Questions about using a cane for self defense

[mickeymouse]

I am a 62 year old man who wants to start learning self defense and martial arts. 1. I was wondering how effective a cane would be for self defense? 2. I want to learn how to use a cane to defend myself and was wondering which martial arts implement this? 3. Would an old man with a cane be much more of a target to criminals who want to rob him, especially on vacation abroad than an old man without a cane? 4. What is the legality of using a cane for self defense in the US and abroad? Whatever countries laws you know about I would be interested to hear about!

 

[Stuarto76 17]

I am a 62 year old man who wants to start learning self defense and martial arts. 1. I was wondering how effective a cane would be for self defense? 2. I want to learn how to use a cane to defend myself and was wondering which martial arts implement this? 3. Would an old man with a cane be much more of a target to criminals who want to rob him, especially on vacation abroad than an old man without a cane? 4. What is the legality of using a cane for self defense in the US and abroad? Whatever countries laws you know about I would be interested to hear about!

Welcome to MT There are a whole slew of martial arts that have weapons training. On the subject of using a cane, I cannot answer that, but I'm sure someone on here would be able to point you in the right direction. Have you looked into any specific styles yet or visited any schools? I hope you are able to find your answer!

 

[drop bear114 53]

 

[Rich Parsons60 2]

Yes Canes can be effective.

Filipino martial arts teach the use of weapons and some also teach improvised weapons.


Check out Cane Master's Canes - They make so good hardwood canes. (I am not affiliated - I did buy one in person at an event in Atlantic City - it was designed for taller people and I ended up giving it to my father when he needed a cane to move around.)
In my opinion one does not need all the tactical add-ons, just the ones sued for a better grip.


Note: As to laws that is up to the person to know the local laws - check with a lawyer or other legal types
Also Note that if you carry a weapon it can be used against you if they are better or get lucky.
Yet, that is not to deter one for using a walking tool to help them and also knowing how to use it for self defense.
The awareness that it could be used as a tool will keep you aware of others who might take it from you.
And being aware of those around you is actually the best way to avoid any issues / conflicts. (in my opinion).

 

[wab25]

There is a lot of really cool and effective stuff that you can do with a cane. But, you have to step back and really look at what is being done. A lot of the moves and techniques can be quite effective... however, they require you to be able to stand and move without the use of the cane.... your cane is hitting, choking, locking, throwing the other guy... while you are moving on your two feet. If you are able to do these moves, you obviously do not need to use a cane. So, why are you carrying a cane with you? To use as a weapon. Now you need to understand the local laws and what they have to say about carrying a weapon.

If you do need the cane to stand and walk... then the reason you have the cane is for mobility, not to be a weapon. You could certainly use it as a weapon.... but most of the techniques you learn for cane, require so much mobility on your feet that you could not do them, if you actually needed the cane.

Yes, there are some things you can do with a cane, and you will do them better with practice. But, really look at what is being offered, in terms of.... if I really need a cane to stand or walk, could I really do this technique in my condition.

 

[skribs113 134]

There is a lot of really cool and effective stuff that you can do with a cane. But, you have to step back and really look at what is being done. A lot of the moves and techniques can be quite effective... however, they require you to be able to stand and move without the use of the cane.... your cane is hitting, choking, locking, throwing the other guy... while you are moving on your two feet. If you are able to do these moves, you obviously do not need to use a cane. So, why are you carrying a cane with you? To use as a weapon. Now you need to understand the local laws and what they have to say about carrying a weapon.

If you do need the cane to stand and walk... then the reason you have the cane is for mobility, not to be a weapon. You could certainly use it as a weapon.... but most of the techniques you learn for cane, require so much mobility on your feet that you could not do them, if you actually needed the cane.

Yes, there are some things you can do with a cane, and you will do them better with practice. But, really look at what is being offered, in terms of.... if I really need a cane to stand or walk, could I really do this technique in my condition.

Time and time again in my experience in every martial art that I have taken, there are injuries and conditions that you can briefly overcome in a time of need.

Even if that weren't true, suggesting that someone who is differently abled shouldn't learn self-defense because they can't do it to your standards is an utterly pathetic argument, and I thought we were past that in the martial arts community.

 

[wab25]

Time and time again in my experience in every martial art that I have taken, there are injuries and conditions that you can briefly overcome in a time of need.

Even if that weren't true, suggesting that someone who is differently abled shouldn't learn self-defense because they can't do it to your standards is an utterly pathetic argument, and I thought we were past that in the martial arts community.

I think you mis understood what I was saying. I said to evaluate what you were learning. If you need a cane for mobility, some of these things will not work.

Using it as you would a sword, circling around.... maybe you can maybe you can't.... maybe in the future you will not be able to.

Here, half way through is is on one foot, delivering strikes.

Here they start simple, then get into take downs and more complicated stuff requiring you to use footwork, and drive off your feet to generate power.

What I am getting at is to learn what you can do in your current state. We are all going to get old, what we could do when younger, we will not be able to do when we get older. Some of the techniques will become less effective as our mobility goes, as our balance goes.... Understanding which techniques will still work verses which ones require more mobility.

A round house kick to the head is great. But I would not try it at 80 years old. If working with an 80 year old, I would teach him to throw the round house kick, lets see how far he can take it. But, for self defense, I would give him other techniques that he can do, and will be able to continue to do.

A lot of the cane techniques out there are taught by folks who have no mobility issues.... and can move, and exert force without one. Expecting someone who relies heavily on a cane to just stand, to do a multiple strike combo, ending in an armbar take down with the cane, is not going to happen for him. However, learning to target vulnerable points with strikes, that his own movement allows will do more good. Continued training should increase his abilities, but recognize that it is a race with age and age will win. In terms, of Martial arts... learn whatever you want... in terms of self defense, learn your limits and learn how to use what you have. Hopefully, through training you will get more ability.

You may have to test out some of the techniques, to see if you can actually do them, given your current mobility state. It is important to find that out in a dojo before finding out on the street.

 

[mickeymouse]

Welcome to MT There are a whole slew of martial arts that have weapons training. On the subject of using a cane, I cannot answer that, but I'm sure someone on here would be able to point you in the right direction. Have you looked into any specific styles yet or visited any schools? I hope you are able to find your answer!

I am looking into Modern Arnis.

 

[Alan0354]

I practice self defense with a cane. BUT I am not practice any of the one hand stick fight type. The reasons are:

1) You have to use light sticks like under 15oz to do one hand swing. There's no stopping power. I started practicing one hand until I saw a video of competition where the two guys beating each other stupid, no defense, just kept hitting. They both standing at the end of the round. Yes, given they wore protective gear. BUT BEATING EACH OTHER CRAZY ALL THE WAY AND THEY STILL STANDING. DON'T THINK THE PROTECTIVE GEAR IS BULLET PROOF!!. I stop practicing one hand from that day onward.

2) Also, one hand stick fight is really for competition. In order to gather enough power, you really have to have full swing from one side of your body to the other side. That's OK if you are in a dojo with nothing in the way and you have the whole flat empty space. THIS IS NOT A REALISTIC SITUATION IN REAL LIFE. You on the street, in the restaurant, you have people, furniture and all around you. Try to do full swing in your living room and you'll see. You hit things accidentally. The worst is if you are not expecting to hit things and just by accident you brush onto something in the way, YOUR CANE LIKELY FLY OFF YOUR HAND.

I practice two hand holding the cane and strike. There is no school that teach that using a walking cane length. Philippino use a longer stick and they keep hitting the ground for whatever reason. I got this video from One of the founder here name Lamont Glass and I practice 3 years with his technique:

You can see because of using two hands and in casting motion, I have very good control of the cane, I don't need to have full swing. I practice in hallway, bathroom, living room and I have no issue in hitting things by accident. Because of using 2 hands, I use heavy cane like 28oz. You don't want to hit by one of those, it's going to hurt bad!!!

too bad his school is in Washington state, I would go to his school if I live there.

Sport MA, practice in school is NOT the same as street self defense, you don't have a flat open place in real life. It's not a point system, you hit to knock the guy out, not scoring points.

Another thing, in MA, they usually teach you when you moving around, you keep your feet on the floor, move by sliding and not lifting your feet. DON'T DO THAT. Again, this is for school where you likely bare footed, on a carpet flat surface. Try with your shoe sliding on concrete or uneven floor, YOU TRIP!!! I don't know how many times my shoe front caught on something on the floor( even wood floor) and lost a little balance. Finally I have to practice lifting the foot up when moving around.

 

[isshinryuronin4 4]

Also, one hand stick fight is really for competition. In order to gather enough power, you really have to have full swing from one side of your body to the other side.

you have to use light sticks like under 15oz to do one hand swing. There's no stopping power.

Perhaps you're not using proper technique and biomechanics. A rattan stick wielded correctly can be very effective at fairly close range. If you trained from videos rather than a knowledgeable teacher, you may know the moves but they cannot teach the subtleties of execution. It's also common to teach beginners large, exaggerated motions, gradually shortening them as the body learns to deliver its power.

 

[Alan0354]

Perhaps you're not using proper technique and biomechanics. A rattan stick wielded correctly can be very effective at fairly close range. If you trained from videos rather than a knowledgeable teacher, you may know the moves but they cannot teach the subtleties of execution. It's also common to teach beginners large, exaggerated motions, gradually shortening them as the body learns to deliver its power.

That's the problem with so called MA teachers, they are so stuck on their learning from their traditional technique they don't think about things logically and scientifically. You seriously think you can use your rattan cane and hit like my 28oz cane? You seriously think you can generate power with a rattan cane without going through the whole swing from one side of your body to the other side?

Please don't tell me about using body, all the mechanics. I learn those all on how to use body and all. It's the simple weight of the cane AND able to swing in full power without going in big circles that cannot be used in real world. I am talking about hitting like in the video with full waist, legs, shoulder together with the arm and wrist.

Watch the video again, Lamont Glass is one of the founder of this forum AND he actually do competitions. You can find him on youtube. LEARN, WATCH THE VIDEO HOW TO DO IT IN COMPACT FORM, BODY, WAIST AND ALL.

Better yet, do a video demo yourself and show everyone how you can hit hard in very compact form that is useful in real life situation and yet hitting hard with stopping power with one hand using a rattan cane. Do it on a heavy bag.

 

[isshinryuronin4 4]

That's the problem with so called MA teachers, they are so stuck on their learning from their traditional technique they don't think about things logically and scientifically. You seriously think you can use your rattan cane and hit like my 28oz cane? You seriously think you can generate power with a rattan cane without going through the whole swing from one side of your body to the other side?

Please don't tell me about using body, all the mechanics. I learn those all on how to use body and all. It's the simple weight of the cane AND able to swing in full power without going in big circles that cannot be used in real world. I am talking about hitting like in the video with full waist, legs, shoulder together with the arm and wrist.

Watch the video again, Lamont Glass is one of the founder of this forum AND he actually do competitions. You can find him on youtube. LEARN, WATCH THE VIDEO HOW TO DO IT IN COMPACT FORM, BODY, WAIST AND ALL.

Better yet, do a video demo yourself and show everyone how you can hit hard in very compact form that is useful in real life situation and yet hitting hard with stopping power with one hand using a rattan cane. Do it on a heavy bag.

So, you've only learned from videos?

 

[Monkey Turned Wolf114 145]

I practice self defense with a cane. BUT I am not practice any of the one hand stick fight type. The reasons are:

1) You have to use light sticks like under 15oz to do one hand swing. There's no stopping power. I started practicing one hand until I saw a video of competition where the two guys beating each other stupid, no defense, just kept hitting. They both standing at the end of the round. Yes, given they wore protective gear. BUT BEATING EACH OTHER CRAZY ALL THE WAY AND THEY STILL STANDING. DON'T THINK THE PROTECTIVE GEAR IS BULLET PROOF!!. I stop practicing one hand from that day onward.

That's an issue with the sporting aspect (or at least some places of the sporting aspect. Not stick fighting itself.

2) Also, one hand stick fight is really for competition. In order to gather enough power, you really have to have full swing from one side of your body to the other side. That's OK if you are in a dojo with nothing in the way and you have the whole flat empty space. THIS IS NOT A REALISTIC SITUATION IN REAL LIFE. You on the street, in the restaurant, you have people, furniture and all around you. Try to do full swing in your living room and you'll see. You hit things accidentally. The worst is if you are not expecting to hit things and just by accident you brush onto something in the way, YOUR CANE LIKELY FLY OFF YOUR HAND.

A) There are training methods that teach how to navigate around that, and get power without having to do a large, wide swing (different from a full swing). If the school you trained at didn't teach that, that's an issue with either the school, or that you didn't train in person long enough (it takes time and physical feedback to get it right).

I practice two hand holding the cane and strike. There is no school that teach that using a walking cane length. Philippino use a longer stick and they keep hitting the ground for whatever reason. I got this video from One of the founder here name Lamont Glass and I practice 3 years with his technique:

Check out bataireacht.

You can see because of using two hands and in casting motion, I have very good control of the cane, I don't need to have full swing. I practice in hallway, bathroom, living room and I have no issue in hitting things by accident.

I do the same with a single stick, using full power, and also don't have any issues with that.

Because of using 2 hands, I use heavy cane like 28oz. You don't want to hit by one of those, it's going to hurt bad!!!

Agreed.

Another thing, in MA, they usually teach you when you moving around, you keep your feet on the floor, move by sliding and not lifting your feet. DON'T DO THAT. Again, this is for school where you likely bare footed, on a carpet flat surface. Try with your shoe sliding on concrete or uneven floor, YOU TRIP!!! I don't know how many times my shoe front caught on something on the floor( even wood floor) and lost a little balance. Finally I have to practice lifting the foot up when moving around.

What school is teaching you not to lift your foot at all? I don't think I've ever seen that - gliding above the ground yes, but not just sliding the foot along the floor. With the exception of maybe certain throws.

That's the problem with so called MA teachers, they are so stuck on their learning from their traditional technique they don't think about things logically and scientifically. You seriously think you can use your rattan cane and hit like my 28oz cane? You seriously think you can generate power with a rattan cane without going through the whole swing from one side of your body to the other side?

No, it will not hit like the 28 oz cane. Yes, you can generate power without going for a whole swing from one side of your body to the other. There's no need to think it through, when I've done it and felt the power I can generate.

 

[Alan0354]

So, you've only learned from videos?

I use common sense. Show me a video of you doing one hand stick in a crowed environment with people and things everywhere.

Your one hand has to do figure "8" swinging to gain momentum from one side of your body to the other side. Try it in real world. FORGET COMPETITION, DOJO.

Video to proof me wrong.

 

[Alan0354]

That's an issue with the sporting aspect (or at least some places of the sporting aspect. Not stick fighting itself.

A) There are training methods that teach how to navigate around that, and get power without having to do a large, wide swing (different from a full swing). If the school you trained at didn't teach that, that's an issue with either the school, or that you didn't train in person long enough (it takes time and physical feedback to get it right).

Check out bataireacht.

I do the same with a single stick, using full power, and also don't have any issues with that.

Agreed.

What school is teaching you not to lift your foot at all? I don't think I've ever seen that - gliding above the ground yes, but not just sliding the foot along the floor. With the exception of maybe certain throws.

No, it will not hit like the 28 oz cane. Yes, you can generate power without going for a whole swing from one side of your body to the other. There's no need to think it through, when I've done it and felt the power I can generate.

I did look into Irish stick fight, it is more compact, but I don't like they bounce the stick on the elbow.

I know you can do the casting with one hand, I even tried that. You cannot control as good as two hand. AND you still have to use a light stick.

The important thing about not sliding foot on the ground. I learn that in my kick boxing also. It works IF YOU ARE BARE FOOTED AND ON SMOOTH SURFACE. In real life, you mostly wear shoe and you don't have time to take it off. AND also if you are on rough surface, you hurt your foot sliding around.

99% of the shoes are rubber bottom. I used to practice bare footed in the house or doing heavy bag in the garage. I never have problem tripping. Just lately, I try to simulate real life situation by wearing sandle or shoes, the tip of the shoe gets caught a lot of times and I was thrown off balance a little. Even on wood floors.

No point to talking, try wearing shoe or sandle and practice sliding and you'll see. Now I am not saying you lift your foot up. I am just saying barely lift it slightly off the floor like 1/8" is enough. You won't notice when someone else do it. There is a difference between doing in dojo and real world.

I am joining in this thread because this is about self defense for old people, not stick fight. I won't join in if it is for school and different styles.

 

[Monkey Turned Wolf114 145]

As someone who's trained with kickboxers, chinese martial artists, and karate practitioners, i dont know what this sliding your referring to is. As i mentioned in my last post that you quoted, the advice is to lift your foot and glide, not drag it along the floor. If you are doing that, and somehow tripping over yourself, it sounds like a you problem- ive not heard any of my students (most of whom train with shoes on) have that issue.

Im really confused on you explaining to me to lift your foot slightly off the floor. Given i literally said to glide your foot above the floor in my last response to you, that you're quoting. But if you don't wish to follow my advice, or actually learn from a qualified instructor, that is fine.

 

[Alan0354]

That's an issue with the sporting aspect (or at least some places of the sporting aspect. Not stick fighting itself.

A) There are training methods that teach how to navigate around that, and get power without having to do a large, wide swing (different from a full swing). If the school you trained at didn't teach that, that's an issue with either the school, or that you didn't train in person long enough (it takes time and physical feedback to get it right).

Check out bataireacht.

I do the same with a single stick, using full power, and also don't have any issues with that.

Agreed.

What school is teaching you not to lift your foot at all? I don't think I've ever seen that - gliding above the ground yes, but not just sliding the foot along the floor. With the exception of maybe certain throws.

No, it will not hit like the 28 oz cane. Yes, you can generate power without going for a whole swing from one side of your body to the other. There's no need to think it through, when I've done it and felt the power I can generate.

Another thing about older people self defense. I strongly stress on WEIGHT TRAINING.

So many MA give people wrong idea it's the technique that matter, that if you punch it right, even a 130lb person can knock a big guy out.

SURE, if you have the time to measure the distance so you can concentrate all the different part of the body to one point of hitting, you don't need a lot of strength to give a serious blow. THE KEY IS IF YOU HAVE THE PERFECT DISTANCE, PERFECT TIMING. It almost never happen in real world and you cannot count on it.

If the person is moving around it's very hard to get accurate. That's when strength comes into play.

I know all about if you get the right timing in punching, the heavy bag only moves very little, you see your punch penetrate INTO the bag and it gives you a distinct echoy sound. You know it if you get it right. It's funny a lot of people practice standing in front of the bag and keep hitting, no stepping in and out and they think they do good. Just move the stand a little, step in and then out, it's a completely different story because it disrupt the timing.

This is like the opponent moving around instead of standing still. It's hard to land a good hit. That's when the raw strength comes in.

Honestly, kickboxing and stick fight on heavy bags and in air are just part of my aerobics, NOT REALLY FOR TRAINING.. It's just part of my workout. I still spend like 3/4 of the time doing weights for strength. I can do 90 full pushups in less than 2mins, 50 situps non stop for core strength. Strength is more important to me that just hitting technique. I just do about 15 to 20 mins a day as aerobics and for warming up.

If a 130lb so called kung fu master meets up with a 200lbs football player and fight, MY BET IS ON THE FOOTBALL PLAYER.

 

[Monkey Turned Wolf114 145]

Another thing about older people self defense. I strongly stress on WEIGHT TRAINING.

So many MA give people wrong idea it's the technique that matter, that if you punch it right, even a 130lb person can knock a big guy out.

SURE, if you have the time to measure the distance so you can concentrate all the different part of the body to one point of hitting, you don't need a lot of strength to give a serious blow. THE KEY IS IF YOU HAVE THE PERFECT DISTANCE, PERFECT TIMING. It almost never happen in real world and you cannot count on it.

If the person is moving around it's very hard to get accurate. That's when strength comes into play.

I know all about if you get the right timing in punching, the heavy bag only moves very little, you see your punch penetrate INTO the bag and it gives you a distinct echoy sound. You know it if you get it right. It's funny a lot of people practice standing in front of the bag and keep hitting, no stepping in and out and they think they do good. Just move the stand a little, step in and then out, it's a completely different story because it disrupt the timing.

This is like the opponent moving around instead of standing still. It's hard to land a good hit. That's when the raw strength comes in.

I don't know that anyone who's serious is against the idea of weight training. Weight classes exist, and strength is an important factor. It doesn't negate learning all the other aspects, but it's still important. For instance, you should be practicing so you can get your timing right on moving target (I'm not sure who these people are that you're meeting who are not using footwork on heavy bag, unless they're people just at the local gym beating it up for a workout).

Honestly, kickboxing and stick fight on heavy bags and in air are just part of my aerobics, NOT REALLY FOR TRAINING.. It's just part of my workout. I still spend like 3/4 of the time doing weights for strength. I can do 90 full pushups in less than 2mins, 50 situps non stop for core strength. Strength is more important to me that just hitting technique. I just do about 15 to 20 mins a day as aerobics and for warming up.

Both should be important. And I will say that if you're using a weapon (which seems to be your focus), learning to use that weapon is more important for training than strength training, and should not be considered just aerobics. Being able to use the weapon effectively and retain it are important - no matter how strong you are, you don't want to be in a position where your weapon is stolen from you. But this is also where going to a dojo and training with other people are important, since that'll teach you to hold onto the weapon and let you practice making sure you're able to use it competently against someone else, with proper distance/timing.

If a 130lb so called kung fu master meets up with a 200lbs football player and fight, MY BET IS ON THE FOOTBALL PLAYER.

Well, yeah. That's a 70 pound difference, about 5 weight classes apart in boxing. With no weapons, and assuming the weight on the footballer is muscle (I'm assuming rb/wr so it should be), they'll have plenty of stamina as well. A stronger, fit person with stamina and aggression with 70 pounds on you is going to be tough for anyone to overcome. I'm not fully sure what the point is here.

 

[HighKick]

Another thing about older people self defense. I strongly stress on WEIGHT TRAINING.

So many MA give people wrong idea it's the technique that matter, that if you punch it right, even a 130lb person can knock a big guy out.

SURE, if you have the time to measure the distance so you can concentrate all the different part of the body to one point of hitting, you don't need a lot of strength to give a serious blow. THE KEY IS IF YOU HAVE THE PERFECT DISTANCE, PERFECT TIMING. It almost never happen in real world and you cannot count on it.

If the person is moving around it's very hard to get accurate. That's when strength comes into play.

I know all about if you get the right timing in punching, the heavy bag only moves very little, you see your punch penetrate INTO the bag and it gives you a distinct echoy sound. You know it if you get it right. It's funny a lot of people practice standing in front of the bag and keep hitting, no stepping in and out and they think they do good. Just move the stand a little, step in and then out, it's a completely different story because it disrupt the timing.

This is like the opponent moving around instead of standing still. It's hard to land a good hit. That's when the raw strength comes in.

Honestly, kickboxing and stick fight on heavy bags and in air are just part of my aerobics, NOT REALLY FOR TRAINING.. It's just part of my workout. I still spend like 3/4 of the time doing weights for strength. I can do 90 full pushups in less than 2mins, 50 situps non stop for core strength. Strength is more important to me that just hitting technique. I just do about 15 to 20 mins a day as aerobics and for warming up.

If a 130lb so called kung fu master meets up with a 200lbs football player and fight, MY BET IS ON THE FOOTBALL PLAYER.

Your workout regimen is great, good on ya for being able to do what you do. That said, how old and how broken up are you? This makes a Monster difference.
Yes, regular stretching, exercise/aerobics, and weightlifting will make a considerable difference. And Yes, it will make the first few seconds of an encounter (the most important) more advantageous. But an experienced person will have already decided what their first move is going to be based on the situation. This needs to be practical, practiced, and polished. Within the three requirements should come the strength (you mention), speed, and precision to effectively use the movement. Things like weight training are tangential, and will affect how a move it done, and must be factored into the main training which will always be 'what the heck movement should I do for said encounter'? Otherwise, we are just talking about the advantage brute strength can have in any encounter whether you have any formal training or not.

 

[Alan0354]

Your workout regimen is great, good on ya for being able to do what you do. That said, how old and how broken up are you? This makes a Monster difference.
Yes, regular stretching, exercise/aerobics, and weightlifting will make a considerable difference. And Yes, it will make the first few seconds of an encounter (the most important) more advantageous. But an experienced person will have already decided what their first move is going to be based on the situation. This needs to be practical, practiced, and polished. Within the three requirements should come the strength (you mention), speed, and precision to effectively use the movement. Things like weight training are tangential, and will affect how a move it done, and must be factored into the main training which will always be 'what the heck movement should I do for said encounter'? Otherwise, we are just talking about the advantage brute strength can have in any encounter whether you have any formal training or not.

I have to be very clear, I don't claim I am an expert AND I don't practice that hard and not that good. I would never join a conversation if it is of MA of different style. I only join this thread because OP is old and talk ONLY about self defense. That's exactly my situation and I just want to put in my opinion.

How many people at my age actually consistently going to class practice? We are not like young kids that go to school, have no responsibility and young and healthy. I am just talking about getting the max out of our ability to do things.

NO, I am not that healthy, I just had a hip replacement and still trying to recover and have to go through the motion lightly. Yes, my shoulder and back hurts and I have to be careful. This is what an old person have to deal with. I assume OP is in the same situation. FORGET ABOUT ALL THE FANCY STUFFS, STICK TO THE BASIC, PRACTICE SOMETHING THAT TAKES THE MINIMAL EFFORT AND GET THE MAX RESULT.

I don't do anything fancy, just like what I learn from my TKD/kickboxing school in the 80s. We concentrate on hitting, simple punches and kicks, we don't do forms until 2wks before belt test. Something that looks so simple is actually the hardest to perfect. Simple jab and straight reverse punch look so simple, it takes MONTHS to get the body coordination. I spent like 3hrs those days before class just working on the heavy bag.

I take my experience from those days and carry to stick fight. I HAVE ONLY 4 STRIKES!!! Hitting the head from left and right, then hit the knee from left or right. THAT'S IT. To me, the important thing is to coordinate the heel, hip, waist, shoulder and the hands to concentrate on the contact point to generate the max power. THAT'S IT.

As I improve, I increase the weight and still get the same speed( I am not fast!!!!). I started with 1 1/16" hickory cane that is about 16oz. Then I go to United Cutlery Night Watchman nylon cane of about 20oz. Then Cold Steel Axe Head cane modified to look very innocent crook cane. Now I actually make my own cane. It's even stronger and a little heavier than those Ka-Bar aluminum cane.

Like I said, I treat this and kick boxing as part of the aerobics together with weight training. One important thing that most people don't know. WEIGHT TRAINING IS MORE FOR REHAB THAN JUST GETTING STRONG. I won't survive all the aches and pain without doing weight training. This is more the modern days. People put more emphasis on weight training in the last 40years, you see the pro athletes are getting older and older and still on the top of their game. It's almost the sport wear out your body and weight training help you recover.

Like I stress, I only join in because OP is old and want to learn self defense. I would not join in threats on MA style talks.