Yeah, generating power while bringing the cane vertically upward from resting with the tip on the ground can be tough. Here are two other options....the first strike from cane resting position pointing on the ground is about the most important move to surprise the attacker. I just don't know how to hit hard.
1. If you have space (i.e. your opponent is not right in your face) grip the shaft of your cane (using a normal grip with your thumb and forefinger pointing downward toward the tip), step diagonally forward and to the right with your right leg, and bring the cane up circling the tip behind you, up and over into a hard downward or diagonal slash (your "caveman" strike).
The backward to forward circling motion or "redondo" should be small and quick setting up a powerful downward blow as you step into the movement.
2. If your opponent rushes in and closes as you initiate your redondo to "caveman" strike as described above, shorten your movement and as you circle your arm overhead bring the punyo (butt or handle) of the cane down in a hammer-fist to your attacker's nose or the side of his head.
This is just a shortened version of the previously described strike. Practice stepping and dropping your body weight into both strikes.
3. If your opponent is already very close momentarily extend your left palm towards your attacker and step back with your right leg, creating space and "blading" or angling your body to the right. As you step back, slide your right hand down on the cane and grip it about 10 inches down the shaft. Pop the tip up horizontally and grab it with your left hand. Your hands should be palm-downward and evenly spaced on the shaft of the cane. Now you are ready to drive the tip into your opponent using your body-weight like a battering ram.
Hit once or twice hard, then step back and swing with the full length of the cane at his knees. And then ...run away!!!!
Stopping power? Heck yeah! ...Try this in front of you bag or target:...I also practice two hand poking like the video by Geezer in post #17. My question is whether it has the same stopping power as swinging the stick.
Stand as described in #3 above, with your left leg forward, and body angled to the right. Hold your cane horizontally, and pointing toward the bag. Grasp it firmly with your hands palm downward, evenly spaced, approximately shoulder width apart, leaving about 8 inches of the tip-end of the cane protruding.
Now move the cane back and forth horizontally, swinging it like a battering ram into the bag. Let your body sway with the movement, and your body weight do the work. You should be able to generate a lot of force.
Next, try the same movement on the high line with the cane held up in front of your shoulders (like you had just done a "pull-up" on a bar). Try different angles, ....angling down, up, etc.
Last, work going from low-line to high ling and back ...that is hitting low, then high, then low again,play with your footwork, add forward and lateral movement, step back to long swings, etc. Make this part of your shadow boxing routine!