Choosing sticks

[CrazyCossack]

I had a training partner recently say that he had seen a pekiti tirsia video in which the instructor had a method for a person to choose which size stick could be a good fit for them (width and length I think). He hasn't been able to locate the video and I was wondering if anyone had information on this method, I'm not sure who the instructor in the video was (he couldn't remember) so I'm hoping someone here has seen it.

I'm fairly new to FMA training and always wondered what size stick would suit me, I realize in the end it likely comes down to personal preference but was wondering if anyone had info on this.

Or could direct me to another place that might have this information.

Thanks in advance.

[blindside]

Stick length in Pekiti is usually armpit to fingertips. Diameter is up to the individual.

[arnisador]

That was always a rule-of-thumb (as it were) in Modern Arnis too. Hold an arm out straight to the side, holding the stick; it should reach from the tip of the index or middle finger into the armpit.

[lhommedieu]

I'm fairly new to FMA training and always wondered what size stick would suit me, I realize in the end it likely comes down to personal preference but was wondering if anyone had info on this.

Different strokes for different folks...

The armpit to fingertip method (or any other anatomical method) is generally an attempt to match stick to body-type to technique. Some corto styles prefer a shorter stick because there is less to get in the way; some largo styles prefer a longer stick to establish greater reach.

Another method to consider is to choose a stick length that emulates the length of the bladed weapon used in the art.

Best,

Steve

[kaliman1978]

I agree with the last post that you should choose a stick based on the size of the bladed weapon particular to the art. For instance I am about 6'1 and the sticks I have are about 30in if I go armpit to finger tip, but at close range I have been seeing lately that the 30in length can at times be a hinderance so i am now looking into using 28in to see how that works out. Bottom line...pick a stick that you can fight at all ranges with.

[silat1]

Another way you can measure a stick for the right length for you is to put your clenched fist knuckle to knuckle.. The distance between the two elbows should be the same length as from the armpit to the finger tip.. I use both methods when I measure a new set of sticks, but for close in work, I cut the length off where the hand goes off of the end of the stick.. Basically let the hand hang free.. I usually use a 29 inch stick, but when I cut the length of my hand off of the stick, I have one that I can use for inclose and medium distance

[puntadas]

check his rod?!

[TuhonBill]

Tuhon Gaje always had us use the armpit to fingertip measurement. In addition, he said the diameter of the stick should be one in which your index and middle fingers would touch your palm when you griped the stick, but your ring finger would almost but not quite touch your palm. By holding the stick with the pommel end extending one hand width from the palm you end up with a good balance between control, reach and power.

When students start with too short a stick, they tend to work only their wrist to move the stick and don't get enough feedback from the swing to understand the internal body mechanics that should power their weapon work. Conversely, when the stick is too long, they struggle to maintain control.

Please keep in mind that the rattan stick is a training tool. You are not supposed to use it in combat. The training rattan length is a compromise that is in between the length of the short sword and long sword Leo's grandfather had.

However, this length is just a place to start your training. Once you have become proficient at this length, you should try drills and sparring with different length sticks; as you never know what you might find available in an emergency.

Keep in mind that shorter as well as longer sticks are used in other Filipino martial arts and weapon arts in other countries as well.

I'm 6' 1". My sticks are 32" in length and 1 1/8" in diameter. I use a variety of different weights of rattan; lighter for drills with beginners, heavier for working with advanced students. For solo training, heavy drills with other guros and for hitting the tires I'm a big fan of Cold Steel's Escrima Sticks. I often lone them out at seminars when I see a student swinging their far too light weight rattan sticks as if they were a symphony conductor's baton.


Regards,
Tuhon Bill McGrath

[CrazyCossack]

Thanks for all the responses, especially the very detailed ones, gave me something to think about.

[Twist]

My teacher told me, that since I'm not the biggest (I fit very well in the Philippines, though ;) )I should use a longer stick (33" atm).

Suites me very well ... its not Pekiti Tirsia though ;)