Self-Defense for Seniors

[Serene]

Greetings Everyone:

While taking sign-ups for cardio and traditional classes I was asked about teaching self-defense for seniors.

Does anyone teach self-defense to senior citizens? Maybe at your school or for your community?

Pros and cons?

Thank you in advance for your time and comments.


Soifua,

[Sifu Sin Bin]

they get  hurt to easily besides there is already someone teaching senior citizen techniques, he is called the canemaster

[Sifu Sin Bin]

Mo,
   My tongue was planted firmly im my cheek when I made those comments, but to answer your question, Mark Shuey is the cane master and he is legit. I think it is the best way for seniors because they can carry a walking stick and not look out of place.

[Al Saddler]

My Father is having the same dilemna. A couple of elderly guys want to train with him because their sons are going to start. We talked about how he should handle it.

A good teacher can get the most from his/her students regardless of their physical capabilities. You have to use the tools that God gave you, and if age is playing a major role in your training, then you can only do so much. Basically cater to the capabilities of the student. if you have to modify a few things then so be it. Teach them the way it was taught to you, but modify it for them, make it user friendly.

Most elderly people can't strike and kick like younger people, teach them to be somewhat mobile and aim for the vitals. They cant afford to dance around and play kickboxer. Basically go for the quick kill.  

Grandmaster Bautista is left handed and his instructor (Ahgung Tony Ramos) modified a few things for him. Does it make him any less as a student? I think not.

GM Bautista actually taught some techniques to us with the modifications in there and funny enough, they worked better at times for us right handed guys.

Just my 2 cents.

[Mitch Powell]

Buy a knife!

[Serene]

Goodafternoon:

I agree they can only do so much and whatever you teach it must be direct and to the point. Getting out of the way and inflicting immediate pain to their attacker.

Luckily, Kaju was not made for the muscle bound but for the smart bound. I think we have plenty to offer.

The cane is great but my dad doesn't carry one. He does however have a great left hook.

My mom has a great arm she can throw just about anything from slippers to whatever is in reach and nail someone with it. Trust me I know many years of experience.

So, I guess the best answer that I can relate to thus far is yours Sifu Al.

Sifu Al, if you have time maybe you'd like to get together. I like your way of thinking. Maybe we can run through some techniques/ideas. I would be greatful.

Thank you to everyone that posted. I appreciate it.


Soifua,

[Sifu Sin Bin]

The cane is great but my dad doesn't carry one. He does however have a great left hook.

I did not say you have to need a cane, I said "a senior could carry one and not look out of place"

 The best thing that can actually be taught to anyone at  any age is awareness of his surroundings and if something does happen how to stay in control of the situation.  

[Serene]

Hi Sifu Rob:

Your absolutely right "Awareness" is a major factor. Becoming aware of various situations and how to handle them. Just in case.

As always the instructor will learn a lot of themselves as well as the students. What a great opportunity for both.

Soifua,

[Paul Ford]

I realize this is an old topic but it has come up lately in our class. 

My Sigung has asked me to do some research on the title of a Senior Citizen Belt. 

We have the junior level for kids.  Knowing that a Junior Black Belt (such as a 15 year old) might not have the size and strength of an adult black belt they have fulfilled the requirements for that junior level.   

We realize that the seniors have a higher potential for injury and are limited to their age/flexibility/strength but are capable none the less. 

Do any of you have or have heard of a ranking for the senior citizen levels?

Your opinions are most humbly appreciated.

[KajuJKDFighter]

We have the kid belts also, up till 12 yrs old and Black belts must be over 18, but I have never heard of senior citizen belts...I have to say I can under stand it though....at what age would that start then

[Tony49]

This might fall under the Honorary Belt.  Some schools give this out to people who are dedicated to the promotion and well being of the art but don't necessary meet all the physical requirements.  These people tend to be the first and last ones helping at tournaments or other various functions.  Some Honorary belts are giving with no stripes or Dan rank.  However, if at some point they do meet all the requirements than said belt could be replaced with a Dan ranking. Just something I have seen before in other styles.

[SifuLen]

One simple technique is to have a person hold there car keys between there fingers and if an assailant attacks, the defender can rake the eyes of the attacker.

Place the sharpest key going outward from your palm between the middle finger and the ring finger on whichever hand you favor. Keep a tight fist around the rest of the keys on the ring or chain. You must have your hand ready prior to becoming in a dangerous situation. If someone approaches you, you are ready. You are not going to have time to rummage through your purse to find your keys.

I take it this topic is for a senior starting out in training?

















   

[B DAVIES]

I teach a lot of  pepper spray seminars for the seniors, such as how to use it and the different types. Also the use of canes and walking sticks.

[Paul Ford]

Thank you all for your input.
Techniques are not the issue.

My Sigung is looking for suggestions on a title to bestow on the older practitioners that are just starting out.  So far we have suggestions of:
Kapuna (Hawaiian term for Elder)
zhaang (Chinese for elder)
Provectus (Latin for aged). 

They will earn the same colored belt as everyone but theirs will have a solid grey stripe running the length of their belt to denote them as a senior.  So far these are only ideas and we would appreciate any more insight.

Thank you.

[Sifu C]

If you are looking for titles for Seniors, I offer the title of Senpai.  It has multiple significant meanings including respected elder.


With my respects,


Sifu C