, basic applications, and a twirl. The aim is to get you comfortable with properly swinging a staff, as well as learning to safely make
contact with a partner’s staff. This is the level at which most traditional staff training ends, but for us it is only the beginning!
Level 2: Basic Middle Grip Topics covered include combat striking, targeting, developing combinations, and feinting, as well as some important blocking concepts. It is not enough to just read the information. Build the training equipment, complete the workouts, and watch your skills improve.
Level 3 Advanced Middle Grip Sophisticated “3-D” concepts on how to use the staff: advanced middle grip double striking and hooking disarms that will leave your opponents overwhelmed and empty-handed!
Level 4: Basic Extended Grip Long range fighting using the extended grip. It is almost like learning a whole new weapon. Combined with your knowledge of middle grip fighting, your new-found range will keep your attackers at bay.
Level 5: Advanced Extended Grip We start with techniques inspired by western fencing. Add to this some very effective entry methods, and you will have all the skills necessary to become a formidable fighter at both middle and long range.
Level 6: Combat with the Staff Time to suit up and start fighting! Included are guidelines for full contact training, plans for constructing your own padded weapons, and tips on fighting. The highlight, however, is my secret formula to success,
The Grand Overall Strategy. Once you know the secret, it is almost not fair anymore. Get ready to ROCK!
Level 7: Expert Training Imagine a trip to the salad bar. Level 1 is the bowl, providing the basic structure. Levels 2 to 4 make up the lettuce in our salad, while level 5 is the fork that allows us to eat (level 6). But what is a salad without toppings? Boring, that’s what! Level 7 is your complete toppings bar, full of lots of additional techniques to spice up your staff fighting salad.
Level 8: Master Training Advanced staff fighting concepts include close combat, unarmed defense against the staff, and facing multiple opponents. You will need all the skills you learned in levels 1 to 7 to be successful!
Level 9: The Way of the Spear As if your staff fighting skills were not effective enough, add a sharp blade to the end, and you are really cooking with gas. - Warning: Spear training is dangerous and NOT for beginners. -
The following example is taken from Level 8,
under the section on close combat with the staff.
Pin into a Takedown: The opponent strikes from right to left, which you block (1). Use the opponent’s momentum against him by immediately stepping through with your rear foot and beating the opponent’s staff downward with the heel on your staff (2). Continue through with your beat, pinning the opponent’s staff to the ground (3). Shuffle your rear foot forward as you maintain the pin (4). Step your lead foot forward, placing your thigh across the back of the opponent’s thigh as you bring the heel of your staff over his shoulder (5). Twist your hips and shoulders to your left to make the opponent fall over your front leg (6).