We discussed not going too hard with the plyometric form conditioning to keep from tearing the carpal tunnel. For stick stroking power and to make sure you have it in close quarters. The important thing is to develop the flexor muscle and flexor tendon, which attaches below the pinky below the hand and runs up to the elbow, bellying out into the “Popeye” muscle. Below are the tools you can use to take your power to the next level that should only be employed after your forearm has been extensively conditioned with light sticks and the other exercises discussed earlier in the book. This is a progressive list, and every new exercise should be taken slowly at first.

1. The best way to blow out your flexor tendon is to stab hard with a blunt object that will torque the hand. The longer this weapon is, the worse the torque will be. The lesser the diameter of this weapon, the more the torque will be. Ideally, we practice stabbing for precision against sticks, ropes, and lately, on other objects. Power stabs should be practiced with thicker implements – the thickest stick that you can practically hold.

2. Do not stretch first. Warm up, then condition, then stretch.

3. If you injure a tendon or a muscle, do not stretch it.

Below are the different tools that you will stroke with in your training, first slowly in the air, then on apparatus at different speeds.

1. Light sticks for warming up – 24”-28” long, ½” thick

2. Extra dense, medium-weight sticks, such as wax wood or iron wood for power hitting on apparatus – 24”-28” long, ½” to ¾” thick

3. A heavy, long stick – 28”-32” long, ¾” to 1 ¼” thick

4. A leg breaker – 24”-30” long, 1 ¼” to 2” thick [Use this for striking posts and tires with simple blows to develop weapon retention. No redondos, jabs or twirls. This is primarily for smashing blows.]

5. T-ball bat [This is really good for practicing redondos, twirls and figure eights. For home defense, this is the ideal blunt weapon. Choke up on it and use it with one hand.]

6. Axe handle [This is for practicing slashes in the air and on ropes, for developing your edge on hand stability. Also for defense on your property, this is the ideal melee weapon.]

1. The heavy bag, whether floor mounted or hanging, is the best overall striking apparatus, good for slashes, smashes and jabs. Get a canvas duffel bag to cover your heavy bag with so you don’t destroy it. The heavy bag is going to do more to develop your smashes and your slashes than the other apparatus, all of which are better for jabbing than the bag. When stabbing the bag with the stick, don’t go for power, and the stabs that you practice on the low line should break, not dig in, otherwise you could tear up your wrist. When you practice stabbing the heavy bag with your stick, the low, light stabs are practice for denying and breaking the clinch and should be done with a checking hand. These are all done with a vertical hammer grip or in pronation, not in supination, like a fencing thrust. The high stabs can be done for impact and are intended to develop the ability to stab the neck and the eyes and should be done in pronation with the palm down.

2. The tire is the best apparatus for practicing smashes and jabs. Its reactivity is also useful in developing your slashes. As it spins, practice stabbing the inner part of the tire. Try building a tire pyramid and I know of two fighters who have built hanging tire dummies with different sized tires chained together. Use the harder sticks on your tire targets and make sure you practice your drum beat and cob-cob drills on it.

3. A roped post is good for practicing with heavy sticks but will ruin light sticks. It is also ideal for practicing controlled blade stabs. This is the preferred apparatus for machete and sword training and was the primary tool for conditioning gladiators. Wrap your post with hemp rope, not with coarser fibers. Make a crucifix post so you can practice striking around arms so you can move to the side, checking the arms and striking the post. This makes a good place to hang your helmet and your gloves. I had one in my bedroom for seven years, always used for the purpose for which it was intended.

4. Rope, knotted and at least 3-ply makes a good stick-slashing target and an excellent thrusting target. This is the preferred apparatus for knife training with dulls and sharps.

5. Shields can be built in a kite shape from knee to eye to be held by a coach, while the fighter practices striking and checking. Make sure the coach wears gloves and head piece.