About Us
(775) 772-9471

What Makes TACS different

About Grand Master Mark Shuey

The American Cane System was developed for seniors by 8 time World Champion - Grand Cane Master Mark Shuey Sr. GM Shuey created a system for people over 40 to help individuals in all physical conditions find a method of exercise and self-defense.

From Grand Master Mark Shuey Sr.:

One morning I could not get out of bed, my back was in such pain. After four weeks and two doctors telling me I needed to have surgery, I went to Hawaii and began my serious study of Yoga. For over four months I studied under a Yoga master. Afterward, I was healed with greater strength and flexibility than I had had in years.  I was able to achieve over 10 world titles in martial arts as a 7th degree black belt. 22 years ago I was promoted to 10th degree black belt as the Grand Master that created the Cane defense system now known as The American Cane System.  Yoga changed my life then, and at 75 years young, it continues to do so today.  I think it can changer your life too.

I hope you will join me at our Yoga and Self Defense Cane System classes. We have several Yoga Play and American Cane System classes that we live stream.  If you prefer to follow on your own time, we also have several training videos available.

Whether you're interested in Yoga Play for beginners, or advanced level, or want to enter into "The American Cane System", we have products that can help.  Find instructional training videos from "Cane Fu", "Cane Ja", "Cane Chi", or "Cane Self Defense the UK Way" on our products page or click the button below to learn more about our class systems. Each training system is designed to cover specific needs.

Credentials And Achievements

Training in the Chuck Morris System of Tang Sao Do, Mark received his 1st degree Black Belt in 1978 under Master Harold Gross, Master Dennis ltchakawa, and Master Neil Citron.  He then began teaching martial arts in 1979. In September of 1999 he was promoted to 7th degree by the USMA and ICHF.

Mark Earned Degrees In Tang Sao Do, Tai Kwon Do, And Hapkido.

Mark has a Master's Certification with USNKA (United States National Karate Assoc.), ATAMA (American Teacher's Assoc. of the Martial Arts), and USMA (United States Martial Arts Association).  He has numerous other positions and accomplishments such as being on the Board of Directors for the World Head of Family Sokeship Council, the Independent Karate School Association, and the International Martial Arts Association. In March of 2002, Mark was promoted to 10th Degree Black Belt for Cane Master by the International Martial Arts Council of America (Head founders/Grandmasters Association). Mark is also the Head of Cane Instruction and Nevada State Director for the International Combat Hapkido Federation, and is certified by World Black Belt as a Certified Instructor for their "America in Defense" program.

Shuey Is A Top Competitor In Martial Arts Tournaments.

For years Mark Shuey Sr. has been a top competitor in the National Coalition of Martial Artists and was rated number one in weapons and katas in M.A.R.R.S. for his age division and number two in overall points.

 

Mark Shuey Kept Winning Competitions for Years

Since 1998, at the Unified World Martial Arts Federation year end banquet, Grandmaster Mark SHuey has earned multiple awards, such as overall Grand Champion in both weapons and forms,1st place winnings in 4 categories: Forms Katas, Weapons, and Kumite (Sparring). He's also earned Grand Champion in Katas for the Golden State Karate Assoc. (GSKA) and the national title in senior weapons in IMAC. Shuey has been awarded Competitor of the Year by IKSA. and he was inducted into the Martial Arts Masters, Pioneers, and Legends Hall of Fame as a "Master Instructor".

 

Grandmaster Mark Shuey went on competing and winning more NASKA National and Masters Weapons Titles.

He has won top honors in the world for the KRANE ratings and was inducted into the USMA Hall of Fame, as well as the prestigious World Head of Family Sokeship Hall of Fame.  He was also inducted into the Action Martial Arts Hall of Fame, International Association of Karate, Kobudo, Puerto Rico Hall of Fame and USMA, and was named "Martial Arts Pioneer".  Grandmaster Shuey is in the Universal Martial Arts Hall of Fame as Master of the Year/Weapons, and Black Belt Magazine Hall of Fame as Weapons Instructor of the Year, too. The World Martial Arts League in Germany honored him as Grandmaster of the Year/Weapons/Cane.

Grandmaster Shuey has continued to compete, and recently participated in the KATA WARS in Las Vegas, a prestigious event only open to those with over 100 wins under their “belt”.

Grandmaster Shuey Continues to Promote Tournaments, Wellness, and Self-Defense

Mark has been promoting tournaments in the martial arts since the 1980s, and has hosted many tournaments of his own. Because of his love for the Cane, his weapon of choice, he was one of the founders of "Cane Masters” and “The American Cane System”.

Although Grand Master Shuey is trained in all of the major martial arts weapons, he's completely sold on the merits of the cane. "It's the most practical weapon a martial artist, or anyone for that matter, can learn," says Shuey. "What other weapon can you carry on a plane or in a casino? Try getting nunchaku past airport security! After all, what good is learning a weapon that you can't take anywhere?"

cane for health

The Cane for Health

By Jo Gardner | July 29, 2021 |

First of all, always consult with a medical professional before taking on a new exercise program.  Even though these exercises use the cane for health, your physician can guide you on how much to take on. More than Mobility Aid But those who use a cane as a mobility aid, already know the cane has…

Something Cane-pletely Different

And Now for Something Cane-pletely Different

By Jo Gardner | June 29, 2021 |

Take a moment to consider that: GM Mark Shuey is an 8 times world champion competitor. Now consider the training system that is something “cane-pletely” different.

Begin Cane Exercise with Stretches

The Difference Between Cane Exercise & Other Workouts

By Jo Gardner | June 24, 2021 |

“Stretching is one of the most beneficial exercises for the body. It helps relax tight knotted muscles and helps increase blood circulation to the muscles.” – from The Cane Exercise, Wellness, and Rehabilitation Manual Vol. 1

Safe training that packs a powerful punch

Pick up Your Cane and Let’s Move!

By Jo Gardner | May 28, 2021 |

Cane training under powerhouse Grandmaster Mark Shuey offers safe training that packs a powerful punch.

why seniors should use a cane

Why Seniors Should Use Canes

By Jo Gardner | May 25, 2021 |

The cane is a mobility aide as well as a medical aide, but a cane is also a weapon.

KATA Wares 2021

KATA Wars 2021- And The Grand Cane Master Mark Shuey

By Jo Gardner | April 28, 2021 |

on May 8th, National Sport Karate Museum Presents: KATA Wars Championship, a PKA recommended elite event.

best martial arts for people over 50

The Best Form of Martial Arts for People Over 50

By Jo Gardner | April 22, 2021 |

The American Cane System was developed specially for older students of Martial Arts.

Zoom martial arts training

Zoom Opens Martial Arts Training Across the Nation

By Jo Gardner | March 17, 2021 |

Grandmaster Mark Shuey, of North Lake Tahoe Martial Arts, & The American Cane System now streams Zoom yoga and Cane techniques.

Martial Arts Effect on the Brain

Martial Arts’ Effect on the Brain

By Jo Gardner | March 10, 2021 |

It is the Martial Arts’ effect on the brain that I find stunning.

Why The American Cane System

By Jo Gardner | February 26, 2021 |

The American Cane System is an exciting and fun, way to learn self-defense techniques, while gaining strength, independence and confidence. But I wondered why the American Cane System was created.

Favorite Classes

Cane-Fu

Cane-Ja

Cane-Chi

Yoga Play

Untitled