Cane-Fu: The New Martial Art For The Elderly

The name of Cane-Fu is at least curious. Anyone who knows a little English will be able to grasp its meaning. That being, anyway, in general it reminds us all of the name of well known and official martial arts like Kungfu. And we wouldn’t be misguided, because the two terms are closely related.

One of the biggest problems associated with the passing of the years is the growing fragility and lack of defense against the surrounding world. With the decline in physical abilities, inevitably dictated by human physiology, abilities such as strength and speed are greatly affected. Yet they are essential in a defensive situation.

So it is to be expected that at a certain age a person will feel more helpless than before. And that this feeling influences several of its vital dimensions. From there, an infinite number of unsuitable elements can have the preserve, the phobia of loneliness and the fear of being attacked at the top of the list.

What is Cane-Fu ?

In recent years, and taking into account the need to provide the elderly with resources for personal defense, a martial discipline has been developed which, based on the techniques and approaches of recognized martial arts, is based on the use of the cane as weapon of attack and defense.

The birth of this new trend has had the biggest impact in the United States. She got her name from the media. In fact, the baptism took place in the form of a Wall Street Journal front page headline . And what that title referred to was nothing but the art of self-defense with a cane suitable for the elderly.

However, in order to avoid any misunderstanding, it should not be assumed that this type of self-defense technique is reserved for the elderly. On the contrary, the use of a cane – or an object of similar strength and characteristics – to protect oneself from aggression and / or attack the aggressor is an old technique. It has been widely implemented and used.

What is really new is that this type of martial technique has been adapted for the elderly population to become a geriatric self-defense mechanism that can be taught and practiced and, most importantly, has proven to be effective.

In the United States, there are already diplomas of Cane-Fu instructors . And also a whole current of teaching of this art which integrates people of all ages.

Impotence of the elderly

More than one official report (like the one released a few years ago by the U.S. government) points to the real seriousness of the issue:

• Over the past decade, up to 93% of all crimes against the elderly have been linked to theft. But also to assaults
• The official measures implemented for the protection of the elderly have had little practical success in preventing crime against them
• Compared to other age groups, crime against the elderly has a lower incidence. But, in relative terms, this is a serious problem because it is the least protected group.
• The rate of violent crime against the elderly has increased by 27% in the last ten years

In view of these overwhelming facts, it is gratifying to see that there is an interest in older people having their own strategies for defending themselves.

The benefits it provides, beyond the simple fact of avoiding the theft of property and physical assault, affect physical well-being (since the practice of this art involves physical activity) and psychological (by increasing confidence in itself and reducing fears).

Some interesting facts about this practice

The first Cane-Fu Instructor Certification Course was held about ten years ago. It was in the summer of 2009, in North America.

Learning this martial discipline gives the disciple a powerful sense of autonomy and, as has been shown, many elderly people take a liking to it and integrate it into their daily lives.

The skills learned by learning this discipline can save lives. In essence, they can be acquired relatively easily and quickly. Overall, Cane-Fu is based on isometric cane exercises and isotonic cane exercises. But also cane stretches and self-defense with the cane.

In general terms, the logistics of this type of martial art are not much different from the freehand movements and actions typical of other martial disciplines. In fact, teaching this technique usually includes transitions between similar exercises but performed with and without a stick, alternately.

This trait facilitates the approach of discipline by young adults and even minors. They often stop perceiving the cane as a symbol of weakness and regard it as a powerful weapon of attack and deterrence.

In some countries, the stick industry as a walking support product is receiving new impetus due to the careful maintenance and quality control that the stick, as a defensive weapon, must receive. This care is essential to maintain the instrument in the most optimal state and not to fail in its task of defending the wearer against an aggressor who, in all likelihood, will be younger and stronger than the attacked one.

After reading this article, it’s possible that – and we hope – celebrating a birthday will be a little less scary for everyone and will be accepted with calm and optimism than anyone else, because she is aging, deserves to receive in her own name.

Our thoughts

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