Self Defence with a Walking Stick

The web clearly has everything - just when you thought you'd seen it all, there's a site here explaining "The Different Methods of Defending Oneself with a Walking-Stick or Umbrella when Attacked under Unequal Conditions".

Actually, the text is very detailed, and there's some sensible advice there, like Guard by Distance: this involves not Guarding by Resistance, by blocking, but pivoting on your feet, such that your opponent cannot easily strike you. Makes sense.

The nature of the text, and the fabulous pictures of Victorian gentlemen sparring in such a civilised way make this a treat. After all, fore-warned is fore-armed. Quite where I'm going to find a walking cane, a tweed suit and a boater in a conflict situation, heaven only knows.