Abstract
The article examines the phenomenon of a linear improvised object (stick, pipe, fittings, handrail) not as a weapon in the traditional sense, but as a tool for forming the spatial axis of domination. It is shown that the effectiveness of the use of such objects is not due to the force of impact and not the technique of possession, but the ability of the subject to rebuild the geometry of the environment, to control the distance, the vector of motion and the options of the enemy’s actions. The concept of “space axis” is introduced as a basic element of navigation in an aggressive urban environment.
1. Introduction: the error of objective thinking
In classical representations, violence is described through:
- the subject,
- means,
- purpose.
This description is erroneous in an urban environment.
An object (stick, pipe, crowbar) is perceived as a weapon, that is, as a means of inflicting damage. In reality, the object performs a different function: it reconstructs the space in which the conflict is located. The person who takes the stick does not “strengthen his hand.”
He changes the geometry of the situation.
2. Environment as an active participant
Urban environment:
- is not neutral,
- not passive,
- not the same for everyone.
It consists of:
- lines,
- planes,
- masses,
- restrictions.
The stick is the first and simplest tool that allows a person to join the logic of the environment, and not to oppose his body to it.
3. From impact to axis
A blow is a short-term event. The axis is a long structure. A person without a stick is forced to:
- enter the affected area,
- shorten the distance,
- risk the body.
The stick:
- holds the distance,
- sets the boundary,
- forms a line of prohibition.
Thus, the main function of the stick is not defeat, but control.
4. The concept of the axis of space
The axis of space is an imaginary line that:
- divides the space into permissible and impermissible,
- makes the opponent take into account the distance,
- imposes the direction of movement.
The axis does not require a strike. It exists before the action.
5. Distance axis
The stick introduces a binary system: “got it” or “didn’t get it”. This simplifies decision-making to a primitive level.
The opponent:
- is forced to either enter,
- or retreat,
- or freeze.
All three options are beneficial to the owner of the axis.
6. Distance as a form of pressure
Pressure can be physical, psychological or spatial. The stick creates spatial pressure, which:
- is not legally recorded,
- does not require aggression,
- does not provoke escalation.
7. Vector axis
The stick forms a directed threat. Important: the threat is directed not at the body, but at the trajectory of movement.
Stick:
- crosses the entry lines,
- cuts possible trajectories,
- destroys the intention before the action.
8. Line as a cutting tool
Unlike a knife, a stick does not cut the material. It cuts the space of movement.
Result:
- the opponent loses his rhythm,
- loses synchronization,
- starts to be late.
9. The axis of control
Control is not body fixation. Control is a limitation of options.
Stick:
- holds the corridor,
- closes the angle,
- does not allow to turn around.
Control is carried out without contact.
10. Spatial displacement
Displacement is the key function of the stick. A person does not defeat the opponent.
He:
- displaces him from the line,
- displaces him from the zone,
- displaces him to an uncomfortable position.
Victory is achieved through position, not through injury.
11. Four modes of the stick
Working with a stick is rarely reduced to a blow as such. Much more important is the mode in which it is used and what structure it imposes on the opponent. In practice, there are four basic modes, each of which changes the geometry of the collision and the behavior of the opponent in its own way.
The line mode is based on setting the axis as a boundary. The sticks here almost do not “move” — they indicate a direction that cannot be crossed without consequences. The line works as a psychological and spatial barrier, dividing the control zones and depriving the opponent of the freedom to choose a trajectory.
The cut mode is activated at the moment of the intersection of movements. Here the stick does not press or hold, but interferes with the opponent’s trajectory, disrupting his movement. A cut is not a work against the body, but against the vector, an attempt to change the course of action even before its completion.
The wedge mode is different in that it does not involve a strike at all. The stick enters the structure of the body, wedges between the segments of movement and disrupts their coherence. This is a subtle mode, where control is achieved by penetrating into someone else’s mechanics, not by force.
The displacement mode is directed not so much at the person as at his position in the environment. The stick is used to displace, squeeze and change the position relative to the space – walls, passages, supports. In this mode, the opponent loses not the balance, but the convenience of existing in the situation.
Together, these four modes show that the stick is primarily a tool for managing the structure of the collision. It sets boundaries, breaks trajectories, interferes with mechanics and redistributes space, turning the environment into an active participant in the conflict.
12. Why the stick is popular in the criminal environment
The popularity of the stick in the criminal environment is explained not by the effectiveness of the strike and not by “tradition”, but by its ultimate neutrality. This is a tool that does not require special training, does not impose a role on a person and does not force him to make a difficult internal decision in advance. Unlike other means, the stick does not require the identity of the fighter and does not imply the intention to “kill” — it leaves room for psychological detachment from the consequences.
The stick is convenient precisely because it does not look like a weapon. It does not require preparation, does not highlight the carrier and does not transfer the situation into a mode of open violence until the last moment. A person can hold it in his hands without crossing the inner border, beyond which the conscious use of deadly force begins. This makes the stick especially attractive in environments where it is not demonstration that is important, but the ability to act without prior tension.
In addition, the stick fits perfectly into the typical spaces of real conflict. Suburbs, entrances, courtyards, stairwells – all these places are limited, overloaded with objects and poorly suited for complex techniques or demonstrative actions. The stick works inside the environment, interacts with walls, railings, passages and allows you to use the space itself.
13. Anonymity of action
One of the key reasons for using a stick is the anonymity of the action itself. It reduces the personalization of violence and blurs the connection between the person and the event that occurred. Unlike tools that require explicit intent and direct identification with the action, the stick allows you to maintain a distance between the subject and the result.
The stick masks the intention. Because of this, the event is easily perceived as an “accident”, as a result of circumstances, and not as a conscious decision.
And so, the environment acts, and the person is present.
14. Temporal aspect
Stick:
- compresses the time of decision-making,
- speeds up the owner’s reaction,
- slows down the opponent’s reaction.
This creates a temporary asymmetry.
15. Error of the force approach
Attempting to use a stick as a club:
- destroys the axis,
- gives away the initiative,
- increases vulnerability.
Strength is the enemy of the axis.
16. Static error
The axis is alive only in motion. Step is a mandatory element.
A static stick = a lost stick.
17. Swing error
Wide swing:
- reveals the intention,
- gives time,
- destroys control.
The axis works briefly.
14. Temporal aspect
Stick:
- compresses decision-making time,
- speeds up the owner’s reaction,
- slows down the opponent’s reaction.
This creates a temporary asymmetry.
15. Error of the force approach
Attempting to use a stick as a club:
- destroys the axis,
- gives away the initiative,
- increases vulnerability.
Strength is the enemy of the axis.
16. Static error
The axis is alive only in motion. Step is a mandatory element.
A static stick = a lost stick.
17. Swing error
Wide swing:
- reveals the intention,
- gives time,
- destroys control.
The axis works briefly.
18. Minimum principles of training (research)
When it comes to the minimum principles of learning (research), the focus is on the following basic parameters:
- The first principle is working at a distance
- The second principle is work on the trajectory
- The third principle is work by position
No hits. No injuries. No demonstrations.
19. Versatility of the model
The axis principle is applicable to:
- doors,
- corridor,
- stairs,
- a car.
The stick is the first key.
20. Stick as a transitional object
The stick teaches:
- to read the space,
- to think geometrically,
- to act before the conflict.
After that, the object ceases to be needed.
21. From the body to the environment
Man ceases to be the center of action. Space becomes the center.
22. Criminological significance
The stick is a marker of the environment with:
- a low level of institutional control,
- high density of conflicts,
- limited exits.
23. Practical value of the study
The model is applicable for:
- incident analysis,
- training of specialists,
- environmental risk assessments.
24. Conclusion
A stick is not a weapon. A stick is an axis. Whoever holds the axis controls the space.
