Cane Fighting – The French Gentleman’s Way

Also called “Canne de Combat,” this particular form of self-defense originated from the French. Understandably, it was first used by the upper class bracket average men who wanted to protect themselves while walking down the streets. Since canes were carried by practically every gentleman on those days, it made sense to use the ‘canne,’ as they called it, for more practical, defensive purposes.
 

Image by Steve Buissinne from Pixabay 

The Cane 

 For self-defense purposes, the cane doesn’t always have to be a cane. The techniques are the same, but farm men may use a ‘staff’ to do each defensive maneuver. For sport purposes, however, the cane is typically made from chestnut with a tapered bottom. Like with fencing, players of the sport are expected to wear protection during a fight. 

 Aside from the basic cane, however, there are several variations to the weapon that’s been used overtime. There’s also the: 

 • Double cane or the use of two sticks • Baton or the quarterstaff which is basically a longer version of the double cane • Cane chausson which is a cane form of martial art but with kicks taught to enhance each attack • Cane defense which only involves self defense moves using the staff 


Cane Fighting makes for an excellent long-range fighting technique that’s designed to work against someone who also carries a weapon.
 

Evolution to a Sport 

 Cane fighting’s transition as a self-defense to a sport happened with the arrival of Maurice Sarry who codified the martial-art form. Originally, each fight occurred inside a ring with players allowed to hold a cane and switch it from one hand to another, depending on the specific move they want to make. Unlike other stick fights, players aren’t allowed to thrust or jab with the canes but are limited to striking moves, either horizontally or downwards. 

 It is interesting to note that when it comes to stick fighting, the martial art “boxing” is also referenced. This is because the gentlemen who first incorporated cane fighting were originally trained in Savate boxing. This is why cane fighting can also be traced to the French Savate Boxing Federation. 

 Currently, cane fighting isn’t as popular as other forms of stick fighting. This might be due to the fact that carrying a ‘cane’ around is no longer the norm. However, should you find teachers willing to teach cane fighting, you’ll find that this is every bit as useful as other forms of self-defense which uses a staff or stick to defeat the opponent. Whether you’re carrying an ordinary stick, a staff, or a cane, the movements will still give the necessary results.

Jujutsu – Weaponless Fighting Against an Equipped Opponent

Jujutsu is a highly recognizable way of fighting. It is mostly popular for the fact that there is where judo came from. However, you’ll be interested to know that judo is just one of the martial arts inspired by jujutsu. Other known forms of self-defense hailing from jujutsu include aikido, baritsu, and catch wrestling. Originally stemming from Japan, jujutsu has a rich history that helped shaped the martial arts world we know today.

Image by Taco Fleur from Pixabay 

The Technique

Jujutsu is typically defined as a form of martial art wherein a person wins by yielding. It was originally developed with the intent of winning against armored opponents when the practitioner himself has no weapons on hand. Later versions of the jujutsu however have included the use of small, circumspect weapons.

The system focuses mainly on pinning, throwing, strangling, chocking, locking, and essentially leaving the opponent immobilized. There’s a good reason for this – Jujutsu was created in a time when samurai’s wore body armor. Hence, striking moves wouldn’t be useful since the armor can easily absorb the impact. With the samurai’s sword adding a threat to the practitioner, it makes sense for them to immobilize the opponent quickly and efficiently.

Less on Force, More on Balance

Jujutsu can be an excellent form of self-defense taught to women, for the simple reason that it doesn’t promote too much force and power on the part of the practitioner. The whole idea of jujutsu is to take the opponents force of attack and use it against him by yielding. The idea is not to resist but gain the upper hand by being pliant. You’ve probably seen this demonstrate often in television where a female makes a man lose his center of gravity before a throw. This is a good example of jujutsu’s principle.

Culture and Religion

Considered to be one of the oldest forms of martial art, it’s not surprising that jujutsu has been linked with different cultures and religion. Different practitioners tend to mix and match religious beliefs with the practice of Jujutsu so it really depends on your teacher. Some of the most common religions intertwined with this martial art include but are not limited to the following: Buddhism, Shinto, and Taoism.

Jujutsu Today

The good news is that with Jujutsu being so popular, finding teachers of this martial art form isn’t that hard. In fact, you’ll find jujutsu dojos spread all across the United States, especially in large cities. As a form of self-defense, there’s no question that jujutsu is highly effective and perfect for people who are lacking, power-wise.