Canes are assistive devices used primarily to support ambulation (walking) by increasing your base of support and reducing the overall load on your legs. If you walk with cane, you should consult your physician or physical therapist to learn which type and what length of cane is best suited for you.
There are many different types of canes, and in self-defense we primarily use a “C Cane,” one with a curved handle similar to an old-fashioned Sheppard’s crook. The crook provides you with a wide variety of defensive techniques that are not possible otherwise. These include hooking the legs, arms, and neck, and applying pressure to sensitive targets using the end of the crook (the horn). A cane without a crook, such as a functional grip cane, which has a flat end to support the palm of the hand, also permits thousands of techniques.
I prefer the c cane for its versatility, but the choice is yours. You are the one who will be using it day-to-day. In future articles, we will discuss the advantages of the crook and concerns of the crook (particularly, how to avoid becoming entangled on an assailant’s body during a technique). All self-defense techniques require judgment, and your particular capabilities, such as balance, strength, speed, skill, range of mobility, et cetera, will factor into the decisions you make regarding the type of cane you use and the techniques you learn. In self-defense, it is not one-size-fits-all.
Let’s look at a c cane and discuss its parts. It can be classified into four general regions with some specialized features: the tip, shaft, crook, and horn.
The tip is the end, which is contact with the ground. The tip provides friction with the ground and generally is made out of a hard rubber. When using your cane for self-defense, leave the tip on. There are two reasons this is important. First, it makes the cane functional. Without a tip the cane will slip on the ground; therefore, it will cease to be a useful medical device. Second, if you should have to use the cane to thrust into an attacker’s body, the tip will grip into them and help direct your strike’s force into your target. You may wish to glue the tip onto your cane for added safety. When practicing blocks, strikes, and swings, it can loosen over time and fly off like a projectile. The tip may be used for jabs.
The shaft is the length of the cane. The shaft may have different shapes including round, oval, octagonal, tear-dropped, and others. It may also have notches carved into its length these can serve dual purposes as both handgrips and resistance band holders (for exercises). The shaft may be used for blocks, strikes, and to apply leverage.
The crook is the rounded end of the cane. Crooks can vary in length and curvature. Some canes will lack a crook and may feature a different style handle. The crook allows it to be swung, twirled, flipped, and used for hooking motions.
The horn is the end of the crook and may be rounded or sharpened to a point.
These four parts constitute the basic anatomy of a cane. Carry your cane regularly so that you become comfortable with having it in your hands and at your side. Remember, a cane is not a crutch; it is a powerful device for personal safety and peace-of-mind. Be safe.
[Learn more at www.securelivingonline.com ]
