---
product_id: 35994827
title: "The Art and Science of Staff Fighting: A Complete Instructional Guide (Martial Science)"
price: "€ 64.15"
currency: EUR
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reviews_count: 13
url: https://www.desertcart.gr/products/35994827-the-art-and-science-of-staff-fighting-a-complete-instructional
store_origin: GR
region: Greece
---

# Comprehensive Guide Expert Techniques Mental Strategies The Art and Science of Staff Fighting: A Complete Instructional Guide (Martial Science)

**Price:** € 64.15
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## Summary

> 🥋 Elevate Your Skills: Become a Fighting Pro!

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** The Art and Science of Staff Fighting: A Complete Instructional Guide (Martial Science)
- **How much does it cost?** € 64.15 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.gr](https://www.desertcart.gr/products/35994827-the-art-and-science-of-staff-fighting-a-complete-instructional)

## Best For

- Customers looking for quality international products

## Why This Product

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## Key Features

- • **Master the Art:** Unlock advanced martial techniques and strategies.
- • **Expert Insights:** Learn from seasoned professionals in the field.
- • **Science of Combat:** Dive deep into the psychology of fighting.
- • **Community Connection:** Join a network of like-minded martial artists.
- • **Step-by-Step Instructions:** Follow clear, concise guidance for every skill.

## Overview

The Art and Science of Staff Fighting is a comprehensive instructional guide that combines expert techniques with psychological insights, designed for martial artists looking to enhance their skills and understanding of combat. This book offers step-by-step instructions and connects readers to a community of passionate practitioners.

## Description

NINE LEVELS, EASY TO EXPERT This book stands apart from other staff training manuals. While most titles focus on forms and twirling, The Art and Science of Staff Fighting emphasizes the dynamics of combat. The author draws on thirty years of martial experience, presenting the best of both Eastern and Western traditions. Joe Varady lays out a comprehensive course of study in nine levels, from beginner to expert. He guides readers through such fundamentals as stances, striking, blocking, and footwork. In advanced lessons, readers learn disarming techniques, groundwork, and facing multiple opponents. But this book is not just for staff enthusiasts. Even those unfamiliar with martial arts can adapt these techniques, increasing their skill and confidence in defending themselves. "Our environment is usually full of improvised weapons,” Varady writes. “Staff fighting techniques can be effectively applied in a self-defense situation using a walking stick, coatrack, curtain rod, floor lamp, hockey stick, fallen tree branch, broom, mop, shovel, or rake.” Equipped with this knowledge, readers will begin to realize that, in one way or another, they are nearly always armed and capable of defending themselves. This book features: Nine levels of instruction, progressing from easy to expert Over 600 photos with motion arrows A “nondenominational” approach to staff, utilizing the best of Eastern and Western arts A comprehensive, methodical approach to building staff skills If you are already a student of the staff, these lessons will not conflict with your katas or current style. Instead, they will augment your techniques, broadening your options. Whether you are an experienced staff fighter or a layman seeking practical techniques for self-defense, The Art and Science of Staff Fighting will help you develop the skills you need.

Review: If you train with the staff or want to learn, this book should be considered required reading and added to your library! - The Art and Science of Staff Fighting is one of the most complete and well laid out training guides I have read! If you train with the staff or want to learn, this book should be considered required reading and added to your library! Joe Varady is one of the most passionate martial artists I have ever met. Spend a minute training with him and his passion for the martial arts is immediately apparent. He has a gift for teaching; he presents material in a very clear and easy to understand way and his enthusiasm is contagious. Joe's passion and enthusiasm on the training floor made the transition to printed form in this fantastic training manual. Joe extensively researched the topic of staff fighting which is evident throughout his book. He includes history of staff use through time and across different cultures. Furthermore, he goes beyond simply trying to explain how to perform a technique; he describes the physics behind the technique to help the reader understand the broader principles needed for mastery of the staff. The addition of history and science provides the reader with a solid foundation for a deeper understanding of staff fighting. Overall the book's layout is exceptional. The chapters (levels) represent increasing levels of difficulty. The numerous photos and illustrations clearly illustrate the topic being discussed. Each of the first 6 chapters end with an excellent workout specifically focused on the subject of that chapter. Throughout the book he identifies training equipment designed to work a specific technique. He provides detailed descriptions on how to make the majority of them yourself. The Art and Science of Staff Fighting is divided into 9 levels, from beginner to expert. Level 1 introduces fundamentals of the staff, and basic blocking, striking, and footwork. Levels 2 and 3 discuss middle grip, double strikes, disarms, and training equipment. Levels 4 and 5 discuss extended grips, snap strikes, thrusting, fencing-style techniques (cutover, beat, change of engagement), and additional training equipment. Level 6 gets serious and fun--combat where you will learn to make padded weapons and get fighting! In Level 7 and 8 Joe provides expert and master level ideas, including advanced guards, close combat, ground work, multiple attackers, and empty hand defense against armed opponents. Level 9 discusses a relative of the staff, the spear, it's similarities and differences, and techniques to incorporate into your training regimen. This book really is a complete instructional guide to the staff. I always look forward to training with Joe each year at the Cuong Nhu International Annual Training Camp and when other opportunities arise. - Mark Brandenburg, Cuong Nhu Oriental Martial Arts 3rd degree black belt, Co-Head Instructor of Kim Hiep Si Dojo, University of Central Florida, Orlando.
Review: Excellent New Book on Staff Fighting – A Complete Approach - Sixth-degree black belt Joe Varady has over 30 years of martial art experience. With a background that includes karate, judo, eskrima, boxing, fencing and the long sword, Joe has numerous awards competing in weapons tournaments world-wide. His new book, The Art and Science of Staff Fighting, emphasizes the combat aspects of the staff. Regarding the book’s title, Joe points out that the “art” aspect is highly rewarding, offering elements such as self-expression, development of self-confidence, self-control and greater physical coordination. As Joe sets forth, any reliable self-defense system must absolutely be rooted in the “science” of the pursuit. He points out that this includes understanding the physical nature of the weapon, the importance of your stances and the psychological aspects – what the opponent is thinking and how you can capitalize on that. Arranging his instruction into nine levels (beginner to advanced), he teaches stances, striking, blocking and footwork. Advanced readers can benefit from lessons on disarming techniques, groundwork and fighting several opponents. No need to worry about whether this is tai chi staff, shaolin staff or some other discipline – Joe takes a “nondenominational” approach that can benefit your practice regardless of the specific art your staff work belongs to. One excellent feature of the book: over 600 photos with arrows indicating the direction of the staff’s motion. Among Joe’s nine levels are the foundation, basic middle grip of the staff, advanced middle grip, basic extended grip, advanced extended grip, combat with the staff, and expert and master staff-training levels. Each level contains roughly 9 to 12 topics such as figure eights, thrusting, snap strikes, blocking disarms, timing and blitz attacking. Expert training topics include switching grips, alternate ready positions and techniques such as upward heel strike, overhand heel thrust, jabbing thrusts, trapping and pinning, flicking and throwing. A unique section deals with unarmed defense against the staff. One thing I really like about the book: For each level in Joe’s program, he provides a detailed workout, spelling out the objectives as well as the steps you can complete to learn the concepts in that level. Joe also shows the reader how to make simple training tools such as spinners (pinwheel-like objects), horizontal makiwara boards and striking balls. Of course, he then shows how to use the tools as part of your practice. Joe points out that even for non-martial artists, his techniques can be used with improvised/found objects such as a coatrack, curtain rod, floor lamp, hockey stick, fallen tree limb, a broom, mop, shovel or a rake. I highly recommend this book. It is chock full of insights, techniques, strategies and workouts to apply them.

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| Best Sellers Rank | #161,041 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #5 in Fencing (Books) #180 in Camping (Books) #228 in Martial Arts (Books) |
| Customer Reviews | 4.6 out of 5 stars 813 Reviews |

## Images

![The Art and Science of Staff Fighting: A Complete Instructional Guide (Martial Science) - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71eIadAhTWL.jpg)

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you train with the staff or want to learn, this book should be considered required reading and added to your library!
*by M***G on December 16, 2016*

The Art and Science of Staff Fighting is one of the most complete and well laid out training guides I have read! If you train with the staff or want to learn, this book should be considered required reading and added to your library! Joe Varady is one of the most passionate martial artists I have ever met. Spend a minute training with him and his passion for the martial arts is immediately apparent. He has a gift for teaching; he presents material in a very clear and easy to understand way and his enthusiasm is contagious. Joe's passion and enthusiasm on the training floor made the transition to printed form in this fantastic training manual. Joe extensively researched the topic of staff fighting which is evident throughout his book. He includes history of staff use through time and across different cultures. Furthermore, he goes beyond simply trying to explain how to perform a technique; he describes the physics behind the technique to help the reader understand the broader principles needed for mastery of the staff. The addition of history and science provides the reader with a solid foundation for a deeper understanding of staff fighting. Overall the book's layout is exceptional. The chapters (levels) represent increasing levels of difficulty. The numerous photos and illustrations clearly illustrate the topic being discussed. Each of the first 6 chapters end with an excellent workout specifically focused on the subject of that chapter. Throughout the book he identifies training equipment designed to work a specific technique. He provides detailed descriptions on how to make the majority of them yourself. The Art and Science of Staff Fighting is divided into 9 levels, from beginner to expert. Level 1 introduces fundamentals of the staff, and basic blocking, striking, and footwork. Levels 2 and 3 discuss middle grip, double strikes, disarms, and training equipment. Levels 4 and 5 discuss extended grips, snap strikes, thrusting, fencing-style techniques (cutover, beat, change of engagement), and additional training equipment. Level 6 gets serious and fun--combat where you will learn to make padded weapons and get fighting! In Level 7 and 8 Joe provides expert and master level ideas, including advanced guards, close combat, ground work, multiple attackers, and empty hand defense against armed opponents. Level 9 discusses a relative of the staff, the spear, it's similarities and differences, and techniques to incorporate into your training regimen. This book really is a complete instructional guide to the staff. I always look forward to training with Joe each year at the Cuong Nhu International Annual Training Camp and when other opportunities arise. - Mark Brandenburg, Cuong Nhu Oriental Martial Arts 3rd degree black belt, Co-Head Instructor of Kim Hiep Si Dojo, University of Central Florida, Orlando.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent New Book on Staff Fighting – A Complete Approach
*by T***4 on January 18, 2017*

Sixth-degree black belt Joe Varady has over 30 years of martial art experience. With a background that includes karate, judo, eskrima, boxing, fencing and the long sword, Joe has numerous awards competing in weapons tournaments world-wide. His new book, The Art and Science of Staff Fighting, emphasizes the combat aspects of the staff. Regarding the book’s title, Joe points out that the “art” aspect is highly rewarding, offering elements such as self-expression, development of self-confidence, self-control and greater physical coordination. As Joe sets forth, any reliable self-defense system must absolutely be rooted in the “science” of the pursuit. He points out that this includes understanding the physical nature of the weapon, the importance of your stances and the psychological aspects – what the opponent is thinking and how you can capitalize on that. Arranging his instruction into nine levels (beginner to advanced), he teaches stances, striking, blocking and footwork. Advanced readers can benefit from lessons on disarming techniques, groundwork and fighting several opponents. No need to worry about whether this is tai chi staff, shaolin staff or some other discipline – Joe takes a “nondenominational” approach that can benefit your practice regardless of the specific art your staff work belongs to. One excellent feature of the book: over 600 photos with arrows indicating the direction of the staff’s motion. Among Joe’s nine levels are the foundation, basic middle grip of the staff, advanced middle grip, basic extended grip, advanced extended grip, combat with the staff, and expert and master staff-training levels. Each level contains roughly 9 to 12 topics such as figure eights, thrusting, snap strikes, blocking disarms, timing and blitz attacking. Expert training topics include switching grips, alternate ready positions and techniques such as upward heel strike, overhand heel thrust, jabbing thrusts, trapping and pinning, flicking and throwing. A unique section deals with unarmed defense against the staff. One thing I really like about the book: For each level in Joe’s program, he provides a detailed workout, spelling out the objectives as well as the steps you can complete to learn the concepts in that level. Joe also shows the reader how to make simple training tools such as spinners (pinwheel-like objects), horizontal makiwara boards and striking balls. Of course, he then shows how to use the tools as part of your practice. Joe points out that even for non-martial artists, his techniques can be used with improvised/found objects such as a coatrack, curtain rod, floor lamp, hockey stick, fallen tree limb, a broom, mop, shovel or a rake. I highly recommend this book. It is chock full of insights, techniques, strategies and workouts to apply them.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ I am impressed by the layout and practical-oriented attitude of this book
*by J***S on April 1, 2019*

I found the style of writing and book layout concise, interesting, and informative. I read the text in it's entirety before completing level 1. Although I was initially confused by the title-inclusive word "complete", it refers to this book being an entire curriculum instead of meaning complete sets of knowledges (there are a few techniques I know of that are not found in this book). Varady consolidates a variety martial arts and sport techniques (Eastern, HEMA, Ethiopian, etc) in the writing of this book. He also keeps practicality, physics (especially on leavers), and training techniques in mind. Found it noteworthy Musashi and Fiore are referenced. You also will be taught how to create training equipment and items from everyday objects (duct tape might be a favorite binding item of his). If you have the space and resources, you can make a nice training ground/area for yourself from his recommendations and inspiration alone. The pictures of solo-and-with-partner techniques are clear, and ends of Varady and his partner's staffs are taped white and black, so you can easily tell when they are alternating strikes with either end of his staff (it especially helps eliminate confusion). Varady even includes warnings of moderation and developing accuracy over power first, especially in regards to training with partners. I was impressed also by his sense of realism, as he states in one vs. multi-opponent battles the best option is to flee when possible. If you are looking for a list of forms for performing at length (he does have some in there, but you would need to work at assembling them), such as in with Taiji/Tai-Chi, then this probably won't be the book for you. I think someone who is interested in education on the topic, has or is taking martial arts, or someone looking to better understand staff fighting from an applied approach will benefit most from this book.

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*Last updated: 2026-10-28*