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The Bata
Bata is the Irish word for stick. The Bata, sometimes referred to as a shillelagh, is made from a branch of a tree or from the main "trunk" of a small tree including the root knob. Because blackthorn bushes are very common in Ireland, batas are frequently made from blackthorn wood although oak, ash and other wood are used as well. According to legend, the wounds caused by a blow from a Blackthorn would heal quicker than others. Any branches growing from the side of the stick are removed but the "bumps" are left in place as they do additional damage when they come into contact with the opponent's skin.
The bata used in the Rince an Bhata Uisce Bheatha style is approximately three feet long depending on the size of the individual for whom it is made. To determine the correct length, stretch your arms out to the side of your body at shoulder level and make two fists. Bring your fists in next to each other against the middle of your chest keeping your elbows pointed outwards. Measure the distance between your two elbows and add six inches to the total.
The proper length is extremely important for this style because stick punches are launched from both hands. If the stick is too long, it will be too cumbersome to execute proper stick punches. (The key to the control and return of a good Rince an Bhata Uisce Bheatha stick punch depends on where the end of the stick contacts the forearm during the extended phase of the punch. See the Stick Punch page for more info.)
Glen's blackthorn, shown at the left, was inherited from his father, Gregory Doyle. Glen’s father made the notches at the top of the stick; each time his stick drew blood, he added a notch. The Canadian flags were added by Glen when he took over ownership of the bata.
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