Boca Raton Police teaches “Cane Fu” Self Defense Classes
By Veronica Haggar
Officers from the Crime Prevention Unit of the Boca Raton Police Department have been conducting a series of free self-defense classes for seniors (and individuals who use a cane on a daily basis), using their canes to learn how to defend themselves from an attacker.
“All of our participants see improvements in balance, mobility, strength, and most of all their confidence,” said Officer Gwynne Friters, one of the officers teaching the self-defense class. “They bring a cane with them and they learn several defense techniques they can use against a potential attacker if necessary.”
The purpose of the “Cane Fu” classes is for the individuals to learn how to use their voice to get help in a situation where they are under attacked, and the main goal is to not get hurt.
The classes take place in the auditorium of the Police/Fire Training Facility at 6500 Congress Ave.
“Most individuals have not being exposed to a high stress scenario before and are not quite sure what to do, so the first thing that we do in class is teach compliance,” said Officer Friters. “Do whatever an attacker is asking you or demanding you to do. Number two, learn how to use that loud voice to summon for help. Number three, use your cane if you need it if you’re being attacked.”
Participants will receive a Certificate of Completion at the conclusion of the course.
The next class will be held on Feb. 29 and will be held every Monday until April 4 (with the exception of March 21st).
