singlestick

Singlestick is a martial art and sport that centers on fighting with a wooden stick. The weapon is typically a straight hardwood staff about 28–36 inches (70–90 cm) long. It is used for strikes, thrusts, and defensive parries to control distance, deny the opponent's time, and score points in a bout. Practice commonly employs protective gear such as a glove and a face mask.

Historically, singlestick developed in Britain during the 17th to 19th centuries as a practical, relatively safe form of stick fighting derived from the quarterstaff and urban self-defense traditions. It was taught to civilians and military instructors and was used in informal contests and duels. In the modern era it reappeared within various fencing and historical martial-arts communities.

Techniques emphasize guards, footwork, and the coordination of hands, wrists, and body to execute controlled strikes and defences. Strikes may target the body and limbs, while the rules typically restrict dangerous blows to the head and require controlled contact. Equipment includes a wooden stick, a protective glove for the hand, and a mask or face shield in many clubs.

Modern singlestick is commonly taught within historical European martial arts (HEMA) groups and some traditional fencing clubs. It emphasizes safety, standardized terminology, and sport-oriented rules with scoring for successful, controlled hits and effective parries. The practice offers insights into historical fighting methods and complements training in other stick and blade disciplines.

See also: Quarterstaff; Stick fighting; Historical European martial arts.