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

The Art and Science of Staff Fighting is one of the most complete and well laid out training guides I have read! If you train with the staff or want to learn, this book should be considered required reading and added to your library! Joe Varady is one of the most passionate martial artists I have ever met. Spend a minute training with him and his passion for the martial arts is immediately apparent. He has a gift for teaching; he presents material in a very clear and easy to understand way and his enthusiasm is contagious. Joe's passion and enthusiasm on the training floor made the transition to printed form in this fantastic training manual. Joe extensively researched the topic of staff fighting which is evident throughout his book. He includes history of staff use through time and across different cultures. Furthermore, he goes beyond simply trying to explain how to perform a technique; he describes the physics behind the technique to help the reader understand the broader principles needed for mastery of the staff. The addition of history and science provides the reader with a solid foundation for a deeper understanding of staff fighting. Overall the book's layout is exceptional. The chapters (levels) represent increasing levels of difficulty. The numerous photos and illustrations clearly illustrate the topic being discussed. Each of the first 6 chapters end with an excellent workout specifically focused on the subject of that chapter. Throughout the book he identifies training equipment designed to work a specific technique. He provides detailed descriptions on how to make the majority of them yourself. The Art and Science of Staff Fighting is divided into 9 levels, from beginner to expert. Level 1 introduces fundamentals of the staff, and basic blocking, striking, and footwork. Levels 2 and 3 discuss middle grip, double strikes, disarms, and training equipment. Levels 4 and 5 discuss extended grips, snap strikes, thrusting, fencing-style techniques (cutover, beat, change of engagement), and additional training equipment. Level 6 gets serious and fun--combat where you will learn to make padded weapons and get fighting! In Level 7 and 8 Joe provides expert and master level ideas, including advanced guards, close combat, ground work, multiple attackers, and empty hand defense against armed opponents. Level 9 discusses a relative of the staff, the spear, it's similarities and differences, and techniques to incorporate into your training regimen. This book really is a complete instructional guide to the staff. I always look forward to training with Joe each year at the Cuong Nhu International Annual Training Camp and when other opportunities arise. - Mark Brandenburg, Cuong Nhu Oriental Martial Arts 3rd degree black belt, Co-Head Instructor of Kim Hiep Si Dojo, University of Central Florida, Orlando.

Sixth-degree black belt Joe Varady has over 30 years of martial art experience. With a background that includes karate, judo, eskrima, boxing, fencing and the long sword, Joe has numerous awards competing in weapons tournaments world-wide. His new book, The Art and Science of Staff Fighting, emphasizes the combat aspects of the staff. Regarding the book’s title, Joe points out that the “art” aspect is highly rewarding, offering elements such as self-expression, development of self-confidence, self-control and greater physical coordination. As Joe sets forth, any reliable self-defense system must absolutely be rooted in the “science” of the pursuit. He points out that this includes understanding the physical nature of the weapon, the importance of your stances and the psychological aspects – what the opponent is thinking and how you can capitalize on that. Arranging his instruction into nine levels (beginner to advanced), he teaches stances, striking, blocking and footwork. Advanced readers can benefit from lessons on disarming techniques, groundwork and fighting several opponents. No need to worry about whether this is tai chi staff, shaolin staff or some other discipline – Joe takes a “nondenominational” approach that can benefit your practice regardless of the specific art your staff work belongs to. One excellent feature of the book: over 600 photos with arrows indicating the direction of the staff’s motion. Among Joe’s nine levels are the foundation, basic middle grip of the staff, advanced middle grip, basic extended grip, advanced extended grip, combat with the staff, and expert and master staff-training levels. Each level contains roughly 9 to 12 topics such as figure eights, thrusting, snap strikes, blocking disarms, timing and blitz attacking. Expert training topics include switching grips, alternate ready positions and techniques such as upward heel strike, overhand heel thrust, jabbing thrusts, trapping and pinning, flicking and throwing. A unique section deals with unarmed defense against the staff. One thing I really like about the book: For each level in Joe’s program, he provides a detailed workout, spelling out the objectives as well as the steps you can complete to learn the concepts in that level. Joe also shows the reader how to make simple training tools such as spinners (pinwheel-like objects), horizontal makiwara boards and striking balls. Of course, he then shows how to use the tools as part of your practice. Joe points out that even for non-martial artists, his techniques can be used with improvised/found objects such as a coatrack, curtain rod, floor lamp, hockey stick, fallen tree limb, a broom, mop, shovel or a rake. I highly recommend this book. It is chock full of insights, techniques, strategies and workouts to apply them.

Du suchst eine systematische Einführung in den Langstock? Du hast sie gefunden.

A straight manual about the usage of staff which all martial artists should read and share with students. The book arrived on time and in good conditions.

livre correcte avec photo. Attention, meme si il est bien fait, il est en anglais et c'est toujours difficile de travailler avec un livre. Il faut du temps, beaucoup de temps

Joe has written an excellent training manual for the staff. It is by far the best book I have read on staff fighting. Straight forward, concise and excellent photographs make this an easy guide to staff fighting.

This is an excellent step by step manual. The Instructor takes you over many many things slowly so you can perfect your style. Be careful of your ceilings. The Foam Bo are perfect for practicing inside