The Art and Science of Staff Fighting: A Complete Instructional Guide

(Paperback, New edition)

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NINE LEVELS, EASY TO EXPERT

This book stands apart from other staff training manuals. While most titles focus on forms and twirling, The Art and Science of Staff Fighting emphasizes the dynamics of combat. The author draws on thirty years of martial experience, presenting the best of both Eastern and Western traditions.Joe Varady guides readers through such fundamentals as stances, striking, blocking, and footwork. In advanced lessons, readers learn disarming techniques, groundwork, and facing multiple opponents.

But this book is not just for staff enthusiasts. Even those unfamiliar with martial arts can adapt these techniques, increasing their skill and confidence in defending themselves. "Our environment is usually full of improvised weapons," Varady writes. "Staff fighting techniques can be effectively applied in a self-defense situation using a walking stick, coatrack, curtain rod, floor lamp, hockey stick, fallen tree branch, broom, mop, shovel, or rake." Equipped with this knowledge, readers will begin to realize that, in one way or another, they are nearly always armedand capable of defending themselves.

This book features
Nine levels of instruction, progressing from easy to expert
Over 600 photos with motion arrows
A "nondenominational" approach to staff, utilizing the best of Eastern and Western arts
A comprehensive, methodical approach to building staff skills

If you are already a student of the staff, these lessons will not conflict with your katas or current style. Instead, they will augment your techniques, broadening your options.

Whether you are an experienced staff fighter or a layman seeking practical techniques for self-defense, The Art and Science of Staff Fighting will help you develop the skills you need.

Reviews

"A treasure trove of knowledge . . . something for every level. One of the most comprehensive staff fighting books."--Michael Gallagher, USA Taekwondo national weapons champion
"Expertise shines through this detailed coaching text, which imparts clear instructions, a sense of motivation, and a can-do attitude."--Melissa Wuske "Foreword Reviews "
"That rarest of martial arts publications . . . a fully developed training system."--Chris Baglieri, Senior martial arts instructor

Author Bio

Joe Varady is a fifth-degree black belt with over thirty years of experience in martial arts. He has trained in numerous Eastern and Western disciplines, including karate, judo, eskrima, boxing, fencing, and long sword. He has won numerous awards competing in full-contact weapons tournaments around the world. Joe holds a master's degree in elementary education. He is the head instructor at Satori Dojo and Modern Gladiatorial Arts. Joe Varady resides in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania.