The Art and Science of Stick Fighting: Complete Instructional Guide (Martial Science)

Master Joe Varady’s Art and Science of Stick Fighting is a fantastic follow-up to his excellent Art and Science of Staff Fighting. Like his previous book, Joe takes a methodical and well-thought-out approach to fighting with the short stick. Joe is one of the most passionate martial artists I have ever met, and his enthusiasm is clearly evident in this book. The book is clearly organized, starting with a history of stick fighting and warming up and cooling down (a very important aspect that is often overlooked). Joe then divides stick fighting into nine levels, covering basics on footwork and strikes, long range strategy, middle range offense and defense, close range infighting, defense against other weapons, and empty hand defense against the stick. He includes many drills and details on building training equipment to help reinforce the concepts being described. Throughout the book, Joe provides brief discussion on the physics of stick handling and human physiology that gives the reader a deeper understanding of why a certain strike, lock, or disarm works. You can clearly tell he has thoroughly researched all aspects of stick fighting and has done an amazing job of translating such a dynamic subject to print. Photos are clear and include step-by-step descriptions for each frame. This book should be considered required reading for anyone interested in weapons training in the martial arts. - Mark Brandenburg, 4th degree black belt, Cuong Nhu Martial Arts, Head Instructor of Kim Hiep Si Dojo, University of Central Florida, Orlando

While it helps to have some familiarity with stick or sword fighting, to get the full benefit of this book it's very good. While not perfect (nothing is), it full of useful/practical stuff. I am using the techniques described with a cane, rather than a kali stick. Thanks ADA. Clearly described techniques, useful photos and well organized. I honestly haven't seen any books on stick fighting that are better. "The Art and Science of Stick Fighting" might be the only book you need. The author includes plans for build-it-yourself training aides. Easy to put together and CHEAP to build, definitely a bonus. Add Kelly Wordon's and Michael Janich's videos and you will be on the path to a solid self defense plan.

Especially fine writing,photos easily followed. This book could be useful for beginners.

I am new to stick fighting. this book is not too difficult for a beginner, but has many levels to learn and train along with. a lot of Kali dvds show the same basic techniques. with this book, Master Joe can take the time to teach so much more over the course of the instruction, diving into fighting strategy from the very start. it is not a hard read, but i find myself going back to make sure i am clear about a technique or series of strikes so that i build the right foundation for learning. i like that he has the experience to cover many styles of stick fighting in one fantastic book!

Mr. Varady’s book is, for me, masterful because: 1. It comprehensively addresses the Title topic – one can easily verify this by reviewing the Table of Contents via “Look Inside.” 2. It is easy to understand, i.e., ….. a. Well organized. b. Well written, including a little intermittent humor : )! c. Text and voluminous wonderful graphics are well coordinated. 3. It is structured in nine training / knowledge progression ‘levels’ so that one can learn well at one’s own pace. Recently ordered another copy for a friend. If Mr. Varady would offer a DVD related product, I would immediately purchase it, as well. April 14, 2024 Update Edit: Per my above comment that I'd purchase the DVD, the author has released it. I bought via Amazon. It amplifies the book lessons nicely .... Here is the amazon link for the DVD - https://www.amazon.com/Science-Fighting-martial-Develops-Escrima/dp/B0B64FTCZC/ref=sr_1_3?crid=RMNRPAC8DI7G&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.7UqdHYH4AELw9cXC9tctY-_RB81Mkw6Ymgq6slTxZwxoG7oQzEjmPfdNz_GaKMAQdp4Yres3hqnl3migj85OGnRSNefw6n93tzH-cyeF7S4.42RPmnFH_LPW4Bp7MU83y3NwmVyFqmsmxETtkESVvjY&dib_tag=se&keywords=varady+stick+fighting&qid=1713147352&s=music&sprefix=varady+stick+fighting%2Cpopular%2C109&sr=1-3

This book covered so much ground, it was surprising. Most martial arts manuals keep things vague or don't cover that many techniques, but The Art and Science of Stick fighting takes you right from the basics to advanced stuff and everything in between. Whether you're an expert stick fighter, a martial artist looking to branch out, or someone who's never even done martial arts, you can find something in this book for you. As a martial artist of 24 years, I was impressed with how well the techniques in The Art and Science of Stick Fighting line up with principles I've found to be true from other martial arts. If you want to take up or improve your stick fighting practice, this is the book for you.

As a martial artist who purchased Master Varady’s first book, “The Art and Science of Staff Fighting,” I couldn’t wait for another masterpiece to come out. This book is a great resource for any practitioner and should definitely be included in the personal libraries of serious martial artists. It is evident that Master Varady has a depth of knowledge. Master Varady is able to share this knowledge to students of all levels in a well-written and very descriptive guide. The visual details are amazing and the instructions to make your own personal training equipment is an added bonus. Thank you Master Varady for creating this amazing resource! --Master Tomeka Farrar 6th Degree Black Belt in Tang Soo Do 2018 Inductee of the Philadelphia Historic Martial Arts Society Hall of Fame Vice President of Universal Systems of Martial Arts PA Karate Hall of Fame Board Member

I was interested in the more structured processes of using a stick for self-defense rather than as a sporting discipline. For this purpose, the instructional content offered a well thought through progression of form and development. This book represents a very good starting point for an exploration of using a stick in defence of yourself or others. It only lacks in not exploring the challenges of dealing with multiple aggressors.

Comecei a ler e tive a confirmação de que é mais uma obra prima da Yang Martial Arts. Mostra a aplicação das técnicas usando o bastão curto (fotos em preto e branco na capa comum) assim como as direções básicas de ataque e defesa, além dicas de aquecimento antes da prática. Foi uma ótima aquisição para mim. Não substitui um instrutor capacitado, mas como já sou formado em artes marciais consigo dominar com mais facilidade.

Very well put together

All the books in the series on self defence improvised weapons and unarmed combat are equally superb studies guides. Presented in a no nonsense sensible and encouraging approach style. Both of the staff/stick martial arts studies fighting titles are as good as the empty hands self defence martial arts companion book also is. A very worthwhile set of books indeed. Very informative volumes.

As a FMA practitioner I have already books and videos on this subject. Here is a new addition to my library and the author has put a lot in it and targeted the right media to do so. This is a book so lot of text to explain and enought pictures and drawings to understand and visualize. Sometimes writers confuse book and video and will put lot of pictures but few explanations thus missing the value of publishing a book instead of a video. Here this is a very good book and specificaly this is one of the first that clearly adress stickfighing in a very formal, clear presentation. I can only but recommand this book and can't wait for others on FMA from the author. thanks to the author for the effort and the knowledge shared.