Self defense cane vs walking stick, which is the better SHTF Prepper Tool? 

Thank you for watching! Get your Cane Masters self defense canes here: canemasters.com/?ref=GpLhKkHm_wUID and save ten percent when you use coupon code MATT

When I was stationed in Korea the first time, there was a hapkido instructor who had a cane, even though he walked perfectly fine. It was part of his martial art. Anyone making the mistake of thinking he was an easy mark would find themselves on the business end of that cane in a New York second. He would hook ankles or knees of his opponent and have them on the ground in a flash. Rapping shins or the bridge of the nose with that cane brings immediate pain.

So Cool! I took a 4 day senior seminar on the newer Tai Chi Cane and Self Defense, and the teacher said much of what you advised. He recommended a conventional cane to reduce suspicion, to walk with the cane (rather than carrying it), and to invoke HIPPA and ADA, if stopped. When I walked on the plane, Security at the X-Ray machine examined the cane, verified it was only wood and not weighted, then handed it back to me without a word. One of the 'scary' things about the cane, is that after we learned the self defense moves (these were in addition to the Tai Chi forms for building strength), he taught all of us how to shatter a bone with the cane, by using our weight rather than strength. He recommended not doing that, but said that it is good to know if our life is threatened. I appreciate that you reaffirmed what he taught us.

Great work, and thanks for caring enough about our country to help the people find better ways to protect themselves. The fact that we all live in a war torn country now, that is worth more than gold to everyone these days!!

I'm 30, lean, and healthy, if only a bit out of shape (no exercise), so not your main audience. I'm loving your content, and wish you well because you are teaching simple and effective things for everyone, can you imagine your impact on the elderly, who will now enjoy health, defense, confidence and image benefits from your work?

Thank you Matt - I am 86 and use a cane so I learned a lot from your video for my protection if needed and that upward swing between the legs is sure to get some attention😊

You did a great job; I am 84 and they drive me nuts to keep up exercise. They Just don't want you to do anything outside, too hot in Florida. What you showed me can be done with a light and a reasonable amount of stress. Thank you so much!!!!!!!!!

The Cane looks like less of a threat than a 3 ft long stick, but it's really an equal or greater threat. And you can take it everywhere.

Having started with the bo, I prefer a longer "walking stick." I keep and work with a variety of lengths around me, in my office, vehicle, etc. After years of handling them my personally preferred length is a 52-54" walking stick (about 1.125" to 1.25" diameter). I know this is significantly longer than your shorter hanbo length. Interestingly enough, and perhaps related to the longer length, airport security allowed me through, "You wouldn't part an old man from his walking stick, would you?" I always have an eye out for the heaviest wooden ones I can obtain. I managed to finally get a nice lignum vitae one, great feel and heft. Good exercise. My second favorite is a Kamagong one I found online many years ago. Heavy and stout. While neither of these favorites originally came with it, but I have added rubber can tips on both of them to indicate to everyone these are walking aids. Seems to satisfy everyone.

For me the gym makes me sick. I'm very chemical sensitive. All the chemicals for cleaning, personal products,pool if they have one. Plus I'm an introvert, can't handle being around too many people. So I love being able to find a great Sensei like you to show me what I can do to add to my exercise and self defense regime. So grateful for you. 😊

Matt, I've been in various martial arts, fitness, and practical self defense training for over 40 years. I presently do mostly submission grappling / BJJ. I just want to take a moment to commend you on the clarity and practicality of your various videos. These are excellent and I'm sure that they help and encourage many people.

I’m 90 yrs young. Passed trad mill test today. Billy

Adding a rubber cap on the end of a straight stick legally makes it a medical device. I frequently take a straight stick, even a 4-foot jo on plane trips. Not my shillelagh with lead in the head though! When I travel to Europe, I take the Unbreakable Umbrella. Very inconspicuous and works great as an umbrella and defensive device. Great video!

Hi Sensei ; You have given Me a great idea with the resistance bands and My canes . I have hung the band on My closest door handle , it's not a knob , it's a leaver type and the band hangs perfectly. I sit in My wheelchair and do workouts , leaning forwards and then, standing up and going side to side .It's a great workout for Me.!! And I gotta say that I love My Cane Masters cane .I am doing a lot more walking with it and doing a lot more practicing with it.! Always learning and training .! And , Now that I know how to make a donation. , I will try to do it more often , when I can.!

Terrific Matt, wish I was close enough to join your program.

Matt, thank you - 70 yo male with brand new titanium hip - so the cane is an essential tool for me. I have a youtube channel, would love to interview you on exercise / martial arts recommendations for seniors. I came here because I made an appt with a local sensei to discuss TaiChi (Yang style) and would love Bo or Cane or Kali as well.

I have taken the 36" oak walking stick (dowel) on an airplane. All I needed was the cane safety tips on each end. I use it for hiking.

You're a great teacher with a sense of humor you had me laughing several times through the video. Just recently found you on YT and subscribed immediately, "new fan here" thanks for your great content. 🥋

Thank you very much. I'm having a reverse shoulder replacement this month That means no more heavy bag, no more heavy weight lifting and no exercises over my head You're no bs teaching has eased my depression. You're a great f*****g teacher. Keep up the good work. Thanks. Joe

My stepdad walked on Forearm crutches. He had a bad left leg. So if cornered left crunch took out the perps knee as the right crutch popped the perp in the noggin. He was a marine In Korea and a lifelong Farmboy. When the perp came to. Then he'd have a Stubnose .357 aimed at him My personal preference is the cane. Or a good crookneck umbrella.

Excellent job great exercises with the bands and cane. Stumbled across your channel and got lucky. Keep up the good work I'm some what disabled ,bad knees, have been looking for information and training exercises and this is a great help.

Hi Matt, again a great video. I agree, for overall usage, the cane is the best choice. It has the most functions, especially for those who need assistance in walking. Being i have a Weapons Permit, and the shillelagh can be carried legally in my state, it is usually my first choice. But again, it doesn't have the versatility of the cane, which i also use when the arthritis in my knee starts acting up. So in summary, i believe it's the purpose and usage of these sticks , that is the determining factor.

I use both . I have 35 days of herding Cubans during the Mariel boatlift. My squad was extremely proficient with a riot baton. In a situation where there is room I prefer a walking staff 60" long . I use tread tape on it. You can also drill the top and put a blank knife blade in it

Totally agree with using a medical device as the best option I walk a ton at work and use a cane due mainly to plantar fascitis pain and it is really helping increase my arm strength to use it for so many hours each day Once I started getting in better shape I now switch to using my left hand on some days to get the extra work on building up that arm too. But no one can tell you that you cannot have your medical device, they can take anything else you might carry from you and sometimes you cannot get them back.

Looks like I found a use for that 2 inch oak board I have! Great video! This will be perfect for a 65 year old with mild heart failure. I’ve been wanting to do a wood project!

Very informative video, friendly presentation. Good content, and you come off as so friendly that I’d like to attend your classes in person. I don’t live close enough, so I’m glad you’re doing videos! Thank you! I appreciate both the cane/stick content, and the wandering content on the elastic bands; I’ve never had an appreciation for rubber band training, but in conjunction with a stick, it feels more comfortable to me. I noticed you didn’t mention how some bands can pinch the skin on contractions. I presume the latex ones you link are less likely to be a problem that way. I have ordered them already. I found your video while researching Cane Masters; thanks for the discount link to them as well!

Thank you for including the workout examples. Something I need.

I left a nice cane just like the one you have at a restaurant haven't found another one like that with the sharp end. Great video Matt!

Awesome comparison between the cane and the homemade walking stick, and such a great overal video, thank you...🙏 Home is always the best in my opinion...🏡 Best wishes to you as well and see you soon again live!!

lots of great information here, matt. i have exercise bands and mostly used them for stretching pre workout. you've give me many new exercise ideas using the bands in conjunction with a stick or cane.

Thanks again! The other big advantage to a regular cane is that one can hang the hook over one's belt when one needs both hands for a task.

Matt, I just discovered your channel. Being a senior, I do utilize walking sticks and canes. I find your common sense explanations easy to understand and should prove to be effective if needed. I subbed and am looking forward to exploring your channel further.

Congrats Matt, very good method.

Hi just came across your site and subd.Very good info shared.Definately need practice.Cane is great for everyday use.I use long staff for woods use.Handy for a variety of uses critters, varmints and, outdoors tools.Keep up the great work.

As a person with a progressive muscular disease that is just starting to make daily life difficult, I appreciate the empowerment that a good walking stick or bo offers during walks. It’s in my best interest to learn these techniques now while I have the physical ability. I also find the walking stick allows a person to traverse terrain that wouldn’t be possible without one. I scaled a peak on my lunch break last week with a grade so steep that anyone would slip and fall on two legs. With the staff, I was able to jab it into the ground and slowly descend one step at a time with no stress. As a stronger young man I used to slide quite a bit on those descents. With a good stick and a legally concealed handgun, I can go pretty much anywhere well prepared.

Thank You very much for sharing Your knowlege, Mr. Pasquinilli.

Really good information! A ball handle wooden cane would also work well and could be taken everywhere.

Another great video! I can identify with the frustration with gyms. It is hard to relate to people who don't have the same ideals or manners that we grew up with. Growing up with my father that fought at Guadal Canal, Tarawa, Saipan, and Iwo Jima as a WW Ii Marine, I had real heroes. My heroes were Howlin' Mad Smith, Chesty Puller, George Patton, and John Wayne. We idolized men who weren't afraid to be men. Now, it seems like we are supposed to be ashamed to be a man. So I enjoy being instructed by someone with the same Corps values. And I didn't misspell core!

Amen. About the silliness.

thank you so much for these videos.

Thank you for sharing these great workout ideas.

Your video is very helpful. I have a mobility issue so I used to carry a cheap metal cane. I recently bought a hickory cane and like the idea that I can have a shtf device everywhere. Thanks

Great advice love the cane for self defense.

I played with my dog with my Hanbo to get a few teeth marks on it. "It's my dogs play stick" (LOL) and I keep it in my car.

Just came across your yt on walking stick v cane. I liked it because you showed me how to workout with the cane. I saved this so when I get the cane and band I can start to workout with both, like you I don't like gyms.

Thanks for the DOT info - software, that’s great! 🦅

Excellent video.

Great Vids. & Info. Thanks!

Very practical stuff Matt. Many thanks. How about SINGLE-HANDED SELF-DEFENCE WITH A WALKING CANE? My smashed left shoulder makes that arm's range of movement extremely restricted, very weak and vulnerable. I'm ex UK Army and familiar with turning on the taps when necessary. Some years ago when on holiday in France my wife and I were mugged by four thugs. I was much stronger then and manged to beat them off. Luckily my relatively defenceless wife wasn't harmed then. If the attackers had knives we'd have been down and out....probably permanently. It left me concerned about the same happening again now that I am considerably older and weaker. After much cerebral cogitation on the pros and cons I ordered a Classic Walking Cane (not yet delivered) from Canemasters. I'll call it a STEALTH CANE because it has no sharp point on the crook end and it doesn't scream "WEAPON" to police or security personnel. It cost a fortune when import duty, shipping and VAT are added. Obviously I want to learn how to use it in the fastest, most effective ways against one or multiple attackers. You've published some very practical stuff for two-armed folk Matt but I'd greatly appreciate more one-armed techniques. Meanwhile....Have fun.

Very good. But I wouldn't recommend using a short bayonetted thrust, it's like just an annoying jab in boxing to set up some more powerful strikes. You've gotten a wooden club in your hand and it's not going to be a 15 round boxing match with points. Hit the opponent attacker hard in key places with power strokes, one handed and two handed - take out a knee, a rib and arm or strike for the head. These strokes are perfect for tennis players, forehand and backhand.

With the cane the geometry changes horn forward or backwards. For mobility forward is the proper way. That is why they make the funny looking aluminum canes.

Great information and video. Thank you.

Yes please put together a program for resistance bands for strenth and aerobic type exercise that we can use at home.

Thank you very much. I really enjoy your videos. I myself have Incorporated a walking stick only I use trekking poles which have a point on one end but they are not very heavy so upon seeing your video I'm going to go out to the woods and get a nice stick. Also when I was a child my cousin came running at me and I instinctively knelt on the ground and flipped him over the top of me. I didn't have a stick but it would be better at my age to flip someone with a stick and then I can get up and put the stick on their throat as they lay on the ground. Thank you very much

Thank you - very helpful. I didn't see the band featured in this video at the MyStuio link featured in the description.

Like what you're doing! Great stuff 👏👍

Will you ever do a cane with palm rest tutorial ? Also maybe a second kata,learned a lot from first.

I have canes, one like yours (the mahogany cane used by "House" in the TV show, very esoteric) and I have a cane with a sword in it for the really undesirable areas (laws apply, use at your own risk) and I have walking sticks. The difference between your dowel and my stick is just the knob on the top which then makes it as innocuous as a cane and it has an impact device, as well. There are many, many walking sticks that have a variety of handles and knobs which provide excellent defensive capabilities while also being 100% legal. One of them even has a hand carved head from "Alien," which gets lots of comments and would do serious damage if striking with it. Striking the skull with deadly force generated by welding a stick/cane is not the only option and lethal actions should always be well metered. It's not always necessary to crack a skull, permanently blind or bust out someone's teeth to escape an attack. Always gage your response in kind with the nature of the attack, even if deadly force is the choice. Being harrased by punks taking advantage of "defenseless old people" isn't always cause to kill or permanently maime.. Appropriate response is key... It's not hardly ever brought up for reasons I can't fathom but, if you can strike the side of the neck, causing trauma to the carotid and vasil nerve, vaso-vegal syncope results immediately and for a moment, the opponent is completely incapacitated and you have time to take the appropriate action, like escaping or being set up for further action against your attacker. If you're attacking the head/face with your cane/stick and are chopping at their head/clavicle, etc., then it's safe to say that you're under sufficient threat of harm to take effective measures. Whether you strike with a weapon, the edge of your hand or your fist, a strike to the side of the neck is a very efficient/effective way to stop an attacker and this was a basic, first strike move tought to recruits during WWII by my father and other hand to hand instructors but, for some reason this technique had completely fallen into obscurity and only recently has become a known, resurgent technique. It doesn't take much force, either. You're not trying to break their neck, just shock the artery/nerve which interrupts the signal from the brain to the rest of the central nervous system and shuts everything down. The crook of the cane can also be used for traps, hooking arms, forearms and wrists and shoulders to stop an incoming strike. This is important in your context your describing here, in the basic defense type movements. Hooking necks, knees and ankles removes balance and redirects them so you can escape. This opens them up for a counter strike or pulling them off their feet and allowing escape. I understand about locks and joint destruction, etc., that's a different topic and I get it but don't sell the crook control moves short, either. 😉

Thanks very much South Africa

I am unable to use a cane. It is too short for me the way my body is built. I need to have at least 60 in to my left hand thumb which that is the side on which I use a stick. I once had a cane that was 60 in and it was very good got me a lot of apples too out of the trees from the branches I could not reach. Keep up what you do you have taught me so much thank you.

I don't have cane. So i like more walking stick. But cane looks cool too. And your videos about cane. I dont have cane but i watch it :)

i was trained on both the bo staff and escrima sticks when stationed in the Philippines while in the US Navy and like a two piece walking stick that can be used as both a walking stick or a bo staff/escrima sticks. i have NEVER been stopped anyplace with my walking stick.

Great info.

I love your videos. Well done

You are absolutely right about the cane. Especially if you live in the United States that’s a perfect weapon. Even if you hurt somebody with it after they attacked you the court could never hold it against you because you could say you have a bad leg and that’s all you had for self-defense. Another great weapon is your belt with a heavy buckle.

Thanks very good South Africa

Thanks!

There's a lot to be said regarding the immediate availability of the cane as a weapon---( the fact that you already have it in your hand, and do not have to draw it first before using it.....)

Uchida Ryu Tanjojutsu is a Japanese art developed 100+ yrs ago using a simple walking stick. Designed primarily to fight a man armed with a katana, its still a good source for honbo tracing techniques.

Nice video, very informative

Wow this was the best one on bands exercise and cane use.. I am 79 and i believe i can do most of the exercises.. The canes are pretty expensive in the websites that are for SHTF oriented.. but hey.

Excellent discussion! I often use a cane for navigating (occasional balance problems) and do not feel conspicuous. A walking stick I can see in a hiking or outdoors setting but not in town. Any ideas or thoughts? Also, I am sure you have covered this earlier but what is the difference between a regular orthopedic cane (wood) and a self-defense cane? Thanks and please keep teaching. You are a natural!

Awesome thanks for sharing info 🥋👨🏾‍🦯🦯video

To be prepared become proficient with both.

Great isometric workouts with the bands and sticks.I have some Bullworkers from the 70s/early 80s from charity shops in UK (think you call them thrift stores) which are even better as you can do both the pulling and pushing exercises with them. 26:18 made me laugh. Never heard an American call it a bum. You've been watching too much British TV over the years.😂

Thanks

Great video Matt. Where can I get one of those purple bands ? Luv to have one for a workout.

Awesome lesson sensei Matthew. I also don't like the large gyms.

Don't forget the obvious use of the crook. It allows the cane to hang on your arm while you use both hands.

Respectfully, I’ve carried straight walking sticks (with the rubber cane tip) for years everywhere you can imagine (yes planes, onto them and through TSA and even into courthouses) and never had it taken away or been questioned about why I’m carrying it. So when you state that it will definitely be taken away you’re incorrect. It must be noted, at least it’s been my understanding, that without the rubber cane tip even the curved cane may be viewed as a weapon.

It is good advice about having the rubber grip onthe end of the walking stick,because in the UK they can dtop and look for weapon and drugs. Stay safe everyone in these strange days.

Hello from Ohio. Love your instruct

Awesome

Awesome 👍

Thank you from disabled veteran

It's all about how you use them. Canes can be more useful, but the walking stick can be equally useful.

Master Sensai I have done mid-evil marshall arts for over 20 years. I I prefer approximately a 36 inch piece of rattan with a rubber cap and a brass sleeve on both ends I can use it as a cane or a fighting stick

I am 79 and I don't need a cane yet but I can pretend that I need it for balance. I have strong legs but using a cane for balance will let me balance better. Even though I can walk without it, I can claim that I need it for balance.

Yes. More band exercises.

Matt, as a new subscriber, I applaud your refreshingly real and modest approach. Instead of showing off, you provide practical and achievable techniques to the lay person, without any of the pretension I've seen in martial arts instruction. As for the subject of this video, I have upper back issues, so I sometimes carry an offset cane. But until watching your video, I hadn't fully committed to the idea of relying on it for self defense. Thanks for making it fully conscious, and providing tips on how to use it! On a side note, I completely agree with you about the gym, with my pet peeve being all the preening attention whores, who wear look-at-me! outfits, and constantly check themselves out in the mirror. But I digress... 😉

Things I can do with my canes ; Let me count the ways !!

When I see a cane with the handle tip cut to an angle, I know it’s a weapon. However I still think that they will not take it from you. I have taken a straight stick on the plane with no problems. It had a rubber tip cover on one end and a metal knob at the handle end. The nicer dressed you are the less problems you will have. The cold steel “city stick “ is a good choice.

😁👍 do you have any instructional DVDs?

Excellent video Where does one purchase a cane ? Or could you please post a link Cheers 👍

Tractor supply sells a farmer's cane 1 1/4"oak for $15 and for $20 they sell the same thing but it's a shepherd's cane which is about 5 ft long and 1 1/4" oak just cut the crook down to open it up for grasping behind the leg to the neck then sand n stain I use Sherwin Williams library oak stain then cleat coat it. Put the rubber foot on with tiny brass screw so it stays on when striking.

Cane: TSA friendly, Crook, More offensive options, easy to hold when carrying other things Stick: Cheaper, DIY friendly, Straight, balance

Great video. Thank you. Is there a specific length for a walking stick? Height to stick length ratio? Thanks 🙏🏽

toppie this thanks

Do you have one on using chopsticks for self defense like in the movie either Jacki Chang or something like the one arm swordsman

Hi is there like a quality control on these canes. Do they have a organization on canes