Plenty of vidios and books on cane useage available. I have trained with one seriously for around ten years, don't need it but it goes where my other obvious weapons can't. I would say awareness and some knowledge of anatomy is necessary. If you are a MMA fan remember everything illegal in a MMA fight is where you train to hit. I use my own method and with training you should discover what works for you and make it an automatic reaction. I have used mine in situations where some folks would draw a handgun or knife. In short it is a great weapon, probably the first next to a rock.