Like any form of self-defense, practice is required. There are books available on Japanese stick fighting and fighting with the jo. There are very few jo sensei in the US, but learning by your own self is possible, especially because the element of surprise is amazing. read more
Although Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) has a tight learning curve, especially regarding the sticks, it's definitely one of the most potent arts I have ever practiced. The knife fighting is ever developing since new ways to cut and defend with a knife are constantly incorporated into the syllabus. read more