{"id":9717,"date":"2019-01-23T07:00:24","date_gmt":"2019-01-23T07:00:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fightfastvideos.com\/blog\/?p=9717"},"modified":"2021-04-01T15:06:26","modified_gmt":"2021-04-01T15:06:26","slug":"impact-weapons-escrima-stick-or-expandable-baton","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fightfastvideos.com\/blog\/2019\/01\/23\/impact-weapons-escrima-stick-or-expandable-baton\/","title":{"rendered":"Impact Weapons: Escrima Stick or Expandable Baton"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Martial Arts & Weapons<\/h4>\nWhen it comes to self-defense<\/a>, I like to train in systems that are practical, especially when it comes to martial arts that train in weapons use. You probably don\u2019t carry around samurai swords, spears, or nunchucks with you, but you might carry a pocket knife<\/a> or stick.<\/a>\n\nFor years I have studied combat arts using sticks, such as Escrima and Arnis. As a former military and federal agent, I also carried an expandable baton for 18 years.\n\nThe good thing about a stick is that you can find almost any stick-like tool and use the techniques you learn to defend yourself effectively. If you are able to carry an expandable baton (it is illegal in some states) it is a quite formidable weapon as well. But which one should you choose between the two?\n\n[dfads params='groups=292&limit=1&orderby=random']\n\nI bet the majority of you would opt for the baton because it is cool looking and you have seen it used effectively in action movies. Witnessing the baton being whipped out so it can expand to its full length with a distinct locking sound seems really awesome. I even thought so when I carried it for years.\n\nCompare that with seeing a plain Escrima stick at the ready without dramatic sound effects would seem dull in comparison.\n\nHowever, the essence of these impact weapons does not lie in their initial execution but with their purpose. They are meant to stun, hit, break, stab, jab, crush, restrain, and\/or control your adversary.\n

The Downside of Expandable Batons<\/h4>\nFor the stick and baton to perform their tasks, they have first to be functional. And to properly function, they have to always be reliable. This is how, in my opinion, the Escrima stick is superior to the expandable baton.\n\nThe stick is a solid piece of cylindrically shaped material while the latter is of similar design with moving parts. The more mechanically complex a device, the more likely it will malfunction. Trust me; I have experienced malfunctions carrying them during my 18 years.\n\nThe baton has to have sufficient angular momentum for the tip to extend fully and lock in place. I have tried locking it out on some occasions, and it either did not fully extend or did not lock.\n\nI was also an instructor at the special investigator\u2019s academy and at each organization that I worked for. During training, I would have agents practice whipping their department issued ASP brand expandable batons in front of me to no avail.\n\nTheir 26-inch impact weapon would often not expand at all, possibly due to lack of angular momentum, or the tip was stuck inside the handle or both. After 2 or 3 attempts it finally expanded. Perhaps they needed lubrication on a periodic basis.\n\nWhat is the percentage of law enforcement personnel in general who actually takes the time and effort to maintain their baton properly? I will tell you from experience that was quite low, even for me.\n\nYour expandable baton MUST work every single time in law enforcement and in self-defense. There may not be time to keep trying to get the damned thing opened.\n
[dfads params='groups=290&limit=1&orderby=random']<\/div>\nAnother flaw with the baton is its mechanical integrity. I have tried many types of batons from many different vendors. Let me tell you, even though they may LOOK the same the quality IS NOT the same. I once tried two Taiwanese 16\" and 21\" expandable steel batons on hard surfaces like concrete and metal only to have them retract back to their closing position.\n\nThe way I close my batons is by slamming the head onto the hard ground. This is pretty much the only way to close them. These hard impacts resulted in the joints becoming loose. Once this happens, the batons are permanently damaged. My ASP duty baton is a lot sturdier and more reliable but has failed to lock out or stay locked out as well.\n\nHere is the thing, you will not encounter this problem with a solid piece of Escrima stick.\n

The Anatomy of Impact Weapons<\/h4>\nOne aspect of the effectiveness of an impact weapon is its hitting power. Sticks and batons are obviously designed differently.\n\nSticks have density, whether made of wood<\/a> or some type of synthetic material<\/a> that is evenly distributed due to its cylindrical design. Therefore, the center of gravity will be at its length's midpoint.\n\nSimply put, the stick feels balanced, and therefore you can maximize its hitting potential with proper technique.\n\nIn contrast, batons have the bulkiest and heaviest part of its mass toward the handle end, making it bottom heavy. Thus, even when fully extended, the baton's striking power does not reach full potential since the center of gravity is located near the handle. This is even more evident for longer lengths.\n\nMy 26\" duty ASP does not impact as hard as hard as my 21\" Escrima stick when fully swung. I can feel more strain on my wrist when I practice with my ASP.\n\nIf you learn to use an Escrima stick, better yet, a pair of Escrima sticks, you can apply the same techniques to any type of stick you can get your hands on. This is a good skill to have since you can find a stick almost anywhere and you can learn to use one EFFECTIVELY quite easily.\n\nI say \"effectively\" because I have seen many people try to wield a stick in fights and they look awkward, and their techniques are not very efficient. With a little practice, you can become very proficient in the basics pretty fast.\n\n[dfads params='groups=292&limit=1&orderby=random']\n

Final Thoughts<\/h4>\nHaving made these arguments, for me, the Escrima stick is the clear winner. Its simplicity lends to its practicality. There are useful tips to consider when owning such impact weapons.\n\nPractitioners of Cabales Serrada Escrima, as an example, usually utilize sticks with lengths from 16\" to 24\" with 21\" being the norm. With shorter ones, you gain speed for power; with longer ones, you gain power for speed.\n\nFrom my experience, one of the best sticks is made from laminated hardwood; it has the proper weight, durability, and ruggedness. Dried rattan (which I use in practice), more brittle synthetics and even expensive hardwoods tend to break under repeated hard use.\n\nThe choice is yours of course. I own and carry both in my car. I recommend you do what is legal and comfortable for you. But having the ability to carry and use either will be a great skill for you to have.\n

Click here for more fight instruction from Derek Smith.<\/a><\/p>\n\n

Carry Laws for Batons<\/h4>\nThe following is a comprehensive compilation of the laws on the civilian carry of batons, also called nightsticks or Billy clubs, in each state of the US.\n\nThe baton is a roughly cylindrical club weapon used predominantly by law enforcement, corrections, and security personnel as a less-than-lethal measure.\n\nThis includes three major variants:\n
    \n \t
  • Straight stick<\/strong>. - The oldest and simplest form, this is simply a stick 1-3 feet long, usually made of one material and having a grip at one or both ends. Some are formed to have a tapering shape so that more weight is at the striking end.<\/li>\n \t
  • Side-handled<\/strong> - A design based approximately on the Japanese tonfa, this is a cylinder with a second handle perpendicular to the main shaft located above the grip. Sometimes called a \"PR-24\", though this is a commercial model name that simply fell into popular use.<\/li>\n \t
  • Expandable<\/strong> - Also called a telescopic baton, this type consists of 2 or 3 shafts that slide into one another to reduce its size when not in use. Mechanisms vary; some lock open with friction, some use a ball-bearing system, and some are spring-loaded. Sometimes called an ASP, but this is actually the name of a company that makes a popular product line.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
    [dfads params='groups=290&limit=1&orderby=random']<\/div>\nLegend for this List<\/strong>\n
      \n \t
    • Legal<\/strong> - Carry is permitted either explicitly, or any restriction is completely absent.<\/li>\n \t
    • Illegal<\/strong> - Explicitly prohibited.<\/li>\n \t
    • Vague<\/strong> - Law contains ambiguous language and no case law or Attorney General decision exists. See Comment.<\/li>\n \t
    • With CHP<\/strong> - If having Concealed Handgun Permit affects legality (actual name of a firearm carry permit varies by state)<\/li>\n \t
    • Other Permit<\/strong> - If a permit or certification other than a CHP can be obtained to carry.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n[dfads params='groups=292&limit=1&orderby=random']\n\nNOTE: This list covers carry by people who are neither law enforcement or corrections officers, in public places away from one's home, and does not cover carry on school property, government property, airports, or military installations.<\/em>\n\nThis list also does not cover local laws at the county or city level. This list may not be up to date when you read it, so please check in your area.<\/em>\n
      \n
      \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
      State<\/th>\nOpen Carry<\/th>\nConcealed Carry<\/th>\nWith CHP<\/th>\nOther Permit<\/th>\nComment<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
      Alabama<\/td>\nLegal<\/td>\nLegal<\/td>\nN\/A<\/td>\nN\/A<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Alaska<\/td>\nLegal<\/td>\nLegal (21+ years old)<\/td>\nN\/A<\/td>\nN\/A<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Arizona<\/td>\nLegal<\/td>\nLegal (21+ years old)<\/td>\nN\/A<\/td>\nN\/A<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Arkansas<\/td>\nVague<\/td>\nVague<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nTechnically only illegal \"with a purpose to employ as a weapon against a person.\"<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      California<\/td>\nIllegal<\/td>\nIllegal<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Colorado<\/td>\nLegal<\/td>\nLegal<\/td>\nN\/A<\/td>\nN\/A<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Connecticut<\/td>\nIllegal<\/td>\nIllegal<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nOn duty, security guards may carry a baton.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Delaware<\/td>\nLegal<\/td>\nIllegal<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      District of Columbia<\/td>\nLegal<\/td>\nVague<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nIllegal to conceal \"any deadly or dangerous weapon.\" Similar cases suggest general hostility to carry.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Florida<\/td>\nLegal<\/td>\nIllegal<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Georgia<\/td>\nLegal<\/td>\nLegal<\/td>\nN\/A<\/td>\nN\/A<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Hawaii<\/td>\nIllegal<\/td>\nIllegal<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nFish bats don't count unless carried as a weapon<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Idaho<\/td>\nLegal<\/td>\nVague<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nIllegal to conceal any \"deadly weapon\", but doesn't apply outside a city if 18+ years old or on private property with owner's permission.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Illinois<\/td>\nVague<\/td>\nVague<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\n?<\/td>\nIllegal to carry a Billy \"with intent to use the same unlawfully against another\" or in a government building<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Indiana<\/td>\nLegal<\/td>\nLegal<\/td>\nN\/A<\/td>\nN\/A<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Iowa<\/td>\nLegal<\/td>\nVague<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nIllegal to conceal any \"dangerous weapon,\" which is very broadly applicable<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Kansas<\/td>\nLegal<\/td>\nIllegal<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nIllegal to conceal a \"Billy.\"<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Kentucky<\/td>\nLegal<\/td>\nIllegal<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Louisiana<\/td>\nLegal<\/td>\nVague<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nIllegal to conceal any \"instrumentality customarily used or intended for probable use as a dangerous weapon.\"<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Maine<\/td>\nLegal<\/td>\nVague<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Maryland<\/td>\nLegal<\/td>\nVague<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nCould be a \"dangerous or deadly weapon,\" but isn't named explicitly. Law has self-defense provision. Similar cases suggest the state must prove criminal intent.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Massachusetts<\/td>\nLegal<\/td>\nLegal<\/td>\nN\/A<\/td>\nN\/A<\/td>\nOnly prohibited when arrested on a warrant or during a breach of peace<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Michigan<\/td>\nVague<\/td>\nVague<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nIllegal to carry with intent to use unlawfully against another \"any other dangerous or deadly weapon or instrument.\"<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Minnesota<\/td>\nVague<\/td>\nVague<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nIllegal to possess any \"dangerous article or substance for the purpose of being used unlawfully as a weapon against another\"<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Mississippi<\/td>\nLegal<\/td>\nLegal<\/td>\nN\/A<\/td>\nN\/A<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Missouri<\/td>\nLegal<\/td>\nVague<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nIllegal to conceal \"any other weapon readily capable of lethal use.\"<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Montana<\/td>\nLegal<\/td>\nIllegal<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Nebraska<\/td>\nLegal<\/td>\nVague<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nIllegal to conceal \"any other deadly weapon\", but burden lies with the state. Law has self-defense provision.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Nevada<\/td>\nIllegal<\/td>\nIllegal<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nCan obtain written permission from the county sheriff<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      New Hampshire<\/td>\nLegal<\/td>\nLegal<\/td>\nN\/A<\/td>\nN\/A<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      New Jersey<\/td>\nIllegal<\/td>\nIllegal<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nGuards with CHP and training certification are permitted to carry<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      New Mexico<\/td>\nVague<\/td>\nVague<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nIllegal to carry \"any other type of deadly weapon\".<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      New York<\/td>\nIllegal<\/td>\nIllegal<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      North Carolina<\/td>\nLegal<\/td>\nVague<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      North Dakota<\/td>\nLegal<\/td>\nIllegal<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Ohio<\/td>\nLegal<\/td>\nVague<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Oklahoma<\/td>\nIllegal<\/td>\nIllegal<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nNo exception noted for private security<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Oregon<\/td>\nLegal<\/td>\nLegal<\/td>\nN\/A<\/td>\nN\/A<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Pennsylvania<\/td>\nVague<\/td>\nVague<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nIllegal to possess \"other implement for the infliction of serious bodily injury which serves no common lawful purpose\". Case law indicates self-defense is not a \"common lawful purpose\".<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Rhode Island<\/td>\nIllegal<\/td>\nIllegal<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nNo exception noted for private security<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      South Carolina<\/td>\nLegal<\/td>\nVague<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nIllegal to conceal \"a deadly weapon usually used for the infliction of personal injury\".<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      South Dakota<\/td>\nLegal<\/td>\nLegal<\/td>\nN\/A<\/td>\nN\/A<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Tennessee<\/td>\nIllegal<\/td>\nIllegal<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Texas<\/td>\nIllegal<\/td>\nIllegal<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nSome exceptions for trained or certified security officers.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Utah<\/td>\nLegal<\/td>\nLegal<\/td>\nN\/A<\/td>\nN\/A<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Vermont<\/td>\nLegal<\/td>\nLegal<\/td>\nN\/A<\/td>\nN\/A<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Virginia<\/td>\nLegal<\/td>\nVague<\/td>\nN\/A<\/td>\nN\/A<\/td>\nSpring-loaded baton is illegal, but could possibly be extended to any \"weapon of like kind\".<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Washington<\/td>\nLegal<\/td>\nVague<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nIllegal to conceal \"other dangerous weapon\".<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      West Virginia<\/td>\nLegal<\/td>\nLegal<\/td>\nN\/A<\/td>\nN\/A<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Wisconsin<\/td>\nLegal<\/td>\nIllegal<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Wyoming<\/td>\nLegal<\/td>\nVague<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nIllegal to conceal a \"deadly weapon\".<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

      Martial Arts & Weapons When it comes to self-defense, I like to train in systems that are practical, especially when it comes to martial arts that train in weapons use. You probably don\u2019t carry around samurai swords, spears, or nunchucks with you, but you might carry a pocket knife or stick. For years I have Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":9845,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2,4,11,19],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/fightfastvideos.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9717"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/fightfastvideos.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/fightfastvideos.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fightfastvideos.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fightfastvideos.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9717"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/fightfastvideos.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9717\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12821,"href":"https:\/\/fightfastvideos.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9717\/revisions\/12821"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fightfastvideos.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9845"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/fightfastvideos.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9717"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fightfastvideos.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9717"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fightfastvideos.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9717"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}