kidswarrior
Senior Master
Solid advice, I'm thinkin'.My point is to start using the tool for it was designed.
Once you get a little comfortable with it you will naturally start to use if as a tool to assist in moving objects and items closer to you or away from your. Begin to do this. This will teach you the leverage of you to the tool to the item. This helps you understand your limitation. Such as would you try to hook a 300 lb 6'3" gorilla type and bring them to you, or would you just bash them up side the head multiple times?
Once you understand your balance and some of the capabilities of the tool, then find a very willing partner who understand what you are going to do and will let you do it. Yes, I let you do it. You have to learn the motions first. Once you get the motions and the techniques you need to then have the person give very limited resistance. Your balance will have to be adjusted next.
I could also recommend find a blind person who is willing to tell you about the sensitivity of their cane and how they use it.
The best way to get useful results from a tool is to understand the attributes of the tool.
Good Luck and Best Wishes
I might follow Rich's suggestion with maybe the next logical step. Substitute the cane for one of your weapons forms. Just let it flow, looking for discoveries of how the tool in hand might be adapted. Example: I'll sometimes practice my saber form with a cane or shillelagh. Or, the staff form. Interesting ideas pop up. Anyway, works for me.