Basic Stick Fighting for Combat (Specialties Series) [Paperback]

Michael D. Echanis (Author)

Book Description

Series: Specialties Series | Publication Date: January 1, 1979

The use of the long or short stick as a weapon of survival is presented in this second volume on combat training by Michael Echanis. Ki power, proper grip, visualisation, and breath control are explained as important elements in surviving attacks. Disarming techniques are also covered.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Black Belt Communications; 4th printing edition (January 1, 1979)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0897500598
• ISBN-13: 978-0897500593
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #362,927 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Different is good! It's basic, but insightful!, April 23, 2005

By 

Donald S. Meador "imthman" (Novo Hamburgo, Brazil) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Basic Stick Fighting for Combat (Specialties Series) (Paperback)

Basic Stick Fighting for Combat

This is an interesting little book (192 pages) about stick fighting. It was originally written as a training manual for special forces. And, it was an early book on stick fighting. To the best of my knowledge this book was published before Arnis (and other PMA) became popular. The late Michael D. Enhanis was highly trained in the Korean art of Hwa Rang Do and this book represents stick fighting techniques derived from that training.

The book covers fighting techniques with four varieties of sticks, basically sticks of various lengths (though there is some overlap in the lengths). First, the Baton with a length range from 18 to 36 inches (the pictures seem to indicate the author uses a baton in the 28-31 inch range). Some techniques would be more difficult with the shorter baton. Second, the Short Stick with a length range from 12 to 30 inches (the pictures seem to indicate the author uses a short stick in the 18-20 inch range). The majority of the techniques presented use double short sticks, though some single short stick techniques are demonstrated. Third, the Bone Breaker is an 11 inch oak stick of 1 inch diameter. This stick was the most interesting to me and the techniques are up close and personal. Fourth, the Cane. The author presents some uses of the cane I had not seen before.

The author presents blocks, strikes, and advanced techniques with each length of weapon. The reader will not find much of the "entangling" techniques of stick fighting present in many of the stick fighting books, though the author does utilize some basic trapping. The techniques all contain some degree of lethality - it was, after all, a special forces training manual. I did feel that some of the techniques bordered on the eccentric. Not all of them seem to me to utilize the best economy of motion. I have no doubt that the author could make these techniques work. I just think I would choose different combinations in some of the sequences for a different rhythm and flow. And, the author writes that each person should do just that.

So, the variety of weapons presented is a plus in this book, even if that reduces the total quantity of techniques for any one weapon discussed. The reader will gain a good basic understanding of how these weapons can be used. And the author states that his goal is to provide a basis from which the stick fighter can further research and develop his skills.

A side note, the author does discuss in brief the religious and internal aspects of Hwa Rang Do. As well, the "code" of the Hwa Rang Do warriors is provided. The book gives some brief history of the art and Korea as a whole (I think about 10 pages). It is interesting reading for those who don't already know the information.

If you're already into sticking fighting, especially the PMA, this book probably won't hold much for you, except to show you how the Korean approach may differ from the approach you currently use. Particularly interesting was the reverse grip use of the Short Stick. It reminded me a little of the reverse grip use of the Japanese Sai.

Anyway, if you're interested in stick fighting, this book will give you some information that you probably won't find in the PMA schools. Give it a read and decide for yourself. Personally, I'll gain from practicing these techniques, particularly the Bone Breaker techniques. I hope you enjoy this book and learn from it what you can.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Get on the Stick!, April 22, 2000

By 

JOE (MONTANA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Basic Stick Fighting for Combat (Specialties Series) (Paperback)

It's 1:00 in the morning and you're walking back to a pay phone after your car broke down in the city. Before you get to the phone, a couple of young punks come out of the shadows and want your wallet. Do you have what it takes to survive? When it comes to dealing with real world life and death situations, no one can compare to the late Michael Echanis. This book, part of a series he intended to release, deals with using conventional short and long sticks. Mr. Echanis covers both offensive and defensive tactics. This book gives a brief history of the particular Korean martial art that Michael perfected, and a dedication to his instructor. The rest of the book is profusely illustrated with actual photographs showing the tactics and moves. Michael Echanis was a serious instructer who would often put students in the hospital if they didn't practice what he taught. This same philosophy carries over into his books. Mr. Echanis's philosophy is that when it comes to self defense, nothing works as good as a great offense. No trying to intimidate or bluff your way out of trouble; rather "go for the throat" to cripple or kill your opponent before he does it to you. Not for the faint hearted.

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An Unfinished Classic, May 23, 2002

By 

"randmeister" (Chillicothe, Ohio United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Basic Stick Fighting for Combat (Specialties Series) (Paperback)

This book was one of the first of the post-Vietnam era "military martial arts" books. It is the third (and last) in a proposed series of nine books presenting Echanis' Special Forces applications of Hwarangdo. The author died while the book was in production, and it shows. The text is not nearly so detailed as in his first two books, and two sections were photographed using other people (one with his instructor, one with one of his training partners). Still, this book sports some excellent combat applications using various lengths of sticks. As in most Ohara books, the photos are of good quality. While many books have dealt with the topic of stick fighting in greater depth since this one was published, this book is a fine addition to the library of anyone who is interested in martial arts for combat.