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’!

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. [wp_cycle] GCM Shuey and the CMIA are focusing on the therapeutic aspects of the art, targeting VA hospitals and addressing the senior population. I agreed to contribute with our cane healing system. You can look forward to a collaborative effort from the CMIA and CDK USA in this arena. Saturday morning, 8:30am joined GCM Shuey for another workshop. I enjoy being first since it allows me to dedicate the rest of the day to members and interested attendees alike. I also get to observe what others are doing. I enjoy watching martial artists express their arts as much as ever. I am the eternal student. Number of attendees doubled Saturday including martial arts personalities such as Jeff Speakman, Cynthia Rothrock, James Lew, Dan Severn, GrandMaster Ji Han Jae, and Stephen K.Hayes among others. GM Jae in particular was carrying a rattan cane. I thanked him personally for introducing the cane to the martial art of Hapkido. He took a glance at the triple gripper I was carrying and asked if I trained with the cane. We have a long way to go. I was called from my booth to do a radio interview answering questions on the Cane-Do Kai and our teaching methodology. CDK USA is committed to offering the most complete and practical learning experience via hands on training and enhanced video technology. An AMA photo shoot followed along with a photo and signing session for supporters. The evening banquet put in perspective just how large this event truly is. There must have been at least 100 well attended tables. MC of the event was Michael Depasqule Jr. who is to be commended for a wonderful job. He must have mentioned his father nine times throughout the night. I admire him for that. Several of the GrandMasters gave speeches and GM John Pelegrini reminded us to support our troops as they defend our country. I’ve known John for almost 20 years and have always identified with his patriotism. I do have a caveat and if you’re an instructor, master, student, and especially head of an organization I’m talking to you. Make sure when you attend these events with your students, you educate them on who’s who and ensure they’re on their best behavior. It’s plain impolite to be running off at the mouth when anyone has the floor. I find it particularly disrespectful to the GrandMasters. I believe they’ve paid their dues and deserve our undivided attention. Nuff said. I was one of the first seven to be called up to receive my award handed to me by actor Michael Jai White (Spawn, The Dark Night etc.). I was one of only six recipients in this category (Diamond Lifetime Achievements) and only 8th, 9th and 10th Dans qualify for the award. This officially marks my GrandMastership in the martial arts as the founder of a legitimate organization and system, Cane-Do Kai U.S.A. This is as much an organization award as it is personal. For that I want to thank all of you for your support. Special thanks, to my personal students Bryan, Vanessa, Rene and the rest of the CDK Hdq. Clan, as well as to my “behind the scenes” guy Dan Latrimurti whose cyberspace expertise is allowing us to reach more people with our unique system than we ever thought possible. Lastly,a heartfelt thanks to my long time friend GCM Mark Shuey Sr. for everything he’s done for the art and providing a forum for me to share my craft. Stay tuned followers of the cane way. The BEST is yet to come!

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

CBS 4 visited the Cane-Do Kai to interview Founder Joe Robaina and learn more about American Cane Self Defense.
This segment focuses on its effectiveness for seniors and depicts the wide range of age groups that are attracted to this American Martial Art.

Cane-Do Kai Founder Joe Robaina talks about the American Cane Self Defense System on the South Florida Today show and demonstrates simple to learn cane self defense techniques. For a full list of American Cane Self Defense Videos

Miami Fl, May 26, 2009: Cane-Do-Kai USA founder and Senior Cane Master Joe Robaina today announced on going, monthly Cane Self Defense instructor qualification seminars at Cane-Do-Kai headquarters in Miami, Fl.

Cane-Do Kai U.S.A. is a complete martial art that teaches self defense, personal fitness, and natural healing methods centered on the use of the walking cane. The Cane-Do-Kai system called “The American Cane Self Defense System” includes corresponding hand-to-hand applications for when the practitioner is not carrying his/her cane.

When asked about the seminars, Senior Cane Master Robaina said; “Seminars will be one day, all day events held every month, and will include six hours of private instruction a training cane and a copy of the instruction on video they’ll be able to take home”.

Senior Cane Master Robaina also said: “Attendees will be qualified at a level one. They’ll learn the fundamentals of the American Cane Self Defense System including Power Foundations,Five Basic Power Shots, 12 Strike/Defend Zones as well as the “Dirty Dozen” cane self defense application with empty hand translations. They will be qualified to teach the same to others as well be able to teach Cane-Fu, which is the adaptation of the American Cane Self Defense System for the senior population”.

Anyone interested in learning more about Cane Self Defense, seminar schedules, should visit Www.AmericanCaneSelfDefense.com or contact Senior Cane Master Joe Robaina directly at 786-346-9150.

Read this press release on the web
Press Release: CANE-DO-KAI USA ANNOUNCES MONTHLY LEVEL 1 CANE SELF DEFENSE CERTIFICATION SEMINARS

Telemundo TV came to Cane-Do-Kai and American Cane Self Defense to get some footage for local broadcast purposes and fortunately we were able to get capture it as well. This video shows how you can defend yourself not just from a single attacker but multiple attackers as well.