My name is Dan Latrimurti and I’m writing this blog post for GCM Robaina.

I help out  by keeping the website up to date as well as with video editing and a few other things. I’m writing to give you all some insider perspective on the Grand CaneMaster . I think you’ll find it  interesting.

I’ve known Doc for almost two years and since I get to talk to him on almost a daily basis as well as see all his videos, I have a bit of insight and it is this insight I want to share as it relates to the three “Rollin With The Raven” videos below.

What struck me when I watched these videos was how it reminded me of watching my wife Belly Dance. There is a certain intensity that is common. My wife likes to call it losing herself in the dance and it is a state of being and altered awareness where she becomes one with the dance.

No longer is she thinking about doing moves, or combinations, but she has tuned into the music and her own emotion to the point where she is one with it all. You can see the same exact qualities in GCM Robaina in these videos.

Then I got to thinking how important it is to sometimes just stop training, ( if you know what I mean) and just get out and do the dance of the art. This is what I see in these videos. I see someone doing the dance of the art of cane self defense and you can see from the intensity and the emotion shine through and more importantly the joy.

GCM  Robaina’s videos are always an inspiration for me to watch. I hope they are for you as well.

Coincidentally, after writing this I spoke to GCM Robaina who explained:  “It’s a lot like dancing , Dan. It’s important to learn the steps, but if you get too caught up in just learning the steps all the time,  you won’t enjoy the dance.”

Fast Tube by Casper

Fast Tube by Casper

Fast Tube by Casper

This post is protected for ACSD Level 1 Members Only

So what does The Fort stance look like?  Practitioner’s hips face the opponent, both forearms of the lead hand (containng the cane) and the cover hand (covering the chest and heart region) cover a rectangular area to protect the body’s centerline and corner angles.  The foot of the lead leg is slightly turned inward to quickly defend against lower attacks.  The ball of the foot of the rear leg makes contact with the ground and the heel is lifted to allow for a forward charge.  Think of the way a sprinter sets up.  The head is kept straight and the chin is tucked down on the chest.   Armed with a hardwood cane or a Robaina Raven, The Fort stance allows the Cane-Do Kai practitioner to explode into Juggernaut mode (see “The Juggernaut” article) making him/her a formidable force to the chagrin of the bad guys.

Robaina power training using 39′ Raven and heavy Tripple Gripper!!!

View this video in high resolution

PS: Turn up the volume on your speakers

Beach training Cane Katas.

“THE JUGGERNAUT”

It’s been a long day, it’s late night, and you’re ready to head home. As you lock your office door, you notice an individual about 30 feet away approaching quickly from behind. Luckily, you never walk out without your Robaina Raven. The fellow begins running towards you as he reaches for his pocket. You’re not waiting to see if he’s looking to exchange phone numbers. As you let out your loudest sustained kiai (spirit yell), you immediately run at him unleashing an all out powershot assault with your 36 inch, airplane grade aluminum Raven.

Your attacker is shocked, stunned, and immediately realizes YOU are definitely not the good target he had in mind. After all, who in their right mind wants to attack a three dimensional airplane propeller coming at them, blades blazing, full speed? Your would-be assailant wisely runs away wondering “what the hell was that?!!!”

Can you say J-U-G-G-E-R-N-A-U-T?!!!

THE CDK USA JUGGERNAUT STRATEGY

The “Juggernaut” Power Shot cane strategy is one of Founder Joe Robaina’s most important contributions to American Cane Self Defense.

A personal student of SCM Robaina described the Juggernaut as “a force that stops for no one, builds momentum, and can’t be stopped”.

This is a great description of this ultra effective combative strategy.

The Juggernaut has four components that make it a formidable self defense mechanism.

Physical Component:

From a physical perspective The Juggernaut is a non-stop onslaught of continuous Power Shots with forward rushing momentum aimed at an opponent’s anatomy.

The speed, power, and accuracy of the shots coupled with forward momentum, reach and high impact capacity of the cane forces the opponent to choose between:

1. Standing up to the attack and fighting back. It must be noted that to even have a chance against this furious cane attack an opponent should already have his weapon drawn. It should also be noted that trying to side step the Juggernaut is generally not an effective strategy since the practitioner can easily cut off the angles while still charging forward. The Power Shots cover lateral angles. Picture an airplane propeller charging at you with reach and lateral mobility.

2. Run away. Probably the smartest alternative.

It is important that the Cane-Do Kai student is properly conditioned and develops power, speed, and accuracy in order to apply the most effective Juggernaut strategy.

Mental Component

Faced with no alternative but to fight for his life, the CaneDoka’s (cane practioner) mental state switches from defensive to offensive. He understands he has the longer reach, harder impact tool, and coupled with a ferocious attack cannot be stopped. He is confident he is most powerful and knows he will survive the attack.

Emotional Component

Emotionally the CaneDoka is furious that the opponent has the audacity to test his power and ability. The emotional state could be described as controlled rage. Charged with this powerful emotional state, he will direct this energy towards his opponent.

Spiritual Component

Spiritually, the CaneDoka has committed to the Juggernaut response and will see it through regardless. This means he will fight through pain with a “no retreat, no surrender” attitude. Combat reality dictates that injury will happen. Armed with an indomitable spirit, the Canedoka’s will cannot be broken or deterred. He stops only when his opponent is no longer a threat to his existence. He will survive the attack.

WHY THE JUGGERNAUT IS SO EFFECTIVE FOR SELF DEFENSE

Self Defense is stressful. The physiology responds with increased adrenaline. Adrenaline prepares one to fight or flee. If one is forced to fight for survival, adrenaline prepares the body to fight via a series of sympathetic and vasomotor responses. However, adrenaline also interferes with coordination. Self defense strategies that require refined motor skills are less effective during high stress periods. Power Shots and the Juggernaut require little coordination. Rather than interfering, adrenaline becomes an asset to the Juggernaut strategy.

When it comes to practical self defense for today’s world, nothing beats simplicity. The Juggernaut provides leverage in the way of a high impact tool (Cane) and a simple, yet ultra effective response. The only pre-requisite to developing your best Juggernaut is establishing a solid Powershot foundation and a powerful kiai (spirit yell, war cry etc.) (See other info on this site). The kiai is important because it attracts attention and ofcourse, assailants hate that.

In the jungle of the streets, the Juggernaut and a good kiai can make you the lion with the loudest roar.

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Includes cane maneuverability drills including double cane throws so you’re equally effective with either hand. Contains the “heart & soul” of the system- the Five Basic Power shots that will allow you to become a devastating cane wielder in just 30 minutes.

Learn the first form of the system, “The Power Shot Kata”. A short and sweet form that will make you brutally effective against most attacks.