The best and safest weapon for self-defense is the one that you carry at all times and is available “when you need it”. Canes have been around for about 5,000 years, make great weapons for self-defense, are readily available, and are legal to carry. Many seniors carry canes and there are a few branches of self-defense training for seniors. One is called “Cane Fu for Seniors”.
Canes for Self Defense is a fairly new martial art that has become very popular globally. Cane Fu or Canes for Self Defense is not to be confused with the martial art of Cane Fighting. I realize that can be confusing. The one we are discussing in this blog is aimed at non-martial artists, such as seniors, other citizens, or those with mobility and/or balance issues. The training period is much shorter; sometimes an hour and, at other times, up to nine hours. I will use the term “Cane Fu” or Canes for Self Defense in this blog, even though it goes by different names, in order to reduce some of the confusion.
Canes for Self Defense was created to fill a need as our population ages, crime is increasing, and importantly, many people want to maintain an active lifestyle. As we age, our physical capacity, strength, and speed decreases. Unfortunately, since 2003, violent crime against the elderly has “increased by 27 percent”. Using a cane for protection makes sense because it is not only a walking aid, but can also be an unassuming “weapon” which is legal everywhere. With training, it becomes a “formidable weapon” for self defense. Using a cane for self defense is efficient and the training builds body awareness, arm strength, courage, peace of mind, and self-confidence. Students learn about the center of gravity and the importance of being rooted, while they have a little fun!
Cane Fu classes have been taught by over 3,500 masters at senior homes, senior centers, assisted-living facilities, and police departments, to name just a few. There may be a nominal charge, although some are offered free of charge. One example: In 2014, Cane Fu Certified Police in Boca Raton, Florida started teaching local residents a nine week program using a cane for self defense. The students were taught to use the cane for self-defense when they were “unable to avoid conflict”. The classes gave seniors and those with mobility issues, a “tool of empowerment” as well as increasing their confidence and, importantly, awareness of possible threats in the environment.
However, Cane self defense is not only for seniors. There are younger people of all ages who have balance and/or mobility issues. Canes for self defense is appropriate for anyone at risk of being robbed, beaten, or attacked due to their age, mobility, or balance issues. Self-defense aside, Cane classes are great for exercise, rehabilitation, physical and mental well-being, and provides an opportunity to socialize with others while having some serious fun.
While any cane can be used, the best ones for self-defense are solid, sturdy, high-quality hardwood canes. They deliver a hard hit, don’t break on impact, and are useful for hitting pressure points. The best ones also have a thicker shaft; a one inch shaft is a great choice. Most have room for decoration if you so desire.
Word of caution:
Most individuals (although not all) who use a cane rely on it for balance and mobility. These individuals particularly need training. Otherwise, when using their cane in a self defense situation they may fall, their strikes may be ineffective, their cane may be taken from them, or worse, it may used against them.
That doesn’t mean it’s not a good idea to have a cane for self defense, it just means you need to think about several things first (as stated earlier):
An expensive aluminum or cane sold in drug stores is not adequate. It will break!
A strong wood cane is much better. Best is a “fighting cane”!
A little background and history:
Colonel Thomas Hoyer Monstery was the first to write about using a cane as a method of self-defense in 1878. He also wrote about boxing, wrestling, and kicking, in a collection of articles in the New York press. Monstery was also a master of fighting and fencing in America. The Colonel had survived numerous sword, knife, and gun fights resulting in approximately 22 body scars. He also survived an assassination attempt by using a Hickory cane.
Mark Shuey is another name associated with the creation of cane as a self-defense weapon (Senior’s American Cane System or Case Masters) about a decade ago. He became interested in a cane for self defense because his father refused to carry one. His concern was the stigma attached to canes as a sign of aging and being frail. At that time, Mark noticed that there were no cane martial arts systems. He created a form that is “senior friendly” as well as appropriate for those with mobility and/or balance issues.
There are at least two other branches who are teaching Cane self defense for seniors in the United States: Dave McNeill’s Goju-Shorei and Cane-Do Kai by Joe Robaina.
Canes can be used to:
Block a punch while stopping the momentum of the strike
Stop the attacker from choking you by laying the cane horizontally on top of the attacker’s arms and pushing down hard with both hands.
Swing to hit the side of the attacker’s neck.
Poke the straight end into the attacker’s body.
Swing and strike the attacker’s upper body.
Strike an uppercut-type punch to the throat or face with the crook of the cane.
Tear at the face and neck with the sharpened handle end.
Key points
Be sure you are rooted and grounded before you strike.
Make sure you have a firm grip on your cane before striking.
Upright posture is important and keep your eyes open.
A cane is not effective in a cramped space such as an airplane or closet.
Be sure that your cane fits you: neither too long or too short. Shorter would be better than too long!
Know (learn) what to do if your cane is grabbed and taken away from you.
Don’t try to hook an attacker’s head, neck, or limbs.
Test the cane you are buying to be sure that you have the strength to swing it.
If you have issues with balance and mobility (meaning you rely on the cane), use movements that are low. Quick thrusts with the tip are both faster and more difficult to block. The other advantage: your cane remains closer to the ground when you need it.
A cane can be a great self-defense weapon ONLY if you know how to use it properly! Be sure to obtain training. The last thing you want is to be beaten with your own cane!
In closing, I am going to misquote Indiana Jones - Don’t take a cane to a gun fight!
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