Mr_Rogers,
Just trying to cover all the angles
. Not picking on anyone in particular or anything in particular.
Since the 'raw material' I use is hardwood and not bamboo, more weight really isn't necessary. A cane, when used as a defensive weapon, IMHO often works better used with two hands on it, about body width apart- if the person using it is stable enough for such things, of course. See
http://www.geocities.com/glendoyle/bata/ for derivations that might be useful.
I don't try to teach much in the way of roundhouse swings- often there just isn't room due to confined spaces, innocent parties close by etc. Blocks, jabs and short strikes seem to me to be much more likely to be useful- and less likely to get countered by an assailant as well. Most folks don't have the inclination to learn the more numerous and elaborate forms or series of moves (
http://ejmas.com/jnc/jncart_barton-wright_0200.htm ). I think simpler is better.
Since most thugs don't expect to be actually resisted by a little old person leaning on a walking stick, any effective first strike is going to open the way to delivering a series of even more damaging additional strikes. I try to teach the delivery of a REALLY effective first strike with absolutely no warning, from a position of rest, the usual posture of a person with a walking stick. That's why IMO teaching a person not to telegraph their move with either a change of expression or a shift in posture is critical.
hth,
lpl
