Cane fighting lessons incorporated into exercise programs are growing in popularity among senior citizen communities, not only as a means of keeping fit, but as an effective method of self defense. The highly sought after classes teach that seniors have more control over threatening situations than they may think. This is emphasized by the fact that a cane is more than a mobility device. It is allowed to be carried everywhere can be quickly utilized in an attack. Learning the proper way to use it reinforces the feeling of empowerment. The handicap has become a handy ability.
Being hit with a sturdy piece of wood like a cane will hurt. Being jabbed in the kidneys with the tip of a cane isn’t fun either. The hooked end of the cane can snag an arm or even a neck, and guide it where the holder desires. And for some seniors, it’s protection that’s always available.
Cane fighting is not new. Andrew Chase Cunningham wrote about using the cane as a weapon in 1912. Several cane fighting books had been published previously in Europe. Fighting with sticks, of course, is as old as fighting itself.
Cane Fighting for Self Defense Classes
Mark Shuey, the owner of Cane Masters in Incline Village, NV, is credited with the growing popularity of cane fighting. An expert at hapkido, Mr. Shuey started studying at an advanced level that utilizes sticks as weapons at the same time his father started using a cane to get around. Mr. Shuey realized that the vulnerability of senior citizens could be neutralized by proper use of their walking aid. Now he travels and teaches his "American Cane System" of self defense and has formed the Cane Masters International Association.
Cane Fighting as an Exercise Program
Cane fighting classes for the elderly are considered a light form of exercise. Stretching and bending with the cane used as exercise equipment makes handling the cane for self defense feel more natural. It is important for each individual to know his balance limitations so that swinging a cane doesn’t make him topple over. A crack to the shin is more effective that a wild swing to the head of an attacker if the empowered victim is still standing and able to call for help or get away.
While seniors shouldn’t expect to completely vanquish their assailant with this form of martial arts, learning the techniques of stick fighting allow the potential victim the confidence to deflect an attack and to escape. It will certainly attract the attention of bystanders.
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