Cane Vs Walking Stick for Self Defense 

Reminds me of my feisty grandma, now long gone. Back when she was up in her 70s, she was coming back from the liquor store--she loved her sherry--carrying her little bag containing wallet and bottle in one hand, cane in the other. A surly looking kid came walking toward her. Her radar went on. He looked like trouble, she told me. She let go of the handle and got a good grip on the cane a bit lower. And sure enough, he made a grab for her bag. Gran took a mighty swing and walloped the kid in the face. She swore she heard his nose break. Fortunately, he didn't try again and scampered. As for Gran, she had her sherry delivered from then on.

At 70, I use a chest-high hiking stick and have had no problems taking it on a plane. I practice various techniques with it and it does make me feel armed! 👍😎🇨🇦

As a male, diagnosed at 34, now being 41, with Multiple Scleroses which heavily effects my the strength and use of my legs depending on if my nerves are transmitting or cross-firing like bad electrical wire. While I still have good upper body strength currently I have needed a cane for some time now. Luckily, I have my Grandfather's old Hickory crooked walking cane and it has been very handy in my journey. I've had my CCW and carried a firearm for much longer then I've had the MS but as you have mentioned here, even being in the US, I can't take that everywhere I go. I thank you for talking about this stuff and will get a resistance band to help me work out my upper body strength to preserve what I still have and maybe even beef it up a bit. I'm also working on another cane/walking stick using a vine wrapped hiking stick that someone had made for my Grandfather as well as Deer Antler / stag from a Buck that my Grandfather have harvested decades ago. I am mounting them together with Stainless steel All-Thread rod but not sure how well that would hold up in a self defense situation...

Great video. I often use a cane to assist my walking. Being a Black Belt, it only makes sense to utilize it's self defense benefits. I have a Cold Steel crook top rattan and Walkabout, among a few other non-Cold Steel ones. Somehow, I feel more comfort with the crook top canes. Maybe it just fills my hand better when walking. But-one thing the crook top may help with, and here's my actual experience... I have a cattle hook thing from Tractor Supply I use for antler shed hunting. It has a point and a pointed hook. One time, only a few years ago, a dog escaped it's back yard and attacked another smaller dog being walked by the owner. She walked this smaller dog often down our street. I had this cattle hook thing in the back of my truck, so was able to react quickly. I "ran" (63 years old now) to the dog fight , grabbing the cattle hook thing on the way. I used the hook to grab the collar of the viscous dog and allowed the lady to get herself and dog to the safety of a neighbors garage. I guess when I twisted the hook in the collar, it forced the point harder into the neck of the dog and he let go. The dog turned on me, but I was able to place the point into the center of the throat and move with him as he tried to attack me. Holding it like a spear, keeping the point firmly in his throat. So lesson learned-maybe the crook top cane has a few more uses than expected. That hook might be more of a tool than a ball. Even in rescuing a person from peril. Also, I use the crook top hooked into my belt or pocket when I need both hands for other purposes.

I used a cane working cattle for years. It’s a hell of a self defense weapon. It becomes an extension of your body with daily use.

To protect yourself legally, opt for the unleaded version of the shillelagh vs. the lead-loaded kind, which could be picked up by metal detectors and viewed as a hidden weapon, sorta like a cane sword. A plain walking stick would be better received as just that - a stick; which is being used as a walking aid vs. a weapon. Thanks for the video 🙂

All of the above, stick-wise. I’ve sticks and a band. Using them together for exercise, especially when traveling, was worth the price of admission. Thank you.

Thanks for this information, and for providing a video that can be more useful to those of us who have partial disability or simply through aging, than your average self-defense video. I have a walking stick rather than a cane, in part because of the reason you mentioned - cane to me feels more for a "handicapped" individual. Also, in part due to injuries suffered in the military (Israeli IDF), combined with age and corrective surgeries, I tend to need the assistance of the walking stick to walk any distance at all - it is very helpful. I have always taken it on planes with me, and have never had any problem with security or airline personnel. I believe they relate to it very much as they would a cane. I have been using the stick for about 10 years, so I cannot comment on anything prior to this time. Thank you again - oh, also, thank you for the information about using the stretch bands with the stick for exercise. Sometimes it is hard to get out of the house, for example to go to a gym, so these exercises or methods may be very helpfful.

I have both styles. The walking stick is left in my car, while the cane I use around the house and going to church as I walk to church. The walking stick head is made from an old hames. That brass knob stands a good chance of shattering one of the knee bones and low line strikes can be hard to grab or block. I have taken the walking stick through TSA with no issues.

Subscribed. Being almost 80 YO, these techniques are of interest to me. Thank you.

Just be aware that defending yourself with a blunt weapon often puts you in an entirely different legal category. In my state, for example, open carry is legal and concealed carry is legal as long as you pass a gun safety course. However, anything that could be construed as a bludgeon or blunt weapon is illegal. That would immediately exclude walking sticks or canes that have been modified to serve as weapon, i.e., by adding a lead filling; but it can also include any blunt object that you intentionally carry for self-defense. It's like wasp spray. Perfectly legal to purchase, carry, and use... unless they can prove that you intended to use it for anything other than its intended purpose. Carrying it around for self-defense is a felony, and if you ever do have to use it against an attacker, you could be in some serious legal trouble. The same thing applies to canes, walking sticks, tactical flashlights, baseball bats, hammers, etc., especially if you kill someone with it. They can also nail you for excessive force if you hit them more than once. The moral of the story is to always carefully research the weapons laws in your state.

Here in Ireland we talk about "shillelagh Law" breaking out. Often after the pubs close. 😂

I just found my grandma's Irish walking stick ( sheleighly) she used to call it her sheleighly... It's a genuine blackthorn Irish walking stick but instead of just having a root knob it has a root sticking out from the knob which is a grip to hold on to when walking.. definitely going to put this in my rotation of walking sticks that I carry with me for self-defense..

Good info i'm one that prefers the cane and to me looks more "gray man look" thanks again !

The Irish walking stick is nice but could be considered a weapon in the eyes of law enforcement in Canada . I can take my cane anywhere. Going thru check in at an airport would likely be an issue for sure and not just in Canada.

I’ll take a staff. Not for self defense but because leaning on a cane tortures my wrist. A staff that is grasped with the elbow at 90 degrees is a lot more comfortable.

Hold fast! Don’t let them get it away from you.

I was looking for different ways people played our TCMA cane form and came across this. Love to see the exploratory play!

I was just rewatching last year's video you made on this topic. Looking forward to round 2.

I have a cane just like the one you have here. I lived in Slovenia for a few years. While I was here, I bought several cane badges, which are little souvenirs that are made to nail onto walking sticks to canes. I attached two to my cane up near the beginning of the curve of the handle. The metal adds a great deal of lethality to the cane.

62 years old and I've been in my share of fights. Now the world is a lot more dangerous than it used to be. I feel like I'm ready to brawl all the time. I don't have an exact weapon, but as an x baseball player chef and mechanic I have a baseball bat scimitar, big Old cleaver that my grandfather used to chop up cows, and various assortments of BFWs. Sure I'll take a walking stick or what other one

The Irish Shillelagh is absolutely devastating. There is no doubt which is more effective as a weapon. It has been used in actual warfare for nearly a thousand years and was actually banned by the English for that very reason. It gave them hell. I have one that I use when out hiking. Blackthorn is insanely durable and that knob is tremendously powerful. It will absolutely shatter bone, fracture skulls, incapacitate, lacerate, and cause internal bleeding effectively. And let's be honest it just looks badass.

Matt, I was very happy to see you make this video. I flew from Ohio to Washington a couple of years ago with a hooked cane that I had modified with a tooth, speed bumps, and the narrow spine. The flight attendant (Delta, I think) gave me a cane to use on the flight and locked up my defensive cane. On the return flight (Alaska) I was allowed to keep my own cane.

First of all my friend, love your videos. I'm disabled and use to us my different style canes to aid me while walking. But then went to using a walker for more stability. Now it's all wheelchair mobility for me and I can't stand up anymore. If you have diabetes, please take care of yourself better, and I'm also hit with massive amounts of blood clots in all my arteries. I got worse 3 years ago after I was walking in the river and a small catfish horned me in my big toe and the poison flowed fast in my veins and I kept going down hill since. But for self defense I use a pistol now. If I'm not allowed to enter a place then I don't go inside. I only trust myself to protect my own body. My past has taught me that, after I've been poisoned many times in past 10 years. I'm only 54 years old trapped in this damaged body. Protect yourself the best you can my brothers. Yes, I'm also a disabled military veteran. Just waiting for my death here.

Some great points. Ty. As a wood worker, i can make these, so theres a plus. With a recent hip/-lower back injury, i can sometimes need a can or walking stick...gonna make one, tomorrow!

Thanks for your useful advice. As usual, I love your videos and mentioned you to my friends.

Great video Mike. My copy of ‘when Violence is the answer’ arrived last week. Great book which compliments your content.. 🙏🏻

Thank you for this information. Very helpful 😊

I like the old school steering wheel "club". Can be carried openly in your car, and packs a ruthless swing short range.

❤ just found this on RU-vid and I love it! I just ordered a Rattan and will definitely be watching this and more of your videos. At age 64 I could use both the cane and the security of self defense by using it. I’m too old for fistfights.

Thank you !! Your extremely informative and knowledgeable.. your videos are so helpful!!❤

I own both. Both are solid choices. Thanks for the share!!

Had surgery on my left hip. Used a cane for quite sometime. It is the metal adjustable kind. So it's very light and has the hooked end but covered with a foam to make it easier to carry. So I took it apart and dropped fishing weights in it to still be comfy and have a little surprise for anyone I would strike with it. You basically just lift it a tiny bit and the tip moves in rhythm of your stride. Don't know about traveling with it but that's not a problem. I don't fly IF I can't carry a knife or EDC pistol.

Thanks Matt!

Great information. Thanks for the video.

I use a walking stick from time to time. Granted that it can be harder to deal with just a walking stick when one needs both hands to do something. However, I work as a security guard more often than not. Thus I have found that the belt attachment loop a guard would use for carrying a flashlight can also hold my walking stick (Cold Steel African Walking Stick). So people who see that as a potential problem might want to experiment to see if they can get a loop that will hold their walking stick.

Walking stick = Movies told me those are illegal! Cane = Aww you look like a harmless geyser with a hook.

Lovely to hear your excellent teaching again, Matt. Thanks.

I have the hickory cane. I like it. Watching your videos to get ideas on using it.

Have taken my canemaster cane on flights to Ethiopia and Equatorial Guinea out of Washington DC. No problems at all

I have a couple of Tractor Supply Weaver Livestock Wooden Cane, 36” and love them. They help for walking, balance, reaching for something and much more. Have used it when climbing steep inclines (acts as a third leg) and also for a grip for a fellow climber. In downtown Chicago, only bad guys carry guns so many folks carry a similar cane. Always have a good rubber end cap so the cane has a good grip. You could easily touch that rubber butt section to someone’s coat or shirt, twist the cane 180 degrees and you will have all the leverage you could ever want. Be well.

Love your videos , grate information to have thank you 😊

thanks for your videos, just starting to get into jo staff and walking sticks

God I love that Shillelagh of yours! I’m making my own now but it’s hard to get a piece with the right ‘ball’ shape on the end. But they all make lovely sticks anyway. Good stuff Matt. 👍🇬🇧

Yes of course. I’ve been training Japanese weapons for a very very long time. I use them In Shotokan Katas. Great way to expand the Kata and your fighting skills. I got a new knee in 2020. And used a cane. As my rehab started. I just started using my cane as a weapon. It is a very effective weapon. Just using a straight sword strike to any target is very effective and quick. And of course using the curve handle is great for trapping leg,arm, and neck. Using the technique of The Jo Staff of Aikido. Is a great training system. Love it. OUS.

Thanks for the information

I took martial arts when I was young, and had a little riot control training with the sticks in the Air Force (Security Police). I have often thought about carrying one even though I don't really need it at 67. Yes I do carry a pocket rocket most of the time, but a little extra never hurts.

Excellent video. I would prefer the traditional cane with that hook. It will draw less attention and you can use that hook for some really effective self defense moves.

Thank You Sir this was awesome video. I love it when I see people taking time to help us defend, Protect against the bad people of the world. THANK YOU and GOD BLESS YOU.

It has been long time since I have viewed your video lectures. And Matt as usual you did not disappoint . Thank you for sharing your martial combat wisdom. I will definitely add these techniques to my training regimen. Oh.. God bless you and family!

Thanks Matt. I live in Ireland and have 3 Shillelaghs from Shillelagh village (from the same maker as your own). The last time I was there I told the Shillelagh makers wife that I had seen you mention them on your you Tube video.

I love my Cane Masters canes. I have trained with a Wu Tai Chi broadsword and using a cane in place of an Iaido sword. Having a Wavemaster style training bag with a base is great for cane training. Mine is a less expensive Everlast brand.

The first STRIKE is always across the persons SHIN BONE , Very Painful and disabling.

Thank you for the helpful video.

Great self-defense class, thank you very much! I do not have a cane yet. Hanbo, Jo and selfmade walking stick made from oak. Looking very much forward to your canes made from osage in the future. Stay safe too 🙏!

thanks Matt

We’re going to need this to keep peace.

Great information !

Excellent man, it's real and not silly done like others do. Well done.😀

I just carrie my model of 1911 45 cal. With 14 bullets. St.Paul,Minnesota.

I love it all!... for self-defense, of course.

Thank you 🙏👍

Cool video. I've carried a walking stick for years on my night walks, mainly for dogs. Marine bayonet moves work well with the sticks too. Great idea using the bands on the stick!!!!!!!

Hello Matt good afternoon, I've been looking at your videos on one handed jo staff strikes.

Thanks for sharing

I am using the cane and need to for medical reasons also. There is one thing that I think should be considered in the cane choice and it is the fact that it makes you look less threatening. For example and it happened more than once. Walking and up ahead is a bunch of young around 20 year old guys some having a concealed firearm on them others with baseball bat's harassing passerbys. I come along and hobbling down the sidewalk and I hear one say yo as he noticed me heading towards them. I was prepared for a confrontation and the next I hear is the guy say chill let him pass. A walked by literally unharassed when everyone else was their targets. It has happened pretty frequently were young kids who have even physically attacked a person who looked at them funny or something like that but me a graying haired old man with his cane they ignored and beside being told its late go home grandpa . Yes laugh but it happened. So the fact that people don't automatically think threat and many still have probably grandparents or disabled persons in their lives that are the only ones that treated them well or at least my theory tends to make people feel less aggressive to those who use canes.

I've learned so much more here than my baton training in Corrections ! 👽👍

Thank you! I use a cane in case I lose my balance. Your video affirms my belief that a cane or walking stick can be a very efficient weapon.

Thanks Bro.

Cane with a L shaped handle (90 degree) seem fairly common and look less orthopedic and more stylish. Note i have never been denied entrance to a concert or sporting event with one. I also believe it is your right not to be challenged per ADA. Sure makes me feel safer.

Thanks for sharing these perfect techniques! They are very useful.

GOOD STUFF!👍

I had major surgery on my left femur in 2015. Three days after I had 65 staples removed, I was involved in a road rage incident. I'm not trying to fight ANYONE. I had to use a metal cane to walk. I tried to explain that I just had surgery, and I held up my cane. He said, "Oh, you're going to hit me with that?" Then he started walking towards me. I got out of the car (I wasn't driving) and told him not to come any closer. He came closer. I slapped him. Hard. I should have used the cane. Had he fought back, I would have been in trouble. He needed to be disabled. You need good balance to swing and prod at someone, and I didn't have it. Having my wounds affected was also a concern. It was a little scary.

The sheleighly originally was a short handled wacking club made from blackthorn. The knob is from the root bundle. The Irish carried them into battle. After the British finally defeated and invaded Ireland they outlawed the sheleighly. So the Irish left the handle longer and called it a walking stick. Make no mistake, that thing will split your head open.

I brought my father-in-law a shillelagh back from Ireland. Its a wicked piece of wood if used on someone's noggin. Or and body part. The business end is about the size of a coffee cup, one big knot of wood.

I have the hooked cane but I like the Irish walking club too!

Both sticks can also be great to use as a blocker.

A good friend of mine gave me a United Cutlery UC3129 Defense Walking Cane Hook. It is solid, description from their website: “Constructed of strong injection molded nylon with fiber, it is almost indestructible. It has a slip-free removable rubber toe to give you the security of a slip-free footing. The shaft can be cut with a saw to adjust the height of the cane to suit your needs.” I travel a lot and many a person at a security checkpoint has commented on it.

Excellent!!! 🙏💯❤️

You are right about the watch: Basumiu is a great one! Thank you for the advice :-)

A great video !

very interesting Video by Matt... I have been studying Irish Stick with Ajarn Sean Dooney who incorporates Mauy Thai strikes and defense giving a whole new dimension ..... at the end of the day tho, Stick and Cane defense is the way forward for most folk who dont like knives and who can't legally own a gun.

I use both. My shillelagh came from Ireland and I made my own ironwood cane. I have used both in self defense situations. Each is suited for different applications. To get away quickly, cane. To disable your attacker longer term, shillelagh.

It is an Irish Blackthorn walking stick, a Shilelagh is a cutting from a blackthorn tree designed specifically as a weapon/ club.

Carry a KaBar cane when I have no other self-defense alternative. I replaced the soft rubber tip with hard plastic. I have a second cane I filled with shot to increase the weight for training.

I just got my basamiu. You are right about it :-)

Matt I prefer a cane for everyday walking around town. I'm a story teller so I often carry a walking stick when performing. It works better as a prop. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. It depends on what I'm doing.

I own a hickory cane but personally I would be very cautious striking a threat with the handle end. If they are able to get hold of yje cane they can pulll it away from you. If you keep the curved end in your hand and they grab the straight end they won't be able to pull your weapon away from you even if they are stronger.

Thanks!

Nice!

Always the big fellas that want to fight.

Hey man, love your videos please tell me what you think about the cold steel African walking stick and the cold steel walkabout canes, l have carried them 4 over 15years. Please give me your opinion thanks

The cane has the greater potential for being wrested away from you if you strike with the crook. For that reason I would prefer the walking stick. I have a genuine blackthorn shillelagh (most common pronunciation is shil-lay-ley) and I don't carry it for defense because the thorns, even though they're sanded down a bit, are painful to use if gripped tightly as would be necessary to do in an altercation. But it looks cool.

I'm old enough that I no longer care about looking cool, so the extra features of the hook-style, including the ability to hang it on things or pull things with it, win out.

It's important to be aware of the "range/distance" that your self-defense stick is designed for based on its length. When it comes to my personal self-defense stick, I like to use a 20-inch hanbo, because I can move the stick easily without it hitting my own body, and it's easy to conceal in my pull-string bag. The only drawback to my hanbo (if there is one), is that I have to be cognizant of the distance limitations of this weapon. If someone is swinging a cane, an axe, or a machete at me, then I have less than 20 inches of distance between the top of my hand on my hanbo to their weapon, to keep them at bay.

Gracias from Texas 👍

I have 3 walking sticks , they are all different lengths, depending on were I am going predicates which one I use. My shortest stick I have a lanyard on it for close range

Hi Matt. Being i have both, i like them equally, for exactly the same reasons that you discussed. One advantage also with the shillelagh is since it is lighter, holding it like a sword with the hand resting against the knob, performing snap strikes is also a viable option. When practicing with it on the heavy bag, the snap strikes would be a great defense against aggressive dogs or other animals. Also, removing the rubber boot from the shillelagh, the metal "thimble type" tip has a lot of penetration force when thrusting. Sorry i couldn't make class. Was out of town with the daughters. Great video. Stay safe. Doug.

Tapping the left side of the screen rapidly is honey bunches of fun.

Matt, I am really enjoy your material. Is your martial arts background primarily Korean martial arts?