With your permission, I'd like to take a moment of your time to introduce you to the upgrades we've made at CDK USA & American Cane Self Defense to maximize your learning experience. 

If you've tried accessing the site over the past few days, you may have run into the "Down For Maintenance" page. So, first I'd like to thank you for your patience during this transformative period. Let me explain what we've been doing and more importantly what it means to you as a student of  American Cane Martial Arts. 

Online Dojo and Training You Can Access Anytime, Day, or Night

As the popularity and acceptance of the cane as a self defense strategy gains popularity, we find the need to make changes so we can improve service and provide additional ways for students of all levels to have access to the appropriate levels of training for an affordable fee. 

Since inception, we've managed membership levels with more brute force than elegant sophistication. Hence, in anticipation of  the growing demand for training and our expanding membership base, we have added software that allows us to efficiently manage memberships and offer more training videos and information so you can achieve new levels of excellence in your training endeavors. 

Membership Levels

These membership levels are covered in the link called "Memberships" and are presented in summary format here. 

• CDK Registered: If you're reading this message then you're likely already a CDK Registered member. This level of membership provides access to many articles and a limited number of informative videos. This free membership level is mainly for people who have a casual interest in cane self defense, who haven't committed to excelling in the "Way of the Cane{". 
• CDK Annual:  The CDKAnnual membership gets you a certificate, membership card,  CDK USA patch and most importantly allows you to test and qualify for different levels of certification/or rank.  It also allows for limited access to educational videos. CDK Annual is required for any certification program or rank sanctioned by the headquarters. If you're interested in CDK USA/ACSD rank or certification, you'll want to become an offical member first.
• CDK Student: CDKStudent is a monthly paid membership level. It provides access to almost all instructional video, including the previously unavailable full length DVDS on-line, as well as access to the new videos we'll be producing each and every month.  This membership is for those who want to learn the martial art of Cane-Do directly from the headquarters.
• ACSD Level 1 Certification: ACSDLevel1 Cert is a pre-paid membership for those who want to become an ACSD Level 1 Certified Instructor of American Cane Self Defense.  Access includes The Mean 18, Power Shot Kata empty hand translation with bunkai. 
• ACSD Instructor: ACSDInstructor is a monthly paid membership aimed at making you a better instructor of  American Cane Self Defense. It provides on-going contnent to keep your teaching material fresh and up to date. It also covers the "what if scenarios" that keep student's interest peaked and provides variety for all your classes.

 If you have any questions regarding our online education services, please feel free to contact us at 800-289-8188.

 Again, thank you all for your patience and continued support.

GCM Robaina & CDK U.S.A. Staff

PS: During this phase we've provided an additional way to get support. On the right note the "Skype" buttons. If you have Skype, you can get instant support.. 

Live Broadcasting

One teaching strategy we are thinking about adding is the use of live streaming video. Not only is it a cool thing to do it is also (and more importantly) can and should be part of a larger and better system of learning.  Let me explain.

Systems of Reinforced Learning

Imagine that once a month you come to a live cane self defense class. It's me the camera and a demonstration partner.

• The class will last for approximately an hour.
• Almost immediately following the class  you will have access to a recording of the same exact class.

The value we believe is that by providing semi-immediate access to a live class gives students a better opportunity to retain the learning, the muscle memory and engage the brain/body matrix so that the learning gets to long term memory. 

Our initial thinking is to leave the recorded class available to you for a number of days following the live class. We haven't decided on the exact number. It will be at least 3 and likely not more then 5. This will allow you to continue to return to the same live class you attended to further ingrain the moves in your brain and your body: "Now how did GCM Robaina do that move?"

For further reinforcement, after the recorded class is no longer available if you want extended access to the moves we'll make an edited version of the class available on DVD at some discount level. Your Opinion Matters We're sharing this information with you because your opinion matters. So if you want to weigh in on the live classes concept, or suggest something that would of value to you, then now is the time to do it. Thank You Cane-Do Kai U.S.A.

What do you think about the live broadcasting? How would it work best for you? 

Naturally, when I recieved the nomination for the “Founder’s Award” I knew this would be a historic night for our organization.  The nomination came from WHSFC Grandmasters Council member, GCM Mark Shuey.

GCM Shuey and I spent considerable time throughout the weekend discussing the future of the cane martial arts.  Later this year we will have cane martial arts competition in the categories of kata and self defense. Cane martial artists and enthusiasts will want to make plans  for October to attend the Disney World event in Orlando which is where our Cane event will take place. Details forthcoming.

Shuey and I met Friday afternoon for the seminar presentations. I greeted GM Frank Sanchez whom  I hadn’t seen in years since my last visit of this annual event.  I was an annual supporter of this Hall of Fame from the time I was inducted until it was moved to Texas after hurricane Katrina.

Other notables who I hadn’t seen in years included Grandmasters Gary Dill of Jeet Kune Do, Bram Frank of  CSSD, and John Casarez of Manabi-Masho Jujitsu.    Friday’s presentations which I particulalry enjoyed included Grandmaster Phil Little’s Isshin-Ryu demonstration. Many may not be aware that I hold a black belt in Isshin-Ryu Karate. I can tell you GM Little is among the top representatives of this art anywhere. You can tell from watching his students perform kata his program is of the highest quality.

GM John Casarez of Manabi-Masho Jujutsu is an example for us all as to what it means to have an indomitable spirit. Despite being plagued with diabetes which has led to the amputation of his fingers, GM Casarez has trained and taught daily for years without interruption.  Nothing but respect for GM Casarez.   I also enjoyed GM Glen Wilson’s presentation of Pai Lum Tao Kung Fu.  GM Wilson is a direct student of the Great GM Daniel Kane Pai and the art’s chief representative. The authenticity of what he teaches shines through.  GM Wilson offered an articulate presentation combined with crisp application making him a favorite among spectators.  I spent some time talking to GM Wilson whose stories of trainnig in the old days are priceless. GM Wilson is down to earth, friendly and enjoyable to be around.

GM Bobby Taboada of Balintawak has been one of my favorite martial arts personalities for years. When he and his students took the room and he began speaking, everyone just stopped whatever they were doing to listen to this legendary Filipino Grandmaster.  Bobby is always a treat to watch. Great sense of humor and skilled to the gills with the escrima stick.  Boy would I love to do a “Double Impact” Stick/Cane seminar with the great Bobby Taboada!   Also a treat to watch is the ageless wonder… GM Neal Hummerstone. Neal used to MC the seminar presentations of the event and I remember his wife always making sure everyone (including Neal) started and finnished on time. We rehashed stories and I mentioned how I enjoyed watching her keep Neal in-line. GM Hummerstone demonstrated applications while sitting at a table. At the age of 80, he still makes it look easy.   The last presentation on Friday night was an old friend I hadn’t seen in years, Master Frank Ehnle of  the American Hapkido Federation. Master Ehnle and I were once seminar and video presenters for the same organization.  Always presents quality material in an articulate fashion.  Happy to see him and his wife who were always gracious hosts when I visited thier dojang. Will certainly follow up with Mr. Ehnle in the near future.

Saturday morning we had the annual Grandmaster Council meeting.  GCM Shuey has nominated and is personally sponsoring me into the WHFSC GM’s Council.  This would certainly be a highlight of my martial arts career, given the membership of this prestigious council. Following the meeting an exciting day of seminar presentations began.  Among those presenting this day were GM Gary Dill, GM Bram Frank, GCM Mark Shuey, and yes, yours truly.  I was the 4th presenter of the day which was great because we had the largest crowd at that point.  This was my first ever presentation for the WHFSC event as the Grandmaster/Founder of CDK USA.  Since most attendees were unfamiliar with the components of CDK USA, I gave a verbal introduction and history of the art.  The practical portion of the demo saw some of the best crowd participation.  Participants did a walk through of Power Shot Kata before practicing defences against grabs and punches.  I also gave a practical demo on the advantage a cane practitioner could have versus a knife fighter.  Assisting me in the demo was Sempai Bryan Suarez. Bryan had already assisted other GMs whose students were unavailable.  Luckily, Bryan was unscathed by the time we were up. He did an EXCELLENT job!  Bryan’s demo of Power Shot Kata had everyone’s attention. When propelry performed, martial skill has a way of engulfing the viewer.  Our presentation was well recieved and other GMs including Glen Wilson and Hanshi James Price of Goju USA commended me on our demo.  Those are two whose opinions I value.  Incidentally, Hanshi James Price is the only webmaster ”untouchable”  of the late Goju USA Patriarch, GM Peter Urban.  Hanshi Price was quite gracious with me in sharing stories of his teacher which I truly appreciated.  What a gentleman and a treat to be around. Thank you Hanshi Price.  Bryan and I also assisted GCM Shuey during his presentation as I have done many times in the past. GCM Shuey’s demo was brutal on Bryan who as we later joked, was lucky to keep his manhood intact. Ouch!

The event culminated with Saturday night’s award banquet.  Our table which included GCM Shuey and CM Merle McAlpin consisted mostly of  CDK  students and family members.  GCM Shuey spoke about his cane work to help seniors and veterans and performed a Cane Kata for the audience which included a splits manuever… in his tux.  Moments earlier I had ensured GM Sanchez, GCM Shuey would perform the kata despite the limited space. GCM Shuey was concerned the audience would not get a good view and had second thoughts about doing the demo.  I wasn’t going to pass up an opportunity for our art to be on display at such an event.  I convinced the ol’ Grandmaster to do it, and it turned out great!   I was awarded the “Founder’s Award” for the creation of the Cane-Do Kai U.S.A. martial arts system.  I value it tremedously because it comes from the WHFSC and GCM Mark Shuey.  This is a brotherhood of Grandmasters I feel proud to be a part of.  I look forward to making the WHSFC Hall of Fame an annual event for CDK USA as an organization.  An annual forum for CDK USA rank promotions, seminars, and organization awards.  Start making plans to attend in 2011!

I can’t thank everyone enough for their support. Starting with my immediate CDK USA family, especially Sempai Bryan, Jose Hernandez, Reni Rock, Ily Nachon, Vanessa Lopez and Rita Duenas, Tula (mom), John, Rudy, Nuri, and Raiza Garcia who was there in spirit.   All my headquarter students, and moreover, my extended international CDK USA family that is just as strong and supportive.

A special thanks to GCM Mark Shuey for providing a forum for me to share the art of the cane and the empty hand with the world.  I look forward to an even bigger and better WHFSC Hall of Fame in 2011!  In the meantime, Keep Canin’!

Keep abreast of the latest happenings in Cane-Do Kai U.S.A. and the American Cane Self Defense System!  Join discussions and ask questions on all things Cane-Do Kai.  Keep posted on seminars and events and browse through the photo gallery too! Don’t forget to check out the really cool cane training videos!

Just follow this link : http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Cane-Do-Kai-USA-American-Cane-Self-Defense-System/114812345227257?ref=tsClick or click on the Facebook icon on our homepage.  We look forward to meeting you on FB!

Cane-Do Kai U.S.A.

This is the all black air craft grade aluminum cane redesigned and improved in both functionality and aesthetics!

The Raven comes in at 38 inches (including tip) and 1/2 pound lighter than its’ predecessor for maximum speed without sacrificing impact. The two sets of grips have been strategically placed on the sides for functionality and redesigned with non abrasive carvings for improved maneuverability and handling. The horn features a slightly sharper angled beak for a quicker release response while still maintaining its’ innocuous look.

The new Raven is also powder coated to minimize chipping and scarring.

Overall, the new and improved Robaina Raven gives you an attractive all black metal cane that is an indestructible impact tool for self defense…without calling attention to itself.

THE ROBAINA RAVEN-WHEN YOU’RE SERIOUS ABOUT SURVIVAL

Get The New and Improved  Robaina Raven for $169.99

January 8-9, 2010, Atlantic City, NJ, Tropicana Resort & Casino, site of 2010 Action Martial Arts Magazine Hall of Honors (Hall of Fame) 10th Anniversary event. Hadn’t visited since 2001 when I was inducted in the magazine’s first ever Hall of Fame for Outstanding Contributions To The Martial Arts. This remains the best attended event of it kind in the U.S. with over 1200 attendees gathered to honor the martial art’s elite. I arrived on Friday afternoon and as I made my way through the exhibits, took note of and greeted some of the martial arts elite including Joe Lewis, Christine Bannon, Don “The Dragon Wilson, “Superfoot” Bill Wallace, and Michael Depasquale Jr. whom I hadn’t seen in years. Michael who is now the head of the IFOJ (after the passing of his legendary father, Miachael Depasquale Sr.) was long time friends with my teacher Shihan Nelson Ricardo. Shihan Ricardo was a student of GrandMaster Jun Saito when Depasquale Sr. was his Sempai. I have always had utmost respect for the Depasquale family and was a big fan of Depasquale Sr. whom I had the pleasure of not only training with in seminar but also enjoyed the insightful conversations. I will always remember him as being the consummate gentleman. It’s great to see Depasquale Jr. carry on the legacy. Part of the value in attending this event is you get to participate in breakout sessions conducted by some of the world’s top martial artists. As soon as I entered the area where the workshops were taking place, a group was gathered around non other than my long time friend and the individual who nominated me for the magazine’s Diamond Lifetime Achievements award, Grand CaneMaster Mark Shuey Sr. As I watched the interaction, it amazes me how many martial artists are still unaware of the cane’s potential as a self defense tool. My thought was abruptly interrupted as Shuey came over to greet me with the usual “papa bear” hug. Shuey and I have been good friends and colleagues for about 15 years. I’ll point out here (as I did in our brief interview ), that thanks to his unrelenting efforts in promoting the cane, the door was opened for individuals like myself to step through and take the cane martial arts to the next level. For this I am infinitely grateful. Just as he did nine years ago, he announced to everyone who I was and had me share my craft on the spot. A lot has changed since 2001. Back then he caught me off guard, today I look forward to it and thank him for the opportunity. My presentations create “ah-ha” moments for those unfamiliar with my work. What many find most intriguing regarding the art I teach, is the way the cane self defense applications tie in to the empty hand translations. A group of American Kenpo practitioners in particular seemed to enjoy what I was sharing. I related to them by comparing our arts “checking principles” and even told the story of how the legendary GrandMaster Parker came about integrating checking principles into his art. Bet they had no idea this “Cane Cowboy” in black leather was so up on his martial studies. Had a great time as always and appreciate the interest everyone showed in what we do. Off to lunch with Shuey to discuss the direction of the Cane arts.

I’m currently in New Jersey to receive a lifetime achievement award and my poor guy (though he is oh so dedicated) wanted to make sure that the new design was in place. I’ll be issuing some additional updates later in the week but to summarize what has changed besides the design -
1. All the information has been recategorized and in the process simplified with an emphasis on providing resources for begining cane students, training and Cane-Fu.
2 A featured content gallery was added at the top of the page for new events and news and posts.
3. New videos were also added as well to help people intersted in buying a cane get the cane that is best suited for their needs.

Feel free to comment and as always your suggestions are always welcome.

Canemaestro

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