Hapkido Cane Techniques

Martial artists around the world have taken to adopting the cane as a viable and completely legal weapon option. Canes can be effectively utilized for self-defense purposes, and many martial arts systems now include cane techniques within their curriculum. The Korean martial art of hapkido in particular has been innovated to include many good techniques for the utilization of the cane, or the "don jong" as it is known in the Korean tongue. Through the application of hapkido techniques, the don jong can be a very versatile weapon for attacking and defending.

  1. The Attacking Thrust

    • This is one of the most effective cane striking techniques in that it enables the user to hit an opponent from a distance. To perform the thrust, one hand grasps the handle of the cane while the other grasps it midway down the shaft. The user then thrusts the end of the cane into an opponent as he closes in. Good areas to target with thrusts include the solar plexus, face or groin.

    The Defensive Thrust

    • The defensive thrust is performed by holding the cane in the same manner as the attacking thrust. To perform the defensive thrust, the user wields the cane with the point being directed at vulnerable points on an attacker's body. Used in this manner, the cane should be effective for keeping a potential attacker at bay by thrusting it at him each time he tries to advance.

    The Hook Handle

    • The hook handle of the cane can be particularly effective when used for trapping your opponent's wrist, arm, neck or ankle. When used in this fashion, the cane can take an attacker's punch or kick out of line or subdue him by hooking his neck and taking him to the ground.

    Joint Locks

    • Canes can be effectively for joint locking techniques when an opponent is in close quarters with you. To perform a join lock with a cane, observe which part of your opponent's body is most exposed. If your opponent throws a punch at you, his elbow will be exposed. Strike the elbow with the hook handle with enough momentum to stun your opponent. This will make it easier to hook the joint and lock it.