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Uploaded: Tuesday, January 8, 2013, 4:27 PM
Seniors use canes for more than stability
Cane-do classes repurpose mobility devices
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by Jessica Lipsky
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| You might find Robert Worthington walking around town with a wooden cane, but not necessarily because he needs help with mobility. The 77-year-old doesn't swagger, but he can swing a cane with the likes of Fred Astaire.
"The last time canes or walking sticks was ever popular in the U.S., Fred Astaire was dancing with Ginger Rogers on black and white grainy screen. The cane is not a popular thing, it's seen as a sign of weakness, you see them as an invalid, but that's not the case," Worthington said. "Older people are really, really susceptible to being attacked and having their possessions taken from them. Having the means by which you protect yourself is going to give you a much better edge."
Active in various forms of martial arts since age 28, Worthington began teaching cane self defense for seniors and the disabled three years ago. The response has been very positive and at his first class of 2013 on Tuesday morning, six seniors brought their sticks and strength to Danville's town hall to practice several ways to thwart an attacker.
There are 1,001 different ways to use a cane as protection, Worthington said, adding that most students will settle for 10 to 12 moves in their comfort level. The first class began with stretching and continued onto different ways to attack, from using the bottom of the cane to poke and wallop to hooking the handle around the aggressor's neck or legs. Cane-do users are encouraged to aim for the knees, writs, shins, elbows, clavicle or ribs for greatest effect.
"(The attacker) is going to be younger and stronger than us, so we don't want to go toe to toe. We want to end it early and make the first strike count," said John Dexheimer, a participant and third degree black belt. "We're building muscle memory because there are no rules in an assault, it will be utter chaos."
Worthington and Dexheimer also demonstrated a redeveloped military technique that uses a cane in a similar fashion as an M16 bayonet. Cane users should first warn the attacker to get away, then jab them with the cane and use the handle to strike and grab the groin area before pulling upward. Participants also practiced seated defense, how to react if an attacker rushed at them and what to do if you're approached at an ATM.
Rose Towery joined the class to learn self defense and improve her health. As the "victim" in the rush attack, Rose Towery closed her eyes instead of stepping aside -- a big no-no. Towery said she is working on overcoming her fear by practicing with her husband, who also attended the class.
"There's a power and confidence of having that cane and knowing how to use it, people gain such a degree of confidence. They were very intimidated and they take just one class and they're standing up straight with their chest puffed out," Worthington said.
But even confident seniors can fall victim to a surprise attack. James Donnelly, a tall, burly former Marine said he was attacked while withdrawing money from an ATM in Los Angeles; the experience only encouraged his participation in cane-do.
Worthington, who also lived in L.A., said he picked up cane-do after learning that senior citizens were getting robbed when picking up Social Security checks. While he wasn't looking for "the kind of respect where everyone nods to you," Worthington said he noticed people were more courteous after he learned karate.
"I love that, people won't deal with me harshly, I'm not going to pick on anyone and I can live a happy life. And that's the thing I like to bring to seniors: They're older, they're becoming frail, they're a nice target. But if they have the confidence to where they can project an air and people leave them alone and don't try to pick on them, hey, that's great I'm all for that," he said.
Cane-do classes are held at town hall (201 Front St.) from 9 a.m.- 10 a.m. on Tuesdays through Feb. 26. Cost is $65 for residents and $78 for non-residents. Call 314-3400 for more information.
"When you get done with my program, you'll be able to tell someone how to back off. And if they keep pressing you, game over, you've won," Worthington said. Are you receiving Express, our free daily e-mail edition? See a sample and sign-up for Express.
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| Comments
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Posted by Wondering, a resident of the Danville neighborhood, on Jan 9, 2013 at 9:51 am This sounds like a great class! I'm curious how a person can stop the attacker from grabbing the cane and attacking the victim with it?
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Posted by R. Worthngton, a resident of the Danville neighborhood, on Jan 9, 2013 at 11:41 am Hi Wondering
There are a couple of way to counter someone grabbing your cane. Although they were demonstrated, they weren't shown on the video. If you wish, feel free in dropping by the Town Meeting Hall and I will show them to you right after the class is over which is around 10AM on Tuesdays. If you like what you see, perhaps you'd be interested in becoming a student.
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Posted by Derek, a resident of the Danville neighborhood, on Jan 9, 2013 at 3:31 pm @Wondering-
Electrify the tip?
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Posted by Grey Geezer, a resident of the Alamo neighborhood, on Jan 10, 2013 at 8:40 am Watch out 'Wondering!' I think you're about to become canin' fodder!
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Posted by herblover, a resident of the San Ramon neighborhood, on Jan 10, 2013 at 5:49 pm
herblover is a member (registered user) of Danville Express Great class - thank you to instructors Worthington & Dexheimer for offering such a practical class to empower seniors or anyone who uses a cane. And thanks to the town of Danville for providing the space.
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Posted by Bill, a resident of the San Ramon neighborhood, on Jan 10, 2013 at 7:12 pm We are certainly grateful for all that Bob does for seniors in the community. But few are aware of his support for the arts. Over the years he has given freely of his time and energy to support artists and their activities. Thanks Bob, for all your good work!
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Posted by jeanie , a resident of the San Ramon neighborhood, on Jan 11, 2013 at 12:09 pm This is a GREAT class! So glad to know about it. When is it offered again?
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Posted by Julia, a resident of the Alamo neighborhood, on Jan 11, 2013 at 4:27 pm Hey Wondering, you have your brains floating in the clouds...Think a little.
My cane has a very long (22inches) of solid steel that is slipped into the center on my beautiful wooden support cane. Come to me with a deadly plan and you will wish you thought other wise.
Wondering...you are the type of people that are pro-gun control.
I feel sorry for you and the ones that you are caring for...your family that is.
Before you approach a senior and thinking he or she is scared of the likes of you...think twice...
Thanks for listening, Julia Pardini from Alamo
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Posted by R. Worthington, a resident of the Danville neighborhood, on Jan 12, 2013 at 11:46 am Just about now, I’m the one who should just lean against my “let things be tree” but I’m not one to keep my mouth shut. So……..
To all the kind folks that have made comments, I thank you. It is an honor to have an article like this published.
To “Wondering “: My invitation is in earnest and certainly within the concept of public service. Being “Cannon Fodder” is not conceivable from any angle.
To “Derek”: FYI, electrifying the tip would turn the cane into a cattle prod. It’s not legal to carry a cattle prod in public.
To “herblover”: A special thanks to you. Those are my sentiments, exactly. From a practical standpoint, a cane is a seniors best friend.
To ”Bill”: I think I know who you are, Bill. If I’m right, you’re the president of the United Artist Association. Thanks for your support.
To “Jeanie”: Thank you; it is a great class. The present class runs from Jan 8th thru Feb 28th and is sponsored by the Town of Danville. Class meets on Tuesdays at 9AM at the Town Meeting Hall. Registration for the class is required by the Town.
To “Julia”: Just a word of caution. Be careful how you use your cane with the steel insert. Carrying a cane like that may get you into more trouble than a plain cane. I’d suggest you consider a cane that is made from a good grade of hardwood. Additionally, trying to get through airport security with a cane that has an insert will cause the cane to be confiscated. A wooden cane has no problem.
(This is beginnig to sound like a blog)
R. Worthington
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Posted by Geri, from KY., a resident of the Walnut Creek neighborhood, on Jan 15, 2013 at 1:46 am Bob, what a great idea, thank you from all seniors!
Geri
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Posted by Wondering, a resident of the Danville neighborhood, on Jan 17, 2013 at 8:45 am Goodness gracious! I just innocently asked a question about not having the cane pulled away from you and being attacked with it, with no malicious or snarky intent and I'm verbally attacked! Julia, I actually I'm not pro gun control. I'm a middle aged woman who is battling a disease which will eventually put me in a situation where I will need a cane for assistance. I watched the video and wondered how you can prevent someone from pulling the cane away from you and being attacked by it. My head is not in the clouds.
Try showing some simple kindness before you attack someone for asking a question. I'm terribly sorry you interpreted it as snarky. I show kindness each day to anyone with physical disabilities who need assistance. Although mine do not show now, I will eventually be someone who needs assistance and will need to protect myself.
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