Greetings and a question

[Emmett]

Hello all,

I hope my first post isn't a newbie question (I searched on the topic and came up blank).  I would like to start training my oldest child (6 year old daughter) and need advice on cutting down one of my sticks.  Is rattan a difficult material to cut?  Does anyone have any suggestions on how to do it properly?  Or, perhaps someone has a source for shorter sticks; something in the 24" and under lengths?  Or any other suggestions as I may be going about this in the wrong way.

Thanks for any info you can provide.  And thanks for the great forum.  I have learned a lot as a lurker on this site, hopefully I will be able to contribute to it as well.

Take care,
Emmett

[ryangruhn]

Emmett,

  Good question    Any type of saw will do, just make sure you secure the stick properly before cutting it.  I use a miter saw to cut my sticks.  It allows me to clamp it down securely first.  Another option is to let your six year old use normal size sticks.     I teach Youth Martial Arts and this is what we do.  At first the length can be a little awkward but I have found that they tend to adapt quickly to the length.  Food for thought!

Woof!

Gruhn

[Emmett]

Thanks for the info Gruhn!  I will give the miter saw a go this weekend.

As far as using regular sized sticks, I have a 28" that she likes to swing.  Perhaps, if my carpentry skill proves subpar , I will make that her primary.

Thanks again for the information.

Take care,
Emmett

[Tom Stillman]

Simply cut rattan stick's to desired length and file/sand edges smooth so it is free of bur's and splinters .                     P.S.  I too just began training my 5 yr old daughter.

[Emmett]

Thanks Tom

How is your 5yr old taking to the stick?  My daughter loves it, though not as much as boxing.  I've been training her and my son in boxing\striking for the past 6 months.  Lots of fun!

Take care,
Emmett

[Tom Stillman]

Woof Emmet, I am teaching my daughter karate, stick and nunchaku (single and double)   She also loves to sing and play the guitar. If they stick with it, just think of the potential!    TS