The seventh type of PS Based exercises are Self-Defense oriented. Long life requires both the ability to avoid conflict, and, where necessary, to defend yourself, to fight. Martial arts, especially in traditions where energy is recognized and used, is idea for the PS Based program. The energy is channelled into physical defensive action. My personal research of this area led to the surprising discovery that one of the best self-defense weapons, one that can be taken anywhere, is the walking Cane.
The top instructor of this type of self-defense is Cane Master Joe Robaina in Miami, Florida. This is a good defense system for seniors, especially due to the stealth component that plays to attacker’s stereotypes. That facilitates surprise defenses and counter-attacks.
A walking cane as a weapon has strategic value for all ages. For anyone, especially seniors, it does not raise suspicion. Poor old guy or gal has to use a cane. They let their guard down. Then you jump. Moreover, a walking cane can legally be taken anywhere; on a plane, through security, anywhere. That cannot be said of any other weapon. Even though most super fit students do not need a cane, they can still train and carry one for self-defense, if and when they think it might be needed.
Joe Robaina is a pioneer and appears to be the top expert in the world in the use of a walking CANE as a weapon. In skilled hands a cane can be deadly. So can the ’empty hand’ skills of boxing when you do not have your cane. He teaches that too, along with more traditional martial arts. Joe has many other talents and is a good family man.
I attended the in-person immersion training in February 2021 in Miami (luckily I was fully vaccinated by then). Joe taught Cane Boxing to a small group. After months of live video instruction to prepare, we all made it through three and a half days of intense in-person training and education. We were then certified by Joe Robaina in Cane Boxing.
It was difficult training. The masks only made it harder. My claim to fame at the event was the timed dash test. Everyone had to run from a dead stop and cover thirty feet to make contact with someone. The timer with stop watch had me down at 2.8 seconds! Doubt I will ever beat that. But with the right adrenaline, who knows?
See the video interview below that I made of Joe speaking on one of my favorite topics, music and defense exercises, indeed for all exercises. And by music I don’t just mean internal meditation music like PrimaSounds. Rhythm is often the key to healthy movements, especially in cane boxing.