What to Look for in a Cane Defense Instructor Who Teaches Self-Defense with Canes for Senior Citizens by in home cane self-defense instructor Sensei J. Richard Kirkham B.Sc. of Honolulu Hawaii Covering all of Oahu text or call 808.224.1870

As a senior citizen myself, who's grown older teaching in home martial arts and self-defense here in Honolulu Hawaii covering all of Oahu, I’ve seen the good self-defense instructors, the bad martial arts instructors and the ugly cane defense instructors (but beauty remains in the eye of the beholder :-) ). I began my martial arts training at 14 years old. I had the ability to adapt and become an even better martial artist and skilled self-defense practitioner and in home self-defense instructor as I got older even to my 63 years on this earth. Fortunately for me my wife hasn’t come to her senses and killed me yet.

With My Qualifications Out of The Way and a Taste of My Dry Sense of Humor, Here’s How to Find a Good Self-Defense Instructor Specializing in Cane Defense for Senior Citizens

Do you want a show or realistic cane defense for seniors?

Often you’ll see self-defense demonstrations that start out just fine. The martial arts instructor has a cane and even limps a little as he “walks the street” in his/her demonstration.

You see three attackers walking up to the self-defense instructor with the cane and assume fighting stances.

What? Yeah, when’s the last time you saw attackers stop and get into fighting stances before they attack someone.

The next thing you know you think you’re in a new rendition of The Matrix with the cane defense instructor hanging in the air as he kicks all three attackers in the face usually without even using the cane for anything.

That’s probably NOT the martial arts instructor you want to train in self-defense with a cane.

Okay So “Neo” is Out. Who’s Next to Teach You How to Use a Cane for Self-Defense

Wait, there’s another martial arts school right over there. Mostly kids in nice neat lines all doing the same punch and kick in front of a mirror. They even have those white uniforms on. That’s probably the place to learn cane defense for seniors right?

Okay you’ve already guessed. No, not the right place to learn cane defense for senior citizens. From a business standpoint, teaching kids martial arts and self-defense is where the money is. The discipline learned by the children is attractive to parents and it’s good for the children as well. Even punching and kicking in front of a mirror has some self-defense value and it’s great exercise. Many kids nowadays are just exercising their thumbs playing video games.

Hold on I See a Self-Defense School. Mostly Adults and Working in Pairs with Some Type of Self-Defense Drill

This has possibilities. Watch the techniques. Are those techniques just slightly out of your comfort zone or way out of your comfort zone. Just slightly is fine. You haven’t been trained in the instructor’s martial art yet. If you see a jumping, flying, spinning hook kick being executed as a self-defense technique, you’re probably at the wrong martial arts school. He’s not the one (yeah another Matrix comment)..

Are any of the students senior citizens? Ask the marital arts instructor if he/she gives lessons to senior citizens. Some may say no stating they don’t have the insurance for it or something like that. Other self-defense instructors may see dollar signs instead of you as a human being and get you signed up on a long-term contract before you even know what happened. Yeah they’re out there. Just like any other profession. Some self-defense instructors may not have a senior self-defense program, but would like to use you to get one started. If that’s the case ask the instructor how much experience he/she has in teaching self-defense to senior citizens.

“None, but I know how to use a cane.”

Up to you, but I’d rather find a martial arts instructor with experience teaching your age bracket.

Take a Drive with Me to This Next Martial Arts School

The students are working in pairs again with a self-defense drill. Some students are even standing to the side of their partner or even behind their partner. This martial arts instructor is not assuming everyone is attacked from the front. That’s good.

The self-defense techniques look pretty simple. Kicks to the knees. Strikes to the eyes. Nothing you can’t handle even 10 years from now.

Let’s go find out if the self-defense instructor has a cane defense class for senior citizens.

She does! Yes I said she. You and I were raised in the same generation. Judge the instructor on his/her skills not gender. I did that on purpose to give you a little shock and to make you think.

You’re Not Done Yet

Go and watch the cane defense class. Are you just slightly uncomfortable with being able to perform the self-defense techniques or very uncomfortable. Like I said, slightly is fine. We all have a learning curve. Talk to the students afte watching the class. How do they like the class? DO NOT just look for someone who agrees with what you’re already thinking. Keep an open mind and weigh all the facts and opinions.

What’s The Absolute Best Option for Learning Self-Defense with The Cane

Why private in home lessons of course. What did you think I was going to say? Seriously though. An experienced cane defense instructor can discuss and discover your strengths, weaknesses, short term and long term injuries. Some of your weaknesses will be improved upon while your strengths are used to increase your ability to defend yourself with or without a cane exponentially.

Your self-confidence will improve.

Your fitness level will improve.

Your ability to defend yourself and loved ones with and without a cane will improve.

Why in home lessons cane self-defense lessons Rick?

As an in home computer, cell phone and tablet tutor and troubleshooter, I have many clients with mobility issues. They may no longer drive or they may actually use a cane for mobility. I’ve found in home, going right to you, to be the best solution. Don’t worry there’s enough room. I mean, if someone breaks into your apartment or house will you tell the burglar there’s not enough room to defend yourself? If you’re going to learn how to protect yourself, you may as well learn to protect yourself in the environment that you’re in.

What Do You Charge for In Home Cane Defense Lessons for Senior Citizens Rick?

For Honolulu Hawaii and all of Oahu I charge $95.00 per hour. Yes I can help you remotely with Zoom or Google Meet for the same rate. You may text or call me at 808.224.1870 to check my availability. If you're on the mainland U.S.A. text only due to time differences. I do not presently do this full time so I will answer the phone in relation to my in home tutoring specializing in students with ADHD and my in home computer, cell phone and tablet tutoring and troubleshooting business .

I look forward to texting or speaking with you

Rick

Sensei J. Richard Kirkham B.Sc.

PS for those of you in no position to have cane defense lessons, I recommend this DVD

Stick Self-Defense - Kelly Worden's Defensive Walking Cane - Easy Self-defense with a Stick - Practical martial arts to keep you Safe

That is an affiliate link so I will make a few bucks off of it when you order. It costs you nothing to click on and nothing extra when you order. I thank you for your support.