DME Supply Group: Canes, the weapon of self defense for the elderly DME Supply Group

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Thursday, May 19, 2011

Canes, the weapon of self defense for the elderly

Walking canes and foldable canes aren't just good to assist you in walking. They can be very effective tools for self defense as seen in the following video over at Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuZY1RWO2dw.

You see canes have been a symbol of distinction, rank and prestige for thousands of years. Initially, used only as a weapon, they evolved into a handy adornment and companion. The name came into being after 1500 when bamboo was first used in its construction. Pretty soon ivory, whalebone and various woods were incorporated into their creation. Some of the handles became highly ornate and bejeweled. A scepter grasped in a king's right hand indicated royal power or in the left hand, justice. For the ingenious, canes were hollowed out to safeguard valuables or to carry a weapon. Canes were accepted as a fashion accessory for women in the last half of the 18th century when Marie Antoinette adopted the shepherd's crook as an adornment.

The biggest advantage of folding canes is how little room they take up when not in use. Cory Macdonald has even designed an entire martial arts form around the concept of using the standard foldable stick that most blind people use. More about Cory:

Using his knowledge of the arts, Cory started developing self defense techniques utilizing the standard folding cane used by the blind. “It was mainly to give me the confidence to use my cane in public”, he says. “Knowing that I could now use my cane to help defend myself was empowering. At that time, I had no thoughts of developing a complete system for the blind. It was more of a personal thing for me.”

In the spring of 2000, he was invited to demonstrate these innovative techniques at the Foundation Fighting Blindness Annual Conference. As a part of the program, he demonstrated empty hand techniques that can be easily learned and used by someone who is blind or sight impaired. “That was the first time I had ever performed the cane technique in public”, he now says. “The response was overwhelming, and it became quickly apparent there is a need for a program like this in the blindness community.”

Remember, everytime you use your cane, their is some serious history behind it.

Labels: cane self defense, cory macdonald, folding canes

by: DME Supply Group

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