Lang
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This is very interesting, and something I had factored into my (beginner's!) stickplay, before I even read that.
I'm talking about the 'off-hand', the one not gripping the cane.
Looking at the pictures from Lang's book and the Barton-Wright articles, the free hand, whilst clearly kept safely out of the way, is free to be called into action, as it may well have to do in a real encounter.
Barton-Wright includes a number of sequences in which he seizes the opponent's stick or person- another very real factor to take into account for the 'non-sporting' aspect of cane play.
The ever present possibility (perhaps NEED) to switch to a two-handed grip, is a central a part of this system, from what I can see (and of great importance in the real world).
Switching the stick from hand to hand is another option.
Finally- though 'non-canonically', we may need to employ the off-hand for pushing, pulling, striking or covering within a melee, and (as we practiced with the rucksack and umbrella the other day), the use of a secondary weapon or an item as a shield should not be ruled out (I'm talking- as always- about being accosted in everyday life, not just in a pretty training or demonstration sequence).
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Some people I've seen use a more 'classical' fencing position for the off-hand; behind the back or on the hip.
This is fine for (and indeed comes from) controlled, one-on-one 'duelling' or sparring, where set rules are in play- but for self defence we need fluidity and rapidity of action in an unpredictable environment- and we can't afford to ignore one of our hands! LOL
I'm talking about the 'off-hand', the one not gripping the cane.
Looking at the pictures from Lang's book and the Barton-Wright articles, the free hand, whilst clearly kept safely out of the way, is free to be called into action, as it may well have to do in a real encounter.
Barton-Wright includes a number of sequences in which he seizes the opponent's stick or person- another very real factor to take into account for the 'non-sporting' aspect of cane play.
The ever present possibility (perhaps NEED) to switch to a two-handed grip, is a central a part of this system, from what I can see (and of great importance in the real world).
Switching the stick from hand to hand is another option.
Finally- though 'non-canonically', we may need to employ the off-hand for pushing, pulling, striking or covering within a melee, and (as we practiced with the rucksack and umbrella the other day), the use of a secondary weapon or an item as a shield should not be ruled out (I'm talking- as always- about being accosted in everyday life, not just in a pretty training or demonstration sequence).
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Some people I've seen use a more 'classical' fencing position for the off-hand; behind the back or on the hip.
This is fine for (and indeed comes from) controlled, one-on-one 'duelling' or sparring, where set rules are in play- but for self defence we need fluidity and rapidity of action in an unpredictable environment- and we can't afford to ignore one of our hands! LOL
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