Self-Defense Training; Because Crime Against Seniors Continues

Seniors in the United States have been identified by researchers as being more vulnerable to crime. That’s why self-defense training is so important for them. Seniors tend to be more isolated, tend to live in urban areas, depend on public transportation and have predictable routines.

Sound familiar? There are more services available in urban areas. This is especially important when you may need a good response time for health based aid calls. But being close to those services puts seniors nearer to danger.

Types of Violent Crimes Against Seniors

Though seniors are victims of fewer crimes than younger age groups, the crimes they are disproportionate targets of purse snatching, robbery and burglary. Older people housed in care centers are at risk for abuse or of being defrauded of personal possessions by staff members. Crimes do still happen to seniors, and weaker muscles and decreased mental acuity make this age group more vulnerable.

Municipalities have fought crimes against the elderly by bringing education programs for potential victims. Here at The American Cane System, instructors like grand cane master Mark Shuey take a different approach. Here, we train individuals to increase body strength, flexibility and moves. 

The American Cane System Training In Self-Defense

Anyone can show you self-defense moves, but that doesn’t prepare your body to protect yourself.  Years ago, Grand Cane Master Mark Shuey realized that self-defense designed for seniors requires strength-building routines mixed with self-defense techniques.  We focus on getting your body used to the right techniques, so you don’t have to struggle to think of the correct physical response.  Out of that training, participants gain ease of movement that comes with newly regained strength, mobility and flexibility.  Those attributes are critical to self-defense and safety.

Then other effects of training began to emerge. I’m referring to speedier rehabilitation periods for injuries, enhanced mental acuity along with the strength and flexibility. Emotionally, students began to report a more positive attitude. There was a noticeable improvement in how they handled stress.

The Cane as a Aid to Self-Defense

When older people lose strength and flexibility, they may need a mobility aid like a cane.  It appears a symbol of feebleness to many, but in the hands of someone trained in the American Cane System, the cane becomes a self-defense device. The American Cane System turns the cane from a sign of weakness into trained strength and agility. Because your safety matters, we make sure to include enhanced strength into the training so when the time comes, our students can defend themselves.

Call Grand Cane Master Mark Shuey at (775) 772-9471 for class information. One call can give you the hours and access information for the Virtual Dojo or information on our training videos.