Self-defence with a walking stick

Self-defence with a walking stick
Pensioners have been taught to use their walking sticks in self-defence by a martial arts expert.
Karate black belt Kevin Garwood, 58, is teaching the moves to the over-60s in his home town of Gorleston, Norfolk.

Mr Garwood's pupils learn simple strangleholds, arm locks and throws with their sticks.

"What I am not trying to do is make grey-haired ninjas - what it does is give them tremendous confidence," Mr Garwood said.

An eldery pupil has already put Mr Garwood's training into practice - she fought off two boys who grabbed her arm and her handbag.

However she reported her self-defence to the police because she was worried she may have injured the boys.

Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/england/norfolk/7176679.stm

Published: 2008/01/08 11:36:55 GMT

© BBC MMVIII

I like their style. Confidence is the largest element in avoiding being targeted by opportunist criminals, the most skilled opportunist robbers have a well developed eye and can tell very quickly who might fight back or cause a scene and those who are more than likely to roll over at the first sign of trouble.

Here is an excellent site showing various methods of using a walking stick or umbrella in self defence.