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FAIRBAIRN STICK DRILL
This drill is outlined the Umbrella Drill in Hands Off-Self Defence for Women and
Girls. Although designed specifically for the umbrella, which is suited for thrusting because
of the distinct tip, and rather unsuited to “slashes” due to flimsy body, in fact this drill is ideal
for any impact weapon. Subsequently WEF included it in All-in-Fighting. The sequence is
as follows:-
GRIP: Hold the stick horizontally across body, with Right hand palm down; Left hand palm
up. If using a weapon with a “business” end, such as the umbrella tip, it should be in the left.
1] Rake the tip violently across his abdomen from your left-right (striking his right
waist/floating ribs/liver area). Step in with your left leg as you do so, and use full force of
your hips behind the blow. Allow it to penetrate, don’t “pull” the blow. This strike has
numerous benefits:-
a] It is very difficult to defend, there is no telegraphing, no “wind up”. The stick
moves instantly from Ready to strike.
b] It is very strong. Full body-dynamics and weight-transfer are used behind the blow.
c] It disrupts the muscles. It is very difficult to tense against a raking action, the
abdom muscles are strong frontally, but weaker from a side strike.
d] If using a friction-lock Expandable Baton this thrust is unlikely to collapse the
weapon, whereas a direct thrust might.
This strike was described in Knights of the Floating Silk “like striking a giant match”
2] Immediately strike vertically upwards under the chin. The position ends rather like your
are presenting arms.
a] If he has bent forward, which is likely after the initial belly thrust, the tip will strike
his throat, with fight-stopping potential. However, we are not supporters of the “predictable
reaction” theory, so , the sequence allows for the fact that he may show little, or, no reaction.
In the real world, the strike might hit belt-kit, or become snared in clothing, with little effect.
Cont….
Stick Training Module, cont…
However, an aggressive enemy tends to angle forwards, presenting targets to the second
strike. In this case the tip will strike under his jaw, into the soft tissue, with a high degree of
shock. In either case a good effect.
Note, I asked the RSA Paramedics about this strike, and they said that there would be
massive haemorrhage plus tremendous swelling [closing off the airway]. They agreed it
would be a potentially lethal strike.
b] If the belly strike fails and enrages him the vertical strike acts as an instant shield
against his aggression, until you continue with...
3] From the previous strike, raise the weapon an extra measure, as you raise your left/lead
foot...then immediately bring the tip down in a violent raking action, drop-stepping in with
full body commitment. Any target in the way is struck. This has two implications:-
a] You have missed, because he’s managed to lean back. In this case drive forward,
striking down into face/neck/chest.
b] Your rising thrust connected and you are following up with the logical action.
4] Follow up, with a round strike, bringing your right hand in an arc to impact with the butt
end against his head/neck This strike has the same dynamics as an elbow strike
Note, if using a weapon with a crook (such as certain umbrellas, and canes), at this
strike the crook will be positioned to ensnare the neck, for a throw.
5] Keeping the shaft horizontal, retract slightly, then ram it in/up to his throat, and up to his
chin. This double hand action is very strong, and is very difficult to defend. It has two
implications:-
a] A fight-finishing bar-strike to the larynx/throat.
b] A contact breaking shove to the upper chest, Kelly McCann’s “car crash”, making
space for further thrusts.
6] As an optional final technique I suggest bringing the bar-thrust up, over his head, and
ensnaring the back of his neck, pulling in to a knee-strike.
Cont….
Stick Training Module, cont…
NOTES:
i] It is unlikely that you would complete the entire sequence on a single assailant. The
drill links several techniques in a logical progression, with some options built in. We tend to
consider the techniques as pairs. In my own street use of this drill I did the first two strikes
then my assailant fell down the stairs. This is an example of how a drill fits reality.
ii] Malcolm Harris adapted the Fairbairn stick drill for police truncheon use in his
Lethal Unarmed Combat (1972).
iii] Fairbairn designed this system to work with any kind of stick…. If all else fails
you can break a branch off a tree. There are no sliding actions, or, grip changes which would
get your hands ripped by thorns, bark, or, knots. [Note, if using a proper baton there are a
couple of useful additional techniques outside of the Fairbairn system; see Baton Notes trg
key]
iv] Bob Koga took big chunks of the Fairbairn, and the Styers systems into his LAPD
Baton Program.
v] SMP had a special baton, with “teardrop” shaft.
POOL-CUE THRUST
A fast strike allowing the leading end to slide through the front hand, propelled
by the rear hand plus body dynamics. Especially effective to target the eyes; also throat,
solar-plexus, belly and groin.
STICK SWING-STRIKE
As mentioned, Fairbairn advised against swing/slash type strikes. He was especially
wary about such strikes on the high line [FMA angles ½], because they are the easiest to see,
and thus, potentially defend against.
In the SMP 1915 manual he taught to target the shin/knee if delivering a swing strike.
Close in with Offhand Fend, strike low.