1 - DEFINITION
Stick Fighting is a generic term for defensive combat techniques which use simple wooden "sticks", such as a staff, cane, walking stick, baton or similar.
The Stick Fighters Union develops and practices a modern stick fighting system using soft padded weapons.
It is open to everyone who wants to play and have fun trough a recreational practice.
2 - FIGHTERS ATTITUDE
First and foremost, Stick Fighting is a sport. Training must be safe and entertaining.
The goal is to win the game by scoring points, without hurting the opponent.
Violent behavior is forbidden. So is the use of brute strength.
3 - MORAL VALUES
The two opponents agree to respect the principles of fair play, as well as the moral values linked to sportsmanship : honesty, humility, cordiality and respect.
A salute at the beginning is welcome. The opponents are free to decide what salute they would like to use.
4 - EQUIPMENT
Stick Fighting must use safe equipment. It can be bought in stores or manufactured at home.
Although padded weapons weaken the impact of hits, they are still dangerous, and must be handled with care and control, in order to prevent accidents.
5 - OUTFIT
The is no dressing code.
Each player is free to wear any outfit, as long as it allows a safe and comfortable practice.
6 - LANGUAGE
Stick Fighting is universal. Each fighter is free to use his own language and terms.
7 - REFEREEING
Stick-fighting is based on the principles of self-refereeing.
If one of the fighters thinks he has been hit, he must signal it.
His opponent is free to accept or refuse the point.
A third person can be involved, as an Observer, in order to ensure a smooth organization of the fight, keep scores, and monitor the fighters' behaviour.
8 - BASIC RULES OF A FIGHT
Hitting an unarmed opponent is forbidden.
If one of the fighters loses his stick, his opponent gains one point.
If one of the fighters involuntarily finds himself on the ground, the fight is interrupted so that he can get back on his feet.
(The fighters are still free to use the ground as part of their strategy)
9 - SPECIFIC RULES OF A FIGHT
Before fighting, the opponents must decide on a common set of rules :
a) What kind of hit will they consider valid.
In order to define this, one must take the following factors into account :
- What parts of the body are valid targets.
- What intensity is required for a hit to be significant. (Clothing will usually have to be taken into account.)
- What are the 'quality standards' for a valid hit. (i.e. : Will clumsy hits be counted?)
- What is the minimum level of intent. (i.e. : Will accidental hits be counted?)
b) How many points will be needed to win the game.
The opponents are free to define extra rules (time limit, which hand to use, etc.)
Stick Fighting is a generic term for defensive combat techniques which use simple wooden "sticks", such as a staff, cane, walking stick, baton or similar.
The Stick Fighters Union develops and practices a modern stick fighting system using soft padded weapons.
It is open to everyone who wants to play and have fun trough a recreational practice.
2 - FIGHTERS ATTITUDE
First and foremost, Stick Fighting is a sport. Training must be safe and entertaining.
The goal is to win the game by scoring points, without hurting the opponent.
Violent behavior is forbidden. So is the use of brute strength.
3 - MORAL VALUES
The two opponents agree to respect the principles of fair play, as well as the moral values linked to sportsmanship : honesty, humility, cordiality and respect.
A salute at the beginning is welcome. The opponents are free to decide what salute they would like to use.
4 - EQUIPMENT
Stick Fighting must use safe equipment. It can be bought in stores or manufactured at home.
Although padded weapons weaken the impact of hits, they are still dangerous, and must be handled with care and control, in order to prevent accidents.
5 - OUTFIT
The is no dressing code.
Each player is free to wear any outfit, as long as it allows a safe and comfortable practice.
6 - LANGUAGE
Stick Fighting is universal. Each fighter is free to use his own language and terms.
7 - REFEREEING
Stick-fighting is based on the principles of self-refereeing.
If one of the fighters thinks he has been hit, he must signal it.
His opponent is free to accept or refuse the point.
A third person can be involved, as an Observer, in order to ensure a smooth organization of the fight, keep scores, and monitor the fighters' behaviour.
8 - BASIC RULES OF A FIGHT
Hitting an unarmed opponent is forbidden.
If one of the fighters loses his stick, his opponent gains one point.
If one of the fighters involuntarily finds himself on the ground, the fight is interrupted so that he can get back on his feet.
(The fighters are still free to use the ground as part of their strategy)
9 - SPECIFIC RULES OF A FIGHT
Before fighting, the opponents must decide on a common set of rules :
a) What kind of hit will they consider valid.
In order to define this, one must take the following factors into account :
- What parts of the body are valid targets.
- What intensity is required for a hit to be significant. (Clothing will usually have to be taken into account.)
- What are the 'quality standards' for a valid hit. (i.e. : Will clumsy hits be counted?)
- What is the minimum level of intent. (i.e. : Will accidental hits be counted?)
b) How many points will be needed to win the game.
The opponents are free to define extra rules (time limit, which hand to use, etc.)