User:Jdcollins13/Cane Masters

Cane Masters or Cane Fu is an American organization whose purpose is to develop, promote, and teach cane and walking stick based self defense. Grandmaster Mark Shuey Sr. founded Cane Masters International Association (CMIA) in early 2000.

Founder
Grandmaster Mark Shuey Senior, commenced his studies of the martial arts in 1970, choosing first to train in Chuck Norris' system of Tang Soo Do. Eight years thereafter, he received his 1st degree Blackbelt under Master Harold Gross, Master Dennis Itchakawa and Master Neil Citron; subsequently he began his prestigious and lengthy martial arts instructor career in 1979. September of 1999 saw him achieving another milestone in the form of his 7th Degree Blackbelt, awarded by the ICHF and USMA.

Technique
The Cane Masters curriculum comprises several techniques for a variety of self defense situations; the cane can be used to counter an incoming aggressor’s attack, block incoming attacks, throw, strike, or takedown an attacker or in the application of joint locks. Techniques can flow from blocking into striking, from striking into locking, or from locking to striking; in addition cane techniques are sometimes augmented by standard empty-hand martial arts techniques, thereby increasing the efficacy of each.

Strikes

 * Tip Strike - One of the most basic cane strikes, a simple poke with the tip end of the cane; executed by grasping the cane with both hands, rear hand holding the hook while the other hand guides the tip toward the target, and extending the arms to strike.


 * Hook Strike - Another basic cane strike, a thrust with the hook end of the cane; executed by grasping the cane with both hands, rear hand holding the stalk while the other hand guides the hook toward the target, and extending the arms to strike.


 * Tip Slash. - Similar to the slashing motion of swordsmanship, this strike is diagonal and executed by grasping the cane in one hand, coiling the arm then moving it along an arc, so the cane follows a circular path, simulating a diagonal cut against the target.


 * Hook Slash - Also similar to sword slashing, this strike however will almost always hook the target. Execution is almost identical to Tip Slash, grasping cane in one hand, coil then arc the arm so the cane follows a circular path, cane will likely lodge "hooking" target, facilitating a follow-up technique, such as a strike, throw, or lock.

Locks

 * Leg Hook (Sweep) - one of many possible follow-ups to Hook Slash, this technique is used to facilitate a takedown, executed by first performing the hook slash technique against a leg, hooking the leg and performing a takedown. Alternately can be chained into Knee Collapse.


 * Knee Collapse - A painful lock executed by first hooking the ankle of the attacker, then subsequently performing a kick to the knee of the hooked leg. Potentially able to dislocate or even break the knee depending on the force applied. (Not fully performed with partner in practice as it has potential to damage or break the knee)


 * Neck Hook - Using the hook of the cane to forcibly restrain the neck of the attacker, another possible follow-up to Hook Slash. Can be used as a platform from which to execute strikes the the head, attack pressure points, or to choke if applied from the rear.


 * Neck Crunch - A lock that attacks the vertebra of the neck, can be very dangerous depending on the ammount of force applied. Executed in a similar fashion to the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Rear Naked Choke, with the exceptions that it is performed facing the attacker, with the hook taking the place of the support arm. Essentially stretches the neck to full extension, then momentarily cranks it beyond that point before discarding the attacker. (Not fully performed with partner in practice as it has potential to damage or break the neck)

Legality
Cane Masters utilize simple walking canes for practicing martial arts and self-defense techniques. The type of cane is intentionally rudimentary, specifically not concealing a firearm, blade, or unnatural weight (leaded); the purpose being that within most state and national jurisdictions this is generally recognized as one of the few defensively useful objects allowed to be carried in public by law. This gives the practioner the advantage of being armed in a self-defense situation, without violating legal boundaries themselves.