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What Do Classes Include?

Classes are available for men and women ages 18 and older. All classes are one-hour in length and taught by a certified Cane Master. Our full-time training facility provides a safe and professional environment for training. All classes follow an educationally sound structure and include stretching, blocks (single-handed and double-handed), fundamental strikes, basic kicks, traditional katas, self-defense (standing and seated), an exercise system, two-person drills, and more. Health, awareness, and personal safety are a priority. You do not need to have an injury or disability in order to learn how to use a cane for exercise and self-defense. Our students range from 18 years of age up to late 80s. They also range in levels of physical fitness and mobility. Talk to an instructor to learn more.

Can I Earn Rank?

As a certified Cane Master International Association training center, students may earn rank. All students start at Beginner Status and wear a white belt with a Beginner patch. When the student's instructor determins the student is ready, their name is submitted for testing. As a traditional martial arts style, earning the level of black belt takes time. The student tests formally at a testing that is open to other American Cane System students and demonstrates their skills and knowledge with the cane before one or more certified cane masters. The student is evaluated formally, and a their results are discussed with Grandmaster Shuey. Within two weeks the results are posted on this website and at the main location of the American Martial Arts Institute. The student is presented with a certificate signed by the certifying cane master and Grandmaster Shuey.

Currently the American Cane System ranks are as follows: Beginner, Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, and Black Belt (first Dan). Higher levels of black belt and Cane Master status also exist. Grandmaster Shuey, as the founder and Head of the style is 10th Degree.

Who are the Instructors?

All classes are instructed by one of our certified Cane Masters, Mr. Eric Stalloch or Mrs. Lynn Jessee. On occassion, Grandmaster Crandall or Grandmaster Shuey may also teach one of these classes. Our instructors are separately certified to teach the style. Learn more about Grandmaster Crandall Here. Learn more about Grandmaster Shuey Here. Mr. Stalloch and Mrs. Jessee are also certified black belt instructors in American Eagle Style under Grandmaster Crandall. Mr. Stalloch is a chief instructor, 6th-degree black belt, and proprietor of the main location of the American Martial Arts Institute. He is a permanently certified teacher in the state of New York.

Left to Right: Canemaster Jessee, Grandmaster Shuey, Grandmaster Crandall, Canemaster Stalloch.

Mrs. Jessee is a 5th-degreee black belt and a Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant in the State of New Hampshire. Together, they have produced two instructional DVDs, released internationally on the cane: Practical Cane Self-Defense, Volume 1, and Cane-Fu: Moving Beyond Disabilities.

Full-Time Training Facility

The American Cane System is taught at the American Martial Arts Institute's full-time main location. This professional facility includes two full-sized training floors, changing rooms for men and women, a conference room for meetings /seminars, an office, an observation area for guests, an instructors changing room, handicap accessible bathroom, men and women's bathrooms, and wall-to-wall carpeting. This clean, educational atmosphere enhances your training experience. We also have the highest quality training mats, bags, sheilds, and other tools. The two training floors allow for diversified instruction in either large or small groups. Stop in during our regular hours and speak with an instructor.

Example of a Cane Technique

There are hundreds of techniques in the American Cane System. They begin with fundamentals, basic blocks and strikes. As you continue to train, you will learn increasingly more complex techniques. The most effective techniques are often the most direct and "simple," and a qualified instructor is necessary to teach you which techniques are applicable to various situations and body types. Some common assaults you learn to defend against include: against punches, kicks, single wrist grabs, double wrist grabs, lapel grabs, sleeve grabs, throat grabs, choke holds, bear hugs, headlocks, against knives, guns, sticks, canes, chains, and more. You will learn self defense standing and seated. The following technique is just one example of the cane in action. Remember, the goal of self-defense is not hurt others; it is to make sure that you don't get hurt. This technique is for cane practitioners who have some experience with other techniques.

Educational Resources?

The American Cane System is a traditional martial arts style, founded on an old-fashioned traditional martial arts philosophy. As a means of assisting its instructors maintain consistency, Grandmaster Shuey has taken the time to document some of the techniques of this style in manuals and DVDs. These educational resources are not a substitute for a qualified instructor, and they are only a small part of what the American Cane System has to offer, but as a media library, they make practicing at home more accessible for the students of this style.

In addition, Cane Masters is the world's leader in quality, handcrafted hardwood canes. There are a variety of canes to choose from, but in training students typically use a "dojo cane" or an "instructor's cane." Unlike an aluminum medical cane, these canes made from oak, cherry, walnut, or hickory are designed for functional daily use, exercise, and self-defense training. Visit Cane Masters official website to learn more.

Why Train in the American Cane System?

Training in the American Cane System will improve your self-confidence and feeling of personal safety in a constantly changing world. Training with a cane is enjoyable, and while traditional martial arts are serious, the experience of training is also fun. You will notice increases in balance, strength, and flexibility. Also, the cane is practical. You can carry it anywhere, down the street, on an airplane, in a courthouse, or while out shopping.

Some Media Coverage

The American Martial Arts Instiute and American Cane System has been covered in the media. Here a few of the stories that have appeared on television and in the news. WSTM, NBC3 Syracuse YNN Channel 10 WKTV Channel 2 Oneida Dispatch, NY Herkimer Telegram, NY In addition, Cane Master Stalloch has written numerous articles about cane self-defense techniques featuring Grandmaster Shuey, Grandmaster Crandall, and Canemaster Jessee. In March 2010, his article on Cane-Fu appeared in Inside Kung Fu. Learn More.

For more information contact the main location of the
American Martial Arts Institute at

(315) 768-1859
8382 Seneca Turnpike
New Hartford, New York 13413

Last Updated: March 26, 2011